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Things to Do in Istanbul
East meets West in this bustling city. Explore icons like Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, or see them all on a walking tour. A scenic cruise on the Bosphorus is also a must. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Istanbul.
Rail Toursfromper group (up to 8)€189
Private and Luxuryfromper adult€128- fromper adult€30
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper group (up to 6)€123- fromper adult€105
- fromper adult€68
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adult€10- fromper adult (price varies by group size)€700
- fromper adult€90
Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)€166
Historic Sites
Subterranean reservoir lauded for its historical columns and serene ambiance, highlighted by the enigmatic Medusa head sculptures and ancient water engineering.
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Historic Sites
History Museums
Historic palace complex with opulent courtyards, intricate tile work, and grand pavilions. Houses Islamic relics and offers insights into Ottoman sultans' lives, with a notable Harem section.
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Religious Sites
Neighbourhoods
Historic Sultanahmet district brims with walkable landmarks from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia, vibrant bazaars, terrace dining, and local hotels.
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Religious Sites
Bodies of Water
Scenic boat trips along a historic strait, showcasing a blend of cultural landmarks and impressive residential architecture from two continents. Sunset cruises recommended for photography.
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Architectural Buildings
Flea & Street Markets
Historical covered market with a labyrinth of shops selling diverse goods from textiles to spices, known for vibrant ambiance and cultural insights.
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Historic Sites
Panoramic views from a historic tower in the Taksim area with a wrap-around balcony and cultural exhibits. Nearby shops and a condensed city history enhance the visit.
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Historic Sites
Historic district with ancient mosques and palaces, vibrant markets, and cultural heritage, set against a backdrop of charming neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic pedestrian street connecting Taksim Square to Galata Tower, lined with an eclectic mix of shops and dining amidst impressive architecture and a nostalgic tram ride.
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Other Top Attractions around Istanbul
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What travellers are saying
- kmarkoSkofja Loka, Slovenia700 contributionsImpressive, huge, well restaurated and cleaned, probably best preserved roman cistern of 100 or so under Istanbul. Did not realy like the kitchy lightshow, or artistic add-ons, but it did not disturb much my imagination of the original masterpiece.
Usually such a long queue that we passed, but today in the evening we entered in few minutes. And they even recognised our ICOM cards whic reduced the price from 1300 down to 300 liras ;)Written 22 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AllanJGJWellington, New Zealand4,407 contributionsObviously it's pretty compulsory to visit the great Haghia Sophia when in Istanbul. However since it was returned to being a mosque in 2020 non-muslims cannot get onto the floor of the mosque so it is impossible to get a feel for the majesty and mystical feel of the building. The wander around the second floor is interesting enough to merit a visit, including a small number of frescoes but a visit pre-2020 would surely have been far more impressive. I must say as a frustrated historian I always look at these sites in terms of what happened there and what people did there. Thinking like this I am a little saddened as all I can see is the Sultan Mehmed II 'the Conqueror' striding into the great church at the end of May 1453 amidst all the death and destruction and declaring it a mosque and thus ending the 1400 years of the roman empire. One of the most decisive moments in all European history.Written 18 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AllanJGJWellington, New Zealand4,407 contributionsNot so much a palace as a centre of government. This massive site has a series of interesting exhibits including the treasury, a series of rooms on the kitchens, and a relic museum (lots of hairs of the prophet's beard and part of the skull of St John the Baptist for your delectation). But perhaps the most interesting area is the harem and the rooms where the Sultan lived. It costs extra but is definitely worth it. Most visitors will attempt to envisage what it must have been like to live in this complex; very controlled, constrained, and near lightless, it couldn't have been all that pleasant and you can well imagine the layout must have encouraged gossip and conspiracy.
I had paid for an e-pass which included entry plus a very good one-hour long walking overview of the whole site. Throw in a couple of hours wandering on my own and it was a three hour visit. Definitely a must if you're playing tourist in Istanbul.Written 20 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JohnKMiamiLakesMiami Lakes, FL339 contributionsBeautiful inside and outside. You space inside is limited for obvious prayer reasons. Head covering required for women. Shoes off - I carried a plastic bag for them, but I don'tthink you will have an issue with leaving them in the spaces provided.Written 6 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Abovetheclouds2,534 contributionsThis is a must for any visitor to Istanbul. The history. Most of the historical attractions are located here, from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Museum to name a few. You also have the Grand Bazaar nearby as well. Easy to walk and navigate. Ignore the ticket touts trying to sell you cheap tours and either do it yourself or hire a guide prior to going. You need more than a day. I have been to Istanbul a few times. Best is to split the days, do a part on one day and the rest on another or it will become too much. Wear good flat shoes as most of the paving is cobbled and uneven. Sultanahmet Square is a lovely park lying between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with a large fountain in the middle that usually operates in the summer. I love sitting here each time I go back. Atmospheric. There are loads of restaurants nearby if you fancy a drink or a bite to eat whilst sightseeing. I would probably say not to stay in the area. Whilst it is busy during the day, pretty much dead at night.Written 3 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gizmo1690Greater London, UK159 contributionsMosque is stunning. Ali Baba restaurant is very good and very reasonably priced.
Avoid the gift shop next to Ali Baba restaurant it’s called Tarihi Sulemaniye Lokumcusu. The man here forced tea on us (we tried to get away) and then seriously overcharged us for herbal teas and Turkish delight. Very disappointed as our holiday was going very well. My advice don’t take the tea and don’t buy from this shop. Very expensive lessonWritten 10 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Abovetheclouds2,534 contributionsBeautiful. Tranquil with views to die for. Love taking a walk along the shores of the Bosphorus each time I am back in Istanbul.Written 2 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cronick ASan Francisco, CA5 contributionsMy visit to Dolmabahçe Palace was absolutely unforgettable! The palace is breathtaking, showcasing a perfect blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles. From the grand chandeliers to the intricate gold details, every corner exudes luxury and historical richness. I highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting Istanbul.Written 21 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tarzan2613Oakland, CA188 contributionsWas here 20+ years ago and it seemed like a rabbit warren of shops selling a wide variety of things—carpets, antiques, calligraphy, fabrics, etc. now it’s full of evil eye trinkets, pashmina shops, lamp stores, gold and jewelry everywhere. There is still the “old bazaar” section which is how the entire place used to be. We still had fun shopping and got some nice things but the setting wasn’t as exotic as before. Still worth doing, just know that a lot of the stuff was probably made in ChinaWritten 16 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Abovetheclouds2,534 contributionsI come to Istanbul often. Admire the Galata Tower from afar along the Galata Bridge and then walk up to the tower. Wear flat shoes as a lot of the walk is uphill on cobbled uneven flooring. Steep in some parts. The tower is always busy. Not as tall as I thought the first time I went. Lovely to get a coffee or a bite nearby and enjoy the views and atmosphere. Lines to go up are always long. It is very crowded and cramped. Views are nice but so difficult to appreciate with all the people and then getting knocked constantly. Worth doing once.Written 2 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vogelharaldCharleston, SC5 contributionsI recently had the pleasure of exploring the Historic Areas of Istanbul, and it was an unforgettable experience. The rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture made every moment worthwhile. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, each landmark left me in awe. The well-preserved sites and the stories behind them made this tour an absolute must for anyone visiting Istanbul.Written 11 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AliTürkiye7 contributionsI had a great time visiting Istiklal Caddesi in Istanbul with my friends. The lively atmosphere, rich history, and diverse shops made it an unforgettable experience. We enjoyed exploring the bustling streets, savoring delicious street food, and immersing ourselves in the cultural vibe. The blend of traditional and modern elements created a unique charm that kept us engaged throughout the day. The tram ride was a highlight, adding a nostalgic touch to our trip. Istiklal Caddesi truly captures the essence of Istanbul, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.Written 13 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January6 ºCColdest month8 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
- February6 ºC7 days of rainLess busy
- March8 ºC7 days of rainModerately busy
- April12 ºC6 days of rainModerately busy
- May17 ºC5 days of rainVery busy
- June22 ºC4 days of rainVery busy
- July24 ºC2 days of rainVery busy
- August25 ºCHottest month3 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- September21 ºC4 days of rainModerately busy
- October17 ºC7 days of rainModerately busy
- November12 ºC8 days of rainLess busy
- December8 ºC10 days of rainWettest monthLess busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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