Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal cityscape with a prominent mosque, a bridge, and a bustling harbor.
A historic cityscape with a prominent mosque featuring multiple domes and minarets, illuminated against a sunset sky.
A waterfront cityscape with a prominent tower, a bridge with restaurants, and a bustling waterfront area.
A waterfront with boats, a prominent tower, and historic buildings.
A historic building with a large dome and minarets, surrounded by a river and urban landscape.

Things to do

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

€28
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise

Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive)

€28
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive)
Istanbul: Princess Island Büyükada Tour with Island Vehicle

Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip

€7
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide

€57
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

€30
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch & Cable Car Ride

Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch & Cable Car Ride

€9
per adult
Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch & Cable Car Ride
Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

€135
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour
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Most popular experiences 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
9.6 out of 10 with 7418 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €26 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 285 activities
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour with free pick up service

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour with free pick up service

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 539 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €249 and current price is €214 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 201 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 7418 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €26 per adult
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private TableOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 92 activities
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 59 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €45 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 89 activities
Semi-Private Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis with Lunch

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

Activity duration is 15 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €202 per adult*
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What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

A statue of a soldier holding a flag, with a building in the background.

Taksim Square

8.8/10 (27,914 reviews)
Taksim Square pulses as modern Istanbul's vibrant heart, marked by the Republic Monument and gateway to bustling Istiklal Avenue. Savour Turkish cuisine at diverse eateries or explore side streets for hidden cafes.
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Where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Istanbul
Learn more about Istanbul
A fountain with water jets in a circular pool, a mosque with multiple minarets, and palm trees in the foreground.

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, historic buildings, and a harbor filled with boats.

Beyoğlu

Enjoy the popular shops in Beyoğlu. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.

A historic building with a large reflection in the water, a boat in the foreground, and a partly cloudy sky.

Kadıköy

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

A cobblestone street lined with cafes and shops, with people walking and tables set outside.

Nişantaşı

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Nişantaşı. Spend some time visiting top spots like Abdi Ipekci Street, and catch the metro at Maçka Cable Car Station or Taşkışla Cable Car Station to see more of the area.

A cityscape with a mix of modern high-rise buildings and traditional architecture, including a prominent church with a red roof.

Şişli

Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.

A stone bridge with multiple arches over a calm river.

Silivri

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

A coastal cityscape with a prominent ship docked at a pier, surrounded by dense urban development and a backdrop of hills.

Tuzla

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

Şile

An aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

Adalar

A coastal harbor with boats, rocky cliffs, and a distant mountain range.

Vize

A historic stone building with a red-tiled roof and arched entrance.

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres 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 holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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