What to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Istanbul

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Istanbul travel guide

Istanbul featuring a sunset, general coastal views and a marina

Istanbul showing a mosque, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Topkapi Palace which includes a bay or harbour, a city and a river or creek

Galata Bridge showing city views, night scenes and views

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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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3. 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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4. 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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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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Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

6. Bosphorus Bridge

Look out over Istanbul as you move between continents on the Bosphorus Bridge. Spanning the Bosphorus Strait at a point just north of the Istanbul city centre, the suspension bridge connects the neighbourhood of Ortaköy on the European side of the city and Beylerbeyi on the Asian side. Cross over the bridge during the day, then come back at night to see the bridge brightly illuminated.

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

What to do in Istanbul

Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Taksim Square

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

The bright blue ceramic tiles that line the interior of this great traditional mosque are a sight to behold.

Hagia Sophia

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

Grand Bazaar

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.

Galata Tower

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

Bosphorus

Explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus, a popular spot to commune with nature in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Topkapi Palace

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.

Sultanahmet Square

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

Bosphorus Bridge

The first bridge to link Europe and Asia is also one of the finest places for sightseeing in Istanbul, letting you look out over the city’s mosques, palaces and neighbouring islands.

Explore areas of Istanbul

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 Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

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.

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.

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus 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

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

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

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 Bomontiada.

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