What 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.

Places to Visit in Istanbul

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Istanbul, Istanbul while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Istanbul attractions from NZ$4, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Istanbul tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1332 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Istanbul. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

NZ$50
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

NZ$54
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket

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

NZ$113
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch

Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch

NZ$39
per adult
Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch
Picture 1 for Activity Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

NZ$20
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour

NZ$259
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Highlights Small-Group Walking Guided Tour
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show

NZ$55
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show
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Top places to visit

1. Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque was designed with a focus on splendour and size, and, almost 400 years after its completion, it still dominates the Istanbul skyline. Built for its namesake, the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I, this traditionally Islamic structure, with its six minarets and terraced domes, casts a striking silhouette.
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A large mosque with multiple domes and minarets.

2. Hagia Sophia

Over the centuries Hagia Sophia has been a place of great religious and cultural significance for several different faiths and peoples, and is Istanbul's best known landmark. One of the architectural wonders of the world, for hundreds of years it was also the world's largest church.
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A historic mosque with a large central dome and two minarets, surrounded by trees and a reflective pool.

3. Galata Tower

At nine storeys and almost 67 metres in height, when the Tower of Christ (as it was originally known) was completed in 1348 it was the tallest structure in Istanbul. Still towering above the surrounding buildings, Galata Tower is now the perfect place to get a breathtaking view of Istanbul and its most notable landmarks.
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A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river with boats, and a mix of historic and modern buildings.

4. Grand Bazaar

The staggeringly large Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) in Istanbul's Old City is the ideal place to experience the sights and sounds of a traditional Turkish marketplace. Crammed to the rafters with glazed tiles and ceramics, spices, brassware, leather goods, belly-dancing costumes, Persian rugs, smoking paraphernalia and much more, even if you're not in the mood to buy, this lively and colourful bazaar is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.
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A market with colorful hanging lanterns and a Turkish flag.

5. Topkapi Palace

Now a museum, Topkapi Palace was the official residence of generations of Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. It was taken over by the state in 1924 following Atatürk's founding of the Turkish Republic and, despite its incredible age, remains in fantastic condition.
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A historic building with a prominent tower and dome, surrounded by trees and other structures.

Recommended things to do in Istanbul

Number of things to do
1332
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Istanbul: Unlimited Turkey Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: NZ$4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

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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Our guide on 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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Istanbul

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

Eyup

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

A marina with various boats docked along a river, surrounded by buildings and hills in the background.

Selimpasa

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

Vize

A beach with waves, a rocky cliff, and a forested hill.

Catalca

A coastal landscape with a calm sea, rocky cliffs, and a sunset.

Kandira

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

Cayirova

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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