Things to do in Istanbul

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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A mosque with multiple minarets and domes, surrounded by a coastal cityscape and the sea.
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Things to do

Picture 2 for Activity Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

￥1,802
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset
Picture 1 for Activity Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

￥1,622
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

￥5,020
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

￥4,595
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise by Luxury Yacht with Asian Side Stop

￥6,306
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise by Luxury Yacht with Asian Side Stop
Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch

Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch

￥3,604
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch
Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

￥5,397
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch
Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck Entrance

Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck Entrance

￥2,541
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck Entrance
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

￥4,819
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
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Istanbul must see attractions

1. Hagia Sophia

As one of the finest architectural marvels, as well as one of the largest churches, in the world, Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s most famous landmark. The building you see today represents many cultures.

Known in Turkish as “Ayasofya” (Sacred Wisdom), Hagia Sophia has been of major religious importance to the region, and for various faiths. The church was first commissioned by the Romans and was opened in A.D. 360 before becoming Constantinople’s main Christian place of worship. After riots destroyed the building not once but twice, a new basilica was eventually built in the sixth century, and the Hagia Sophia became the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
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A historic mosque with a large central dome and two minarets, surrounded by trees and a reflective pool.

2. Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) lies between the Bayezid and Nuruosmaniye mosques, and covers an enormous area. Once you enter one of its 21 gates and start exploring, it’s clear that this is one of the largest bazaars in the world. Under its seemingly endless roofs you can find glazed tiles, spices, pottery, brassware, leather accessories, belly-dancing costumes, pipes and ashtrays, among other curiosa and crafts.
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A bustling market with colorful stalls and a patterned ceiling.

3. Blue Mosque

As one of the most striking features of the Istanbul skyline, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is awe-inspiring in size and scope. More often called the Blue Mosque, it was built under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire and completed in 1616. The original architect’s vision was to build a great religious site with prominent Islamic features.
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A mosque with multiple domes and minarets.

4. Galata Tower

When it was built, the stone Galata Tower was the tallest structure in Istanbul, its nine stories rising high to nearly 220 feet (67 meters).
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5. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is among the best preserved Ottoman palaces, located on the spot where settlement in Istanbul began. A visit to its quarters provides insight into the Ottoman history of the Turkish city. The 15th-century Topkapi Palace was converted into a museum under Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, in 1924.
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A historic stone gate with two towers, a clear sky, and a pathway leading to the entrance.

What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

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Taksim Square

8.8/10 (27,914 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.
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Where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
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Sultanahmet

Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Hagia Sophia is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.

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Taksim

Taksim Square and Bosphorus are top sights in Taksim, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more sights in the area.

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Kadıköy

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Kadıköy, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

A grand neoclassical building with ornate columns and a symmetrical facade, surrounded by manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.

Beşiktaş

Travelers choose Beşiktaş for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station and check out top sights like Bosphorus.

A historic mosque with three minarets and a large dome, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Istanbul City Center

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

Popular day trips from Istanbul

A coastal cityscape with a prominent mosque, a bridge, and a bustling harbor.

Istanbul

A coastal area with a pier, rocky shoreline, and a distant ship.

Silivri

A river flowing through a city with a bridge, green spaces, and historic buildings.

Eyup

A bridge spanning a river, with city buildings and greenery in the foreground.

Arnavutköy

A large suspension bridge spanning a deep blue body of water, with a clear sky in the background.

Gebze

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Cerkezkoy

A cityscape with a prominent bridge, domed buildings, and a waterfront.

Tuzla

A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sky.

Şile