25 Best Things To Do in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city where you can keep busy 24 hours a day. It is not for nothing that it is called “The city that never sleeps” in Turkey and it is true that Istanbul, a city suspended between East and West, charms and fascinates its visitors with its cultural mix and its unparalleled atmosphere! Therefore, it can be difficult to make your choice of activities to do on site during a trip to Istanbul, especially if you do not know the city very well or are going to stay there for a short period. To help you decide, here is a list of best things to do to in Istanbul in the best possible way!

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Eating a fish sandwich on the Galata Bridge

Less known than the döner kebap (which we talk about a little later in this article), the “balık ekmek“, this small fish sandwich served with pickles is nevertheless one of the essentials of the local “street food”! You will find them near the Galata Bridge but also in the less touristy districts of Beykoz and Yeniköy.

Visiting the Blue Mosque

Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque is the must-see attraction when visiting Istanbul. It owes its name to the ceramics that decorate its interior. It is one of the most visited historical monuments in Istanbul and by discovering its superb Iznik earthenware you will quickly understand why!

Address: Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7

To get there: Tram, Sultanahmet stop

Opening hours: open to the public every day outside prayer times

Prices: free entry

Negotiate for lamps or tea sets at the Grand Bazaar

Spread over more than 200,000 m2, the Grand Bazaar lives up to its name! It is indeed the largest in the world and you will find everything there in its 4000 shops: jewellery, lamps, carpets, fabrics, leathers, etc. This is the ideal place if you want to do some shopping as a souvenir of your visit to Istanbul!

Address: Beyazıt Mh

To get there: Tram 1, Beyazıt stop

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m

Tasting pistachio pastries at the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü

Also known as the “Egyptian Bazaar”, the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü is the second largest covered market in Istanbul. You will find mainly spices but also tea, dried fruits, and confectionery. If you visit Istanbul, do not leave without tasting the pistachio pastries!

Address: Rüstem Paşa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92

To get there: Tram 1, Eminönü stop

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Discovering the Hagia Sophia

A former Christian basilica in Constantinople that became a mosque and then a museum, Hagia Sophia is known for its rich mosaics. It is definitely the second most visited place in Istanbul after the Blue Mosque.

Address: Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Ayasofya Meydanı

To get there: Tram 1, Sultanahmet stop

Opening hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prices: free entry

Get lost in the semi-darkness of the Basilica Cistern

This massive underground cistern of Constantinople is one of the most magnificent monuments of the Byzantine Empire that you can visit in Istanbul today.

Address: Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3

Transportation: Tram 1, Sultanahmet stop

Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30 every day.

Prices: 190 TL (approximately €10)

Drinking “Efes Pilsen” on a terrace in Beyoğlu

This Turkish beer brand, which refers to the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus, is very popular with local youth. Sit on a terrace in the Beyoğlu district, on the European side of the Bosphorus, and immerse yourself in the daily life of the city.

16 Best Rooftops in Istanbul

Taking a walk in Kadıköy

Kadıköy, the cultural center of the Anatolian side, is an authentic residential area where you can stroll along the Bosphorus and shop cheaper than in the city center of Istanbul. Kadıköy market is set up every Tuesday and Thursday and you will find much less tourists here! If you travel, don’t miss the magnificent Haydarpaşa station, one of the largest in the Middle East. Let the European and Asian faces of the city surprise you during your stay in Istanbul!

Taking a boat trip on the Bosphorus

To go on a cruise is to visit Istanbul in a different way! This is undoubtedly the best way to admire the magnificent panorama of the city and discover monuments that can only be seen from the sea, such as the grand palaces of Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi or Galatasaray University. You can also pass under the magnificent suspension bridges and admire the large wooden houses from the Ottoman Empire.

Doing some shopping on Istiklal Street

A pedestrian street about three kilometers long, Istiklal is home to many shops but also art galleries, cinemas, theaters, libraries, cafes and restaurants. It is particularly crowded on weekends since nearly 3.2 million people visit it every Saturday!

Eating Kebap in an Ocakbasi

Often served in a wrap or on a plate accompanied by rice and some vegetables, Kebap is the most popular dish of Turkish street food. If you want to taste it in Istanbul, we recommend that you go to an Ocakbasi,. a restaurant with an open grill visible to customers. You will find many of them near Taksim Square.

Relaxing in the city’s oldest hammam, Cemberlitas

If the tradition of the Turkish bath or hammam is evolving with the development of private bathrooms, there are still a hundred establishments where you can enjoy a good moment of relaxation in Istanbul. Be aware that the Turkish baths are not mixed and therefore have different hours for men and women. We particularly recommend that of Çemberlitas for its long history, but also those of Galatasary and Gedikpas.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace

Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as an “incomparable ensemble of buildings constructed over four centuries, unique for the architectural quality of its buildings as much as for their organization which reflects that of the Ottoman court”, Topkapi Palace has housed for more than 400 years the official residence of the Ottoman sultan. Now transformed into a museum, it contains many objects and works of art from the Ottoman era.

Discovering Istanbul’s Nightlife

Istanbul is a city that never sleeps! In summer, the terraces on the edge of the Bosphorus are ideal for dancing while enjoying the coolness of the strait. If you are looking for good places to eat and have a drink, go to the districts of Nevizade or Asmali Mescit, you will not be disappointed!

Tasting Turkish Baklava

Widespread in Bulgaria, Greece and the Balkan countries, this pastry made with puff pastry, honey and pistachios is absolutely delicious accompanied by a cay (Turkish tea). If you’re looking for the best in town, the ones from Karaköy Güllüoğlu Patisserie in the Karaköy district are said to be absolutely irresistible!

Observing the daily life of locals in Taksim Square

Square has always been a central place in the life of Istanbul residents. Located in the Beyoğlu district, at the end of Istiklal Street, it houses the monument of the republic as well as many luxury hotels. Very popular with locals, it is often used to host public events and popular gatherings.

Visiting Famous Booksellers of Istanbul

Continuing its existence since the 15th century, the Sahaflar Bazaar is located in Fatih district of Istanbul, between Fesçiler Gate and Beyazıt Square, behind Istanbul University. The second-hand booksellers gathered in a field in 1460 are still valid today. It is possible to find many resources, such as old printed novels, stories, fairy tale books, poetry books, anthologies and encyclopedias, in the Second Hand Books Bazaar. Unfortunately, most of the valuable manuscripts found in the Sahaflar Bazaar, which was damaged by the fire in 1950, were turned into ashes. Afterwards, each of the bookstores in the bazaar, which was completely destroyed, was expropriated and secured. A total of 23 different bookstores serve in the Booksellers’ Bazaar today.

Visiting the Tulip Paradise Emirgan Grove

Emirgan Grove, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, between the districts of Emirgan and İstinye in Sarıyer, is one of the lush groves adorned with colorful tulips, the symbol of İstanbul. Tulips, which have become the symbol of Istanbul on the international platform, are exhibited every year as part of a festival with the support of the Metropolitan Municipality. Of course, it is one of the most popular venues where the Istanbul Tulip Festival, which has been held since 2005 with the slogan “Istanbul Meets the Tulip”, is celebrated. Emirgan Grove is also one of the must-see places in Istanbul! You should definitely go to Emirgan Grove, which has been decorated with colorful tulips since April, in spring and see this wonderful view closely! It spreads over ridges and slopes on an area of 47.2 hectares and is surrounded by walls.

Wandering  the Nostalgic Streets of Kuzguncuk

Kuzguncuk is one of the first places that comes to mind when asked what to do in the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. Because this city, which smells of nostalgia, fascinates everyone who sees it with its historical atmosphere and colorful mansions. Kuzguncuk is located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, between Paşalimanı and Beylerbeyi. The street, which developed in a valley opening to the shores of the Bosphorus, was known as the first Jewish settlement in the Asian part; It was referred to as a Jewish village in 17th century sources.

Kuzguncuk, which has managed to keep its texture over the years, is one of the most famous districts of Istanbul with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses with bay windows, historical coffee houses and ancient structures such as churches. Therefore, you should definitely go to Kuzguncuk and take a nostalgic and peaceful journey by wandering around this wonderful district! In the district, which is one of the most popular sets of TV series and movies with its beauty, you can have the chance to see the bakery where the famous Bread Boat series was filmed, Perihan Abla street and more.

Enjoy the walking on Caddebostan

Stretching along the shores of Caddebostan in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district, constitutes one of the most popular shores of the city. Caddebostan, which is a breathing space for Istanbulites with its lush green areas, is crowded with a great crowd, especially on weekends. Some people walk and jog on the beach, some ride bikes and roller skates, while others just lie on the grass and read a book. Because there are special areas for each of these activities on the beach. In addition to these, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, cafes, toilets and prayer rooms are some of the facilities… Do not miss the magnificent sea view of Caddebostan, which is open 24 hours a day.

The Highest Hill of Istanbul: Aydos Hill

Aydos Hill, which is the highest point of Istanbul with a total altitude of 537 meters, is located on the Anatolian side, in Kartal, Pendik, Sultanbeyli and Sancaktepe districts. Hill takes its name from the Aydos Castle, whose construction dates back to the Roman and Byzantine Periods. Aydos Castle is located within the borders of Sultanbeyli district today. In addition to Aydos Hill, there is a large natural area including Aydos Forest Recreation Area and Aydos Pond. There are some historical remains from the Byzantine Period on the hill. There are no facilities such as a buffet or cafeteria on the hill that has not been built. Therefore, you need to get all your needs, such as food and beverage, from the nearest supermarket.

Another Viewpoint: Büyük Çamlıca Hill

Büyük Çamlıca Hill, one of the most famous hills of Istanbul, is also one of the most visited places in the city. Watching the magnificent view of the Bosphorus on Çamlıca Hill is the first activity that comes to mind when it comes to things to do on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul! Büyük Çamlıca Hill is located in Üsküdar district on the Anatolian side, between Kısıklı location and Çengelköy and Bekar Stream, at an altitude of 268 meters from the sea. Home to the Nurbaba Lodge (Bektashi) and TV transmitter towers, the hill is also famous for the Great Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in the history of the republic, located nearby!

From Çamlıca Hill, which has a lush green area, unique views of the Bosphorus, the Islands, the Golden Horn and the European Side can be watched. In addition, Çamlıca Hill, which is a frequent destination for migratory birds, especially in September and October, is the only place in Istanbul where migratory birds can be observed most clearly and for a long time.

Going to see Mimosas on the Islands

Spring is the best season to go on a mimosa ride on the islands. Head towards the Islands in Spring so that you can watch the view of mimosas that integrate with the refreshing air of the sea and create a visual feast! There are mainly two types of mimosa in Turkey; one is known as İzmir mimosa and the other is known as Island mimosa. Island mimosa is known for its fragrant scent.

The mimosa flowers, which are quite famous on the islands of Istanbul, form the most beautiful scenery heralding the arrival of spring. You can visit Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada and Sedef Island, respectively, to see the unique beauty of mimosas and to capture magnificent photo frames. You can reach each of the islands by ferries departing from various points of Istanbul.

Make a Wish at Aya Yorgi Church

Located on Büyükada, Aya Yorgi Hill takes its name from the Aya Yorgi Church, a historical building with the same name. The hill in question is also known as Yüce Tepe; It is located at an altitude of 204 meters from the sea. It is known that Hagia Yorgi Church, also known as Agios Georgios Greek Orthodox Monastery, was first built in 1751. M.S. Named after St. Georgios of Cappadocia (Aya Yorgos-Aya Yorgi), who was killed for being a Christian in the 3rd century, this two-storey, tile-covered small building is known as the “Old Church”. The new Aya Yorgi Church, which is the cut stone section on the hill just behind the bell tower, was built in 1905; It is known that it was opened to visitors in 1909.

Golden Horn View from Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill, one of the most famous hills of Istanbul with its unique view of the Golden Horn, is located in the Central District of Eyüp district. It takes its name from the French novelist Pierre Loti, who came to Istanbul in 1876 and settled here, and it is known that he used to visit a coffee house on this hill. Because this magnificent hill has been the scene of many TV series and movies with its popularity. In the hill; There is an open garden area with a capacity of 1400 people with a view of the Golden Horn, together with the Historical Coffee, Aziyade Restaurant, Yeşil Cafe, Nargilevi, 67 rooms consisting of 7 separate mansions and Turquhouse Hotel with 115 beds. The entire Golden Horn can be seen clearly from this garden. It is quite difficult to find a place here, especially on weekends! Because Pierre Loti is heavily preferred for weekend breakfasts, to enjoy tea and coffee against the Golden Horn, and for events such as dinner.