16 must-do activities in Istanbul

Once the capital of two great empires, Istanbul is a city rich in history and a bustling modern hub, offering countless layers to explore throughout your lifetime.

Whether you’re eager to dive into Ottoman heritage, savor Turkish cuisine, discover contemporary culture, or simply soak up the vibrant street life while admiring the shimmering Bosphorus, this city caters to every type of traveler.

Here are the top experiences in Istanbul that reveal the city’s diverse narratives and facets.

Discover the opulence of Topkapı Palace

Uncover the mysteries of the harem during your visit to the lavish Ottoman Topkapı Palace complex, perched on the promontory of Istanbul's Old City. From 1465 to 1830, a succession of powerful and often infamous sultans lived here with their concubines and courtiers, leaving behind extravagant artifacts of their conquests, intrigues, and excesses. Must-see attractions include the expansive Harem, the impressive Imperial Council Chamber, the treasure-filled Imperial Treasury, and the charming Marble Terrace.

Adjacent to the palace, Gülhane Park was formerly part of the palace grounds and is now a stunning public park, adorned with towering plane trees that serve as nesting spots for a colony of gray herons. The Alay Köşkü (Parade Kiosk), located near the park's southern entrance, overlooks the street and was where the sultan would review his troops during processions.

Planning tip: With its four courtyards and numerous museums, fully exploring Topkapı Palace requires time. Aim to arrive early and set aside at least half a day to avoid feeling rushed through the experience.

Admire the Hagia Sophia

History comes alive at the stunning Byzantine basilica known as Hagia Sophia. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, its impressive dome, expansive nave, and shimmering gold mosaics have earned it a place among the world’s most breathtaking structures. Its rich history as a church, mosque, and museum positions it as Istanbul's most profound time capsule. Plundered by the Crusaders in the 13th century and overtaken by Ottoman forces in 1453, it transformed into a museum in 1935 and remains one of Türkiye's most valued treasures.

Following its reopening as the Ayasofya Mosque in summer 2020 and the recent opening of its upper gallery in January 2024, Hagia Sophia now functions in two distinct halves. The ground level is dedicated to worshippers for the five daily Islamic prayers, with carpets covering much of the ancient marble floor and many mosaics obscured by retractable screens. Non-Muslim visitors can now access only the upper gallery, which provides a view of the prayer area and houses most of the building’s Christian mosaics, an ancient bronze door, and Viking-era graffiti. Despite these changes, the historic magnificence of Hagia Sophia remains awe-inspiring.

Get lost in Istanbul's Bazaar District

The vibrant and bustling Grand Bazaar is the most famous shopping spot on Istanbul's historic peninsula, but it’s far from the only one. After meandering through its winding alleys and hidden caravanserais, follow the flow of local shoppers down to the lively Tahtakale shopping area, which centers around the fragrant Spice Bazaar. From there, make your way back up to the Blue Mosque and its nearby arasta (an Ottoman-style arcade often featuring specialists in a particular trade), where you might discover a unique keepsake from your journey.

Experience Istanbul’s ferries

Stepping onto one of the city’s iconic ferries is a must-do Istanbul adventure. The commuter ferry ride between Asia and Europe is unforgettable, but the Bosphorus tourist ferries that glide from Eminönü toward the Black Sea are even more spectacular, offering stunning views of palaces, parks, and elegant wooden mansions lining both shores.

Whether you choose a long or short cruise, each journey promises to be unforgettable. For a true escape, take a ferry from the Kabataş or Kadıköy docks to the Princes’ Islands, a beloved retreat for generations of Istanbul residents.

Travel tip: Try to avoid visiting the Princes’ Islands or taking the Bosphorus cruise during summer weekends or holidays, as the ferries can become quite overcrowded.

Explore the rich history at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Transformed from a neglected maze of hidden rooms, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums now showcase their incredible collection of artifacts in a more engaging way. The main neoclassical building, the Archaeology Museum, boasts a breathtaking assortment of marble statues and sarcophagi from the classical era, unearthed from ancient cities across Türkiye, while the stunning Tiled Pavilion displays beautifully adorned Anatolian, Ottoman, and Seljuk ceramics. The final section, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, is still undergoing renovations.

Travel tip: The café in the museum's garden area is a lovely spot to relax amid ancient column remnants.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul

Despite some challenges, Istanbul’s nightlife is as vibrant as ever. For an authentic night out, visit one of the meyhanes in the Beyoğlu district, tavern-style eateries serving meze and fish, where you can enjoy sing-alongs to classic tunes with each round of rakı, an anise-flavored drink.

The pubs in Beşiktaş Çarşı and central Kadıköy buzz with lively crowds of young beer enthusiasts, while the trendier crowd enjoys cocktails along the Bosphorus in the bars and cafes of Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Yeniköy. To complete your Istanbul experience, join the late-night crowd for some street food.

Discover the world of Turkish contemporary art

With prominent cultural landmarks like Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum, SALT Beyoğlu, and Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat, the Beyoğlu district has established itself as a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts. Art galleries and museums can be found along İstiklal Caddesi and in the neighboring areas of Karaköy, Tophane, and Dolapdere.

In the upscale Nişantaşı neighborhood, you'll find established commercial galleries nestled among trendy boutiques, while the up-and-coming Kadıköy boasts its own thriving independent art scene. The Eyüp district is home to the Artistanbul Feshane cultural center, which opened in summer 2023 in a former fez factory and features large-scale exhibitions along the Golden Horn.

Indulge in the warmth of a traditional bathhouse

There's not many chances in life to roam semi-naked through a 16th-century Ottoman marvel. Istanbul’s renowned hamams provide that unique experience, allowing you to soak in history, architecture, warm waters, and rich suds all at once.

A visit to a hamam is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the city, offering a captivating look into Ottoman traditions. You can enjoy the steam at baths on both sides of the Galata Bridge; highlights include the stunning and luxurious Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Tophane, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam in Fatih, and Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı in Sultanahmet.

Side Note: Be sure to explore the museum at the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, where you can gain a deeper understanding of Ottoman bathing traditions, along with a display of exquisite bathing items and some original turquoise tiles from the building.

Hang out with the trendsetters in Kadıköy

Taking a ferry ride across the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul's true delights, and the vibrant neighborhood of Kadıköy has emerged as a popular spot, filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops that attract a youthful crowd. Check out the lively produce market, seek out street art in the winding alleys, visit the museum-home of legendary Turkish rock artist Barış Manço, or enjoy a walk along the waterfront with ice cream from Meshur Dondurmacı Ali Usta. The sunset views from the parks along the shoreline are some of the best in the city.

Admire the mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Church

This exquisite Byzantine church near the city walls is renowned for its breathtaking 14th-century mosaics and frescoes that richly adorn its compact interior. Similar to the Hagia Sophia, the church was ordered to be transformed back into a mosque in 2020, but it reopened as the Kariye Mosque in May 2024, with its Christian artworks meticulously restored. Aside from a small Muslim prayer area, it remains fully open to visitors.

Side Note: Take a leisurely walk along the impressive 5th-century city walls to the 13th-century Byzantine Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, now accessible to the public as the Tekfur Sarayı Museum.

Savor the culinary delights of Istanbul

For Istanbullus, food is a deep-rooted passion, transcending mere sustenance to become a vibrant celebration of community. Meals are characterized by a sense of festivity—they are lively, exuberant, and nearly always enjoyed together.

The national cuisine has been honed over centuries, revered more than any museum collection in the country. However, it’s not pretentious; what sets Turkish food apart is its rustic and genuine foundation. The small meze dishes are straightforward, the kebabs simple, the salads informal, and the seafood unadorned. Expect explosive flavors as seasonal ingredients take center stage.

Be sure to indulge in a full serpme kahvaltı—a delightful breakfast spread filled with savory and sweet morsels—or enjoy a meze dinner, both designed for sharing and fostering togetherness.

Take in the stunning architecture of Süleymaniye Mosque

Commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Süleyman I, also known as “the Magnificent,” the 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque boasts a majestic location atop one of the city's seven hills. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy one of Istanbul's most breathtaking views, overlooking the domes and rooftops that meet at the Bosphorus and Golden Horn waterways.

Renowned for its graceful symmetry and soaring interior, this mosque is regarded as one of the masterpieces of the illustrious architect Mimar Sinan. The surrounding complex is tranquil and welcoming, featuring tall trees, a lush lawn, and a cemetery adorned with roses. In early 2024, the complex’s Row Shops, which house numerous artisans' workshops, were transformed into vibrant showcases for local artists and craftspeople.

Explore the depths of the Basilica Cistern

When the Byzantine emperors embarked on a construction project, they spared no expense. The remarkable underground Basilica Cistern, situated across from Hagia Sophia, is filled with an enchanting grove of columns (336 in total), vaulted brick ceilings, enigmatic Medusa-head capitals, and schools of carp gliding silently. This marvel showcases the ambitious urban planning and engineering prowess of the Byzantines, featuring in numerous films (notably From Russia with Love?) and now stands as one of the city’s most beloved attractions.

Planning tip: Buy your entry tickets to the cistern online in advance to skip the often lengthy queue for entry.

Get mesmerized by the tiles at the Blue Mosque

Formally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named after the early 17th-century Ottoman sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque derives its popular nickname from the stunning İznik tiles that embellish its interior. With a vast courtyard, an impressive prayer hall, and six minarets (a groundbreaking feature at the time of its construction), this mosque is designed to dazzle and compete with the Hagia Sophia, which stands directly across a beautifully landscaped square.

Detour: Tucked away in the backstreets of Tahtakale near the Spice Bazaar, the small Rüstem Paşa Mosque boasts even more stunning tile work and offers a much quieter atmosphere.

Admire the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace

Weighing nearly 4,536 kg (10,000 lb), the crystal chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall of Dolmabahçe Palace exemplifies the extravagance of this royal residence, built in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdül Mecit I. It showcases a stunning blend of styles and materials, featuring gilded ceilings, marble floors, crystal railings, and bearskin rugs. The views of the Bosphorus are as breathtaking as the lavish decor.

Detour: The Palace Collections Museum, located about a 10-minute walk away, provides insight into the royal court's life through its displays of ceremonial and everyday items used in Istanbul’s palaces.

Let your feet lead the way

Istanbul boasts an array of magnificent sights that could keep visitors occupied for months, but it’s also rewarding to wander through its diverse neighborhoods. While the city is extensive, its central districts are walkable and invite exploration, revealing vibrant street life and unique identities.

Stroll through the charmingly worn streets of Fener and Balat, often visited by film crews and Instagram influencers; enjoy a cup of black tea at the Pierre Loti Café, which overlooks the lush cemeteries and sacred tombs of Eyüp; or observe fishermen casting their lines in the Bosphorus village of Arnavutköy.