There are such a lot of issues to do in Istanbul, Turkey to maintain even probably the most fidgety particular person occupied. There’s one factor you have to know, nevertheless: if you’re sightseeing in Istanbul, you may overlook about vogue. Significantly, you want comfy footwear since you’re going to wish to preserve exploring!
Your toes will throb on the finish of the day, however belief me, it’s oh-so price it. I’ve by no means visited a metropolis that’s enthralled me fairly as a lot as Istanbul and even now, after so a few years, I nonetheless discover new locations to see.
There’s no metropolis on earth fairly like Istanbul; with a historical past that dates again over 2500 years, you may look forward to finding loads of outdated buildings and ruins right here, however there’s a lot extra to this metropolis than its previous. Istanbul captivates me each single time, and I’ve visited on so many events now, I’ve misplaced depend.
After all, it is a big metropolis – it’s huge – so that you’ll have to know the perfect locations to go to in Istanbul forward of your journey so that you don’t find yourself losing your time on issues that aren’t to your style. Inside this publish, I’ll share all my secrets and techniques, so you can begin planning your time.
Greatest Issues To Do in Istanbul
I’ve stayed in Istanbul for greater than a month at a time on a number of journeys to Turkey, and I’m going again with my husband each winter for no less than a couple of weeks. I’m fortunate that he has household there and, being Turkish, he is aware of the realm inside out and might present me the perfect spots.
The issue with not figuring out the very first thing about Istanbul is you can simply get misplaced and miss the perfect bits. Istanbul’s sights are plentiful, however they can be fairly a distance away from one another. That’s why this listing of issues to do in Istanbul will are available very useful when serving to you set collectively an itinerary.
1. Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is no doubt probably the most stunning mosques you’ll ever see in your life, and it’s one of many high free issues to do in Istanbul. I used to be blown away by the inside design, however the outdoors is simply as breathtaking. It’s price mentioning that it is a functioning mosque so keep in mind that it’ll shut (and reopen) at sure instances of the day for prayers.
The surroundings round Blue Mosque is extraordinarily photographic, however I most take pleasure in merely strolling round and absorbing the serene ambiance; it’s fairly uncommon to really feel that manner in such an enormous metropolis. After all, this is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Istanbul, so a guided tour will enable you to perceive extra. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Handle: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
2. Dolmabahçe Palace
One of the vital jaw-dropping sights in Istanbul is Dolmabahçe Palace – a spot so opulent it can take you a second to get your head round it. You possibly can’t take images inside, which bothered me somewhat at first as a result of I’m all about taking images, nevertheless, I used to be so misplaced in what I used to be seeing, I fully forgot about my digital camera.
This was the previous residence of Atatürk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, but it surely was initially inbuilt 1843 as a palace for the Ottoman sultans. The eye to element is mind-blowing, and it’s no shock this is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Istanbul.
Handle: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
3. Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace was the principle headquarters of the Ottoman Empire, and it’s top-of-the-line issues to see in Istanbul. Constructed in 1465, it’s probably the most common issues to see in Istanbul. I’d suggest you go as early within the morning as you may because the queues construct up fairly rapidly and in my expertise, they don’t transfer too quick.
Nonetheless, when you’re in, you’ll be glad you waited. The gardens are nearly as gorgeous as the inside, however with gold plated actually every part, and superb views over the Bosphorus, it is a place that can transport you again in time. You can additionally contemplate a guided tour. I discovered this one actually helpful for understanding extra about what I used to be seeing. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
4. Bosphorus Sundown Cruise
For me, one of many coolest issues to do in Istanbul is take a Bosphorus sundown cruise. I’ve been fortunate sufficient to see dolphins a few instances and I hope you may be too! You possibly can select a cruise with dinner or simply stick with sightseeing, however testing the town from the water is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Istanbul at evening.
You’ll discover a lot of totally different corporations providing cruises, however pre-booking takes the trouble away. When you go right down to Karaköy ferry terminal or Eminönü you’ll see a lot of distributors promoting journeys however choosing the proper one may be irritating if you’re placed on the spot they usually’re all attempting to get your consideration at you directly. Click on right here for extra data and to e book.
Handle: Most excursions depart from Karaköy ferry terminal: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Genelev, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
5. Procuring at Cevahir AVM
When you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Istanbul for youths, particularly on a wet day, I’d suggest heading to Cevahir AVM. This can be a big shopping center with shops, eating places, cafes, and an enormous Enjoyable Lab, which is actually an enormous amusement middle with rides and video games for youngsters. There’s additionally a cinema for these trying to do one thing indoors.
When you go to in December, you’ll see all the mall embellished for New 12 months, with an enormous tree (in Turkey, “Christmas” bushes are used at New 12 months as a substitute), and loads of enjoyable actions for all the household. It’s an effective way to beat a wet or chilly day.
Handle: 19 Mayıs, Büyükdere Cd. No:22, 34360 Şişli/İstanbul
6. Hagia Sophia
One of the vital common locations to go to in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia. Previously a mosque, then a church, then a museum, and now a mosque once more, this is without doubt one of the most stunning and oldest buildings in Istanbul, relationship again to 537 AD. Hagia Sophia sits instantly reverse the Blue Mosque and the sq. is colorfully embellished with flowers all yr spherical.
It’s free to enter Hagia Sophia, nevertheless, contributions are welcomed. That is one other functioning mosque, so keep in mind that it’ll shut for a short while throughout prayer. A guided tour is all the time beneficial that will help you study extra. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Handle: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
7. Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern shocked me in all the perfect methods attainable. This is without doubt one of the high vacationer sights in Istanbul, but it surely’s deep underground, so except about it, it may be straightforward to overlook. Don’t let that occur – that is considered one of my favourite issues to do round Istanbul.
Constructed within the yr 532, it was initially designed to make sure water provide to Topkapı Palace, but it surely’s a lot greater than that. The pillars are so intricately carved, and you’ll even see outdated statues of Medusa. What stood out for me was the ambiance; perhaps it was as a result of I used to be underground, however I felt like I used to be surrounded by whispers of the previous.
Queues right here can get fairly lengthy, so a skip-the-queue tour is a good selection. Click on right here for extra data.
Handle: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
8. Gulhane Park
It would shock you to study that there are a lot of open, inexperienced areas in Istanbul, however Gulhane Park is without doubt one of the finest and may be discovered instantly behind Topkapı Palace. I believe this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Istanbul for households as a result of the broad open areas are perfect for youngsters to run free and let off some steam.
The primary time I visited right here with my husband it had been snowing somewhat, and it felt similar to Narnia. It’s such an exquisite house with benches, statues, and many wildlife if you happen to look carefully. There’s additionally a restaurant to purchase tea, espresso, gentle drinks, and ice cream.
Once you’re planning your itinerary for Istanbul, I’d extremely suggest a stroll round right here, for a break from the hustle and bustle of Sultanahmet if nothing else.
Handle: Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cad., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
9. Bosphorus Ferry from Europe to Asia
There are many enjoyable issues to do in Istanbul, however I really like taking the ferry from the European aspect over to the Asian aspect, and feeding the seagulls as I’m going. That is truly simply public transport, as folks go from one aspect to the opposite for work and normal life, but it surely’s an awesome expertise, and the views are superb.
Purchase a simit (bagel) from the cafe downstairs and throw items into the air because the ferry travels; the grasping seagulls will thanks and arrive of their droves. The crossing takes round quarter-hour and you’ll sit outdoors, however undoubtedly take a coat (even if you happen to assume it’s heat) – these Bosphorus winds may be depraved.
Handle: Ferries depart from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, and Karaköy. Eminönü is the busiest port: Hobyar, Reşadiye Cd. No:8, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul
10. Grand Bazaar
Among the finest locations to go to in Istanbul for conventional purchasing is the Grand Bazaar. Constructed again in 1455, this is without doubt one of the oldest and largest coated markets on the planet. It’s a maze of retailers that calls for no less than a few hours to navigate however the ambiance is a lot enjoyable.
That is excessive on my listing of locations to go to in Istanbul each time as a result of I all the time handle to seize some bargains. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re visiting with youngsters, ensure you maintain their arms tightly as this place can get extraordinarily busy, and it’s straightforward to get caught up within the crowds.
Handle: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul
11. Egyptian Spice Bazaar
When you’re looking out for some spices to take again residence, you should go to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in Eminönü. That is one other coated market, though a lot smaller than the Grand Bazaar and simpler to navigate. It’s an excellent colourful place and is a great spot for images.
Right here, you should buy all method of spices, Turkish delight, nuts, and different treats. It ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of issues to see in Istanbul, though it shouldn’t take greater than an hour to discover.
Handle: Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul
12. Eat Fish at Nevizade
A go to to Nevizade is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Istanbul for {couples}, and it’s a vibrant spot to go to regardless of the time of day or evening. There are lots of beer locations right here, but it surely’s most well-known for its lengthy line of seafood eating places, all serving the freshest catch. A meal with some raki on the aspect is a standard factor to do.
Whilst you’re consuming, you’ll discover musicians transferring across the avenue serenading prepared clients. It may be fairly loud, but it surely’s a extremely pleasing expertise, and though I’m not the most important seafood fan, I significantly loved my meal at Ney’le Mey’le.
Handle: Hüseyinağa, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
13. Go to Ortaköy
Proper by the massive Bosphorus Bridge, you’ll discover the Ortaköy district – a enjoyable spot that’s residence to meals and merriment all yr spherical. You may also go to the gorgeous Ortaköy mosque, which dates again to 1854. When you’ve ever seen any images of Istanbul, you’ve most definitely seen one with the bridge and the mosque collectively.
A go to to Ortaköy is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Istanbul, and I all the time take pleasure in grabbing a kumpir (jacket potato) from one of many out of doors stalls. You possibly can pile it excessive with as many toppings as you assume you may handle and it’s a well-known dish from this a part of the town. Oh, and waffles! Don’t overlook the waffles.
Handle: Ortaköy, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
14. Galata Tower
I couldn’t presumably miss Galata Tower off of this listing. This big tower has seemed over the town for hundreds of years and is now a museum with a small restaurant on the high. The views are like nothing you’ve ever seen earlier than and supply spectacular sights proper over to the Asian aspect and past.
When you’re terrified of heights, this won’t be in your listing of issues to do in Istanbul, however you may nonetheless go to and take images from floor degree. Once you’re strolling across the high of the tower, it will probably get crowded, and also you’ll have to stroll in a single file. When you’re touring with youngsters, remember to preserve a decent maintain of them.
Handle: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. You may also take a guided tour. Click on right here for particulars.
15. Süleymaniye Mosque
You’ll want some comfy strolling footwear to stroll up the beautiful huge hill to Süleymaniye Mosque but it surely’s greater than definitely worth the effort. The mosque complicated itself is solely gorgeous in structure, and it’s such a peaceable and serene space. The views over the Golden Horn are breathtaking.
This is without doubt one of the finest Istanbul actions for adults, and there are some good cafes across the mosque which supply an awesome place to relaxation your toes after making the trek to the highest. Fortunately, strolling again down is way simpler. If you wish to study extra, contemplate taking a information with an area. Click on right here for particulars and to e book.
Handle: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul
16. Çamlıca Hill
Each time I wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, I soar in a taxi to Çamlıca Hill with a bag stuffed with snacks able to benefit from the peaceable vibes. Right here, you may see the entire metropolis and seize a few of the finest images attainable. It’s an actual delight in the summertime, however equally as stunning when it’s snowed.
You can say this is without doubt one of the best-kept secret issues to do in Istanbul as a result of it’s tucked behind Üsküdar on the Asian aspect, and is primarily common with locals. I really like watching the sundown from right here, however even if you happen to don’t keep for therefore lengthy, it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Istanbul.
Handle: Kısıklı, Çamlıca Tepesi yl No:25/10, 34692 Üsküdar/İstanbul
17. Go to a Soccer Match
Even if you happen to don’t have a specific allegiance to an Istanbul soccer group, going to a match is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Istanbul. I’ve been to see Beşiktaş and I’ve been to Galatasaray a number of instances, primarily as a result of my husband is an enormous fan. And I’ve to say, it’s a enjoyable, family-friendly expertise; I actually didn’t anticipate to take pleasure in it as a lot as I did!
The crowds generally is a little intense, and there’s plenty of shouting, however you simply must glide and take part. I went to see a Champions League match, and I had a lot enjoyable. I’d undoubtedly suggest catching a recreation if you happen to can.
Handle: RAMS Park, Huzur Mh., Metin Oktay Caddesi, 34386 Sarıyer/İstanbul
18. Eat Road Meals
Whereas making your manner by way of this listing of locations to go to in Istanbul, you’re going to work up an urge for food. Now, there are numerous eating places, and you must attempt as many as you may, however avenue meals is the way in which to go. For me, Istanbul is the road meals metropolis of goals, and there’s an nearly countless quantity of issues to attempt.
In reality, I’d say this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Istanbul. You possibly can attempt pide, kokoreç, kumpir, börek, halka tatlısı, balık ekmek, doner, köfte, gözleme, the listing goes on. I are likely to eat an excessive amount of on the go after which don’t need dinner, however there are such a lot of scrumptious treats round, that it’s onerous to say no.
Handle: Cihannüma, Beşiktaş Cd., 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
19. Rumeli Fortress
As soon as upon a time, Istanbul was always underneath assault from totally different armies attempting to overcome what was then generally known as Constantinople. To warn of impending assaults, Rumeli Fortress was constructed on the European aspect of the Bosphorus, with one other fortress instantly reverse the Asian aspect. As we speak, visiting Rumeli Fortress is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Istanbul.
The explanation I like this attraction is that it’s not proper in the midst of the town, which means you’re already inhaling brisker air. The views from the highest are mind-blowing, and it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Istanbul which is hardly overly crowded.
Handle: Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul
20. Go to Bebek
Fingers down, top-of-the-line issues to do close to Istanbul with out being proper in the midst of the town is to take a day journey to Bebek. Positioned down the Bosphorus, away from Beşiktaş, this seaside part of the town feels such as you’re one million miles away when in actuality you’re solely about 20 minutes away from the Bosphorus Bridge.
Bebek is an upmarket neighborhood in Istanbul, and plenty of native TV collection are filmed right here. It’s an awesome place for seafood and steak eating places, however I take pleasure in grabbing a takeaway espresso and strolling alongside the waterside, watching the massive tankers slowly edging their manner alongside the Bosphorus strait.
Handle: Bebek, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
21. Maiden’s Tower
Maiden’s Tower needs to be in your listing of issues to do in Istanbul, particularly if you happen to’re visiting as a pair – it’s a really romantic and picturesque place to go. There are plenty of legends about why this tower is caught in the midst of an islet by itself, however both manner, it’s probably the most well-known sights within the metropolis.
You possibly can eat lunch or dinner on the restaurant contained in the tower, however you’ll undoubtedly want to order a desk forward of time. Alternatively, you may take a memorable non-public helicopter tour over each Maiden’s Tower and Galata Tower, for an expertise you’ll always remember. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: Salacak, Salacak Mevkii, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul
22. Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is filled with superb issues to see, and it’s considered one of my favourite issues to do in Istanbul, Turkey on a wet day. Right here, you may see artifacts from all through historical past, particularly from the Ottoman interval. This museum is a part of a trio, together with The Tiled Kiosk Museum and The Museum of Historic Orient.
Historical past lovers ought to be certain to carve out a while to go right here, and it’s a perfect place to go to with older children too as they’ll study as they transfer across the totally different exhibitions.
Handle: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
23. Galataport
Galataport is considered one of Istanbul’s latest sights, and it’s one of many high issues to see in Istanbul if you happen to’re on the lookout for good views and meals. It’s mainly a big purchasing middle, but it surely gives the perfect views over to Asia and throughout the Golden Horn. It’s additionally an awesome spot for gastronomy and options Salt Bae Burger, a part of the Nusr-et chain.
There are lots of occasions held right here all year long, and it’s the proper spot for a day espresso with a view. Alternatively, you may head there within the early night, take pleasure in a meal, and take a look at an incredible sundown.
Handle: Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
24. Breakfast Road in Beşiktaş
There’s no higher technique to begin the day than with a hearty breakfast, and Turkey is aware of the best way to do breakfast in fashion. Identified domestically as kahvalti, it is a feast and a half, and my favourite ‘foodie factor’ to do. So, think about my delight once I found that Beşiktaş has an entire avenue devoted to breakfast eating places, generally known as Kahvalti Sokak.
That is arms down one of many high issues to do in Istanbul within the morning, and also you’ll be full up till dinner. My favourite breakfast restaurant is Eleven Brothers they usually additionally supply superb desserts, together with chocolate-covered crepes.
Handle: Kahvalti Sokak, Sinanpaşa, Çelebi Oğlu Sk. No:26, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
25. Nostalgic İstiklal Caddesi Tram
One of the vital distinctive issues to do in Istanbul is to take the Nostalgic İstiklal Caddesi Tram in Taksim. This transports you from the highest of Taksim Sq., proper right down to the underside of İstiklal Caddesi, passing drained customers as you go. You’ll undoubtedly do your toes a favor by doing this and can get an excellent view of the road to see the place you may wish to double again to.
Nonetheless, the tram could be very small, and there aren’t many seats so you must anticipate to queue. It’s additionally fairly ‘jerky’ because of its age, so keep in mind to carry on tight.
Handle: Kuloğlu, İstiklal Cd., 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Issues To Do in Istanbul: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Istanbul:
Istanbul is thought for its wealthy historical past and tradition. Nonetheless, it’s additionally filled with modern-day enjoyable and a few of the finest meals on the planet.
November to April are wonderful instances to go to Istanbul as a result of the climate is cooler and it’s simpler to deal with the crowds. It could typically snow in December-February. Regardless of that, Istanbul is a year-round vacation spot.
Istanbul is 100% price visiting. Historical past, tradition, nightlife, purchasing, gastronomy, nature, superb surroundings – what extra might you need?
Whereas it is possible for you to to see a small portion of Istanbul in round three days, I might suggest staying for no less than every week. It will can help you see extra comfortably, with out having to hurry round.
Istanbul is as secure as every other massive metropolis. You merely want to recollect to apply widespread sense and take common security precautions corresponding to not strolling with massive sums of money or flashing valuables in crowded areas.
Exploring the Sultanahmet space is the preferred factor to do in Istanbul. Right here, you’ll discover the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, and Basilica Cistern. That is probably the most historic a part of the town.
Istanbul is a high place for foodies. Pide, lahmacun, Börek, and Adana kebab are nice choices to get you began.
Three days will can help you see some of Istanbul, however every week provides you with a greater likelihood of seeing extra.
Sure, you may drink alcohol in Istanbul.
Sure, you may kiss in Turkey, however do not forget that it is a Muslim nation, so overtly kissing on the street could direct some stares your manner and draw some undesirable consideration.
Sure, you may put on shorts in Istanbul, nevertheless, if you wish to go to a mosque, you have to to vary into lengthy trousers/pants, or a protracted skirt.
Istanbul is as low cost or costly as you need it to be. There are lots of methods to chop prices, corresponding to consuming native and avenue meals, however there are some extraordinarily luxurious eating places and inns to select from too.
Sure, it’s secure to exit at evening in Istanbul, nevertheless, as with every massive metropolis, it isn’t smart to stroll round by yourself in quiet locations or showcase any of your valuables. When you’re across the Taksim/Beyoğlu space, I’d advise catching a taxi residence relatively than strolling.
Sure, a girl can definitely journey alone in Turkey so long as she takes the common security precautions that you’d soak up any nation around the globe. Turkey is a really welcoming nation, and many ladies journey right here solo.
In Closing
To me, Istanbul is magical. I don’t know anybody who’s ever been earlier than and never needed to return. I hope that’s the case for you, and with this listing of issues to do in Istanbul, you’ve received loads to work by way of.
Whereas Istanbul won’t be the capital metropolis, it’s definitely the most important by far, and I consider it showcases Turkey because the great and cultural nation that it’s. Sure, it’s well-known for its ridiculous site visitors, however look past that, and also you’ll see a metropolis that’s residence to every part you can presumably search for in a vacation spot, and a lot extra.
