Things To Do
in Istanbul
Istanbul straddles two continents, where East meets West and ancient history sits beside a vibrant modern culture. The city threads together Byzantine, Ottoman, and contemporary Turkish influences across palaces, mosques, markets, and waterfront neighborhoods. Across the Bosphorus, ferries shuttle residents and visitors between historic districts and lively modern districts with ease.
Istanbul rewards curious travelers with grand architecture, bustling bazaars, and a culinary scene that spans street food to refined dining.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Istanbul Airport where the sun glints off historic minarets. Transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet and settle into plush Ottoman-inspired décor. Step out to sip a strong Turkish coffee at a nearby café and watch the city awaken.
Wander through the immense courtyard of Hagia Sophia, marvelling at its soaring dome and Byzantine mosaics. Cross to the Blue Mosque to admire its six slender minarets and Iznik-tiled interior. Pause at the Hippodrome ruins to picture chariot races beneath towering obelisks.
Stroll across Gülhane Park as the gardens glow in the golden hour. Enjoy a traditional meze dinner at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus. End the night with a soothing cup of apple tea beneath a canopy of fairy lights.
Begin your day with a guided tour of Topkapı Palace, exploring its ornate pavilions and treasury of imperial jewels. Wander through the lush courtyards where sultans once plotted their empires. Pause at the Harem section to imagine the daily life behind gilded doors.
Descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern and marvel at the forest of marble columns reflected in its still waters. Listen to the echoes beneath centuries of stone and admire the Medusa head column bases. Step outside to the Archaeology Museum for a glimpse of ancient artifacts reclaimed from across the land.
Experience a sunset stroll around the old city walls as the call to prayer fades in the distance. Dine at a local restaurant serving succulent kebabs and pilaf in a candlelit courtyard. Cap the night with a Turkish delight tasting paired with freshly brewed tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1.5-3 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (one-way) | $0.75-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant history and architecture
- World-class food and dining
- Easy to explore by ferry and tram
- Warm hospitality and nightlife
- Crowds and pickpocketing in tourist areas
- Traffic congestion in center and along the Bosphorus
- Some attractions require planning or long lines
- Prices can be high in high-tourist zones
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me / Pardon
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Neredesiniz?" - Where is...?
Places to Visit in Istanbul
Visit one of these nice places.
A monumental icon of Byzantium and Istanbul’s skyline; strong exterior silhouettes and awe-inspiring interior mosaics.
Symmetrical domes and six minarets framing the square; lighting is best at dawn or dusk.
Panoramic views of the Golden Horn; dramatic sunsets from the bridge and the tower.
Ottoman courtyards and tilework with the Bosphorus as a backdrop for wide-angle shots.
Colorful Ottoman-era houses and narrow streets ideal for street photography and portraits.
Spectacular view of the Golden Horn at sunset; great for silhouettes of ferries and mosques.
Food in Istanbul
Istanbul Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced doner served over pita with tomato sauce and melted butter; widely available at traditional kebap houses in Beyoğlu and Eminönü.
Must-Try!
Turkish dumplings topped with garlicky yogurt and a spiced butter sauce; best experienced at Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy or mantı-focused eateries around Karaköy.
Sesame-covered ring-shaped bread; a staple enjoyed with tea on street corners and at bakeries across the city.
Flaky pastry layered with pistachios or walnuts and soaked in syrup; iconic in shops like Karaköy Güllüoğlu and other historic pastry houses.
Crispy kadayıf pastry with melted cheese and syrup; a beloved dessert found in many dessert shops across Istanbul.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Aromatic stalls with spices, Turkish delights, nuts, and teas; great for sampling and picking up gifts.
Vibrant market offering fresh produce, olives, cheeses, and prepared foods along lively streets.
Fresh seafood stalls with quick-grilled options, perfect for a seaside lunch or snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; use polite phrases such as 'Merhaba' (hello) and address people respectfully; in mosques dress modestly and remove shoes.
Respect religious spaces with modest clothing; avoid loud behavior in sacred sites and during calls to prayer.
Safety
Tipping in Istanbul
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service charge isn’t included; cash tips are common and welcomed.
Cash in Turkish Lira and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming parks (Gülhane, Emirgan), and comfortable walking conditions; great for outdoor photography and market visits.
Hot and humid; plan early morning or late evening activities and use ferries to cool off on the water.
Cool, with turning leaves; ideal for strolling along the Bosphorus and in historic districts.
Cool to cold with rain possible; snowfall is rare in the city center but hills and higher viewpoints may get a dusting.
Istanbul at Night
Hiking in Istanbul
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with shaded routes, reservoirs, and easy-to-moderate hikes just north of the city.
A green escape on the Asian side with gentle trails and countryside scenery.
Rugged Black Sea coastline north of Istanbul with scenic day hikes and lighthouse views.
Airports
How to reach Istanbul by plane.
Major international hub located north of the city; connected to central districts by metro, Havaist buses, and road routes.
On the Asian side in Pendik; serves domestic and international flights; accessible by bus, taxi, or private transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A cosmopolitan city with a Turkish majority and significant Armenian, Greek, Jewish, Levantine, and Balkan influences, plus a growing expatriate and student presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the dominant sport with intense local rivalries and passionate fans; major clubs include Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Istanbul.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Meze platters, zeytinyağlılar (olive-oil vegetable dishes), lentil soups, stuffed peppers, eggplant dishes, and mushroom dishes provide solid vegetarian options; ask kitchen staff to avoid meat broths.