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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Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$45 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 96 activities
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
The previous price was HK$1,817 and current price is HK$1,581 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table

Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$273 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 43 activities
2 Days Cappadocia from Istanbul with Cave Hotel+Optional Balloon

2 Days Cappadocia from Istanbul with Cave Hotel+Optional Balloon

Activity duration is 2 days
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$4,159 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

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

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

Activity duration is 50 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$409 per adult
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What to do in Istanbul

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

Taksim Square

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Taksim Square
Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, religious aspects and a mosque

Blue Mosque

The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.

Grand Bazaar
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Galata Tower
Bosphorus

Bosphorus

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus during your travels in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Topkapi Palace
Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Sultanahmet Square
Bosphorus Bridge showing a coastal town, a river or creek and cruising

Bosphorus Bridge

Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

Bosphorus Bridge

Areas of Istanbul

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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 Kalamış Marina, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
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Taksim

4/5(354 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
Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

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

Sultanahmet
Bosphorus Bridge showing a coastal town, a river or creek and cruising

Beşiktaş

4/5(81 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center 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
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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
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Şişli

4/5(81 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
Silivri

Silivri

Miniaturk showing outdoor art and a park

Eyup

Şile

Şile

Photo by Cigdem Gureli

Catalca

Cayirova

Cayirova

Beykoz

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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