20 top things to do in Istanbul, including iconic mosques, markets, and must-see attractions for an unforgettable trip.
Visiting Istanbul has been a dream of mine for over five years, and we finally made it happen! I’ve been eagerly looking forward to writing this blog post on the top things to do in Istanbul for months.
To make this guide as helpful as possible, I’ve structured it by the different districts we explored—Fatih, Galata/Karaköy, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar. This will help you plan your itinerary efficiently, as exploring by district saves time, energy, and money. Trust me, Istanbul is a big city, and grouping your activities by area makes all the difference!
Istanbul has been one of the most magical cities I’ve ever visited. We left a piece of our hearts there, and even now, I find myself tearing up just thinking about how much I miss it. It’s a city that lingers in your soul—a place of unmatched beauty, history, and charm. If there’s one city that deserves the title of the real city of love, it’s Istanbul.
This post is all about the 20 top things to do in Istanbul!
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20 Things To Do In Istanbul
Fatih District
1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, known for its rich history and breathtaking architecture. While there’s a fee of around £25 per person to visit the museum section, entering the mosque itself is absolutely free.
We initially thought payment was required to see the interior, but that’s not the case—you only need to pay for the museum. Stepping into the mosque was a truly awe-inspiring experience.
We loved it so much that we woke up early to pray Friday prayer here, which felt incredibly special and spiritual. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the stunning architecture, or a peaceful moment of reflection, Hagia Sophia is a must-see in Istanbul.
When planning your visit, make sure to go before prayer times, as entry is not allowed during prayers, especially Friday prayers!
2. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Located just opposite Hagia Sophia, you’ll find the stunning Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultanahmet Mosque. Its nickname comes from the beautiful blue İznik tiles adorning its interior, creating a serene and calming atmosphere.
As an active place of worship, it’s best to plan your visit outside of prayer times. Though there’s some ongoing restoration work, the mosque remains a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Don’t miss the grand courtyard and the elegant minarets that make this mosque a symbol of Istanbul’s skyline.
Visiting the Blue Mosque right after Hagia Sophia gives you a deeper appreciation of the city’s unique blend of history and culture.
3. Süleymaniye Mosque
A short distance away within the Fatih district lies the Süleymaniye Mosque, another architectural gem and a quieter alternative to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
4. Grand Bazar
The Grand Bazaar is a maze of colorful shops and beautiful architecture where you can easily spend hours wandering. It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, offering everything from Turkish rugs, scarves, and jewelry to pottery, prayer mats, and Turkish delights.
While window shopping is a joy in itself, I highly recommend doing most of your shopping at the Spice Bazaar, as prices there are often more reasonable. We love bazaars so much that we visited both the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar twice during our 6-night stay in Istanbul!
Remember to haggle!!
5. Spice Bazar/Egyptian Bazar
If you’re looking to buy Turkish delights, spices, or other treats, the Spice Bazaar is the place to go. Located near the Grand Bazaar, this smaller market offers similar products at better prices.
We bought three boxes of Turkish delights here after tasting and comparing options. Each stall offers different prices, so I recommend checking a few before buying to get the best deal.
Interestingly, when we asked sellers at the Grand Bazaar why their prices were higher, we got a few cheeky responses like, “If you want to buy from the spice bazaar then go there!” While the taste was identical in both markets, the Spice Bazaar is definitely the better option for bargains.
You will also find other things to buy such as jewelry, prayer mats, clothes, and so much more!
Other Istanbul Posts You’ll Find Helpful
- What To Eat In Istanbul
- 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Istanbul
- 7 Instagrammable Places In Istanbul
- Where To Stay In Istanbul
- 6 Day Istanbul Itinerary
- 10 Free Things To Do In Istanbul
6. Bosphorus Boat Tour
A Bosphorus boat tour is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience Istanbul. We set off from Eminönü Pier (there are other piers as well) for a 1-2 hour tour, and it was worth it.
Although we couldn’t hear much of the commentary over the speakers, the views of Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and beautiful waterfront mansions made the experience unforgettable.
7. Try A Balik Dürüm (fish wrap)
This wouldn’t be a proper list of “top things to do in Istanbul” without mentioning street food! Near the Eminönü Pier, a short walk from the Spice Bazaar, we stumbled upon the best Balık Dürüm (fish wrap) ever. Istanbul is very well known for its fish wraps/sandwiches so this experience must be part of your Istanbul itinerary.
We had previously tried fish dishes at the restaurants under the Galata Bridge, but this street food wrap was far better and much cheaper. The shop’s cooks were getting constant thumbs-ups from happy customers—ourselves included! While many opt for the Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich), I highly recommend trying the wrap version (Balık Dürüm). It’s fresh, flavorful, and a must-try in Istanbul.
8. Balat
If you’re looking for one of the most Instagrammable spots in Istanbul, Balat is the place to be! This small yet vibrant neighborhood is famous for its colorful and charming buildings. Walking through Balat feels like stepping into a living postcard—it’s a dream for photography lovers and anyone who enjoys picturesque, aesthetic locations.
Balat is also home to some of Istanbul’s most beautiful and cozy cafés. Whether you’re in the mood for a cup of traditional Turkish coffee or a modern latte, you’ll find endless options to choose from.
Beyond its colorful streets and cafés, Balat is a treasure trove of unique shops and boutiques. From antique stores to artisan markets, there’s plenty to explore if you enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts.
9. Zeruj Mall
While Zeruj Mall is technically in the Zeytinburnu area, it’s really close to the Fatih district and super easy to get to from central Fatih.
The mall is filled with modest fashion—literally a dream if you love modest style! Even if you don’t wear the hijab, there are so many gorgeous pieces like skirts, shirts, and dresses. I was seriously tempted to splurge, but I managed to hold back and only bought a cute summer shirt from Modanisa!
The mall also has a few food spots if you’re hungry, though we didn’t eat there this time.
Galata/Karaköy Area (Beyoğlu District)
10. Galata Tower Area
Although the Galata Tower was closed during our visit, this area is still a must-see in Istanbul! The streets around Galata are absolutely stunning, especially at night, making it a perfect spot for evening strolls. You’ll find plenty of cafes, dessert spots, and souvenir shops here.
Don’t miss the famous Viyana Kahvesi café, where you can try their incredible San Sebastian cheesecake. Trust me, it’s worth the uphill trek—nothing compares to the one we had in Istanbul, even after trying versions back home!
Souvenir Tip: We found an affordable hidden gem of a souvenir shop right next to the Galata Tower. When facing the tower from Viyana Kahvesi, walk downhill on the right side to find this shop. We picked up postcards, a mini Galata Tower, a tote bag, and a fridge magnet for under £5 (prices may vary).
11. Karaköy (Galata Bridge)
Karaköy is where you’ll find the famous Galata Bridge—a place you’ve likely seen in Turkish TV shows. It’s lined with fishermen, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere. Watching the seagulls and taking in the stunning Bosphorus views here is something truly special.
The area also has a metro station, shops, and numerous fish restaurants located under the bridge. While all the restaurants will try to get you in, we chose one that we loved so much we ate there twice! If you’re not a fan of fish, many places also serve meat dishes and burgers. The restaurant was called Yunus Balik.
Even just riding the bus through Karaköy offers gorgeous views, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s a spot that truly captures Istanbul’s charm.
12. Taksim Square & İstiklal Street
Taksim Square is the gateway to İstiklal Street, often called the Oxford Street of Istanbul. This street is full of vibrant energy, with countless shops, restaurants, and street performers giving it a lively vibe.
If you’re visiting, make sure to try the viral wet burgers at Kızılkayalar. They’re famous for a reason! Their mixed donor kebab wraps are also incredibly tasty. I highly recommend having it with an Ayran too – which is very traditional in Turkey.
While we couldn’t get on the iconic red trams because they were too crowded, it’s definitely worth trying if you can. Exploring İstiklal Street is an experience you won’t forget!
Beşiktaş district
13.Ortaköy
Ortaköy quickly became my favourite Instagrammable spot in Istanbul! The view of the iconic Ortaköy Mosque with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background is simply breathtaking—photos here are worth the visit alone.
Inside the mosque is just as beautiful as its exterior, and the surrounding area offers a few shops selling Turkish delights, souvenirs, and even kids’ toys. For a meal with an unbeatable Bosphorus view, check out The House Café. It’s well-known for its traditional Turkish breakfast, which makes for a perfect start to your day!
Here you’ll also find the cute Ortaköy market, full of handmade jewellery, art, and souvenirs—perfect for a little stroll. And of course, you can’t miss the famous kumpir stalls (stuffed baked potatoes) lined up by the waterfront. They’re packed with all kinds of toppings and are a must-try while enjoying the sea views!
14. Bebek And Arnavutköy
Take a walk along the Arnavutköy and Bebek waterfronts, where you’ll find plenty of cafés, dessert spots, and great places to eat. Bebek is known as one of Istanbul’s most upscale and affluent neighborhoods. If you want to see the modern, fancy side of the city, this is the place to go.
The Bosphorus views here are absolutely stunning — some of the best in Istanbul. The waterfront is lined with luxury cafés, fine dining restaurants, trendy shops, and some of the city’s most expensive homes. If you watch Turkish dramas like me, you might recognize Bebek’s waterfront — many shows have been filmed here!
What to do in Bebek: enjoy the amazing Bosphorus views, relax at one of the many cafés, and soak in the calm atmosphere. I loved discovering Espresso Lab here — their iced Spanish latte was delicious! They have a cozy café with indoor seating that also offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
We also walked from Arnavutköy Sahil to Bebek Sahil, admiring the charming buildings on the hills and the peaceful vibe. Bebek is definitely one of my favorite spots in Istanbul because it’s so calm compared to busy places like Fatih or Taksim/Galata.
Kadıköy District (Asian Side of Istanbul)
15. Kadıköy: The Taksim of the Asian Side
When visiting Istanbul, you must explore the Asian side, and Kadıköy is the perfect place to start! Often compared to Taksim, Kadıköy offers a similar vibe with plenty of shopping streets, cozy cafes, and affordable food options.
The best part? Shopping and dining here are much more budget-friendly than on the European side. We stopped for lunch, and the prices were incredibly reasonable compared to other parts of the city.
Umbrella Street: One highlight of Kadıköy is the stunning Umbrella Street, a colorful alley lined with cafes—perfect for a bite to eat or a few Instagram-worthy shots. It did take us a while to locate, so here’s the exact location to save you the trouble.
16. Kadıköy Ferry Back to the European Side at Sunset
For an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend taking the ferry back to the European side during sunset. If the weather cooperates, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
Even on a slightly cloudy day for us, the sunset colors still painted the sky beautifully, and seeing the lights along the Bosphorus from the ferry was a magical way to end our time on the Asian side.
Üsküdar District
17. Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is an absolute must when visiting Üsküdar! Walking through it felt like stepping into a Turkish version of Buckingham Palace. The interiors are breathtaking, though photos and videos aren’t allowed inside.
What makes this palace even more magical is its stunning view of the Bosphorus, with a picture-perfect backdrop of the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. My 3-year-old loved this visit, especially playing with the friendly cats roaming outside the palace.
There’s a small entrance fee—under £10 per person—which is far more affordable than Dolmabahçe Palace (unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit that one).
18. Çamlıca Mosque
After visiting Beylerbeyi Palace, we headed to Çamlıca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, and it was definitely worth the effort! The views here are absolutely stunning, especially during golden hour when the light creates a magical atmosphere.
Unfortunately, we had to leave early to catch our ferry back, so we missed the sunset view—but I’ve heard it’s even more spectacular during sunset.
Tip: The bus ride to Çamlıca Mosque can be tricky! We waited for nearly an hour as every bus that came was packed, and we had a pram with us. While taxis were available, we avoided them to steer clear of overpriced fares. So be prepared for this, or save yourself the trouble and get a taxi there.
19. Kuzguncuk and Çengelköy
On our first visit to Üsküdar, we mainly saw the main attractions like the palace and mosque. But this time, we wanted to explore two beautiful neighborhoods I absolutely fell in love with: Kuzguncuk and Çengelköy.
We started in Kuzguncuk, wandering through its charming streets filled with colorful buildings, cozy cafes, and cute fruit stalls. The whole area has a lovely boho, aesthetic vibe — it’s a calm and peaceful place to spend time.
Next, we took a bus to Çengelköy for lunch. We tried Kadim Döner, a new spot that just opened, and had doner with rice — the food was good. After eating, we walked along the waterfront where there are plenty of cafes and places to eat. Sitting by the Bosphorus, watching fishermen at work, was so relaxing and a perfect way to end the day.
In Çengelköy, there’s the Çengelköy Pier, where you can catch a ferry back to the European side of Istanbul. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to travel, with great views of the Bosphorus along the way.
20. Kemal’s Family House (For Kara Sevda Fans!)
If you’re a Turkish drama fan, especially of Kara Sevda, visiting the Soydere family house in Üsküdar is a must. The house is easy to locate, but fair warning—the trek there is a bit tiring.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The house is privately owned, and people live there, so you’ll need permission (and payment) to enter.
- When we arrived, someone came out and asked if we were there because of Kara Sevda—of course, we said yes! However, they initially quoted us £50 per person, which was clearly a scam.
- After some negotiation and asking for the price in Turkish lira, we ended up paying 500 lira (around £11) for just myself. I decided to go in alone to keep costs lower.
While the house has undergone a few changes, the exterior still looks very familiar—especially the outdoor area where they filmed the iconic breakfast scenes. If you’re a Kara Sevda fan, it’s definitely worth the visit!
Tip: Prices seem to vary a lot. Some people have paid as little as £6, so be prepared to negotiate!
Check out my full video tour of Kemal’s House!
Other Must Do Things In Istanbul
Many people suggest 3 to 6 nights is enough to explore Istanbul but trust me—it really isn’t! There’s so much to see and do, and just sticking to the European side doesn’t give you the full experience.
While we couldn’t visit these spots during our trip, they’re at the top of our list for when we return. Whether it’s your first visit or a second trip to Istanbul, here are some amazing places to consider adding to your itinerary:
Shopping Centers in Istanbul
If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend prioritizing the main attractions over shopping centers. However, if you’re staying for longer than 6–7 nights or planning a second visit, I heard Istanbul’s shopping centers are worth exploring. Here are some of the popular ones to check out:
- Zeruj Port
- Mall of Istanbul
- Istinye Park
Princes’ Islands
I was so sad we didn’t have time to visit the Princes’ Islands! This group of islands is perfect for a relaxing day trip away from the city hustle. You can take a ferry to the islands and spend the day exploring by bike or on foot, as motorized vehicles aren’t allowed there. The beautiful landscapes and serene atmosphere make it a must for anyone spending extra time in Istanbul.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Known for its stunning architecture and interiors, this palace offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit this time, but it’s high on our list for the next trip!
Topkapi Palace
Another must-visit in Istanbul, Topkapi Palace is rich with history and culture. It served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans and is now a museum showcasing incredible artifacts and stunning views over the Bosphorus. If you’re a history lover, this palace should definitely be on your itinerary.
This post was all about the 20 top things to do in Istanbul!
Don’t forget to save this pin on Pinterest to come back to later!
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