What to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul

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$17, 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 551 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.


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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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Blue Mosque featuring religious elements, heritage architecture and a mosque

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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Throughout its various incarnations as a church, an Orthodox cathedral, a mosque, and a museum, this magnificent structure has dominated Istanbul's skyline.

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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Marvel at Istanbul's natural and architectural beauty from this medieval watchtower.

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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Stock up on artisanal curios as you explore thousands of shops in Istanbul's enormous covered market, one of the largest and oldest in the world.

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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Admire a vast array of artefacts as you explore this magnificent palace in the Old City, home to the Ottoman sultans for around 400 years.

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What to do in Istanbul


Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Explore areas of Istanbul

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

Sultanahmet

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

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

4/5(72 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.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

4.5/5(6 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.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a bridge, a river or creek and cruising

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(15 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.

Beşiktaş
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Istanbul City Center

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

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

Istanbul City Center
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Şişli

4.5/5(17 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 Şişli Mosque and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.

Şişli

 

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

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.