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Istanbul, Turkey

Destination Guide

Istanbul

Turkey

Best things to do in Istanbul

39 curated attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Istanbul

Istanbul is the city where Europe meets Asia, straddling the Bosphorus Strait and offering a mix of cultures that has evolved over centuries. The Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum, embodies this blend of histories, while the Grand Bazaar showcases the chaos of commerce that has flourished here since the Ottoman Empire. The city's architecture ranges from the intricate tile work of the Blue Mosque to the opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace, reflecting its diverse past. With a population of over 15 million, the streets are a tapestry of locals and tourists alike, all navigating the lively markets and historical sites. People primarily come for the rich history and to explore its famed culinary scene, from street food to fine dining, which is almost as complicated as the city's layout.

Who it's for

Culture lovers and food enthusiasts will feel right at home in Istanbul, where every corner has a story to tell. Those hoping for a serene escape will be disappointed by the crowds and the sometimes chaotic transport system. If you prefer quiet seaside cafés without an audience, this may not be your ideal spot.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The historic areas are mostly walkable, but plan on some heavy foot traffic
  • Public transport is reliable with trams, buses, and ferries crisscrossing the city
  • Taksim Square to Sultanahmet takes about thirty minutes by tram, but don’t expect a direct route
  • The ferry ride across the Bosphorus gives a nice view but can be crowded
Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Art museums & galleries
Ortaköy

Ortaköy

Urban Attractions
Balat

Balat

Streets & neighbourhoods
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Local & craft markets
Princes’ Islands

Princes’ Islands

Islands
Kuzguncuk

Kuzguncuk

Urban Attractions
Kadıköy

Kadıköy

Urban Attractions
Turkish Bathhouse

Turkish Bathhouse

Spas & bathhouses
Fener & Balat Districts

Fener & Balat Districts

Streets & neighbourhoods
Taksim Square

Taksim Square

Cultural
Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque

Mosques
Çamlıca Mosque

Çamlıca Mosque

Religious Sites
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Churches & cathedrals
Bosphorus

Bosphorus

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Sultan Süleyman Hamam

Sultan Süleyman Hamam

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Eyüp Sultan Mosque

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

Mosques
Ortaköy Mosque

Ortaköy Mosque

Mosques
Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park

City parks
Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace

Castles & palaces
The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque

Mosques
Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace

Castles & palaces
Ottoman Hamam Museum

Ottoman Hamam Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Yeni Cami

Yeni Cami

Religious Sites
Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

Squares & plazas
Maiden Tower

Maiden Tower

Historical Attractions
Miniatürk

Miniatürk

Specialty & quirky museums
Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge

Bridges
Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Art museums & galleries
Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

Observation decks & city views
Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace Museum

Castles & palaces
Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

History museums
Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress

Forts & citadels
Kamondo Stairs

Kamondo Stairs

Architecture
Eminönü Port

Eminönü Port

Shopping and Markets
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)

Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)

Churches & cathedrals
The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar

Shopping streets & districts
Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill

Scenic viewpoints

Where to eat in Istanbul

The places worth planning a meal around.

Hafız Mustafa 1864

Hafız Mustafa 1864

Turkish

★ 4.7 · 48,851 reviews

Mimar Sinan Rooftop

Mimar Sinan Rooftop

Modern Turkish · $$

★ 4.8 · 16,613 reviews

Viyana Kahvesi

Viyana Kahvesi

Turkish, Viennese · $10–$30

★ 4.0 · 8,673 reviews

Olden 1722

Olden 1722

Turkish · $$

★ 4.5 · 8,125 reviews

Ararat Terrace Rooftop

Ararat Terrace Rooftop

Armenian · $$

★ 4.8 · 5,640 reviews

Grace Rooftop Restaurant

Grace Rooftop Restaurant

Mediterranean, Turkish · $30–$60

★ 4.7 · 5,575 reviews

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