Top Things To Do In Istanbul

Situated in both Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus Strait in between, Istanbul is the cultural, economic, and historic hub of Turkey. Once the capital of the Roman and Ottoman empires, this vibrant city of well over 15 million people, situated between the Black and Mediterranean Seas, merges East with West in a multicultural melting pot. Both modern and ancient, this is a metropolis full of mosques, energetic bars and restaurants, and shopping under covered bazaars. Whether you’re planning on a short stopover visit, or have carved out a week or two, here are the best places to visit.

The Grand Bazaar

Perhaps a great place to begin your adventure is at the expansive Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets on the planet, originating in 1461. Located in the Old City, thousands of shops, frequented by locals as well as tourists, sell ceramics, books, metalware, water pipes, lamps, lanterns, jewelry, tiles, and textiles—shawls, scarves, tablecloths, carpets, cushions, and kaftans.  

Good to Know: Do not expect to see everything in one visit—the bazaar is massive. Let your inhibitions go, fully immersing yourself into Turkish hospitality and culture. Say “merhaba”, or hello, and drink tea with vendors, barter for goods, and let yourself get a little lost in the labyrinth.

Hippodrome Square

Several must-visit attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Begin at Hippodrome Square, also known as Sultanahmet Square, between St. Sophia and the Blue Mosque. You’ll see ancient monuments that attest to the site of the Roman Empire’s second largest hippodrome, where horse and chariot races were well-liked pursuits in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Spot the pink granite Obelisk of Theodosius, brought over from Egypt in 390 A.D.; the Serpent Column, placed by Constantine the Great in 330AD, which features three headless snakes; Kaiser Wilhelm’s Fountain, located at the northern end of the Hippodrome; and the Rough-Stone Obelisk, once enclosed in gold-covered bronze, situated at the Hippodrome’s southern end.

Good to Know: You’ll see multiple mobile food carts throughout the area and it’s worth stopping to taste the local street fare. Try a simit, a large round sesame bagel, flavored with molasses; or misir, a grilled or boiled corn on the cob, seasoned with salt and served on a bright green corn husk.

Blue Mosque

Blue Iznik tiles and intricate details decorate the interior of Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Constructed in the early 1600’s, this mosque, located across from Hagia Sophia, has exquisite cascading domes and six minarets.

Good to Know: For 90 minutes, five times each day, the Blue Mosque is closed for prayer—non-Muslims are not allowed inside. When you’re permitted to enter, make sure you take your shoes off. Women must cover their hair and shoulders as well. Conservative dress is appropriate, as in all places of worship.

Aya Sofya

Consecrated as a church in 537 AD, converted into a mosque in 1453, and designated a museum in 1935, Aya Sofya, or St. Sophia, is one of the most historically significant structures in Istanbul. Once the world’s greatest cathedral, and then the world’s largest mosque when Constantinople fell to the Turks, St. Sophia is home to significant art, large bronze doors, stones worn down by marching guards, and a cavernous space that allures contemplation. When you first enter, you’ll see a mosaic of Christ as Pantocrator, which leads you into the main vast space, well-known for its dome and gold mosaics. There’s a mosaic of the Virgin and Christ Child as well as remnants of archangels Gabriel and Michael inside, which are covered with cloth during prayer times. An off-center mihrab marks the direction of Mecca and enormous round discs are inscribed with Arabic characters.

Good to Know: Conservative dress is also expected when visiting here and women must cover their hair and shoulders. While often crowded, it’s not difficult to find a quiet place for reflection.

Topkapi Palace

Grand and sprawling, Topkapi Palace functioned as an imperial residence, palace, harem, and seat of government for four centuries. See the interior of the Imperial Council, the palace kitchens, a large collection of porcelain and weapons, tiled rooms, an Ottoman-style library, large tree-filled courtyards, and plenty of gardens. This is your chance to get an insider’s look at the opulent lives of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

Good to Know: Konyali Restaurant is well worth the visit for lunch after you’ve built up an appetite exploring Topkapi Palace. Enjoy not only authentic Turkish cuisine and splendid hospitality, but also, stellar views.

Galata

Like most cities, the heart beats in the neighborhoods and Galata, one of the oldest in the city, is no different. Located at the northern end of the Golden Horn, towards Taksim Square, Galata is where you’ll find yourself taking lots of photographs of the multi-hued buildings, stopping for coffee or a bite in one of the many eateries, or shopping for specialty goods in one of the boutiques.

Good to Know: The Medieval stone Galata Tower offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck. Take the elevator up and, after looking around, walk down the spiral staircases. Each level offers viewpoints and museum-quality exhibits.

Spice Bazaar

The Ottoman-era Spice Bazaar is a colorful place to wander. You’ll see umpteen tables full of chili, saffron, cloves, and star anise as well as a variety of teas like jasmine, rose, chamomile, green, Turkish black, pomegranate, and lemongrass. Vendors are happy to offer you a taste of dried fruits, nuts and seeds, or the ever-famous Turkish delights.

Good to Know: As in the Grand Bazaar, a bit of haggling is part of the fun here. Dive in, taste everything, and walk away with authentic edible souvenirs to bring home.

İstiklal Caddesi

Popular with locals as well as tourists, İstiklal Caddesi, also known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, is a busy thoroughfare with many side streets that beckon you to explore further—night or day. Beyond great people watching, you’ll see plenty of music stores, art galleries, cafes, pubs, and chocolate shops. Competing vendors sell ice cream cones out of little stalls, delivered with trickery and panache.

Good to Know: For a unique adventure, visit 1924Istanbul, located just off İstiklal Caddesi on Olivya Gecidi. The vodka infusions here are legendary, with lemon being the most popular choice. If you’re feeling bold, try the smoked salmon vodka. Salmon is cooked to release its flavor and then added to the vodka to marinate for two hours. Afterward, the salmon is removed, and the vodka is put into the freezer. The fat then rises and is separated, leaving a salmon vodka infusion.

When to Visit

For the best weather, and fewer tourists, visit during the shoulder seasons of spring, where you’ll see tulips and flowering trees; and fall, where the breeze will likely be welcome. If it’s a bit chilly, warm up with sips of raki, a robust anise-flavored liquor. And no matter what time of year you decide to stroll the city on foot, sample pistachio baklava, Turkish delights, baked fish sandwiches, and copious amounts of tea.

How to Make the Most of Your Stay

To make the most of your valuable and limited time, use the expert guiding services of Sea Song. Enjoy a well-curated bespoke itinerary, full of important sites and attractions, as well as off-the-beaten-path experiences that you are unlikely to discover on your own. The insider knowledge will make your visit to Istanbul indelible, full of rich adventures that you are sure to remember for a long time to come. Your amiable guide will move at your pace, offer suggestions and alternatives, and help you navigate the city from an insider’s perspective.

Where to Stay

For luxury and style, with history added in for good measure, stay at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, once part of the Ottoman Empire. From brunch at Laledan to fine dining at Tugra to after-dinner drinks at Le Fumoir, you’ll be in good hands, just steps from the Bosphorus. While at this former sultan’s palace, full of palm trees and gazebos, and one stunning outdoor swimming pool, be sure to indulge in an authentic hammam, a Turkish bath, where you’ll be washed, scrubbed, and massaged. With its decadent and elegant ambiance, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, is one of the most stunning hotels in Istanbul, a destination in and of itself.

How to Get to Istanbul

Flying to more countries than any other carrier on the planet, Turkish Airlines directly connects passengers to and from Istanbul from major U.S. cities like Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, Newark, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston. For all-out comfort while flying abroad, choose the premium Business Class traveling experience, where you’ll find rest and relaxation with fully reclining seats and top-notch service. Enjoy a full well-crafted menu, with diverse beverage options, delivered by Flying Chefs and enjoy in-flight amenities from Versace. While waiting for your flight at Istanbul Airport, a stunning modern facility, you can experience the exclusive Turkish Airlines Lounge, where you’ll find plenty of food and beverage opportunities as well as quiet places to unwind.