Istanbul, Turkey
15 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Galata Tower tops the list, and the rest of Istanbul follows, ranked by real visits.
We rank by how many travelers reviewed each place, across the 92 we track here. Updated monthly.
Galata Tower
LandmarkGalata Tower is a 14th-century Genoese watchtower that dominates the skyline of Istanbul's Beyoğlu district.
Read our full guide →Egyptian Bazaar
LandmarkFree entryThe Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, is a bustling market in Istanbul's Eminönü district.
Read our full guide →Grand Bazaar
LandmarkFree entryThe Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a sprawling maze of over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets.
Read our full guide →Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Religious siteFree entryHagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally built as a Christian cathedral in the 6th century, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a mosque, museum, and again a mosque.
Read our full guide →The Blue Mosque
Religious siteFree entryThe Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks.
Read our full guide →Topkapi Palace Museum
MuseumTopkapi Palace Museum is a vast complex that served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th century.
Read our full guide →Dolmabahçe Palace
LandmarkDolmabahçe Palace, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, is a lavish symbol of the Ottoman Empire's late period.
Read our full guide →Gülhane Park
Park & natureFree entryGülhane Park is one of Istanbul's oldest and most beloved public parks, located in the Eminönü district near the Topkapi Palace.
Read our full guide →Little Hagia Sophia
Religious siteLittle Hagia Sophia is an active mosque in Istanbul's Fatih district, close to the Marmara Sea and south of the former Hippodrome.
Read our full guide →Hagia Sophia
Religious siteHagia Sophia is an active mosque and one of Istanbul's central architectural and historical monuments.
Read our full guide →Sultanahmet Square
Park & natureFree entrySultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, is the heart of Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Read our full guide →Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Religious siteThe Blue Mosque, officially Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built in the early 17th century.
Read our full guide →Basilica Cistern
SightThe Basilica Cistern is the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul, located 150 metres southwest of Hagia Sophia on the Sarayburnu peninsula.
Read our full guide →Topkapı Palace
MuseumTopkapı Palace was the administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years.
Read our full guide →Istanbul Archaeological Museums
MuseumThe Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a trio of museums located in the Eminönü district, near Topkapı Palace.
Read our full guide →
That covers the heavyweights. Browse by category for the rest.
Attractions & sights
Landmarks, museums, neighborhoods
92 places →Restaurants
Where to eat
Explore →Day trips
Escapes near the city
Coming soonExperiences & tours
Book things to do
Coming soonPhoto spots
Best views
Coming soonWellness
Spas & relaxation
Coming soonOff the beaten path
12 hidden gems in Istanbul
Like Zahir Spa and Galata Leather, loved by reviewers, skipped by tour groups.
See them →Get outdoors
7 outdoor adventures near Istanbul
Gülhane Park (3 km away) and more, all within 100 km.
Explore →After dark
15 best bars & nightlife spots
Celtic Irish Pub Istanbul and Pleasure terrace roof top restaurant lead the night.
Go out →For the kids
10 things to do with kids
Gülhane Park and more the whole crew will rate.
Bring them →Date night
7 romantic spots for couples
Gülhane Park at two-person pace.
Slow down →Costs nothing
15 free things to do in Istanbul
Verified free entry, Egyptian Bazaar included.
Spend nothing →Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend in Istanbul can build your days for you, at local prices.