Things to do in Istanbul

Must-see Istanbul sights

It is the incredible legacy of the two great empires, the Christian Byzantines and Muslim Ottoman Turks, that make Istanbul so appealing and such an exciting city to explore.

Be amazed by the Süleymaniye Mosque Complex
Go back in time to the heart of the Ottoman Empire
Visit the Blue Mosque - one of the most famous mosques in the world
Visit the impressive Hagia Sophia
Discover Istanbul’s art scene
Wind through the Grand Bazaar
Sit back and relax on a peaceful ferry ride

Istanbul is a whirlwind of attractions. From beautiful mosques, to sprawling bazaars and quirky art galleries, this booming megalopolis is an instant winner.

1. Be amazed by the Süleymaniye Mosque Complex

This is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. It’s grand architecture at its very best. Built by the Ottoman Empire’s greatest architect for its greatest Sultan, Süleyman the Magnificent. The Süleymaniye Mosque Complex consists of a group of buildings with the mosque at its heart. Begun in 1550 on a tricky hilltop site, construction took seven years to complete. Entering the Süleymaniye Camii by the side door, it’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer sense of space. Striking Iznik tiles are on display with a beautiful marble-clad prayer niche (mihrab) and pulpit (mimber).

Best for: Appreciating Süleyman the Magnificent’s work.

While you’re there: In the southeastern grounds of the mosque are the türbes, or tombs, of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife Haseki Hürrem or Roxelana.

2. Go back in time to the heart of the Ottoman Empire

Along with neighbours the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, the Topkapı Palace is one of the most impressive things to do in Istanbul. Completed in 1465, this palace complex is a collection of buildings ranging around four large courtyards. It was the administrative and political heart of the Ottoman Empire until 1853, when the sultan decamped to the European-style Dolmabahçe Palace across the Golden Horn. Enter the first court (free admission) by the Bab-ı-Hümayün, a gateway piercing the defensive wall which separated the palace from the city. This area was home to the bakeries and the Imperial Mint. There are a wealth of other buildings to explore, from the Library of Sultanahmet III to the Armoury Museum.

Best for: A step back in time.

While you’re there: Go to the Konyalı Cafe and Restaurant inside to enjoy fine views across the Bosphorus to Asia.

3. Visit the Blue Mosque - one of the most famous mosques in the world

This is probably one of the most popular things to do in Istanbul. Completed in 1616 after seven years of labour, the Blue Mosque takes its more tourist-friendly name from the carapace of predominantly blue Iznik tiles liberally adorning its interior. Along with the Hagia Sophia it dominates the skyline of Sultanahmet. Its majestic flow of domes and half-domes are magnificent. They are encompassed by six slender, cylindrical minarets which are exquisite - especially when atmospherically illuminated at night.

Best for: For unmissable architecture in Istanbul.

While you’re there: The best approach to the mosque is from the Hippodrome, where a splendid doorway leads you into the courtyard.

4. Visit the impressive Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia has gone through many transformations. It was once the Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral. Then it was transformed into an Ottomoan imperial mosque in 1453. Subsequently, in 1934, the building was turned into a museum. It’s well-known for its huge and glorious dome. Its unprecedented height and impressive diameter are incredibly striking. This was once the biggest building in the world.

Best for: Architecture.

While you’re there: If you’re looking for Istanbul holidays, try to stay in the central location of Sultanahmet which offers a wide range of accommodation.

5. Discover Istanbul’s art scene

The Istanbul Modern, the city’s answer to London’s Tate Modern might not be quite so large or cutting-edge, but succeeds in bringing contemporary art to the heart of this thriving metropolis. First founded in 2004, the gallery has recently moved out of its landmark waterfront location. It is now housed temporarily at the Union Française 19th century building. The museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibits are spread over six floors. The photography collection is on the top floor. All the other permanent collections are exhibited in a selective fashion and on a changing schedule. The new Istanbul Modern is scheduled to open in 2022.

Best for: Art lovers.

While you’re there: There are plenty of food choices around Istanbul Modern. Try Istanbul’s famous kebab in the area.

6. Wind through the Grand Bazaar

Up to half a million shoppers, both visitors and locals, visit the bazaar daily. With over four thousand shops, this is a place to certainly take your time over - and to shop ‘til you drop! Meander through the maze of the 66 vaulted streets to find a wide range of goods. From exquisite gold and silver jewellery, antique carpets and flat-weave rugs (kilims), to accessories and belly-dancer outfits, there’s lots to keep most people entertained. Wandering through the markets is all part of the fun.

Best for: Bazaar shopping experience.

While you’re there: Stop to have a drink here. Sark Kahvesi is an iconic place to have a pot of tea in the bazaar.

7. Sit back and relax on a peaceful ferry ride

When planning what to do in Istanbul, be sure to include a cruise on the Bosphorus. A six-hour journey, it's one of the highlights of a visit to Istanbul. En route, brief stops are made at Beşiktaş (Europe), Kanlıca (Asia), Sariyer and Rumeli Kavağı (both Europe). Travelling north, on the European shore you’ll see Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy. You’ll then pass under the first Bosphorus Bridge and see Beylerbeyi Palace. Back on the European side you’ll pass Arnavutköy and Bebek, once sleepy fishing villages turned into prosperous suburbs.For mainstream fashion brands, first explore the gleaming Złote Terasy shopping centre, behind Centralna train station, before passing through to the mainly pedestrianized streets of ul. Chmielna and ul. Nowy Świat. The daily Hala Mirowska market on al. Jana Pawła II is the place to go for fresh fruits and vegetables, while antique hunters should head for the Kolo Antique Market on ul. Obozowa, where you’ll find everything from war medals to old Christian icons.

Best for: Great views on the water.

While you’re there: From mid-June to September there’s a Şehir Hatları Saturday-night cruise to Anadolu Kavağı.