Istanbul at a glance...

88%

Found this guide helpful

Istanbul is one of the most ancient metropolis with its rich history and wonderful nature, also former capital of many different civilisations, like; Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Byzantium, Agusta Antonina, Dersaadet, Asitane, Constantinople, Konstantiniye are the historical names of this cosmopolitan city.Located on two different continents, Europe and Asia divided by the Bosphorus. Here are few hints to help you to create truly special memories during your visit...

20 Places

11 City Tips

Map

20 Places

Emirgan Park

Parks

Spice Bazaar

Gift & Speciality Shops

Istiklal Street

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Besiktas

Neighbourhoods

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

History Museums

Galata Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

Bebek

Neighbourhoods, Parks

Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums

Blue Mosque

Sacred & Religious Sites

Bosphorus Strait

Bodies of Water

Historic Areas of Istanbul

Historic Sites

Taksim Square

Neighbourhoods

Sultanahmet District

Historic Walking Areas, Neighbourhoods

Basilica Cistern

Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites

Galata Bridge

Bridges

Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites

Topkapi Palace

History Museums

Golden Horn

Historic Walking Areas, Bodies of Water

Dolmabahce Palace

Architectural Buildings

Maiden's Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

▲

Emirgan Park

Parks

▼

▲

Spice Bazaar

Gift & Speciality Shops

▼

▲

Istiklal Street

Points of Interest & Landmarks

▼

▲

Besiktas

Neighbourhoods

▼

▲

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

History Museums

▼

▲

Galata Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

▼

▲

Bebek

Neighbourhoods, Parks

▼

▲

Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums

▼

▲

Blue Mosque

Sacred & Religious Sites

▼

▲

Bosphorus Strait

Bodies of Water

▼

▲

Historic Areas of Istanbul

Historic Sites

▼

▲

Taksim Square

Neighbourhoods

▼

▲

Sultanahmet District

Historic Walking Areas, Neighbourhoods

▼

▲

Basilica Cistern

Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites

▼

▲

Galata Bridge

Bridges

▼

▲

Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites

▼

▲

Topkapi Palace

History Museums

▼

▲

Golden Horn

Historic Walking Areas, Bodies of Water

▼

▲

Dolmabahce Palace

Architectural Buildings

▼

▲

Maiden's Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

▼

sitem2's City Tips

Do not forget to buy a souvenir for your beloved ones
Try Turkish tea and Simit on any street
Purchase an Istanbulkart for public transportation and Museumpass for visiting museums
Try to speak a few Turkish word to experience Turkish hospitality
Spend one day at Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, do not forget bargain before you purchase anything
Spend one day on the Sultanahmet area, visit St. Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
Taste Turkish cuisine and try Turkish Coffee
Enjoy a Turkish Bath
Spend one day on the Bosphorus and visit Princess Islands
Prefer the restaurants where locals eat
Choose a centrally located hotel-to avoid traffic congestion and waste your time on the roads

Save
Emirgan Park
Parks
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Best public park in Istanbul, specially for tulips, overlooking Bosphorus
Good for
- Peace and Quiet Seeker
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
- Nature Lover
Tips
- Convenient for underground, 4. Levent metro station and taxi
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #17 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
688 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Beautiful views! 11/07/2017
- Beautiful and calm 04/07/2017
See all reviews
- Emirgan Park
▼
Address:

Emirgan Korusu Emirgan, Sariyer
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 277 5782
Save
Spice Bazaar
Gift & Speciality Shops
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Egzotic voyage for five senses, taste a wide variety of herbs and Turkish Delight
Good for
- Foodie
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Shopping Fanatic
- Family
Tips
- Try different Turkish Delight first and purchase the one you like
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #7 of 536 Shopping in Istanbul
1301 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- You name it...they have it. 11/07/2017
- Shows why Istanbul is prominent city since ages 06/07/2017
See all reviews
- Spice Bazaar
▼
Address:

Rustem Pasa Mahallesi 34116 Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 537 646 6331

Other:

Website
Save
Istiklal Street
Points of Interest & Landmarks
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
The most vibrant shopping and foodie street in Istanbul
Good for
- Foodie
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Shopping Fanatic
- Family
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
Tips
- Try local restaurants and enjoy Turkish Coffee
- Ideal for shopping
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #34 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
3625 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Colourful shops 13/07/2017
- The most attractive street of İstanbul 12/07/2017
See all reviews
- Istiklal Street
▼
Address:

istiklal street Taksim
Beyoglu
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 532 421 6164

Other:

Website
Save
Besiktas
Neighbourhoods
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Live like a local, visit Fish Market, enjoy a sunny day at a cafe
Good for
- Foodie
- Must See
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Shopping Fanatic
- Nightlife Seeker
Tips
- Try small fish restaurants by the Fish market
- Relax at cafe and try waterpipe
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #80 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
165 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- The place to be ! 17/06/2017
- Very beautiful neighborhood full of Turkish youngsters 03/06/2017
See all reviews
- Besiktas
▼
Save
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
History Museums
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
One of the best museum in Istanbul with a variety of articrafts
Good for
- Must See
- Luxury Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Hidden Gems
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Family
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Purchase a Museumpass
- Combine your visit with Sultanahmet area
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #26 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
3657 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Archaeological Nirvana 12/07/2017
- Extremely impressive collection 10/07/2017
See all reviews
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
▼
Address:

Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu
Sultanahmet
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 520 7740

Other:

Website
Save
Galata Tower
Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Historical tower built by Venetians ideal venue for picture shooting
Good for
- Foodie
- Must See
- Luxury Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Hidden Gems
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
Tips
- Take a panoramic picture of Istanbul form Golden Horn to Bosphorus
- Convenient for underground, Sishane station
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #20 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
6595 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Wonderful view, worth the wait 13/07/2017
- Galata tower 12/07/2017
See all reviews
- Galata Tower
▼
Address:

Buyuk Hendek Cad.
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 293 8180

Other:

Website
Save
Bebek
Neighbourhoods, Parks
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
One of the most awesome port of Bosphorus cruises, heaven for foodies and for entertainment
Good for
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Like a Local
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Nightlife Seeker
Tips
- Enjoy lunch at a cafe
- Try ice cream from Mini
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #90 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
194 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Nice and upper-class waterfront neighborhood of Bosphorus 20/06/2017
- just Walk and breath 11/06/2017
See all reviews
- Bebek
▼
Address:

Misir konsoloslugu Yani
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 507 444 2268

Hours:

Mon - Fri
09:00 - 12:30
13:00 - 17:00
Save
Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
No 1 museum to be visited in Istanbul, impressive and amazing historically
Good for
- Must See
- Luxury Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Hidden Gems
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Very close to Sultanahmet Square, next to Blue Mosque
- Try to visit early hours of day to avoid the waiting time on the queues
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #1 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
32205 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Another Must See 13/07/2017
- great place 13/07/2017
See all reviews
- Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
▼
Address:

Ayasofya Square, Sultanahmet
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 522 1750

Other:

Website
Save
Blue Mosque
Sacred & Religious Sites
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
The most impressive mosque in Istanbul, famous for blue stones used for decoration
Good for
- Must See
- Luxury Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Hidden Gems
- Solo
- Friends
- History Buff
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
- Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
- Located at the Sultanahmet Square, next to Hagia Sophia
- Use a scarf to cover head for ladies
- Take off your shoes before entering
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #3 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
25732 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Beautiful architecture 13/07/2017
- Beautiful Mosaics 13/07/2017
See all reviews
- Blue Mosque
▼
Address:

Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet Mah
Istanbul 34122
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 518 1319

Hours:

Fri
13:30 - 15:30
Sat - Thu
08:30 - 11:30
13:00 - 14:30
15:30 - 16:45
Other:

Website
Save
Bosphorus Strait
Bodies of Water
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Seperates the European and Asian continents, famous for cruises by day or night
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
- Nature Lover
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Take a cruise to explore the city by Straits
- Try Night Cruises as well
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #8 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
8727 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Tour of the golden horn 13/07/2017
- Narrow body of water seperates old and modern architectures 13/07/2017
See all reviews
- Bosphorus Strait
▼
Save
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Historic Sites
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Mostly located around Sultanahmet area, one day needed to cover all
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nature Lover
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Purchase a Museumpass before
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #2 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
9215 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Feels so good 12/07/2017
- Living in HIstory 11/07/2017
See all reviews
- Historic Areas of Istanbul
▼
Other:

Website
Save
Taksim Square
Neighbourhoods
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Most favorite square of Istanbul, hub for public transportation, main entrance to Istiklal street
Good for
- Must See
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Shopping Fanatic
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Get a ride on nostalgic tram
- Try Turish tea and simit
- Enjoy shopping
- Visit clubs where locals go
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #67 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
1965 Reviews
- You should always visit.... 13/07/2017
- Monument of Republic 12/07/2017
See all reviews
- Taksim Square
▼
Address:

Gumussuyu Mh.
Beyoglu
Istanbul 34437
Turkey

Hours:

Sun - Sat
00:00 - 23:59
Save
Sultanahmet District
Historic Walking Areas, Neighbourhoods
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Named as Old Peninsula as well, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located here, you can enjoy every minute you will spend here
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Shopping Fanatic
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Visit historical sites and take pictures
- Enjoy Turkish cuisine and meet with locals
- Do shopping and bargain before you purchace anything
- Try Turkish Bath to pamper yourself
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #4 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
12741 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Get ready to walk! 13/07/2017
- Let's call it old town! 13/07/2017
See all reviews
- Sultanahmet District
▼
Address:

Sultanahmet
Istanbul 34012
Turkey
Save
Basilica Cistern
Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Historical place to visit, awesome ambiance, entertainment provided
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- History Buff
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #6 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
24861 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Beat the heat! 13/07/2017
- A place that you must visit. 12/07/2017
See all reviews
- Basilica Cistern
▼
Address:

Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3
Istanbul 34410
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 512 1570

Hours:

Sun - Sat
09:00 - 17:30
Other:

Website
Save
Galata Bridge
Bridges
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Historical bridge crossing Golden Horn, panoramic view
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Shopping Fanatic
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Have fish for lunch
- Walk and cross over the bridge
- Meet with local fishermen
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #33 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
2758 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Walk or Fishing 11/07/2017
- Crossing the Golden Horn 10/07/2017
See all reviews
- Galata Bridge
▼
Address:

Galata Koprusu Kemankes Karamustafa Pasa
Beyoglu
Istanbul 34425
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 243 9501

Other:

Website
Save
Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii)
Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Located next to Golden Horn, one of most impressive mosque to be visited
Good for
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nature Lover
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Use a scarf to cover head for ladies
- Take off your shoes before entering
- Also visit Pierre Loti closeby
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #15 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
1427 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Historical yet overlooked 11/07/2017
- Really blessed place 08/07/2017
See all reviews
- Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii)
▼
Address:

Camii Kebir Caddesi
Eyüp. Meydani
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

0096597777110
Save
Topkapi Palace
History Museums
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
No 1 palace to visit in Istanbul, the main palace for the Ottoman Empire for centuries
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nature Lover
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Visit harem section
- Purchase a Museumpass before
Plan to stay:/ More than 3 hours
From the community

Ranked #7 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
20920 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Do not miss the Harem section! 13/07/2017
- Magnifies the ottoman sultanate 13/07/2017
See all reviews
- Topkapi Palace
▼
Address:

Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Topkapi Palace Museum, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 212 522 4422

Other:

Website
Save
Golden Horn
Historic Walking Areas, Bodies of Water
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
The most historical neighborhood of Istanbul, full of historical sites and buildings by the water
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nature Lover
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Visit Miniaturk for kids
- Visit Vialand, theme park for all ages
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #39 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
547 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Holiday Trip 04/07/2017
- Try to get a hotel in this area and you are near every thing 26/06/2017
See all reviews
- Golden Horn
▼
Address:

Halic
Eminonu/Cagaloglu, Fatih
Istanbul
Turkey

Other:

Website
Save
Dolmabahce Palace
Architectural Buildings
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
The contemporary palace located by Bosphorus, impressive decoration and articrafts to be seen
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nature Lover
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
- Senior
- Family
Tips
- Visit Ataturk' s room, the founder of Turkey
Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours
From the community

Ranked #10 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
5100 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Amazing 11/07/2017
- Beautiful palace 11/07/2017
See all reviews
- Dolmabahce Palace
▼
Phone:

+90 212 236 9000

Hours:

Tue - Sun
09:00 - 16:00
Other:

Website
Save
Maiden's Tower
Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers
See more photos
sitem2 Says:
Ready for a romantic fairytale? Best venue for 360 degree picturing on the Bosphorus
Good for
- Must See
- Hidden Gems
- Like a Local
- History Buff
- Thrill Seeker
- Art and Architecture Lover
- Nightlife Seeker
- Foodie
- Luxury Traveller
- Thrifty Traveller
- Trendsetter
- Solo
- Friends
- Couples
Tips
- Have a romantic dinner with your spouse
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community

Ranked #38 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
718 Reviews
Certificate of Excellence 2014
- Could visit everyday :) 09/07/2017
- The World is not Enough 06/07/2017
See all reviews
- Maiden's Tower
▼
Address:

Uskudar
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone:

+90 216 342 4747

Hours:

Mon - Fri
09:15 - 18:45
Sat - Sun
10:00 - 18:45
20:15 - 00:30
Other:

Website