Things To Do

Sultanahmet Square

This is it! The old Istanbul that used to be Constantinople. There is so much history packed into this place. From Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire: it is recommended to spend a whole day here. Once you get here it is very walkable and you will hit a great amount of famous historical landmarks. A local tip: While you are here, make sure to stop by one of the restaurants and try “Sultanahmet Koftesi.’” A famous meatball dish that is loved by many locals and tourists.

Hagia Sophia (Built 6th century CE (532–537)

Dating back to early 500s, the Hagia Sophia is a building that has held many identities. It was the principal church of the Byzantine Empire in its capital, Constantinople (later Istanbul), and a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camisi, built 1609)

Right across from Hagia Sophia, you will see the infamous Blue Mosque. It was designed as an imperial show of strength to complement the imposing Hagia Sophia Mosque, which faces it across Sultanahmet Square. Unlike the Hagia Sophia. It is called the Blue Mosque because of over 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles that decorate the interior, featuring many different tulips, roses, carnations, and lily designs, well-lit by 260 windows. Although it is one of Istanbul's most popular sights, just like Hagia Sophia, it is still a working mosque and is therefore closed to tourists during prayer time. In general, the opening hours of the mosques are from 9 am until one hour before dusk each day, excluding 90 minutes each prayer time.

Topkapi Palace

Right around the corner from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque is the Topkapi Palace Museum. Topkapi Palace was the home to sultans of the Ottoman Empire and was the center of Istanbul. Construction on Topkapi Palace began in 1453, when the Ottomans took Constantinople, and was the primary seat of imperial power for nearly four hundred years. The palace is now a museum and a great spot to learn all about Ottoman history. The Harem requires an additional ticket, but it's worth it, with its magnificent blue-tiled walls and chambers.

Basilica Cistern

Known locally as Yerebatan Sarayi (meaning Sunken Palace) or Yerebatan Sarnici (Sunken Cistern), this underground water cistern was the major water reservoir of Constantinople.

The Grand Bazaar

Enter a time-honored realm of commerce and culture at the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling maze of covered streets that has enchanted visitors for centuries. Dating back to the 15th century, this historic market stands as one of the oldest and largest in the world, embodying Istanbul's rich tapestry of trade and tradition.

The Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar, nestled within the heart of Istanbul's historic Eminönü district was originally built in the 17th century as part of the New Mosque complex, this vibrant market has long been a focal point of the city's culinary heritage. Here, the merchants proudly display their colorful arrays of spices, teas, dried fruits, and Turkish delights, evoking a kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas from across the globe. As you explore this fragrant paradise, you'll discover the centuries-old traditions of spice trading that have shaped Istanbul's identity, leaving an indelible mark on its culture and cuisine.

Beyoglu, Taksim Neighborhood

Enjoy the cobbled streets of Old Town Beyoglu and journey through Istanbul's vibrant history, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. Spanning the iconic neighborhoods of Karaköy, Galata, and Taksim Square, this historic district has been a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and creativity for centuries. Wander through its labyrinthine alleys lined with Ottoman-era buildings, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical mansions, each bearing witness to the city's eclectic architectural heritage. From the iconic Galata Tower to the bustling Istiklal Avenue, every corner of Old Town Beyoglu exudes an air of timeless charm and cosmopolitan flair, inviting you to explore its hidden gems and uncover the untold stories that have shaped Istanbul's cultural mosaic.

Istiklal Street

Once called the Grand Rue de Pera but renamed İstiklal (Independence) in the early years of the Republic, Beyoğlu's premier boulevard is a perfect metaphor for 21st-century Turkey, being an exciting mix of modernity and tradition. Contemporary boutiques and cutting-edge cultural centres are housed in its grand 19th-century buildings, and an antique tram traverses its length alongside crowds of pedestrians making their way to the bustling cafes, bistros and bars for which Beyoğlu is known. At the boulevard's northern end is frantically busy Taksim Meydanı, the symbolic heart of the modern city and the scene of protests in recent years. Another square, Galatasaray Meydanı, is at the boulevard's midpoint, close to Beyoğlu's much-loved Fish Market and Çiçek Pasajı. At its southern end is Tünel Meydanı and the relatively tranquil district of Galata, home to atmospheric lanes and traces of a fortified settlement built by Genoese merchants in the 13th century.

Galata Tower

Rise above the cityscape and touch the sky at the Galata Tower, an enduring symbol of Istanbul's skyline and storied past. Standing proudly on the Galata hill since the 14th century, this majestic stone tower has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires, serving as a watchful sentinel over the bustling Golden Horn. Ascend its spiraling staircase to behold breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul's historic peninsula, the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus, and the distant shores of Asia. From its lofty vantage point, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the city's architectural splendor and vibrant tapestry of cultures, while tracing the footsteps of sultans, conquerors, and dreamers who have been captivated by Istanbul's timeless allure.

Must Try: Hamam / Turkish Bath

Experience the ancient art of relaxation at a Turkish hamam, where centuries of tradition meet modern wellness. Originating from Roman bathing rituals and perfected by the Ottomans, the hamam offers a serene sanctuary for cleansing and rejuvenation. Step into the marble-clad chambers enveloped in the gentle warmth of steam and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Skilled attendants guide you through a ritual of exfoliation, steam, and massage, leaving you refreshed and revitalized. From its origins in ancient times to its enduring appeal today, the Turkish hamam remains a timeless haven for body and soul.

Must Try: Turkish Breakfast

Must Try: Bosphorus Tour

Throughout the tour, you'll be treated to panoramic views of architectural marvels such as the historic Topkapi Palace, the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace, and the iconic Maiden's Tower, each steeped in centuries of history and heritage. From ancient Byzantine fortifications to modern-day waterfront mansions, every turn of the Bosphorus reveals a new chapter in Istanbul's storied past.