The 15 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
When it comes to the top things to do in Istanbul, the signature attractions are certainly the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Travellers can admire the city’s ancient neighbourhoods, impressive architecture, sparkling waterfronts, and a modern pulse, which make an Istanbul profile so unique.
Top Attractions to Visit During Your Stay in Istanbul
Whether you are staying one day, two days, or three days, we’ve put together Istanbul’s top attraction bucket list with a table of contents to help you plan your travel.
Many of these landmarks can be accessed with the Istanbul Museum Pass, offering savings and convenience for history lovers. For public transportation between sites, the İstanbulkart is essential. Several sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Basilica Cistern, are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas of Turkey.
Hagia Sophia
Constructed between 532 and 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii) is an arresting symbol of Byzantine brilliance. Beyond architecture, its soaring dome and intricate decoration embody key elements of spiritual philosophy - Neoplatonic ideas of divine light and wisdom.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) also named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, with its striking blue tiles and six slender minarets, draws visitors from afar with a majestic presence. This masterpiece of Ottoman architecture was built by Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa, a gifted apprentice of the legendary architect Mimar Sinan.
Topkapı Palace
For over 400 years, Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) was the heart of imperial life, where Ottoman sultans, their concubines, and a vast entourage lived in opulence. Since 1934, it has been a museum showcasing royal ceremonies, private lives, state affairs, and religious relics, offering a fascinating glimpse into history.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) once supplied water to the Hagia Sophia. This underground reservoir features hundreds of marble columns, evoking a poetic ambiance. During the Ottoman era, it continued its purpose by feeding the gardens of Topkapı Palace.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) dates back to the 15th century. Rambling through its cell shops feels like touching the past. Buyers still haggle, browse, and socialise just as they did centuries ago. With over 4,000 shops, it’s perfect for buying souvenirs, spices, and textiles.
Spice Bazaar
Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a full sensory immersion, where dazzling colours, rich aromas, and the buzz of loud voices create an unforgettable atmosphere. Tourists describe the experience as enchanting and overwhelming by the exotic scent of spices, teas, and sweets.
Galata Tower
The area of Galata once known as Sycae (“on the opposite shore”), Galata predates Constantinople. It served as a vital settlement with a forum in antiquity, theatre, and harbour. Today, the view from Hendek Street toward Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) captures the grandeur rising above a narrow street.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) symbolises the Ottoman Empire’s shift toward Westernisation in the 19th century, replacing Topkapı Palace as the centre of power. Its architecture and ceremonies reflect a new era of modernisation in the empire’s identity and engagement with Europe.
The Bosphorus
A boat tour along the Bosphorus guarantees stunning views of palaces, mosques, and the two continents. Travellers can choose between a short ferry ride or a private cruise with a Turkish dinner.
Süleymaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) is akin to a younger sister of the Hagia Sophia. And it is no surprise, as its architect, the legendary Mimar Sinan, drew inspiration from Aya Sophia’s layout. Its hilltop location provides gorgeous views of the Golden Horn (Haliç).
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)
Chora Church (Kariye Camii) was originally among the revered churches of the Byzantine era. The Kariye Museum held its status from 1945 until 2020, when it was turned into the Kariye Mosque in the same year. Inside, it preserves the Byzantine 14th-century frescoes depicting the Last Judgement.
Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi) in the Beyoğlu district (also hailed as Pera) is one of the most iconic avenues in Istanbul. During the restoration of the historic Rumeli Han on the street, a 130-year-old hidden tunnel was uncovered. Now, the site is open to the public.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı) is the unmissable modern heart of Istanbul, in Beyoğlu, known for its political and cultural significance. Nearby landmarks include the Republic Monument, Taksim Mosque, Atatürk Cultural Centre, and Gezi Park. A hub for shopping, dining, nightlife, and experiencing local life.
Ortaköy Mosque
The small yet picturesque Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii) graces the European shore of the Bosphorus with the Bosphorus Bridge as its backdrop. It’s a beautiful Muslim sanctuary with Baroque and Ottoman architecture.
Balat Neighbourhood
Balat faith district, esteemed for its multicultural heritage, heart of the Jewish community in the past, is an authentic area on the southern shore of the Golden Horn, dotted with brightly hued old houses, synagogues, churches, cafes, and art galleries. The place is great for photography and a peaceful stroll.
Essential Sights for a One-Day Visit
The top things to do in one day in Istanbul are centred around Sultanahmet on the European side (Avrupa Yakası), where many landmarks are within a short distance.
Start with the Topkapı Palace. This amazing landmark requires around three hours to be visited.
Walk 5 minutes via Erabatan Street and take a lunch break at one of the prominent restaurants in the area – Old Ottoman Café & Restaurant.
Advance toward the Blue Mosque and then the Hagia Sophia. These emblematic Turkish landmarks are located within shouting distance.
In the evening, you can relax at one of the world’s oldest covered markets - the Grand Bazaar. You can easily reach it by tram T1 from Sultanahmet or take a casual 15-minute amble following the tram lines to the left.
End your day with a scenic Bosphorus Cruise — brief ferry rides are available from the adjacent Eminönü, making this a complete and convenient day.
Places to Visit in Istanbul in Two Days
The best things to visit in two days in Istanbul include the historic peninsula and the Asian side of Istanbul (Anadolu Yakası).
On Day 1, visit the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia in the suggested order.
Rest your legs and have a gracious meal at the nearby Esto Restaurant. Next, head to the Topkapi Palace. Be sure to see the palace harem - Topkapı Sarayı Harem Dairesi.
Finish your day at the Hodjapasha Culture Centre to watch the spellbinding ceremony of Whirling Dervishes (Semazenlerin töreni).
Enrich your second day in Istanbul with a visit to Üsküdar on the Asian side of Istanbul. From the European side, you can reach it by the Marmaray train or public ferry. From the Marmaray Station, proceed to the Kuzguncuk neighbourhood. Spend some time there before returning to Taksim Square via the Bosphorus.
The most frequented spot in the area is Istiklal Avenue, a dynamic pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and heritage buildings featuring a vintage red tram.
Stop for lunch at WAMA’s, a popular dining spot right on the street, serving authentic Turkish cuisine.
Continue to the Galata Tower and the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü). From the bridge, saunter briefly to the Spice Market and then the Grand Bazaar. At the bazaar, take a moment to taste Turkish snacks and coffee.
As the evening approaches, cruise on the Bosphorus to marvel at Istanbul’s spectacular skyline, especially during sunset.
The Best Attractions to See in Istanbul in Three Days
In three days, the top places to visit in Istanbul allow for a deeper dive into classic and off-the-beaten-path locations.
Commence your first day by setting off to the Hagia Sophia next to the Blue Mosque. Take a lunch break at one of the proximate restaurants to Sultanahmet Square - 360 Panorama Restaurant.
After lunch, catch the T1 tram to reach Galata Tower in about 12 minutes. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Get in the tram again and spend your afternoon exploring the Topkapı Palace, then descend to the Basilica Cistern nearby. Conclude your day at Taksim Square, where you can shop and enjoy a lively dinner scene on Istiklal Avenue.
Begin your second day with a private Bosphorus cruise. You can hop off at Ortaköy, which is celebrated for its mosque and charming cafes. From there, stroll or take public transport toward Eminönü (near Galata Tower). Don’t miss trying balık ekmek (fish sandwich) from the famous stalls by the pier.
At midday, go to the Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Spice Bazaar, just an 8-minute walk apart. Travellers can sample Turkish delights at these legendary markets and find unique souvenirs.
Wrap up the day with a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, affording incredible views over the Golden Horn.
On Day 3, start your day at Dolmabahçe Palace on the edge of the Bosphorus. Take bus 30D, 28, 28T, or 70KE to get to Karaköy’s Beyoğlu district and have a stylish lunch at the Galata Lily Café Restaurant.
In the afternoon, cross to the Asian side by ferry and explore Kadıköy. After rambling the bustling Kadikoy market, continue to the famed Moda neighbourhood, filled with cafes, boutique shops, and scenic coastal views.
As the day winds down, go on a sunset promenade along the Bosphorus seafront.