10 TOP Things to Do in Istanbul October 2026

A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river, and a bridge.

A mosque with multiple minarets and domes, surrounded by a coastal cityscape and the sea.

An aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

A cityscape with a bridge, a river, and a seagull flying overhead.

A grand classical building with a green roof, situated by a waterfront.

Activities

Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop

NZ$70

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

NZ$54

per adult

76% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

NZ$56

per adult

84% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

NZ$60

per adult

82% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

NZ$20

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

NZ$20

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

NZ$51

per adult

88% of travellers recommend

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

NZ$60

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket

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

NZ$115

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. 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.

2. 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 mosque with multiple domes and minarets.

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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A bustling market with colorful stalls and a patterned ceiling.

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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A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river with boats, and a mix of historic and modern buildings.

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 stone gate with two towers, a clear sky, and a pathway leading to the entrance.

What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

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Taksim Square

8.8/10 (27,914 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.

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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

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 Hagia Sophia to Sultanahmet Square – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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A red tram with the number 115 on a busy street.

Taksim

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.

A coastal building with a red roof, white walls, and a flag on top, situated on a rocky shoreline with calm sea in the background.

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.

An aerial view of a coastal town with houses, a marina, and lush greenery.

Büyükada

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A grand neoclassical building with ornate columns and a symmetrical facade, surrounded by manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.

Beşiktaş

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.

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