Istanbul Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, is a city of contrasts. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and the serene Bosphorus. Enjoy its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.
With 349+ hand-picked places to explore, Istanbul rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Istanbul
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Süleymaniye Mosque — a striking blend of Byzantine and Islamic architecture, this mosque enriches a day exploring Istanbul's historic sites. Just as worthwhile is Beylerbeyi Palace: explore Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning Ottoman summer residence with beautiful gardens and a remarkable view of the Bosphorus. Camlica Hill completes the picture: located in Üsküdar, Camlica Hill presents stunning panoramic views of Istanbul and its surroundings.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul • Historic Architecture
A striking blend of Byzantine and Islamic architecture, this mosque enriches a day exploring Istanbul's historic sites.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Istanbul • Historic Architecture
Explore Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning Ottoman summer residence with beautiful gardens and a remarkable view of the Bosphorus.
Camlica Hill
Istanbul • Scenic Viewpoints & Lookouts
Located in Üsküdar, Camlica Hill presents stunning panoramic views of Istanbul and its surroundings.
Dolmabahçe Clock Tower
Istanbul • Famous Landmarks
A striking architectural landmark that complements a leisurely day exploring the Bosphorus and nearby gardens.
Museums & Culture in Istanbul
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Hagia Sophia: ayasofya Meydanı showcases a striking example of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural fusion. Locals will also point you to Mihrimah Sultan Mosque — an exquisite example of Ottoman architecture designed by Mimar Sinan, showcasing a large central dome and elegant minarets. And for something different, there's Rahmi M. Koç Museum: ideal for families, this industrial museum offers interactive exhibits and a diverse collection for curious minds.
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul • Historical Sites
Ayasofya Meydanı showcases a striking example of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural fusion.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Istanbul • Historical Sites
An exquisite example of Ottoman architecture designed by Mimar Sinan, showcasing a large central dome and elegant minarets.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Istanbul • Museums
Ideal for families, this industrial museum offers interactive exhibits and a diverse collection for curious minds.
Süreyya Opera House
Istanbul • Theaters
Cultural enthusiasts and couples will appreciate this historic venue for its classical performances and stunning architecture.
Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim — a unique swimming event that connects Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Istanbul Sailing Club earns its reputation too — integrate sailing into your day with courses and rentals at this established club on the Marmara Sea. Round out the shortlist with Culinary Arts Center Istanbul — located in Üsküdar, this center offers hands-on cooking classes in traditional Turkish cuisine.
Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim
Istanbul • Sports
A unique swimming event that connects Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul.
Istanbul Sailing Club
Istanbul • Sports
Integrate sailing into your day with courses and rentals at this established club on the Marmara Sea.
Culinary Arts Center Istanbul
Istanbul • Indoor
Located in Üsküdar, this center offers hands-on cooking classes in traditional Turkish cuisine.
Istanbul Laser Tag
Istanbul • Indoor
Ideal for families or groups seeking an engaging indoor activity in Istanbul.
Where to Eat in Istanbul
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Go Mongo — ideal for a meal after shopping, this restaurant offers customizable Mongolian BBQ in a lively setting. Just as worthwhile is Zencefil: a refreshing stop for vegetarian cuisine after exploring Beyoğlu's lively streets in Istanbul. Balık Ekmek Eminönü completes the picture: ideal for a casual meal after exploring Istanbul's waterfront attractions, this spot emphasizes street food culture.
Go Mongo
Istanbul • Asian Cuisine
Ideal for a meal after shopping, this restaurant offers customizable Mongolian BBQ in a lively setting.
Zencefil
Istanbul • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
A refreshing stop for vegetarian cuisine after exploring Beyoğlu's lively streets in Istanbul.
Balık Ekmek Eminönü
Istanbul • Street Food
Ideal for a casual meal after exploring Istanbul's waterfront attractions, this spot emphasizes street food culture.
Simitçi Galata
Istanbul • Street Food
Experience the iconic simit, a sesame-encrusted bread, at a popular street vendor near Galata Tower.
Istanbul After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Pivnaya: a cozy craft beer bar in Beşiktaş, featuring an impressive selection of international brews. Locals will also point you to Rooftop Galata 1864 — ideal for couples and groups seeking a memorable nightlife experience with stunning views. And for something different, there's Roxy Istanbul: ideal for nightlife enthusiasts and groups looking for a lively evening out in Istanbul.
Pivnaya
Istanbul • Craft Beer Bars
A cozy craft beer bar in Beşiktaş, featuring an impressive selection of international brews.
Rooftop Galata 1864
Istanbul • Cocktail Bars
Ideal for couples and groups seeking a memorable nightlife experience with stunning views.
Roxy Istanbul
Istanbul • Pubs & Bars
Ideal for nightlife enthusiasts and groups looking for a lively evening out in Istanbul.
Pablo Beerhouse
Istanbul • Craft Beer Bars
Located on Moda Cd. in Kadıköy, this bar offers a lively atmosphere and diverse craft beer options.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Bosphorus Bridge Hostel — an ideal stop for budget travelers looking to explore Istanbul while enjoying stunning Bosphorus views. Raffles Istanbul earns its reputation too — luxury travelers will appreciate this hotel for its stunning Bosphorus views and extensive amenities. Round out the shortlist with Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul — located in the Besiktas district, this hotel combines Swiss and Turkish luxury with stunning Bosphorus views.
Bosphorus Bridge Hostel
Istanbul • Hostels
An ideal stop for budget travelers looking to explore Istanbul while enjoying stunning Bosphorus views.
Raffles Istanbul
Istanbul • Spa Hotels
Luxury travelers will appreciate this hotel for its stunning Bosphorus views and extensive amenities.
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Istanbul • Spa Hotels
Located in the Besiktas district, this hotel combines Swiss and Turkish luxury with stunning Bosphorus views.
Pera Palace Hotel
Istanbul • Mid-Range Hotels
Located on Meşrutiyet Cad. in Beyoğlu, this historic hotel blends classic charm with modern amenities.
Shopping in Istanbul
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Jennifer's Hamam — a shop within Arasta Bazaar focused on traditional hand-woven Turkish textiles. Just as worthwhile is Sierra Vintage: explore a curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories in Kadıköy, Istanbul's Moda neighborhood. Atölye Mariposa completes the picture: ideal for vintage enthusiasts and casual shoppers looking for unique finds in Istanbul.
Jennifer's Hamam
Istanbul • Souvenir Shops
A shop within Arasta Bazaar focused on traditional hand-woven Turkish textiles.
Sierra Vintage
Istanbul • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Explore a curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories in Kadıköy, Istanbul's Moda neighborhood.
Atölye Mariposa
Istanbul • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for vintage enthusiasts and casual shoppers looking for unique finds in Istanbul.
Tuncer Gift Shop
Istanbul • Souvenir Shops
A shop near the Spice Bazaar specializing in authentic Turkish souvenirs and crafts at competitive prices.
Parks & Green Spaces in Istanbul
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Ağaçlı Forest: ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking a peaceful retreat from Istanbul's urban environment. Locals will also point you to Gülhane Park — once part of the imperial gardens of Topkapi Palace, this urban park combines nature with a rich historical backdrop. And for something different, there's Yıldız Park: a peaceful park combining natural beauty and historical architecture, perfect for a break during urban exploration.
Ağaçlı Forest
Istanbul • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking a peaceful retreat from Istanbul's urban environment.
Gülhane Park
Istanbul • Parks
Once part of the imperial gardens of Topkapi Palace, this urban park combines nature with a rich historical backdrop.
Yıldız Park
Istanbul • Parks
A peaceful park combining natural beauty and historical architecture, perfect for a break during urban exploration.
Atatürk Arboretum
Istanbul • Botanical Gardens
An expansive collection featuring over 2,000 plant species, this arboretum is a peaceful retreat outside Istanbul.
93 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Istanbul that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Istanbul list:
- Agora Hostel & Guesthouse· Budget Hotels
- Kumbaracı Yokuşu· Local Hangouts
- The Bar With No Name· Cocktail Bars
- Istanbul Old City Walking Tour· Walking
- Historical Peninsula Walking Tour· Guided
Planning where to stay in Istanbul?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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