Things to do in Istanbul

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Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque
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Most popular activities in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 116 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,412 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 145 activities
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥35,655 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 92 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 116 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,412 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 60 activities
Semi-Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea with Lunch

Semi-Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea with Lunch

Activity duration is 15 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥32,447 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 24 activities
Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View

Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View

Activity duration is 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,348 per adult
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What to do in Istanbul

Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Taksim Square featuring food and markets as well as an individual male

Taksim Square

4.5/5(1,890 reviews)

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Taksim Square
Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, a mosque and religious elements

Blue Mosque

4.5/5(2,201 reviews)

The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(2,130 reviews)

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

4.5/5(2,165 reviews)

Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.

Grand Bazaar
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

4.5/5(1,209 reviews)

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Galata Tower
Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

Topkapi Palace

4.5/5(1,437 reviews)

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge

Bosphorus

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus during your travels in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Bosphorus Bridge

4.5/5(1,939 reviews)

Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

Bosphorus Bridge
Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

4.5/5(1,046 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a visit to Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's notable monuments or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.

Sultanahmet Square

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views

Fatih

4.5/5(2,609 area reviews)

Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.

Fatih

Popular day trips from Istanbul

Silivri

Silivri

Miniaturk which includes outdoor art and a garden

Eyup

Istanbul featuring an airport and landscape views

Arnavutköy

Tuzla

Tuzla

Şile

Şile

Photo by Bugra Emre Besel

Adalar

Photo by Cigdem Gureli

Vize

Photo by Noufa Abdulrhman

Saray

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is explore Hagia Sophia. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Istanbul?
Start your adventures with a visit to Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then, check out other parts of Istanbul for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istanbul?
The top tourist attraction in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Istanbul?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace with a three-day trip to Istanbul. On average, most travelers book four days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Arnavutköy.
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometers from the center, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Istanbul with kids?
Planning what to do in Istanbul with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Istanbul for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Istanbul for adults including Istiklal Avenue and Sinan Erdem Dome.
Are there free things to do in Istanbul?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Istanbul is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.