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13 Things to do in Istanbul

Home » Middle East » Turkey

Updated: January 17, 2021 by The Planet D

13 Things to do in Istanbul

These are all the things to do in Istanbul to make the most of your stay. If there is one city that can truly claim the title of being the gateway to both Europe and Asia, it’s Istanbul.

Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a city divided by the narrow waterway known as the Bosphorus.

The city embraces its mixture of European and Asian culture and visitors will sense the contrasts with each turn.

What to do in Istanbul

To really explore and understand the culture and energy of the city one would need months or even years but we’ve highlighted our favourite things to do in Istanbul.

Contents

    • 1. Hagia Sophia
    • 2. Grand Baazar
    • 3. Galata Tower
    • 4. Blue Mosque
    • 5. Istiklal Avenue
    • 6. Eat with the Locals
    • 7. Where to go in Istanbul for Nightlife: Ortakoy
    • 8. Sip Turkish Coffee
    • 9. Cruise the Bosphorus
    • 10. Play Backgammon
    • 11. Smoke a Hookah
    • 13. Visit a Turkish Bath
  • Where to Stay in Istanbul
12 things to do in Istanbul turkey
What to do in Istanbul.

During three visits to Istanbul, we witnessed young urbanites embracing the modern world while others cling to traditional values of the Byzantium period and the Ottoman Empire.

While we can’t say that we walked away with a clear vision of the direction Istanbul will take in the future, we can say that this is one of the most fascinating, contrasting, and interesting cities we’ve ever visited.

Where old meets new and history meets the future, this is Istanbul.

1. Hagia Sophia

what to see in Istanbul Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is definitely one of the most popular things to see in Istanbul.

It was once a church and a mosque but is now one of the most visited museums in the world.

For 916 years it was a church and then following the conquest of the Sultan Mehmed, it was converted into a mosque and remained so for 482 years.

In 1935 it was converted into a museum and visitors can enter daily to see the mosaics, calligraphy, tiles and Sultan’s lodge.

2020 Update: Hagia Sophia was just converted back into a mosque. Like all mosques it is open to all.

2. Grand Baazar

things to do in istanbul grand baazar
Grand Bazaar Istanbul

A short walk down the street takes you to the Grand Bazaar for the most exciting shopping experience you’ll ever have.

There are more than 5,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar covering 60 streets.

It was an important trading center dating back to the 15th century.

I can only imagine how it once was with traders coming in from Asia and Africa bringing their exotic items for merchants to peruse from Europe.

Spending a day losing yourself in the giant labyrinth that houses Mosques, hammams, cafes, and jewelry stalls makes this one of Istanbuls top attractions.

3. Galata Tower

what to do in Istanbul Galata Tower
Take in the View from the Galata tower

The Galata Tower offers beautiful views of the city. It is located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter.

We stayed in an apartment looking right up at this tower and it was breathtaking.

It is 9 stories high with a restaurant café and nightclub. You can take tours up to view the city.

There’s a great square at the base of the Galata Tower where you can enjoy some Turkish Coffee and Turkish Delight while people watching on the terrace.

4. Blue Mosque

where to go in Istanbul the Blue Mosque
Istanbul’s Most Famous Attraction, the Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is Istanbul’s most famous site and is the top thing to do in Istanbul. A visit to the city would not be complete without laying eyes on its beauty.

It’s known by its more common name, The Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles surrounding the walls of its interior.

It is still a functioning mosque but visitors can enter if they follow the rules. Long pants should be worn and women must have their shoulders and heads covered.

Located in the old city, it’s the perfect way to start your day before moving on to the other sights nearby.

Across the Galata Bridge crossing the mouth of The Bay of Istanbul you’ll find the Galata Tower on the North Bank of the Golden Horn.

It offers the best panoramic views of the city and an excellent vantage point to gaze upon Old Istanbul.

Until the 1960’s it was watch tower for city fires, but today it is open to tourists to walk around its balcony near the top of the 67 meter (220 feet) high tower.

Read our tips for visiting Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. 

5. Istiklal Avenue

thing to do in Istanbul Istiklal Street
Hop on the Streetcar

Visited by nearly 3 million people daily, Istiklal Avenue is the beating heart of the city of Istanbul.

This 1.4 km long pedestrian walkway houses everything from cinemas to nightclubs and boutiques to cafés.

It’s also here that we tried our first Turkish Delight treats and bought some much-needed medication from the pharmacies.

If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the historic tram all the way to Taksim Square to view the monument of the republic.

6. Eat with the Locals

activities in istanbul dine with a local family
A home-cooked meal

You can book many dining experiences in Istanbul and the best way is to spend time with a local family.

Often you will meet friendly people that invite you for dinner and become fast friends, but you can also book dining experiences where you go to a home and eat traditional food, learn about the local’s way of life and have lively conversations.

The Best Istanbul Tours

  • Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment
  • Istanbul: Private Tailor-Made Sightseeing Tour
  • Best of Istanbul: 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Tour
  • Whirling Dervish Show in Istanbul
  • Eat Like a Local: Istanbul Food and Culture Tour with Dinner at Local Family Home
  • Istanbul Food and Culture Tour: Taste of 2 Continents

7. Where to go in Istanbul for Nightlife: Ortakoy

nightlife in Istanbul
Istanbul Nightlife

Our guide told us that Madonna and other famous celebrities love to party in Ortakoy. Once a fishing village, this district is now the area for upmarket chic looking for a place to party.

The waterfront is filled with bars and clubs and this is where the hip young professionals of the city hang out.

Dave and I clearly didn’t hang out here as we’re neither hip nor young, but we did take a stroll through the city and had a glass of wine!

A Walking tour map of Things to do in Istanbul

Click on the link for the interactive Istanbul map

Eating in Istanbul is a feast for the senses and to truly appreciate the cuisine, you must join a family for an authentic local experience.

Start with an array of small dishes known as mezze, such as pita bread with hummus, cacik, and tabbouleh salad.

Main dishes include kebabs and believe it or not pizza! The feast ends with Turkish delight and sweet tea.

Many tours offer a local dining experience including the Other Tour and Get Your Guide.

8. Sip Turkish Coffee

what to do in istanbul try Turkish Coffee
Traditional Turkish Coffee is to die for

If there is one thing that we wanted to try in Turkey was Turkish Coffee.

We’d had it all over the world, but to have it in its country of origin was beyond heavenly.

It takes great preparation to make this tiny little cup of caffeine, but the effort is worth it as it’s one of the most delicious and rich blends of coffee you will ever have.

Don’t drink it to the last drop though, the bottom of the cup is filled with coffee grinds. (the secret ingredient perhaps?)

9. Cruise the Bosphorus

things to do in istanbul cruise the Bosphoros
Take a cruise on the Bosphoros and go to Asia

You must visit the Asian side of the city when visiting Istanbul. How often can you visit two continents in a matter of minutes and not even have to go through customs!

We popped over to Asian Istanbul after a scenic cruise checking out the shores of both North and South.

A good stop is Kanlica, famous for its thick yogurt.

10. Play Backgammon

fun things to do in Istanbul, backgammon
Play a game of Backgammon, there are many boards inside bars

When strolling through the city, you’ll see many older gentlemen playing games. The game of choice is Backgammon and you must give it a try.

Look for a local café offering boards to use, sit down and order a coffee or tea and play until your heart’s content.

This popular game dates back 5,000 years in the Persian empire and is going strong today in the city of Istanbul.

11. Smoke a Hookah

what to do in Istanbul, smoke a hookah
Even if you don’t smoke, at least give it a try once

Also known as Shisha or waterpipe, Hookah lounges are very popular in the city.

Dave and I are ardent non-smokers, but to visit Istanbul without giving a Hookah a try would be criminal.

Hookahs are flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe. It became popular in Turkey in the 17th century and was a status symbol for those in the city.

If you need someone to play with Get Your Guide it includes an evening out in their tours.

13. Visit a Turkish Bath

visit istanbul and have a turkish bath
Try one of the famous Turkish Baths of Istanbul

You cannot visit Istanbul without experiencing the weird and wackiness of a Turkish Bath, also known as a traditional hammam.

Be prepared to strip down to your birthday suit and have strangers vigorously bath and massage your entire body after a hot steam bath.

It can be painful, strange, and heavenly all at once. You may or may not like it, but I can tell you one thing for sure, you will never forget it.

And that’s all the things to do in Istanbul that we recommend.

Istanbul is a busy and vibrant city and the best way to get around is by tram. It’s affordable, fast and easy.

We hopped on the tram to take us everywhere from the old city to Taksim Square, took Ubers and booked Transfer Expert from the airport.

But in our opinion, the best way to discover Istanbul is on foot.

Lose yourself in Sultanahmet, explore the streets of Constantinople, and get lost in the Grand Bazaar.

things to do in istanbul

There are so many things to do in Istanbul, you will want to go back again and again.

What did we miss? We only spent 7 days in the city and I know there is so much more there, I’m sure you have some favourite things to do in Istanbul that we didn’t get a chance to do ourselves.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

other istanbul
the other tour of istanbul turkey

Swissotel The Bosphorus – This five-star luxury hotel right is in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. It is a perfect location for exploring Istanbul with a rooftop pool and free WiFi. Check out Availability & Prices at Booking.com/Trip Advisor

Sura Hagia Sophia – Located in Sultanahmet, this 5-star hotel is perfectly situated to all the main attractions. The hotel also offers a well-designed garden with an attractive pool area and Free Happy Hour. Check out Availability & PricesBooking.com/Trip Advisor

Elite World Europe Hotel – Situated close to the airport, this newly-opened hotel offers luxury at budget prices. Perfect for a layover or to avoid Istanbul traffic if you have a flight leaving in the early morning hours. Check out Availability & Prices Booking.com/Trip Advisor

Airport Transfer: For transfers to and around Istanbul, check out TransferExpert.com their services were professional and friendly!

Read More:

Blue Mosque of Istanbul – Tips for Entry

Hot Air Balloon Over Cappadocia

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Comments

  1. languhub says

    January 23, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Thanks for the great article, I want to learn the Turkish language!

    Reply
  2. Kate M. says

    August 22, 2020 at 6:39 am

    This is a great list with amazing tips to do in Istanbul. Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  3. Harwinder Singh says

    February 7, 2020 at 6:21 am

    love Istanbul..amazing city…amazing people..historic… and guys must try “Baklava”

    Reply
  4. decorside says

    October 30, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    The sea view is really great all over Istanbul. Historical buildings, mosques and streets are really beautiful. I would recommend anyone to see it.

    Reply
  5. Melissa says

    October 15, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    Sounds interesting! Did you get massages there? Where would you recommend if so? I love to travel and experience different massages! ?

    Reply
  6. Istanbul Tourz says

    September 5, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    That’s a great post !
    thanks a lot.

    Reply
  7. Collins says

    July 14, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    What a great piece of research, there is one issue that you have not addressed the internet issue. Between purchasing a Pocket WiFi and renting a pocket WiFi which one is the best. Am considering to renting a Pocket WiFi from rent n Connect

    Reply
  8. jon harington says

    June 7, 2019 at 8:32 am

    Though I have never been to Istanbul, it is one of my top favorite destinations to explore, your post introduces some of the best things, and it is really interesting to learn more about the city through your post.

    Reply
  9. istanbul gezilecek yerler says

    June 7, 2019 at 1:13 am

    The Ayasofia offers beautiful views of the city. It is located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter. Thanks for share

    Reply
  10. Michael says

    May 16, 2019 at 11:39 am

    Thanks for taking the time to write this.

    It was very helpful and informative.

    Cheers,

    Reply
  11. NounaBen says

    April 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    I visited Istanbul last summer July 2018 and it wasss the best week of my life even tho I didn’t tour it very well and I didn’t see a lot of places but still the best vacation ever I really wanna go back there this summer inchallah

    Reply
    • istanbul avrupa yakas? gezilecek yerler says

      September 15, 2020 at 2:00 am

      The Ayasofia offers beautiful views of the city. It is located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter. Thanks for share

      Reply
  12. istanbul gezilecek yerler says

    March 29, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    The Galata Tower offers beautiful views of the city. It is located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter. Thanks for share

    Reply
  13. MANIRUMVA Evode says

    March 3, 2019 at 5:09 am

    Wooow just woow!!!!!
    What a beautiful city is turkey!
    I am feeling like I really want to be there once. Wish to have so much funs, to explore new things and new place, but also I just want to feel Euro-asian culture over there.
    May God help me to make my dreams real one day, hope that it will be the most wonderful time in my entire life.

    Reply
  14. Rushella says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:36 pm

    What a great blog- very good read.

    Thanks for all the tips too!

    Reply
  15. Carri Uranga says

    December 12, 2018 at 1:32 am

    Thanks, looking forward to being there over New Year’s!

    Reply
  16. jass says

    November 29, 2018 at 12:22 am

    Wow! Istanbul is so interesting! Would love to sip the Turkish tea. I’m sure the experience of being in Istanbul is very transforming, very different. There is so much to absorb.

    Reply
  17. Ryan Dean says

    November 28, 2018 at 1:25 am

    Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul.

    Reply
  18. Gezen Genç says

    November 13, 2018 at 6:00 am

    Amazing city!

    Reply
  19. om alqura says

    October 20, 2018 at 9:57 am

    Thanks for your review of great Istanbul

    Reply
  20. istanbul says

    August 3, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    The list is great. Those who go to Istanbul can visit Süleymaniye Mosque. I recommend dry bean foods here.

    Reply
  21. Visit ?stanbul says

    July 12, 2018 at 8:08 am

    I think every human being should visit The Most Visited Historical and Popüler Places in ?stanbul

    Reply
  22. Teknede iftar says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:21 am

    I agree.

    Reply
  23. istanbul says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:18 am

    Istanbul is a beautiful city

    Reply
  24. ferdos elhayat says

    February 20, 2018 at 2:32 am

    there are alot of things to do in istanbul

    Reply
  25. jessica says

    January 27, 2018 at 7:42 am

    Istanbul is really the most wonderful place to visit, I heard lot about Turkish baths, and it clears out many ailments, though we have many Hamam centers in our country that do not reproduce same benefits as the real ones.
    The city really wonderful with a blend of European and Asian culture, I appreciate your efforts for putting many things in the post. Pictures are really inspiring, the city is the must visit destination in 2018.

    Reply
  26. Tajirul Haque says

    May 21, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    I have not visited Istanbul. But recently, I have done an article on top tourist attractions in Istanbul based on online research. I just feel like it has a wonderful combination of everything a tourist can ask for. I think it is well prepared to give every of its visitor the best experience….

    Reply
  27. Alisha Paul says

    April 29, 2015 at 3:40 am

    Wow! Istanbul is so interesting! Would love to sip the Turkish tea.Your photos of the Blue Mosque are spectacular.

    Reply
  28. Nita says

    February 1, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    Love this post and love Istanbul!! It’s one of my favorite places in the world and this brought back such beautiful memories. The East and West blend truly makes the city so special. Miss the yummy Turkish delights. And yes, the Hamam was definitely a memorable experience. Haha! 😉

    Reply
  29. Ticking the Bucketlist says

    January 30, 2015 at 12:35 am

    Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul.
    Check out our post…
    http://www.tickingthebucketlist.com/2014/07/istanbul-beyond-monuments.html

    Reply
  30. Michael W Travels says

    January 29, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    Nice list but you left off the favorite place we visited in Istanbul- Basilica Cistern. Although I didn’t like the taste, another interesting thing is to try a fish sandwich from one of the boats in Eminonu.

    Reply
  31. Erica Connolly says

    January 29, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Oh, I’m heading there in February (only four four days), and this post just fueled my excitement! Also, you’re right about the hamams… I did one in Morocco and I definitely won’t ever forget that experience. Although, as strange as it was, I’m contemplating giving it a go again in Turkey!

    Cheers!

    Reply
  32. Andrea Anastasiou says

    January 29, 2015 at 2:30 am

    Your photos of the Blue Mosque are spectacular. Istanbul is one of those places that I’ve been meaning to visit for years but I just haven’t got round to it yet!

    Reply
  33. Kim says

    January 29, 2015 at 1:31 am

    Great timing on this post. I’m heading to Istanbul in May and I cannot wait to experience these things for myself. Your photos are so vivid and vibrant! It just adds fuel to the fire of anticipation for the trip 🙂 thx & cheers!!

    Reply
  34. Renuka says

    January 29, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Wow! Istanbul is so interesting! Would love to sip the Turkish tea. I’m sure the experience of being in Istanbul is very transforming, very different. There is so much to absorb.

    Reply
  35. Nina Travels says

    January 29, 2015 at 1:21 am

    Istanbul is one of my favorite cities – Been there 8 times and I have never enough 🙂 Beeing and art fan, I like islamic art museum and one of the new, recently discovered things in Istanbul are the rainbow stair – really cool and a very popular thing around locals, who come there just to take a selfie 🙂

    Reply
  36. Ashley says

    January 28, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Beautiful photos! Istanbul is at the top of my travel wishlist and I’m hoping to finally visit this year!

    Reply
    • izmir transfer says

      March 25, 2020 at 6:24 pm

      Do not forget to add your visit to Turkey in the Aegean! There are wonderful places to see in Izmir and its surroundings.

      Reply
  37. Melissa says

    January 28, 2015 at 6:31 am

    I love all your photos so much. Istanbul has definitely been on my travel list for a little while now and your post just added fuel to my wanderlust fire.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:37 am

      So glad that we could fuel the fire. You are going to love Istanbul

      Reply
    • Jim Gill says

      December 22, 2019 at 1:57 am

      Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul

      Reply
  38. Batikan says

    January 28, 2015 at 6:12 am

    Thanks for your review of great Istanbul. But a correction is much needed on the Turkish coffee item of your list. The photo shows “demlik”s, which we brew tea in Turkish style. We prepare Turkish coffee in a different traditional way. But without a doubt, this photo resembles Istanbul. Thanks from an Istanbulian 🙂

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 6:51 am

      Thanks, That was my fault, we had a photo of the coffee in a cup that we drank and I wanted something more artistic. I asked Dave if he had anything else and I chose this. My bad. I may put the coffee back in.

      Reply
      • Batikan says

        January 28, 2015 at 9:24 am

        No problem 🙂 keep up the good work!

      • Dave and Deb says

        January 28, 2015 at 10:24 am

        Thanks, and I’ll be putting up another photo today 🙂

      • almanca fiil çekimleri says

        April 25, 2020 at 3:32 pm

        Thank you for this great article about istanbul. Love it and share it.

welcome

Hi we’re Dave and Deb, a Canadian adventure couple who left our careers in the film industry 10 years ago to travel the world. We’ve been to 115 countries on all seven continents and were named one of the top travel influencers on earth by Forbes.

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