12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque is an iconic historical landmark in Istanbul and one you shouldn’t miss. Once inside, you’ll discover where the mosque got its name – from the thousands of blue handcrafted İznik tiles that adorn the interior walls. The tiles depict traditional Ottoman patterns, flowers, fruit, and more. You can also see the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, 6 elegant minarets, and the impressive 43-metre central dome.

As a fully functional religious building, it’s important to respect the rules and not make too much noise. Men and women need to cover their knees, shoulders and upper arms; women must also cover their hair. Unless you want to pray, plan your visit outside of the 5 daily prayer times. Entrance is free, but donations are welcomed.

As Istanbul’s historical hub, the Sultanahmet Square puts you right in the centre of the city’s most prominent and historical attractions. To be at the centre of it all, it is recommended you book your accommodation in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood. Obelisks and fountains adorn the park, and the square has remnants of an ancient hippodrome. From here you can easily view 2 of the city’s grandest landmarks to its north and south. These are the Hagia Sophia, a famous 6th-century mosque that is now a museum, and the namesake Sultanahmet Mosque, which is also fondly referred to as the Blue Mosque. 

Galata Tower is where to be in Türkiye for some of the most dramatic sunsets. Nothing beats a view of the Istanbul peninsula and its surroundings than from the top of the 67-metre fire watchtower. It was constructed in the 6th-century and rebuilt and restored numerous times during the subsequent centuries. It is among the oldest towers in the world.

Nowadays, the tower serves as a tourist attraction only, with an open panorama balcony on the upper floors. You can walk the entire perimeter and soak up 360-degree vistas – the experience is especially magical at dusk.

Istanbul borders the narrow Bosporus Strait where the waters of the Black Sea meet the inland Sea of Marmara. It was historically a main point of arrival for trade ships. You can wander the cramped alleys of the covered Grand Bazaar to see the city’s colourful commercial activities alive and kicking. This huge market comprises a network of indoor souks (smaller marketplaces) and lanes lined with peddlers. They sell everything from carpets and leather items to jewellery and trinkets, including the typically sought-after nazar evil eye ornaments.

If you’re looking for a great view of Istanbul, head up to Çamlıca Hill. It’s one of Istanbul’s highest hills and offers breathtaking skylines over the city. You can find a café at the peak as well as a park that makes for a cool resting spot to take in the memorable sights. You can view both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul with its tall buildings, and the outlines of the Bosporus strait and its bridge. From the city centre, it’s around a half-hour drive across the bridge and up the hill. But you can also book a hotel in the Uskudar district to be near.

Dolmabahçe Palace is an elegant European-style Baroque monument on the Bosphorus and is an impressive sight to see. Sultan Abdülmecid built the palace between 1842 and 1853 because he wanted to live in a residence that rivalled European palaces. And on a self-guided audio tour, you'll understand why this palace is one of the grandest in the world.

Discover the impressive gold leaf-embellished ceilings of the palace, plus the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier given to the Sultan by Queen Victoria. Even the main staircase is a masterpiece – complete with bannisters of brass, mahogany, and Baccarat crystal. Finish your extravagant experience at the outdoor cafe with fantastic Bosphorus views.

The Walls of Constantinople is a historical landmark in Istanbul that also goes by different names, such as the Theodosian Walls, the Istanbul City Walls, and the Historic walls of Topkapi. These are a series of stonewalled fortifications that have surrounded Istanbul since its founding as Constantinople by Constantine the Great. You can still see pretty much of these medieval borders with most of its sections and towers intact. The walls are surrounded by parks with spaces where your kids can play. 

This is one of the magnificent landmarks in Istanbul’s historical centre. The Hagia Sophia, whose name translates to “holy wisdom”, was built by the East Roman Empire in the 6th century. It was then converted into a mosque and fortified following Mehmed the Conqueror’s rule in 1453. You can admire this architectural wonder’s marbled structure, as well as its dreamy interiors. It features calligraphic panels and bronze lamps, and most of its walls are covered in beautiful mosaics made of gold, silver, and colourful stones. 

This lighthouse sits on top of a tiny islet in the Bosporus Strait, which you can reach on a 15-minute boat ride from the docks in Üsküdar. It dates to the 12th century and is steeped in a mix of legends, particularly of a princess who met her tragic fate, hence its moniker. Climb up to the top floor of the lighthouse, and you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea at the rooftop café with amazing views of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

For a taste of Türkiye’s tradition in performing arts, you can head down to this cultural centre that’s near Istanbul’s magnificent central landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. The Hodjapasha Cultural Center is housed in a former 15th-century hammam, yet now features strikingly decorated interiors under its high dome ceiling, where vibrant dance performances regularly take place. Among the mystifying dances are the famous whirling dervishes, which is a mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, usually accompanied by Rumi poems. 

This is often a must-do on travellers’ lists to Türkiye. Hammams in Istanbul come in various price ranges, but all typically feature a sauna, a steam, a full body wash, and massage. Istanbul has lots of hammams around the city, each offering the traditional Turkish bath and centuries-old spa experience. More modern hammams incorporate contemporary spa elements such as aromatherapy and use of essential oils. Prominent hammams include the Beyazit and Sulemaniye baths, and the Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam in Beyoğlu.

There are a few fun ways to enjoy Istanbul by night, and one of them is by joining a pub crawl. Istanbul’s popular pub crawl regularly kicks off from The Tower Pub, where you can gather with new friends and hop from one bar to another, ending up at a club where you can party into the wee hours. Besides flowing drinks and cocktails, you’ll also enjoy games as well as fun challenges to complete. It's just across the river from the city centre, so you may want to choose a hotel in the neighbourhood of Galata.