Things To Do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii)
Hagia Sophia officially known as the the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a mosque and former church serving as a major cultural and historical site in Fatih/Istanbul. The last of three church buildings to be successively erected on the site by the Eastern Roman Empire, it was completed in AD 537, becoming the world's largest interior space and among the first to employ a fully pendentive dome. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture". From its dedication in 360 until 1453 Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral of Constantinople in the Byzantine liturgical tradition, except for the period 1204‑1261 when the Latin Crusaders installed their own hierarchy. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, it served as a mosque, having its minarets added shortly later. The site became a museum in 1935, and was redesignated as a mosque in 2020.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
Blue Mosque is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Fatih/Istanbul. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today. It is one of the most iconic and popular monuments of Ottoman architecture. The mosque has a classical Ottoman layout fronted by a large courtyard and flanked by six minarets. Inside, it is decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles and painted floral motifs in predominantly blue colours, which give the mosque its popular name. The mosque was built next to the former Hippodrome and stands across from the Hagia Sophia.
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
The Grand Bazaar (Turkish: Kapalıçarşı, meaning ‘Covered Market’) in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world’s most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors. The Grand Bazaar at Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world. While it is a great spot with its cultural ambiance, we recommend being cautious while shopping, as it’s a very touristy area and many items tend to be overpriced. While you’re there, we also suggest stopping by Dönerci Şahin Usta for what many locals consider the best döner kebab in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı, "Subterranean Cistern"), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. The cistern, located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Today it is kept with little water, for public access inside the space.
Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)
The Süleymaniye Mosque (Turkish: Süleymaniye Camii) is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul. The mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566) and designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan. The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul and from its location on the Third Hill it commands an extensive view of the city around the Golden Horn. It is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and one of Mimar Sinan's greatest works. It is the largest Ottoman-era mosque in the city.
Topkapı Palace
The Topkapı Palace ('Cannon Gate Palace'), or the Seraglio, is a large museum and library in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul. From the 1460s to the completion of Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856, it served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, and was the main residence of its sultans. Construction, ordered by the Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, began in 1459, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan's family lived in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand Vizier, held meetings in the Imperial Council building.
Rosehouse Park (Gülhane Parkı)
Gülhane Park (Turkish: Gülhane Parkı, "Rosehouse Park") is a historical urban park in the Fatih district of Istanbul; it is adjacent to and on the grounds of the Topkapı Palace. The south entrance of the park sports one of the larger gates of the palace. It is the oldest and one of the most expansive public parks in Istanbul.
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
The Galata Tower (Turkish: Galata Kulesi), officially the Galata Tower Museum, is a medieval Genoese tower in the Galata part of the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. Built as a watchtower at the highest point of the mostly demolished Walls of Galata, the tower is now an exhibition space and museum, and a symbol of Beyoğlu and Istanbul. It was from its roof that, in 1638, Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi supposedly strapped on wings and made the first intercontinental flight, landing in the Doğancılar Meydanı in Üsküdar on the Asian side of the city, a story of doubtful authenticity recounted by the Ottoman travel writer, Evliya Çelebi.
Taksim Square & İstiklal Avenue
Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı), situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. The square is flanked to the south by The Marmara Hotel, to the east by the Atatürk Cultural Centre, to the north by Gezi Park and to the west by Taksim Mosque. Several major roads converge on the square: Gümüşsuyu Caddesi, Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Tarlabaşı Bulvarı, İstiklal Caddesi and Sıraselviler Caddesi. İstiklal Avenue is a pedestrian street in Beyoğlu that takes its name after the declaration of the Republic on 29 October 1923. The street starts at the northern end of Galata and runs as far as Taksim Square. İstiklal Street hosts variety of Ottoman era buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ortaköy
Ortaköy Mosque in Beşiktaş/Istanbul is a mosque situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. It was commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid I, and its construction was completed around 1854 or 1856. Ortaköy is a neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Beşiktaş. Its population is 9,121 (2024).[2] It is on the European shore of the Bosphorus. it was originally a small fishing village, known in Greek as Agios Fokas. During the Ottoman era and into the first decades of the Turkish Republic, Ortaköy was a cosmopolitan place with communities of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Today although the neighbourhood still retains a Jewish synagogue and Greek Orthodox church, it is almost entirely Turkish and Muslim. While you are there, we recommend you try the infamous street food “Kumpir”.
Kadıköy
Kadıköy is a municipality and district on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is a large and populous area and it partially faces the historic city centre of Fatih on the European side of the Bosporus. Kadıköy is a residential and commercial area that, with its numerous bars, cinemas and bookshops, is the liberal cultural centre of the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Kadıköy contains the Bağdat Avenue, which is one of the most significant shopping streets in Turkey and it spans through the entirety of the district. Some main transportation routes connecting various districts of Istanbul pass through Kadıköy.
Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi)
The Maiden's Tower (Turkish: Kız Kulesi), also known as Leander's Tower (Tower of Leandros) since the Byzantine period, is a tower on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait, 200 m (220 yd) from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey.
Princes’ Islands (Adalar)
The Princes' Islands is an archipelago off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey, in the Sea of Marmara. The islands constitute the municipality and district of Adalar within Istanbul Province. With a total land area of 11 km2 (4.2 sq mi), it is the fifth smallest district in Istanbul, and with a permanent population of 16,690 (2022), it is by far the least populous district in Istanbul. Adalar District is made up of the main 4 Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada islands and the other smaller islands. To reach the Princes Islands from Istanbul, the primary transportation method is by ferry. Ferries depart regularly from multiple piers on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. You can travel to the islands from Beşiktaş, Eminönü, or Kabataş on the European side, and from Kadıköy or Bostancı on the Asian side.
Cihangir & Antiques Street
Cihangir is an affluent neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Beyoğlu. It is located between Taksim Square and Kabataş. It has many narrow streets, parks, and many street cafes especially in and around Akarsu Yokuşu Sokağı. The neighborhood has a bohemian reputation. It is known for its artists, writers, actors, and expatriates. Moreover, Cihangir hosts many antique stores and boutiques.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta (Meatballs)
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is a historic establishment that opened in Sultanahmet in 1920. It is famous for its classic menu consisting of meatballs without spices, irmik (semolina) halva, and bean salad (piyaz). We highly recommend that you check this spot while you are visiting Fatih. Please be careful since there are few different restaurants with the same name. The original one has the most reviews on google!
Dönerci Şahin Usta (Döner Kebab Wraps)
Dönerci Şahin Usta is a popular döner kebab spot located right next to the Grand Bazaar. Known for its delicious grab-and-go wraps, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. If you’re visiting the Grand Bazaar, be sure to stop by for a quick and tasty bite.
Şehzade Cağ Kebap
Şehzade Cağ Kebap is a cherished culinary gem nestled in the historic Sirkeci district of Istanbul, on Hocapaşa Sokak. This intimate eatery specializes in traditional Erzurum-style cağ kebab—succulent, marinated lamb skewers slow‑roasted over wood fire and expertly carved to order.
Çiya Sofrası (Stews, tapas, and kebabs)
Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy is a cozy spot known for serving traditional Turkish home-style food. It’s a great place to try unique dishes like lamb and sour cherry stew, stuffed grape leaves, and various types of mezes (tapas) and stews. If you’re exploring the Asian side, it’s the perfect stop for a tasty and comforting meal.
Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta (Fish Wrap)
Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta is a popular street food spot near Karaköy, known for its delicious grilled fish wraps. The dürüm is simple but full of flavor—fresh fish, onions, herbs, pomegranate molasses, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s quick, tasty, and a great choice if you want to try a classic Istanbul street bite.
Nâzım Hikmet Kültür Merkezi (Cafe and garden space)
Nâzım Hikmet Kültür Merkezi (NHKM) in Kadıköy is a friendly, arts-focused cultural center named after the beloved Turkish poet Nâzım Hikmet. Founded in 1997 and renamed in 2004, it hosts a variety of creative events—think theater performances, film screenings, music nights, and workshops—in its relaxed indoor spaces and leafy outdoor garden. It’s a great stop if you’re exploring Kadıköy and want to catch a local play, enjoy a cup of tea or beer in the garden, or join in on a poetry reading—embracing Istanbul’s vibrant cultural spirit.
Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Famous Baklava)
Karaköy Güllüoğlu is one of the oldest and most popular baklava shop in Istanbul, serving sweet lovers since 1949. It’s a classic baklava café where you can enjoy freshly made, buttery baklava with pistachios or walnuts, alongside a glass of tea and traditional ice cream. We highly recommend you check this place out and try fresh pistachio baklava served with Turkish milk ice cream and tea. You can also get various types of baklava to go since they make the perfect gifts!
Giritli Restaurant (Greek food, sea food, and wine)
Giritli Restoran in Fatih is a charming spot known for its Aegean and Cretan-inspired seafood and meze. Set in a beautiful old stone house near Sultanahmet, it’s a great place to enjoy fresh flavors with a glass of wine. Don’t miss the sardines wrapped in vine leaves (asma yaprağında sardalya), the Greek-style fried zucchini with tzatziki, and the marinated sea bass (levrek marine)—all local favorites that perfectly capture the spirit of the Aegean coast.
Kumpir (Potato Snack)
Kumpir is a must-try street food experience in Istanbul, especially popular in the charming Ortaköy neighborhood. Kumpir is a large baked potato is split open and mashed with butter and cheese, creating a creamy base ready to be loaded with a variety of toppings. The selection includes options like sweet corn, olives, pickled vegetables, sausage, mushrooms, and more. You can customize your kumpir to your liking. Make sure to try Kumpir when you are visiting Ortaköy Camii. In the street, there are many small shops that sell Kumpir and they often call people to buy Kumpir from them. Make sure that you are choosing a good place. With the toppings, Kumpir is a very big snack so make sure to order accordingly if you have dinner plans elsewhere.
Ethem Efendi Kahvaltı (Traditional Turkish Breakfast)
Ethem Efendi Kahvaltı in Kadıköy, is a relaxed and inviting breakfast house known for its generous, all-you-can-eat Turkish breakfast served in a charming historic mansion with indoor, garden, and terrace seating . Guests rave about the endless fresh bread and tea refills, homemade jams, various cheeses, menemen, gözleme, and more—all beautifully presented in a leisurely brunch buffet. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend breakfast with friends or family on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Sa Va Anatolian Breakfast House (Traditional Turkish Breakfast)
Sa Va Anatolian Breakfast House is a warm and welcoming spot in Cihangir that brings the best of Anatolian breakfasts with fresh, organic ingredients. Known for its generous serpme kahvaltı (Turkish breakfast spread), it features endless tea and bread refills, homemade jams, gözleme, menemen, and more . With friendly service and a cozy vibe, it’s the perfect place to start your day or enjoy a leisurely brunch on the European side.
Inci Patisserie (Famous profiteroles)
İnci Pastanesi in Beyoğlu is a legendary pastry shop, best known for its famous profiteroles—soft choux pastry filled with cream and topped with rich chocolate sauce. Open since 1944, it’s a true Istanbul classic where locals and tourists line up just for a taste of this iconic dessert. If you’re in the area, don’t leave without trying it!
Midye Dolma & Kokoreç (Midyeci Ahmet)
If you’re in the mood for iconic Turkish street food, kokoreç and midye dolma are a must—and you can grab both from Midyeci Ahmet, now found all over Istanbul. Kokoreç is made from seasoned, skewered lamb intestines, grilled to crispy perfection and chopped with herbs and spices, usually served in bread as a spicy sandwich. Midye dolma are mussels stuffed with herbed rice, pine nuts, and spices—served cold with a squeeze of lemon. At Midyeci Ahmet, you’ll also find their famous spicy version, which adds an extra kick and is definitely worth trying.
Tarsus Ocakbaşı (Turkish BBQ)
Tarsus Ocakbaşı in Şişli is a cozy and traditional ocakbaşı (open-fire grill) restaurant where you can sit right by the charcoal grill and watch your meats sizzle to perfection. Known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service, this spot brings the flavors of southern Turkey to Istanbul with dishes like liver kebab, lamb chops, and spicy ezme. Their fresh mezze and cold şalgam (fermented turnip juice) make the perfect pairing for a relaxed evening with friends. It’s a go-to for anyone craving an authentic ocakbaşı experience.
Ravouna 1906 (Rooftop Bar & Cafe)
Ravouna 1906 is a beautifully restored Art Nouveau coffee bar and rooftop lounge located right on lively İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu. Housed in a historic 1906 mansion originally built for an Italian family, it blends elegant antique charm—think wooden mezzanines, vintage cabinets, and chandeliers—with a modern café vibe . Start your day with expertly brewed specialty coffee or cold brew downstairs, then make your way upstairs to enjoy cocktails and snacks with a view in the intimate rooftop bar overlooking the city and Bosphorus.