Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Sights & Landmarks

February 20, 2022 Weston Hennigan

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. Beth Yaakov Synagogue

Icadiye Cad. Kuzguncuk, Uskudar, Istanbul Turkey http://www.kuzguncuksinagoguvakfi.org
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Beth Yaakov Synagogue

2. Holy Cross Armenian Church- Surp Hac Ermen Kilisesi

SelamsIz, Kozanoglu Sok. No: 1 Uskudar, Istanbul Turkey
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Holy Cross Armenian Church- Surp Hac Ermen Kilisesi

3. Karacaahmet Sultan Turbesi

Gundogumu No:169 Zeynep Kamil Mahallesi, Istanbul 34668 Turkey http://www.uskudar.bel.tr/tr/main/erehber/turbeler/13/karacaahmet-sultan-turbesi/1181
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Karacaahmet Sultan Turbesi

4. Aziz Mahmut Hudayi Mosque

Gulfemhatun Sokak Uskudar, Istanbul Turkey http://howtoistanbul.com/en/the-aziz-mahmut-hudayi-mosque/2442
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Aziz Mahmut Hudayi Mosque

The Aziz Mahmut Hudayi Mosque was built in 1594 by Ayse Hanim Sultan, the daughter of Mihrimah Sultan and the Grand Vizier Rustem Pasa, for Aziz Mahmud Hudayi who served as Qadi in Edirne, Egypt, Sham(Syria) and Bursa. He was a murid and khalifah and wrote about thirty works, seven of which are in Turkish. The mosque is part of a complex (Turkish: kulliye) that consists of a soup kitchen, a tomb, a library, a chamber for Sultans, a fountain, dervish rooms, a house for the sheikh and a bakery spread out over a total area of 10,000 square meters.

5. Marmara Ilahiyat Cami

Mahir Iz Cad. No:2 Altunizade Mahallesi, Istanbul 34662 Turkey +90 216 553 07 82 http://www.ilahiyat.marmara.edu.tr
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Marmara Ilahiyat Cami

6. Camlica Camii

Ferah Yolu Sk. No:87, Istanbul 34692 Turkey
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5.0 based on 42 reviews

Camlica Camii

Reviewed By savomar - London, United Kingdom

We went to visit the mosque last week whilst we were in Istanbul, it was a quick drive through the Avrasya tunnel and we were there before we knew it, transport was easy. Mosque has huge under ground car parks which were free. The mosque itself is absolutely amazing with it 6 minarets, it has amazing views as it is settled on the camlica hill. The surrounding areas of the mosque were spotless very clean and very well looked after. must see.

7. CamlIca Camii

Ferah Yolu Sk. No:87, Istanbul 34692 Turkey
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

CamlIca Camii

8. Beylerbeyi Palace

Abdullahaga Cad., Istanbul Turkey +90 216 321 93 20 http://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/saraylar/beylerbeyi-sarayi
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4.5 based on 477 reviews

Beylerbeyi Palace

This summer residence of the Sultans was also used to house foreign heads of state visiting the Ottoman capital. Several palaces had been built and demolished at this site over the years. The present structure was built between 1861-1865 and has six staterooms and 26 smaller rooms.

Reviewed By hrs314 - Houston, United States

Beautiful Baroque style summer palace built in 1861 for Sultan Abdul Aziz. The reception hall has a pool and a fountain. Running water in Ottoman houses help cool the homes during the summer heat. Egyptian straw mats also helped to insulate the palace. The chandeliers throughout the palace are stunning. The red color in the crystals was achieved by adding gold into the crystal. Note the Baccarat and Murano masterpieces. Look up and the ceilings are also exquisite and hand painted. Many have a nautical theme. Note: no photography is allowed inside.

9. KIz Kulesi

Uskudar, Istanbul Turkey +90 216 342 47 47 [email protected] http://www.kizkulesi.com.tr
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4.5 based on 1,074 reviews

KIz Kulesi

According to Turkish legend, a princess was locked in this tower to protect her from being bitten by a snake. Over the years the tower has been used as a customs station, lighthouse and a residence for retired naval officers.

Reviewed By Wozdemir - Waterford, Ireland

I really cant praise this place enough... we went with slight trepidation due to the some of the scathing reviews on here.. but we need not have worried.. the food was fantastic and to a very high standard.. tasty well prepared dishes bursting with flavour... we were a group of 4 who all chose from the superior menu and every dish we had was excellent. The trip out from and back to Kabataş pier takes about 15 mins on a small private boat and is included in the price . Staff were courteous professional and friendly from beginning to end. The location is original, historical and has amazing views of Istanbul... the trip up to the watchtower at the top is worth the small climb.. there is a lovely bar and seating area in the tower to enough a drink and admire the view

10. Baglarbasi Surp Hac Mezarligi

Nuh Kuyusu Cad. No: 144, Istanbul 34662 Turkey +90 216 474 44 00 http://www.turkiyeermenileripatrikligi.org/site/baglarbasi-surp-hac-mezarligi-mezarliklar/
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Baglarbasi Surp Hac Mezarligi

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