Places to Visit & Things to Do in Istanbul

The intoxicating colours, sights and smells of Istanbul will make you feel like you have been transported to a magical place – while its history, architecture and dizzying nightlife will assure you that this enchanting city is all too real.

Sights & Attractions in Istanbul

The history of Istanbul alone is enough to fuel a rich holiday experience. Begin with a 15-minute stroll around the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, and see the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, which is illuminated at night with golden and blue lights. Next, tick off the Hagia Sophia, a combined museum and mosque, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient chariot-racing arena and home to gladiatorial games. If you cross the Golden Horn river to the Beyoğlu district, you will find a historic centre, known for its nightlife as much as its landmarks. The Galata Tower can be seen from, and allows views across, the entire district. After sightseeing, wander down İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) for an avenue of boutiques, food and bars.

Art & Culture in Istanbul

The city where east meets west, is usurpingly, bursting with culture. Featuring over one million artefacts, the Archaeological Museums houses many wonders, from ancient tombs to fine arts. For art admirers, swing by the Pera Museum for its particular focus on Orientalism in art, the museum regularly collaborates with international collections to offer a diverse range of exhibitions. The Dolmabahçe Palace features imperial grounds and apartment complexes, decorated with carpets, crystals and porcelains that were gifted to the Sultans throughout history. İstiklal Caddesi may be known as a shopping centre, but it is also home to a number of small galleries, including the Zilberman Gallery and the Galatea Sanat Galerisi.  Keep an eye out for seasonal attractions including the month-long Istanbul Music Festival which takes place in the summer and features musicians from all across the world. In autumn, Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition takes place across the city. 

Shopping in Istanbul

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, is over 500 years old and features over 4,000 shops. It is like a city within a city, with a police station and post office, as well as everything from antique carpets to hand-crafted leather bags.   The Spice Bazaar, near the Eminonu district, is a must-see (and smell). The area has been an active marketplace since the Byzantine era, and due to its harbourside location, much of what comes in and out of Istanbul can be found at your fingertips. Kadıköy’s fish and antique markets carry everything you could imagine needing in your kitchen cupboards (as well as trinkets to take home to loved ones). Under the Blue Mosque, you can find the Arasta Bazaar, and peruse the quality İznik pottery, carpets and kilims and peştemals (Turkish bath wraps). While Çarşamba Bazaar covers the streets of Fatih every Wednesday.   Away from the bazaars, try the Demirören Istiklal Mall, Kanyon Shopping Mall or the Zorlu Center, all of which stock leading brands alongside authentic Turkish shops – Beyman and Vakko clothing, Yargıcı accessories and Mavi jeans. For luxury brands, visit the suburbs of Nisantası for Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and Bağdat Caddesi for Chanel and Tommy Hilfiger.

Food & Drink in Istanbul

Turkish cuisine encapsulates much of what is loved about Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Meyhanes, meaning traditional restaurants and bars that serve local foods and beverages, are the place to go for authentic meze and grilled fish. The liveliest line the Nevizade Sokak and Asmalımescit streets in Beyoğlu. For an alternative to the tavern-style locations, try the waterfront restaurants along the Bosphorus for fish dishes designed to take centre stage.   Elsewhere, Istanbulites gather around the ocakbaşı, long charcoal grills on which cuts of meat are placed to give a smoky, tender flavour. For quick lunches, try a sulu yemek eating joint, which serves Turkish stews (traditionally cooked with water rather than olive oil).  Take a pit stop at the many coffee and baklava places, or stop for a drink at a chic rooftop bar. For a trendy cocktail with a view across the water, try Leb-i Derya or head to the bars and cafes beneath the Galata Bridge for a casual beer and to watch boats and fishermen going to and from the waterfront. 

Unique to Istanbul

Hop on the T1 tram to its terminus in Kabataş and board a ferry heading south to the magical Princes’ İslands, a tiny archipelago sprinkled across the blue waters of the Sea of Marmara. Get the sea-bus and you’ll be there in half an hour, but to enjoy a sunny day the slower ferries (50 minutes to the nearest island) have open seating areas. All four visitable islands are free of motorised vehicles, so visitors either walk, take a horse-drawn phaeton or hire a bike. All the islands have beaches, and plenty of places to enjoy a fish meal and relaxed vibe. The largest, Büyükada, has some fantastic fin de siècle architecture, the house where Trotsky was exiled, a fascinating little museum and a hill-top Greek Orthodox church and café with Other cities might have open green spaces to bask in, but in Istanbul, you can unwind in the surrounding open water spots. Cross over the Bosphorus and you might spot a school of porpoise amid the waves. A must is the Bosphorus Cruise, for a half- or full-day trip beginning from the Galata Bridge, which takes you past historic sites, palaces and buildings, before stopping for lunch near the Black Sea. For a shorter trip, try the ferry ride up the Gold Horn. In as little as half an hour, you’ll see the Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars, the Tersane shipyard and Eyüp, the burial place for Ottoman royalty.

Featuring reviews from

Trip advisor logo

Travel services provided by American Express International, Inc. ABN 15 000 618 208. Incorporated with limited liability in Delaware, USA.