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 7165 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$229 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 259 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 55 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$409 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 178 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 7165 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$229 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 78 activities
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 348 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$229 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Semi-Private Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis with Lunch

Semi-Private Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis with Lunch

Activity duration is 15 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,834 per adult*
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What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

Istanbul_TaksimSquare_508029_05

Taksim Square

4.4/5 (27,914 reviews)
Taksim Square pulses as modern Istanbul's vibrant heart, marked by the Republic Monument and gateway to bustling Istiklal Avenue. Savour Turkish cuisine at diverse eateries or explore side streets for hidden cafes.
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Where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Istanbul
Learn more about Istanbul

Sultanahmet

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

Panorama of Golden Horn Gulf and the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Beyoğlu

Enjoy the popular shops in Beyoğlu. Galata Tower is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.

Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

Kadıköy

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.

The walking in city two young girls nisantasi Istanbul, turkey

Nişantaşı

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Nişantaşı. Spend some time visiting top spots like Abdi Ipekci Street, and catch the metro at Maçka Cable Car Station or Taşkışla Cable Car Station to see more of the area.

Europe, Turkey, View from Galata Tower and highrises in Sisli; Shutterstock ID 359722382

Şişli

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 Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.

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

Osmangazi Bridge (Izmit Bay Bridge). IZMIT, KOCAELI, TURKEY. Aerial shot with drone.

Cayirova

View of waterfront houses small fishing town in Asian side of the city. Anadolu Kavağı, Istanbul, Turkey.

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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