Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
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Most popular experiences in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 6764 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$217 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 212 activities
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 54 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$413 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 150 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 6764 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$217 per adult
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private TableOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 74 activities
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 54 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$413 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 70 activities
Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,835 per adult*
Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...Opens in new tab

What to do in Istanbul

Areas of Istanbul

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Sultanahmet Square to Blue Mosque – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
Taksim

Taksim

4/5(355 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

Kadıköy

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş

4/5(81 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
Istanbul City Center

Istanbul City Center

4/5(122 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Sisli Mosque in Abide-i Hürriyet Street, Sisli, Istanbul, built in 1949.

Şişli

4/5(85 area reviews)

Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada.

Şişli
This bridge located in Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey was built by Mimar Sinan. It was built for Suleiman the Magnificent. It is 333 meters long.

Silivri

Istanbul city, Turkey. Panoramic view of Golden Horn

Eyup

Sunflower Field. Beautiful sunflower with blue sky background..

Cerkezkoy

Sile, Turkey, Lighthouse on the rocky shore of the Black Sea against a background of blue sky with clouds.

Şile

a stream in Istanbul Riva, Turkey

Riva

Panoramic view of Cilingoz Beach

Catalca

Wide angle panoramic view of Kocaeli city. Kocaeli Province is located at the easternmost end of the Marmara Sea around the Gulf of Izmit.

Cayirova

From Beykoz, a view of the Rumelihisari (Rumelian Fortress, Roumeli Hissar Fortress, Bogazkesen Fortress is a medieval Ottoman fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey, on a series of hills on Europe side

Beykoz

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is explore Hagia Sophia. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Istanbul?
Start your adventures with a visit to Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then, check out other parts of Istanbul for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istanbul?
The top tourist attraction in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Istanbul?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace with a three-day trip to Istanbul. On average, most travellers book four days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Arnavutköy.
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Istanbul with kids?
Planning what to do in Istanbul with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Istanbul for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Istanbul for adults including Istiklal Avenue and Sinan Erdem Dome.
Are there free things to do in Istanbul?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Istanbul is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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