City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
10 Things to do in Istanbul That You Shouldn't Miss
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Rahmi M. Koc Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,568 reviews
The Rahmi M Koç Museum is the first major museum in Turkey dedicated to the history of Transport, Industry and Communications. Housed in magnificent buildings - themselves prime examples of industrial archaeology - on the shore of the historic Golden Horn, the collection contains thousands of items from gramophone needles to full size ships and aircraft.
Reviewed By Da-ndy1989 - Guildford, United Kingdom
So pleased with visited this mostly transport museum which has so much more on display. Everything is beautifully presented and well kept in this old Shipyard and it's very easy to spend quite a few hours here for a very cheap entry fee. It's a MUST visit when in Istanbul but a little out of the way from the centre, there's also a delicious bakery nearby for lovely treats. We loved that you could enter the fantastic old airplanes. There's English translations too for a wealth of knowledge about most on display. Very educational and incredibly interesting.
2. Historic Areas of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10,677 reviews
Reviewed By titizel - Istanbul, Turkey
While you are visiting İstanbul, there are landmarks to visit. Sultan Ahmet Area, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. That are most populer places. But I advise you to add Maiden Tower and take a Bosphorus Tour.
3. Hagia Sophia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43,620 reviews
This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.
Reviewed By AnLily
The Hagia Sophia Church-turned Mosque deserves a second look. Often, you need to look up & behind (at the exit and corner of upstairs former chapel) to spot the beauty that Islamic conquerors forgot or ignored in stripping its decor. Sadly, they plastered over the pure gold & silver Byzantine mosaics, which are only palely visible now. (The glowing ceiling and radiant upper walls of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem shows what the Hagia Sophia once would have looked like by brilliant candlelight inside.) The Byzantine influence of the Hagia Sophia is great; its architecture was copied by Ottomans and can be seen at the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) in Istanbul and in Cairo (“Blue Mosque” as well) at the Fortress governed by Mohamed Ali. Aside from the similarities, including windows and dome at the succeeding blue mosques, differences to the mosque-cathedrals revised by North African Caliphates in Cordoba also astound visitors. Whereas the archways and simplicity of Spanish architecture on the conquered Iberian peninsula resemble ancient Egyptian Coptic churches, the Hagia Sophia has an intricacy that dimly appears after centuries of contest. You miss the most impressive views by not taking the ancient Roman uneven ramp to the upper gallery (with jewellery stand!); it closes early and is only accessible until approximately 6 p.m. Beyond the Empress Lodge upstairs is the 6th century marble door, behind which is a handrail with 9th c. Viking graffiti. On the arches above are mosaic stars of David flanking emblems of crosses. If you proceed to the far wall and look back there’s an impressive Byzantine image of Jesus retained in gold. However, the marble was largely damaged by Ottomans and the statuary looted by Crusaders and Venetians. A portion of the mosaics (6-13 c) are being uncovered from behind imposing scaffolding. This Hagia Sophia beside Sultanahmet in Iznik (Nicaea) was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius and burned in the fire of Nika Revolt (532 AD) before being rebuilt. It was the site of the 7th ecumenical Church council in 787 CE (the first was also held there in 325 CE). It became strictly used as a mosque from 1331 under order of Orhan Gazi and modified with medallions or script of Koran inspiration by the architect Mimar Sinan. The remains of a 1,600-year old Byzantine basilica, St. Neophytos, is nearby--preserved as a museum under Iznik Lake as an inspiration of the original Hagia Sophia cathedral. In 1453 Mahmud II made severe changes to Hagia Sophia, the ancient base of the Orthodox Church, when he forced out the local Ecumenical faithful and hung the Greek patriarch George V—as well as executing the leading Orthodox bishops. Subsequent Muslim renovations continued 1847-49 during Abdulmecit’s reign. The Hagia Sophia was reconstituted as Museum under secularized state control after Ataturk ascended to power in postwar Turkey. General admission to the museum costs 60 TL/person. The ticket office accepts visa, as does the gift- and coffee shop. You can purchase a 5-day pass for 185 TL to save 169 TL on other attractions as well. Headsets are limited and available only for large groups. The last daily entry time is 6 p.m, and snack counters sell expensive refreshments outside the public washrooms (wood huts) on the museum grounds. If you have time and cash-only, the Basilica cistern is kitty corner to the Hagia Sophia entrance across the street /tram tracks. Combining these venues and/or the Blue Mosque nearby can be simply enjoyed with or without a guide. Tourist pamphlets in multiple languages are oddly placed beside the exit gates, not at the front of the former church and basilica.
4. Topkapi Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,196 reviews
This enormous palace was the Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Although much of the palace is not accessible, the daily tours of the Harem are of great interest to tourists.
Reviewed By fatemat2014 - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
You must visit this to see how the Ottomans use to live... it has a lot of historical artifacts from the time of Prophet Moses and Propher Mohammed PBUH... definitely take the audio guide and make sure you ask how to use it properly
5. Sultanahmet District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,447 reviews
The old section of Istanbul where you can find many attractions including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Reviewed By ColinMc1951 - Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
This area is the location of the most historic places and buildings in Istanbul. And all within walking distance of each other - the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Topkapi Palace and a number of Sultans tombs (found at the side of Aya Sophia and entrance is free). The area has nice gardens to sit and rest and look around at the beauty of the buildings. It is truly an amazing area to explore. I have visited many times and consider Istanbul to be a safe place for tourists.
6. Dolmabahce Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,833 reviews
This palace was built in the mid 1800s to replace an earlier structure that was made of wood. The new palace incorporated sixteen separate buildings with stables, a flour mill and a clock tower among them.
Reviewed By muratm660 - Fethiye, Turkey
In order to visit Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) you must take one or both of the guided tours. The Selamlık tour takes you through the quarters reserved for men, while the Harem tour shows you the apartments of the sultan’s family. Only a limited amount of people are allowed into each section per day, so make sure to check out the opening hours. If you only want to go on one tour, visit the Selamlık. I have used Fizytur Ultra vip minibus to void İstanbul's traffic trouble and enjoyed with my netflix, minibar and silence.
7. Galata Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,629 reviews
Built in 500 A.D., Galata Tower is one of the dominating landmarks of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower to help defend the city.
Reviewed By 951luisy - Ashland, United States
The Galata Tower can be seen from almost every corner of Istanbul; particularly, from the Golden Horn. The security guards and the ticket seller were smiling all the time and showed a very compassionate effort to welcome visitors of different abilities. The elevator was fast and modern and at the very top you can even buy a meal or a refreshment to enjoy the 360 degree view at 260 feet high or just walk outside imagining Ahmet Celebi jumping from the tower and crossing the Bosphorus river with his mechanical wings. A tip for photographers: tripods and monopods are not permitted.
8. Suleymaniye Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,206 reviews
Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both.
Reviewed By ayeasha7865 - Swindon, United Kingdom
What an amazing and beautiful mosque - definitely worth a visit beautiful architecture beautiful grounds and you can see far across the city views are amazing.
9. Gulhane Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,241 reviews
Reviewed By Cruisers101 - Melbourne, Australia
A quiet oasis in the midst of chaos in down town Istanbul. Plenty of seats to take in the gardens, water features, and numerous paths that meander throughout. The is a cafe for a nice break or take a book for a quiet read. A great short cut to avoid the traffic and crowds.
10. Bosphorus Strait
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,355 reviews
Reviewed By MM0311
We took a 2 hour cruise of the Bosphorus while in Istanbul and found it to be stunning. The waters are beautiful, as are the views. I would love to do this cruise when I am in Istanbul again - both by day and by night :)
