Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Istanbul

Types of activities

Where to stay

Istanbul travel guide

Istanbul which includes a sunset, a city and a marina

Istanbul which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a mosque

Topkapi Palace showing a city, a bay or harbour and a river or creek

Galata Bridge showing heritage architecture, cbd and outdoor eating

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. 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.

Learn more

Blue Mosque which includes religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture

2. 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.

Learn more

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

3. 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).

Learn more

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

4. 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.

Learn more

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.

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.

Learn more

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

What to do in Istanbul

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

4/5(599 reviews)

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Blue Mosque

4.5/5(685 reviews)

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

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(625 reviews)

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

Galata Tower

4/5(437 reviews)

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

Grand Bazaar

4.5/5(691 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.

Topkapi Palace

4.5/5(554 reviews)

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

Bosphorus

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

Sultanahmet Square

4.5/5(552 reviews)

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

Istiklal Avenue

4/5(113 reviews)

During your visit to Istanbul, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Istiklal Avenue. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Areas of Istanbul

Blue Mosque which includes a pond, a fountain and a mosque

Sultanahmet

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

Taksim

4/5(354 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Kadıköy

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

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

Bosphorus Bridge featuring cruising, a bridge and a coastal town

Beşiktaş

4/5(81 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Istanbul City Center

4/5(122 area reviews)

Experience the bustling atmosphere of the beating heart of Istanbul, with its splendid mix of cosmopolitan and historical attractions.

Şişli

4/5(81 area reviews)

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 Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre and Mecidiyekoy Square.