36 BEST Things To Do In Istanbul in 2024 With Insider Tips!

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.

---

Looking for the best things to do in Istanbul to fill your trip? The best neighbourhoods to check out, the best mosques to see, how to see Asia and Europe in one day in Istanbul and some really cool cafes!? I’ve got you covered in this complete list of Istanbul attractions and some more local places to go!

I’ve visited Istanbul for a few long weekends, and I’ve spent 3 months living in Istanbul.

I love this city! It offers so much history and culture but it’s also more modern than many people think. I also love that it’s a city which is based completely around water and radiates an energetic but calming vibe.

Istanbul is a city that can take a while to get used to and I know you are probably limited on time. I want you to see the best of Istanbul straight away! That’s why I’ve given lots of my Istanbul travel tips and my Istanbul insider tips in this post!

Below you’ll find a long list of the best things to do in Istanbul (based on allll my trips there!) and I have included a range of places to visit in Istanbul, where to eat in Istanbul, different Istanbul neighbourhoods, activities and more, to keep your Istanbul itinerary full and diverse!

Things to do in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia located in Sultanahmet Square is iconic from the outside and inside! It used to be a museum and now it is a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is open to everyone to enter and best of all it’s free making this also one of the top free things to do in Istanbul!

Because this is a mosque now, women will need to cover their hair, shoulders and most of their legs. When packing for Istanbul, it’s good for women to pack a scarf and always carry it in their bag whenever they want to pop into a mosque and cover their hair. But, if you have nothing with you, as you enter you can borrow a dress provided by the mosque.

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Queues can be quite long to enter the Hagia Sophia and unlike when it was a museum because it is free and there are no tickets, you can no longer skip the line at Hagia Sophia so try to go at a quieter time. It’s open 24 hours so evening time is a great and often peaceful time to go!

In my opinion, this isn’t the most impressive mosque inside, mainly because they have been renovating it for years and much of the impressive ceiling is covered, BUT, it is so easy to access from Sultanahmet Square which is the main touristy part of Istanbul and iconic place, and therefore it’s probably where you will gravitate to first!

Topkapi Palace is a huge complex and it’s conveniently located next to Hagia Sophia so this is a great place to visit on your first day in Istanbul after or before, Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque.

5. Süleymaniye Mosque

This is my favourite mosque in Istanbul, and a favourite of everyone I’ve met who has been to Istanbul, so don’t miss it!

Süleymaniye Mosque is a huge mosque complex because it’s big inside but also has a large courtyard and large gardens which feature one of the top views over Istanbul, so don’t miss this either.

For 462 years Süleymaniye Mosque was actually the biggest mosque in Istanbul and it was only overtaken by the newly built Camlica Mosque in 2019 which is now the biggest mosque in Türkiye! (More on that below as this is also one of the great things to do in Istanbul!)

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Süleymaniye Mosque is open and welcoming to tourists of all faiths. The tourist entrance is well signposted and on arrival, women can pick up a cover-up. When inside there is usually a few members of staff who you can ask questions to. The mosque closes to tourists during prayer time but you’ll see a sign to advise you. Prayer time doesn’t last long so take in the view and go in when it opens back up. There are also free toilet facilities!

6. Galata Tower

Galata Tower can’t be missed, quite literary, because it is prominently located on a hill and can be seen from all around.

Galata Tower offers the best views of Istanbul because of its 360 viewing platform. It’s a great idea to come here on your first day in Istanbul to help get your bearings of the city.

Even if you don’t want to go up Galata Tower, still make sure this is on your list of things to do in Istanbul because seeing it from the ground is pretty cool and so is the neighbourhood of Galata with lots of cool Istanbul cafes and places to eat.

Although there is a tram that runs over it and for getting around Istanbul, the tram is well worth trying. The best way to see the Galata Bridge is by walking over it.. and under it!

Walking over it you’ll see amazing views of the water, and mosques peaking out in the iconic Istanbul skyline. You’ll also see lots of men fishing from the bridge.

You can walk along the lower part of the bridge too which is full of fish restaurants! I’m not sure how good these fish restaurants on Galata Bridge actually are, and the men can be a bit pushy trying to get you in but it’s a cool way to see the bridge and get a different look at Istanbul.

In the summer, look out for kids jumping off the bridge into the water!

This mosque sits up on the hill on the Asian side of Istanbul and is in full view from the European side across the Bosphorus. It is huge inside but also has a huge courtyard and park surrounding it. Many locals will sit in this park in the warmer months for a picnic so this is a good idea for tourists to do too.

Again, as a female, you will need to cover your head, shoulders, and legs to enter so bring a scarf to cover yourself.

Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th-Century, was the biggest royal residence of the sultans and the imperial family of the Ottoman Empire and is one of the most glamorous Palaces’ in the world.

You could get a taxi here from elsewhere in Istanbul but there is a tram stop nearby and a ferry port so why not get a ferry here and enjoy a boat trip as part of this activity?!

• Here are more of my Istanbul travel blog posts to help you plan your trip!
• Where to Stay in Istanbul! 10 Best Neighbourhoods in Istanbul to Stay in!
• Where To Stay in Istanbul Taksim Or Sultanahmet?
• What To Wear In Istanbul As a Woman To Feel Comfortable Exploring!
• 10 Istanbul Hidden Gems To Visit For Unique Things To Do in Istanbul!
• How to Travel From Istanbul to Cappadocia Easily! A Detailed Guide!

10. Istanbul Aquarium

If you’re looking for things to do in Istanbul with kids, it’s good to know that the attractions in Istanbul are not all historic and aimed at tourists. If you want an easy activity in Istanbul and something familiar for them, check out Istanbul Aquarium.

These are said to be really underrated museums in Istanbul and are definitely good things to do in Istanbul when it rains as they are all inside so keep these in mind if you’re looking for indoor activities in Istanbul!

13. Sapphire Observation Deck

Most of us look for an observation deck in a new city as they are a great experience, especially if they are really high, and a great way to get our bearings in a new place.

The Galata Tower is a great observation deck in Istanbul because it’s so historic and central, but it’s not that high at just 63m! Whereas the Sapphire building is 260m and the observation deck is 231m high!

Up here you can get an incredible 360 view all over the European and Asian sides of Istanbul!

One of the really cool things about the Sapphire Observation Deck is that it has a Skyride 4D Simulator at the top where you can fly over the Bosphorus, and below is the Sapphire Shopping Mall with plenty of places to eat and shop!

Places to Visit in Istanbul

If you are looking for places to visit in Istanbul, I made the following list so you can enjoy your Istanbul to the fullest.

14. Sultanahmet Square

A visit to Sultanahmet Square will just happen so you don’t have to worry about this too much. By going to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque you will end up in Sultanahmet Square.

It is such a buzzing point of the city so be sure you spend some time sitting on one of the benches around the fountains taking it all in. Ideally with a Turkish Simit or Corn on the Cob from a nearby street vendor.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Things are more expensive in this area, even a simit or orange juice from the local vendors and cafe prices are definitely much higher so keep this in mind if you are on a budget.

15. Grand Bazaar

If there’s one place people know of in Istanbul, it’s usually the Grand Bazaar! This is a world-famous market and has to be on your list of places to go in Istanbul.

Whether you want to actually shop or you just want to window shop, you do need to have your wits about you. The men working in the shops can be very pushy and often say things to get your attention, they might say you look like Beyonce or something! This place is definitely not dangerous by any means though and even as a solo female you shouldn’t be worried to visit here, it can just be overwhelming and annoying for some people.

And make sure you have your bartering hat on for shopping in the Grand Bazaar!

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: You may think the Grand Bazaar will be open late as my Spanish friends did recently, however, and quite surprisingly it’s only open until 6:00 pm and opens at 10:00 am so don’t go thinking you can do late night shopping here. But it is open all week!

16. Spice Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is not somewhere I went to regularly when living in Istanbul, probably because it’s further out than most people think, but the Spice Bazaar which is conveniently located not far from Galata Bridge is a market in Istanbul I enjoyed going to.

The Spice Bazaar is on a much smaller scale than the Grand Bazaar and although the items on sale are mainly food items, I enjoy walking through here a lot. It has incredibly high colourful ceilings and I find the vendors less pushy.

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: The inside of the Spice Bazaar is lovely to see but don’t miss the outside stalls either. A visit to the Spice Market combines well with going to Süleymaniye Mosque because it’s just a few streets away. Streets which are also full of interesting shops!

17. Galata

I really love the Galata neighbourhood of Istanbul. As mentioned, the Galata Tower is one of the top Istanbul tourist attractions but even if you don’t fancy going to the top, you should still head towards it as you’ll find yourself at the top of the hill in Galata.

Galata has lots of little shops, many of which are tourist souvenir shops but they sell a lot of nice things and for souvenir shopping and shopping in general, I prefer shopping here to the likes of the Grand Bazaar as the shop owners are much more relaxed.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Cafes I love in Galata are Galata Konak Cafe for an amazing rooftop view of the city, and Cafe Privato for the best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul with a view of the Galata Tower.

On my last visit to Istanbul, I stayed in Galata and I really liked it as a location for my hotel. For help on accommodation in Istanbul, check out my post on – Where to stay in Istanbul!

18. Balat & Balat Colourful Houses

If you have seen photos of colourful houses in Istanbul and want to visit them, they are probably these colourful houses in Balat.

Balat is an old neighbourhood in Istanbul. Instagram photos may have you thinking that these houses are close to other top best places to visit in Istanbul, but they are actually not that central and will require a taxi or bus to get to the neighbourhood and therefore the houses, but again, it’s worth it and good to do if you have 1 week in Istanbul for more than a few days.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Be sure to save my full guide to Balat and the Balat colourful houses for when you visit including how to get there, cafes and things to do.

19. Uskudar

Without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Istanbul is to experience that this city covers 2 continents which is really unique!

It’s likely you’ll stay on the European side of Istanbul (if you are still planning your trip, check out my post on where to stay in Istanbul to help you out!), so you should definitely plan at least half a day in your Istanbul itinerary the Asian side of Istanbul which you can get to by taking the metro or a public ferry.

Uskudar and Kadikoy are two of the main places to visit on the Asian side of Istanbul and different ferries go from the European side directly to these neighbourhoods.

I love Uskudar because it feels less commercial and more authentically Turkish. It’s richer in Muslim culture and tradition too which is interesting to see.

I have a whole post on things to do in Uskudar which also includes how to get to Uskudar. Some places I’d recommend going and adding to your list of things to do in Istanbul are:

• Yeni Valide Mosque – a really beautiful 18th-century ottoman mosque. Probably smaller than other mosques you’ll see on the European side but still so stunning inside.
• Nevmekan Sahil – a cafe inside a library which is really unique and so lovely inside.
• Uskudar Fishermans Market – to see real daily life here in this part of Istanbul!

20. Kadikoy

For one of the other places to visit on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy is probably the most popular place and it’s the place I went to first on my first trip to Istanbul.

Kadikoy is quite commercial with lots of shops but they aren’t high-street shops you see all over the world, they are all quite small independent shops which makes this area really interesting. At nighttime, Kadikoy comes alive, especially along its famous Bar Street.

For things to do in Kadikoy be sure to head to Bahariye Street which is a lively pedestrian street, you’ll know you’re here when you see lots of colourful stones on the road and the Bull statue at the end.

Whilst walking around Kadikoy you’ll probably cross into the neighbouring area of Moda which I actually prefer more than Kadikoy, mainly because I love the shoreline here, there’s quite a big corniche type area to walk along or you can sit in the park or on the rocks that line the water.

21. Princes Islands

For the ultimate day trip from Istanbul without going too far, go to Princes Islands!

22. Istiklal Avenue

Between seeing all of these Istanbul attractions and Istanbul tourist activities, you might want to do some shopping or see a more local area of Istanbul.

Istiklal Avenue is Istanbul’s main shopping street filled with many international high-street brands and Turkish brands.

Despite being commercialised and seeing shops you can see anywhere in the world, I do love the buzz of Istiklal Street, especially at night when the street is lit up.

I’d recommend getting to Taksim Square by public transport. Taksim Square is quite famous in Istanbul but I don’t think it’s worth going to alone, hence why it doesn’t have its own point on my Istanbul thing to do guide, but going to Taksim Square and walking all the way down Istiklal Street into Galata is a great way to see more of Istanbul by foot and see varying areas and neighbourhoods.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: There are lots of dessert shops down Istiklal Avenue where you can stop for a Baklava and Tea. In Taksim Square, there is Hafız Mustafa 1864 which is one of the most popular Baklava and Dessert shops in Istanbul!

23. Galataport Istanbul

This is one of the exciting new things to do in Istanbul! Galataport is a really new part of Istanbul only opening at the end of 2021. It’s a cruise port but much more than that. It’s full of different shops, cafes and restaurants which seem to be more upmarket than others that you see in the city of Istanbul.

What I love most about this place though and why I really recommend you go, is the boardwalk along the Bosporus.

When I lived in Istanbul I said Istanbul was hugely missing an area you could walk directly along the water because although this city is surrounded by water, the road often goes alongside the water, but now Galataport offers this!

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Plan to go here before or after visiting the neighbourhood of Galata because it’s close by, or combine it with the neighbourhood of Cihangir which I mention next!

24. Karakoy

Well located right next to the Galata Bridge, at the bottom of the Galata neighbourhood and close to Galataport is the area of Karakoy.

Karakoy is filled to the brim with cafes, restaurants and bars, this area gets really lively at night!

It’s worth a visit as you’re passing by the area after Galata, especially for some food or a drink and it’s a good place to get a ferry from over to Kadikoy on the Asian side.

25. Cihangir

I lived in Cihangir for 3 months and I love this neighbourhood so much! It’s got a bit of an ex-pat vibe with so many cool cafes and coffee shops and during the week you’ll mostly see these full of digital nomads with their laptops out.

In terms of things to do in Cihangir, there’s not that much to do, it’s more about walking the streets, visiting a cafe or two and seeing a cool, hip and local part of the city.

Cihangir does have a lot of vintage shops though which are really impressive to see and lots of nice cafes for Turkish breakfasts.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Here are my favourite cafes in Cihangir, if you head to these, even if you don’t go inside, you’ll get to see some really cool parts of the neighbourhood:

• Journey
• KAHVE 6
• Van Kahvalti Evi – for a Turkish Breakfast specifically
• Chado Tea Cihangir

26. Ortaköy

Ortaköy is another one of the many Istanbul neighbourhoods to visit! I love this area because it’s further up the Bosphorus than many of the main Istanbul attractions and feels more local, despite being a popular place for tourists to go.

Ortaköy has an incredible backdrop of the Bosphorus and a huge bridge that connects the European and Asian parts of the city. Ortaköy Mosque is also part of the backdrop, in fact, this scene of the mosque, water and bridge is a popular spot for advertising Istanbul around the world.

One quite random thing about Ortaköy is that it’s famous for its Jacket Potato’s known as Kumpir! You’ll see stall after stall and restaurant after restaurant selling Kumpir with a buffet of fillings so visit ready for lunch!

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: To save time on your Istanbul itinerary, combine a trip to Ortaköy with Dolmabahce Palace if you want to visit here, and then take a boat over to the Asian side from Ortaköy before returning back to where you’re staying in Istanbul later in the day so you do a bit of a circle around the city.

29. Free Istanbul walking tour

Want a guide and want to be told about the history of Istanbul but you’re on a budget?

Check out the free walking tours in Istanbul! I remember doing one on my first trip which I loved!

Free Istanbul Tours is one of the main companies that offer a variety of tours at different times.

Do bear in mind that you should tip on a free walking tour as that’s how the business runs but you can decide your tip and they are still considerably cheaper than paying for a guided tour.

33. Turkish Breakfast

Now, if you’re new to Türkiye you might not know just how amazing and a big thing Turkish Breakfasts are. I didn’t realise this on my first 2 trips to Türkiye and Istanbul and I definitely missed out!

Without a doubt, you have to schedule in a Turkish breakfast at a cafe into your Istanbul itinerary. If you want a chilled-out morning to relax from all the travel and are wondering what to do in Istanbul, a Turkish Breakfast is cultural but relaxed!

Go for the traditional Turkish Breakfast and you’ll be served a huge selection of different plates of food until your table can’t fit anymore on it. And don’t worry, most Turkish breakfasts in cafes are served per person so even if you are solo you can order it for 1 person only.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: The residents of Istanbul love their breakfasts too so you’ll find cafes are much busier on Saturdays and Sundays, therefore, as a visitor if you can go during the week then you’ll find it easier to find a table and have a more relaxed experience.

34. Rooftop Restaurant and Cafe

You may have seen lots of rooftop images of Istanbul and there are many rooftop restaurants where you can get photos like this. They are a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below and take in the views of the city and water.

Generally, most of the rooftop restaurants and cafes in Istanbul are around Suleymaniye Mosque so if you head towards here within the streets nearby you’ll see lots of signs for rooftop restaurants and probably men standing outside trying to get you in their restaurants.

There are also many rooftop restaurants around the Hagia Sophia and the Hagia Sophia is a lovely backdrop to have.

One of my favourite rooftop cafes is Galata Konak Cafe.

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Here is a list of the best rooftops in Istanbul. What’s great but what you also need to be careful of is that they do vary. Some are ultra fancy for a fancy dressed-up evening dinner, others are really relaxed for a daytime drink or lunch, and others are all about the views and Instagram photo opportunity, you might have to pay a fee to enter these and they might not offer the best service or food.

35. Nevmekân Sahil cafe

Nevmekân Sahil Cafe is included on my things to do in Uskudar list but I’m adding it as a special point on my things to do in the Istanbul list because it’s so unique and cool!

Nevmekân Sahil, located here in Uskudar is a cafe library and it has a really unique interior where you can sit which almost reflects a lotus shape and design. Alternatively, you can sit with a window view overlooking the water.

This is one of the places to go in Istanbul if you want some time feeling like a local and getting away from the busy tourist trail in Istanbul as here, you’ll find students studying and people meeting friends for lunch.

36. Watch the Sunset

Sunsets in Istanbul just hit differently and they are always so pretty. I love watching the sunset in Istanbul with a view of the water below, the city above and the mosque minarets even further above. And then as soon as the sun sets, the city becomes alive with the sound of all the mosques performing the call to prayer. It really is so special.

In summer, you’ll find lots of locals sitting along the Bosphorus, particularly on the Asian side around Uskudar ready to watch the sunset over the city in front of them.

You can also get a great sunset view from Galata. In January I went to Konak Galata Cafe for a cold but magical late afternoon sunset.

• Here are more of my Istanbul posts to help you plan your trip:
• What To Wear In Istanbul As a Woman To Feel Comfortable Exploring!
• Istanbul 4 Day Itinerary! What To See in Istanbul in 4 Days!
• Where to Stay in Istanbul! 10 Best Neighbourhoods in Istanbul to Stay in!
• Where To Stay in Istanbul Taksim Or Sultanahmet? Which is BEST?
• How to Travel From Istanbul to Cappadocia Easily! A Detailed Guide!
• Sabiha Airport to Taksim! 3 Ways To Do The Journey Easily!