Things to Do in Istanbul – Explore the Heart of Turkey

Istanbul is one of those cities that feels alive at every hour, in every corner. When it comes to things to do in Istanbul, the possibilities are endless. This vibrant city reveals its history through every street, skyline, and spice-scented breeze. Wander the maze of Sultanahmet with its ancient mosques and palaces, or sip Turkish tea in a cozy café overlooking the Bosphorus. From iconic landmarks to everyday local moments, Istanbul offers beauty and depth at every turn.

Istanbul isn’t just about sightseeing, though. The city has an energy that pulls you in. You can wander through the Grand Bazaar, haggle for spices, or snack on street food like simit and roasted chestnuts. If you need a break, take a boat ride on the Bosphorus or find a quiet spot in one of the city’s gardens. And, of course, no trip is complete without soaking up the atmosphere of a traditional hammam. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, Istanbul will always leave you wanting more.

Visit Hagia Sophia – A Wonder of the World

Hagia Sophia is probably the most recognisable attraction in Istanbul and one that every tourist must visit. It was built in the 6th century as a church by order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. But after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman Empire converted it into a mosque. Today, it stands as one of Istanbul’s most beautiful places, combining both architectural grandeur and historical significance.

This magnificent structure still serves as a mosque, but it also operates as a museum. The first floor is free to visit, and here you’ll notice the Grand Dome, Deesis Mosaic, Wishing Column, Imperial Gate, Mihrab, Library, and more. Tourists aren’t allowed inside the prayer area, apart from Muslims who can enter during prayer time.

The second floor at Hagia Sophia costs €25 to enter. Here, you get to see the Imperial Lodge, Byzantine mosaics, the North and South Galleries, and glance down at the first floor. Make sure to take off your shoes and cover your elbows and knees before entering. Women must also cover their hair with a scarf. If they don’t have one, they can pick one up at the entrance.

Explore the Blue Mosque – A Stunning Architectural Jewel

Visiting the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is among the top 10 things to do in Istanbul. This is another beautiful religious monument built from 1609 to 1617 during the reign of Ahmed I. It’s one of the most iconic and best examples of Ottoman architecture.

This mosque is part of Istanbul’s historic peninsula alongside Hagia Sophia and a variety of other attractions. It features six minarets, stunning blue tiles, and eye-catching decorative elements.

Besides the visual beauties, the Blue Mosque is also a significant part of Islam in Turkey. It’s a very important place of worship that has gathered devoted Muslims for over 400 years. Today, it continues to be a focal point for daily prayers, spiritual contemplation, and religious gatherings.

You can visit it for free, as there is no entrance fee. But don’t forget to dress modestly by wearing clothes with long sleeves that cover your knees and elbows. Once again, women must put a scarf on their hair before getting in. Also, every individual needs to take off their shoes and enter barefoot.

But if you’re a non-Muslim, make sure to check the prayer schedule before visiting. Know that the Sultan Ahmed Mosque closes one hour before prayers and half an hour after the conclusion.

Stroll Through the Grand Bazaar – A Shopper’s Paradise

The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and biggest covered market on the planet, and it’s a must-visit in any Istanbul travel guide. It holds over 4,000 shops, all stretched over 61 streets. The bazaar attracts from 250,000 to 400,000 visitors on a daily basis and around 91,250,000 annually.

There is a wide variety of stores at the Grand Bazaar, including vintage shops. There is everything from clothes and ceramics to street food and drinks in this bazaar. Some of the store types you’ll stumble upon are the following:

• Rugs shops
• Textile stores
• Jewellery stores
• Pottery shops
• Spice stores
• Clothes shops
• Antique stores
• Turkish coffee and tea shops
• Turkish lamp stores

While exploring the items and goods, you’ll notice a lively atmosphere. It’s not a quiet place as shop owners and clerks are constantly trying to persuade people to buy something. When you enter a store, most of them will offer you Turkish tea, also known as çay.

Now, if you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit this bazaar is early in the morning or late afternoon. Also, before buying something, we suggest bargaining a bit. A good tip is to start at 40% or 50% of the featured price and negotiate.

Additionally, you can also check out the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. It features nearly the same shops and provides a similar experience.

Relax at the Basilica Cistern – An Underground Marvel

On your list of things to do in Istanbul​, you must include the Basilica Cistern. This is the largest cistern within and outside the city walls. It’s just 150 meters away from Hagia Sophia, and it has stood there since the rule of the Byzantine Empire in 532 AD.

The Basilica Cistern is an ancient engineering marvel that once supplied water to Constantinople’s Great Palace. Here, you’ll come across mysterious sculptures, majestic columns, and a hushed atmosphere. There are also Night Shift Surprise Concerts on selected evenings.

We recommend buying a ticket online or purchasing an Istanbul museum pass. If you decide to get one at the Basilica Cistern, you might end up waiting for 30–45 minutes. You may want to go early in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater, as it’s quite cool in the underground. Also, wear non-slippery shoes and watch your step, as the lighting is dim. Keep your phone in your hand and turn on the torch if you struggle to see where you’re going. As for what to pack, make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and layers for varying temperatures, as Istanbul’s weather can change throughout the day.

Keep in mind that it’s somewhat challenging to navigate the underground passageways. So, we recommend following the signs and your guide. You can also try using Google Maps or a similar app. For this task, you should get a Turkey eSIM plan.

Take a Bosphorus Cruise – See Istanbul from the Water

Among the cool things to do in Istanbul is going on a Bosphorus Strait cruise. This activity will give you an astonishing view of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides from the water. You’ll get to see the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Dolmabahçe Palace grounds, the elegant Bosphorus Bridge, and the historic Rumeli Fortress. A typical cruise will also provide a glimpse of popular neighbourhoods like Bebek and Ortaköy.

A typical cruise on the Bosphorus River takes between one and two hours, depending on whether you choose a one-way or round-trip ride. Prices range from 340 to 640 Turkish lira (TL), or between €8 and €15 for daytime boat cruises. If you decide to go on a moonlit Bosphorus tour, the price is around €17. These prices apply to foreigners, while locals can often get a boat ride for half the price.

Most Bosphorus Strait cruises operate from 08:30 AM to 07:00 PM. We suggest going on a boat tour in the evening, especially during sunset. But make sure to purchase tickets in time, as they can fill up quickly. It’s advisable to do that online while using your Turkey travel guide.

Wear light and casual clothes during the summer months, and don’t forget to put on sunscreen. In the spring and fall seasons, we recommend dressing in layers or carrying a light jacket.

Take a Ferry Ride to the Princes’ Islands – A Peaceful Escape

If you’re searching for romantic things to do in Istanbul, then you should consider taking a public ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands. They are located on the Asian side, which some see as the beginning of the Middle East. Among the archipelago are a total of 9 separate islands, including 4 main ones, such as:

• Kınalıada
• Büyükada
• Heybeliada
• Burgazada

Each of them flourishes in natural beauty, which may seem like a fresh breath of air travelling from the populous city. Apart from the lively green forests and beautiful blue water, here you’ll also find some remarkable structures. Among them are eye-catching white buildings with state-of-the-art architecture.

When you get to the Princes’ Islands, there are many things to do and fun activities to plan. Most tourists choose walking tours and sightseeing, as it’s the most basic thing to do.

Others decide to rent a bike and ride around the nearby forests. If you want a more relaxing time, then you should go to the beach and enjoy the view.

A typical commuter ferry ride to this destination takes around 75 minutes. But this timeframe varies depending on the featured island you’re visiting. The ticket prices for the ride also depend on the starting point and end destination. But they are cheap, as the costs go from €0.80 to €2.

Visit the Topkapi Palace – The Heart of Ottoman Power

Checking out the Topkapi Palace is one of the most remarkable things to see and do in Istanbul​. Here, you’ll stumble upon a Harem with over 300 rooms, 9 baths, 2 mosques, and much more. Each room features an astonishing interior design that portrays the Ottoman style.

Inside the Topkapi Palace is the famous Fatih Kiosk area, which is a 4-room structure occupied by the Topkapi Treasury. Among the most magnificent artefacts here are the following:

• Spoonmaker’s Diamond
• Topkapi Dagger
• Ornate Gold Jewelry
• Ceremonial Weapons
• Intricately Designed Textiles
• Gold Mirrors

You can enter the First Courtyard of the Topkapı Palace without an entrance fee. But you do need to purchase one to enter the magnificent museum and library and check out its collections. The typical charge for the Palace, Harem, and Hagia Irene is around €47.50.

While exploring the Topkapı Palace, you’ll learn much about the Ottoman Empire and its way of ruling. We recommend getting an audio guide for a better understanding of things. You can also check out the free self-guided tour before actually going to Topkapi Palace.

Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace – A European-Inspired Masterpiece

At the European shores alongside the Bosphorus is another of Istanbul’s popular attractions, the Dolmabahce Palace. It’s located in the Beşiktaş district, just 2.6 km away from the Serdar ı Ekrem street.

If you travel from the Fatih district, go over the Galata Bridge, drive by the Galata Tower, and follow the Bosphorus shore. This is the largest monoblock palace in Turkey and features 258 rooms and 46 halls.

In the past, the Dolmabahce Palace served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. It has a rich history, beautiful gardens, and stunning architecture similar to the European style. Some of the rooms and halls that attract the most attention are the following:

• The Harem
• The Red Room
• The Medhal Hall
• The Secretariat’s Rooms
• The Atatürk Room

Know that the Dolmabahçe Palace is open from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM. But make sure to avoid going there between 02:00 PM and 03:00 PM due to crowds. Also, don’t forget to purchase an entry ticket in time, which costs around €35. The prices are higher if you decide to book an official tour.

Wander Through Taksim Square – Istanbul’s Modern Heart

Looking for free things to do in Istanbul​? If so, then you should check out Taksim Square. You can find it in the Beyoğlu district in the European part, between the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

It’s a major tourist attraction that features a large open space and a remarkable Republic Monument. But those aren’t the main focus, as here you’ll also find a variety of stores. Among them are traditional Istanbul restaurants, antique/souvenir shops, bars and cafes, world-renowned food chains, shopping places, etc.

Know that Taksim Square is very close to Istiklal Avenue. Here, you’ll come across the Istiklal Mall, which is one of the best places to shop. If you’re looking for places to eat, then check out the Shamse Restaurant, the Grace Rooftop Restaurant, and Simit Sarayi.

Taksim Square is also perfect for sitting back and people-watching. You can do that from one of the local coffee shops on the ground floor or at the rooftop bars. The latter are also perfect for checking out the Istanbul skyline.
Besides the shops and amazing views, and atmosphere, this square also holds the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. This means that you can reach it from any side of the city.

The best time to visit the bustling district is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Go there between 07:00 PM and 08:00 PM to catch the golden sunset.

Experience the Turkish Baths – A Relaxing Tradition

Are you looking for unusual and unique things to do in Istanbul​? Trying out the Turkish baths, also known as hammams, is something you should experience. There are a total of 237 hammams in this city, and 60 of them are still used by locals and tourists. You can find them on the two continents.

Visiting a hammam will get you a traditional spa experience that includes scrubbing, steaming, rinsing, and foam massage. A typical session will cost from €40 to €100, depending on what you choose to get.

Most historical hammams in this ancient Orient are busy during the summer period. So, we suggest checking them out in the other months to avoid crowds. The best approach is to look for local recommendations and book an appointment online.

Now, choosing the right hammam for your needs can be tricky, as there are plenty to choose from. As such, we’ve decided to mention some popular Turkish baths. Here are our top picks:

• Cagaloglu Hamami
• Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
• Çukurcuma Hamami
• Süleymaniye Hamamı
• Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Most of these are several hundred years old, and they feature a white marble interior décor. Don’t forget to check the opening and closing hours before getting there.

Explore the Neighborhood of Sultanahmet – Istanbul’s Old City

The Sultanahmet district, or neighbourhood, is the most attractive part of Istanbul. It appears in the Fatih municipality and holds plenty of popular monuments. An interesting fact about the Sultanahmet Archaeological Park is that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making this area even more significant. Alongside it, you’ll find famous attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, the Hippodrome of Constantine, the Blue Mosque, Little Hagia Sophia, and many more.

Some of these sites appear near Sultanahmet Square, but others are a bit further. You need more than a day to visit and fully explore all of them. We recommend getting an Istanbul Museum Pass to avoid buying separate entry tickets, which will save you some money.

Visiting this district is among the most special things to do in Istanbul​. This is especially true if you’re a history geek and want to learn about the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Before starting your journey in the Sultanahmet district, we recommend constructing a plan. Check how much time you need to explore each attraction with and without a tour. Consider getting an audio guide to increase your knowledge of architectural masterpieces.

Wander Around the Balat & Fener Neighborhoods

Another fun, free activity that you can do while visiting Istanbul is walking in the Balat and Fener neighbourhoods. You can find them on the Golden Horn shore of the Fatih district. It’s not a large area, and the walking distance between the areas is 454 metres.

It’s another historical area in Istanbul that features colourful stone stairs and buildings that send positive vibes. The larger portion of these neighbourhoods appears on a hill. This means that you’ll go up and down tiny alleys while exploring the street art and incredible architecture.

Here, you’ll notice numerous sidewalk cafes and bistros as well as small churches. Among them are the Church of St. Mary of the Mongols and the Saint Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

On the shoreline, you’ll find a beautiful park with walking paths called İbb Haliç Şair Nedim Parkı. You can also get a commuter ferry from the terminal that connects the Golden Horn with the Asian side of the city.

Don’t be afraid to check the smallest alleys while exploring the Balat and Fener neighbourhoods. This way, you may encounter certain hidden gems that very few know about. You can also ask some of the older locals for tips on special sites not known to tourists.

Walk Through the Streets of Kadikoy – A Flavorful Experience

The European side of Istanbul isn’t the only part of the city with remarkable attractions. On the Asian side, you’ll also find popular destinations like the streets of Kadikoy. This is a separate district and municipality in Istanbul that has an area of 25 km².

Kadıköy offers tourists an unforgettable experience through its lively food stalls, street markets, and casual, laid-back energy. There are plenty of places you can visit in this area, but at this stage, we’ll point out just a couple of them. Those are the following:

• Süreyya Opera
• Moda Beach and Moda Pier
• Bağdat Street
• Kadıköy Bazaar and Kadıköy Fish Market
• Museum Gazhane
• Barış Manço Cultural Center and Barış Manço House

This part of the big city also holds numerous restaurants and stands that offer delicious traditional Turkish foods. Some of the best places to dine are the Townhouse, Brasserie Noir, Aida – Vino e Cucina, Çiya Sofrası, and Kadıköy Midyecisi.

There are many other restaurants and attractions in Kadikoy that you can explore on your own. For this task, you’ll need to check the ratings and reviews on sites like Tripadvisor and Google Maps.

Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

The Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts is the perfect place for learning more about Turkey’s history and Islam as a religion. This historic building holds one of the biggest collections of Islamic art on the planet. It features astonishing masterpieces from every corner of the world, which show the diverse Islamic heritage.

In the art galleries, you’ll come across over 40,000 different works of art. The list includes carpets, metalwork, manuscripts, wooden works, ceramics, textiles, precious stone art, jewellery, and glass art. Some of the must-see exhibits in this museum are the following:

• Seljuk Mihrab
• Iznik Tile Panel Depicting the Kaaba
• Pazyryk Carpet
• Quran Manuscript From the 9th Century
• Doors of the Cizre Mosque
• Pilgrimage Proxy Scroll
• Rug from the Alâeddin Mosque

There is truly plenty of artwork to see here, and we recommend getting a tour or an audio guide. Also, make sure to get a ticket beforehand to avoid a long queue. Know that the entry fee is €17.

Keep in mind that the museum works from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. There is no known dress code, but out of respect for local culture, please dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees just like you would before entering a Mosque.

Enjoy a Turkish Delight or Baklava at a Local Café

One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to sit down at a local café and indulge in authentic Turkish desserts. Among the most beloved treats is baklava, a rich pastry made from layers of flaky phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and syrup. Many local cafés serve this iconic dessert, and it’s often enjoyed with a cup of traditional Turkish tea or coffee.

Istanbul’s cafés are known for their warm and inviting atmospheres, making them the perfect place to relax and savour freshly made baklava. You’ll find a variety of baklava styles in these cafés, from pistachios to walnuts, each one made with skill and tradition. The combination of crispy pastry and sweet syrup makes baklava a perfect companion to the strong, flavourful Turkish tea (çay) or a cup of Turkish coffee.

In addition to baklava, many local cafés also offer Turkish delight (lokum), a sweet, jelly-like candy with a delicate caramel flavour. Whether you’re sitting in a bustling café in Fatih or a quieter spot in Beyoğlu, enjoying baklava and lokum with a warm drink is an experience that captures the essence of Istanbul’s café culture.

Wrapping Up Your Istanbul Adventure: A City of Endless Discovery

Istanbul is a city that never truly leaves you. Its sights, sounds, and flavours linger long after you’ve left. Whether you’re marvelling at the architectural grandeur of Hagia Sophia, cruising the Bosphorus, or simply enjoying a sweet cup of Turkish tea at a cosy café, there’s always something new to experience.

From the historic treasures in Sultanahmet to the vibrant streets of Kadıköy, each part of the city offers its own charm. The energy of the city, combined with its rich cultural tapestry, makes it an unforgettable destination for any traveller. No matter where you go or what you do, Istanbul will leave you wanting more. To make your experience even smoother, consider staying connected with Esimatic for seamless mobile data during your travels.