0 km
from city center 1 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Unarguably the most spectacular example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia has been both a cathedral and a mosque. Today, it functions as both a museum and a mosque and is one of Istanbul's biggest attractions. Tourists can access only the second floor, which is not wheelchair accessible. An audio guide is available for 100 TL. It is not included in the Museum Pass. Cover shoulders, arms, and knees. Women should carry scarves.

1 km
from city center 2 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Topkapi Palace is a majestic building, near Hagia Sophia, which served as the main residence of the Ottoman emperors for nearly 400 years. Today it serves as one of the most important museums in Istanbul. It contains some of the rarest items in the world. Though the complex has several hundred rooms, halls and chambers, only the most significant of them are open to the public. To enter Harem, an additional 100 TL is to be paid.

1 km
from city center 3 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. It encompasses 64 streets, 4000 shops, restaurants, and banks, making it almost its own little city. It is often considered to be among the very first shopping malls in the world. It is a perfect place to buy souvenirs, jewelry, rugs, lanterns, ceramics, and much more. It can be reached through the Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı tram station.

0 km
from city center 4 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

This huge and beautiful Sultan Ahman Mosque sits right opposite the Hagia Sofia and houses hundreds of thousands of detailed decorations. It is famous for its blue interiors and is also known as the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship and is closed for tourists or visitors during the 6 prayer times in the day. Visitors need to dress respectfully, and cover-alls and wraps are provided at the entrance if needed. Women should cover their heads.

15 km
from city center 5 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

A cruise on the Bosphorus offers panoramic views of the cityscapes on both sides. Private cruises offering yacht or catamaran services and regular group cruise tours are available. Cruises are run by Şehir Hatları, the official ferry company of Istanbul, and private cruise providers like Turyol and Dentur, which run more frequent tours. These can be booked online through the respective ferry company websites or at sales offices located at departure points. The starting price range is 65 TL for shorter tours.

2 km
from city center 6 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Galata Tower is one of the most popular attractions of not just Istanbul but Turkey itself. It is a nine-storeyed building with a height of 67 metres comprising a museum, as well. It is one of the oldest and tallest towers in Istanbul and offers a panoramic view of the city. A restaurant and a cafe sits on the top floors of the building from where you can enjoy your meal with the spectacular view of the city.

0 km
from city center 7 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern in Istanbul, located near the Hagia Sophia in the historic Sultanahmet district. It is an ancient underground water storage system with hundreds of decorated columns. It was featured in Dan Brown’s Inferno and the James Bond film From Russia with Love. Platforms are built above water for people to tour. Purchasing tickets online would help avoid long queues.

0 km
from city center 8 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome, is the centrepiece of Istanbul's Historical Peninsula. It is located a few minutes' walk away from the Sultanahmet tram station. It leads to the city's most fantastic attractions, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and Ibrahim Pasa Palace. Sultanahmet Square is also lined with hotels, restaurants and other places of accommodation and leisure.

1 km
from city center 9 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Gulhane Park is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Istanbul, popular among locals for picnics and recreation. It's especially known for its tulips and attracts many during the Istanbul Tulip Festival. It features centuries-old walnut and oak trees, meticulously maintained flower beds, and stunning views of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Princes' Islands.

17 km
from city center 10 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Situated off the Asian coast of Istanbul, Princes' Islands are a group of nine, but only four—Büyükada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, and Heybeliada—are inhabited and popular with tourists. These motor-free islands are renowned for their traditional wooden houses, many of which date back to the Ottoman era. The islands are accessible by ferries departing from various points in Istanbul, including Kadıköy, Bostancı, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Kartal, and Maltepe. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the departure point.

11 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

A Turkish Hammam, also known as a Turkish bath, is a traditional public bathing practice that includes a series of cleansing rituals. Some of the best hammams in Istanbul, like Haseki Hürrem Sultan, Mihrimah Sultan, and Cagaloglu Hamami, are known for their historical significance and quality of service. Traditional hammams usually have a common steam area for both men and women.

3 km
from city center 12 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Istiklal Avenue is the busiest street in Istanbul, filled with a long stretch of cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, bars, cinemas, and galleries. The road stretches for 1.4 km from Taksim Square to the Galata Tower. It is a center for gatherings, parades, and marches. It is a nightlife area also known to be covered by the famous nostalgic tramway.

4 km
from city center 13 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey, in the Besiktas district along the Bosphorus Strait. It is home to the world's largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers. With 285 rooms, 44 halls, six Turkish baths, and 68 toilets, the palace showcases lavish interiors adorned with 14 tons of gold and at least six tons of silver. You can access a free audio guide with the submission of a free original ID proof.

0 km
from city center 14 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Istanbul Archaeology Museums is an incredible museum complex of 3 buildings that houses archaeological collections of more than 1 million items. It contains collections of items dating back thousands of years from ancient Mesopotamia, pre-Islamic Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.

1 km
from city center 15 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Spice Bazaar is one of the largest markets in Istanbul, a close second to the Grand Bazaar. It is located in Eminönü, Faith district, and runs along Flower Market and Yeni Mosque Streets. It offers a wide array of rich and colorful flavors, with over 85 shops in covered and open streets selling Turkish delights, sweets, herbs, and spice mixes. It is a famous shopping spot with restaurants, souvenir shops, jewelry and textile outlets. Visit early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.

4 km
from city center 16 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Chora Museum, also known as Kariye Museum, is popular as one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches of the 16th-century. For many, the importance of the Chora Museum is as great as Hagia Sophia. The best way to get to this part of town is to catch the Golden Horn ferry from Karaköy.

3 km
from city center 17 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Taksim Square, located in the Beyoglu district, is one of Istanbul's most iconic and lively areas. It serves as a central hub with cultural centers, theaters, art galleries, numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and luxury hotels. The square features the Republic Monument and known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants.

18 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Trying Turkish street food in Istanbul is a quintessential and delightful experience for tourists. Indulge in iconic street foods like simit, doner kebab, gözleme, kokoreç and traditional Turkish desserts such as baklava or künefe. Visit bustling markets like the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, where you can find a plethora of street food stalls. You can also join a guided food tour.

19 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Enjoying Turkish coffee in Istanbul is more than just a drink; it's a cultural ritual and a delightful experience. Visit traditional cafes or historic places like the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, where you can savor Turkish coffee in an authentic setting filled with cultural ambiance. The most popular kind of Turkish coffee is ibrik or cezve coffee.

20 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Experiencing the nightlife in Istanbul is a vibrant and diverse adventure. Explore Istikal Avenue filled with bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music venues or embrace the Turkish meyhane culture by visiting traditional taverns. You can visit one of the rooftop bars for breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline, take a Bosphorus night cruise, and attend cultural performances such as Turkish folk dances, belly dancing shows, or Sufi music concerts.

1 km
from city center 21 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul. Perched on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, it offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn. The mosque’s interior is both spacious and elegant. Located in the historic old peninsula of Istanbul, nearby attractions include the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, and the New Mosque. It is also within walking distance of the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Women are required to cover their legs, arms, and hair, and men to cover their legs.

6 km
from city center 22 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century Imperial Ottoman summer residence situated in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, Turkey, that has now been converted into a museum. The palace is constructed using white marble built in the Second Empire style of architecture. It is smaller in comparison to Dolmabahçe or Topkapı, but offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus. Free audio guide is available too. Photography is prohibited inside.

7 km
from city center 23 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Uskudar is a neighborhood in the Asian side of the city with less concrete and more nature. With the small empty streets, beautiful parks, less crowded markets, and a collection of history, it is the place for all peace and nature lovers. Located directly opposite the historic Eminonu district, the area is easily accessible by boat or bridge. The district offers a mix of residential charm and urban convenience, with a busy shopping district, numerous restaurants, and important historical sites.

2 km
from city center 24 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Cicek Pasaji, also known as Flower Passage, is a historic passageway and a covered arcade on İstiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It is primarily visited for its many restaurants, cafes and wine houses and is also well-known for its lively nightlife. Some of its popular restaurants include Sevic Restaurant, Mahzen Restaurant, and Kimene Restaurant.

9 km
from city center 25 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Vialand, also known as Isfanbul Theme Park, is Turkey’s first mega theme park with exciting rides and shopping outlets. Located in the Eyüp district, it sprawls across 600 square metres and houses Nefeskesen, the 4th biggest rollercoaster in the world. It also houses an exhibition centre, a shopping complex, eateries and a luxury hotel.

2 km
from city center 26 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, the Galata Mevlevi House is a former dervish tekke (lodge). It has been converted into a museum on the Mevlevi Sufi Islam sect and is home to a wide variety of artefacts. One can witness dervishes “whirling here” as a form of devotion to God; Galata Mevlevi House is one of the only places in the city where one can see them.

16 km
from city center 27 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Mall of Istanbul or MOI is one of the largest malls in Istanbul, located in Mahmutbey. There are more than 350 shops inside the mall, including some of the biggest and leading brand outlets. You can shop your heart out or enjoy at MOI Park one of the largest indoor theme parks with swings, games, amusement tunnels, speed shuttles, a horror-themed restaurant, and more.

6 km
from city center 28 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Miniaturk is a fascinating miniature model park of Turkish buildings. It is one of the largest such parks in the world. It is a representation of some of Turkey's most important buildings and has a total of 122 models, on a 1:25 scale.

7 km
from city center 29 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Camlica Tower is a telecommunications tower located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. Inaugurated in May 2021, it is the tallest structure in Istanbul as well as in Europe. The skyscraper has 49 storeys with an observation deck, a small café and a restaurant.

1 km
from city center 30 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

An archetype of the Ottoman Mosque, Rustem Pasha Mosque is located close to the Spice Bazaar in the Tahtakale neighbourhood of Fatih district. This Ottoman mosque is another of the stunning works of imperial Mimar Sinan, with various intricate details and designs all over.

6 km
from city center 31 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Ortakoy Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful mosques and one of the most popular ones in the Bosphorus. Built sometime in the mid-19th-century, it is situated in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul and is officially called the Büyük Mecidiye Camii. The mosque is best seen from the Bosphorus Cruise which takes tourists from the Asian to the European side of Istanbul on a ferry boat.

13 km
from city center 32 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Maiden’s Tower is an iconic tower and landmark situated on a small islet off the coast of Üsküdar. Also known as Leander’s Tower, it houses a museum, a cafe and a restaurant offering scenic views of the Bosphorus. It is easily accessible via a ferry or boat.

1 km
from city center 33 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Column of Constantine or Çemberlitaş is a 35m tall honorific column in Istanbul, Turkey that was built by the Roman emperor Constantine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Istanbul’s oldest surviving monuments, it is set in the centre of what was formerly the Forum of Constantine. It is one of the only edifices here that is representative of Roman architecture. It also makes for an ideal photography spot.

6 km
from city center 34 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Eyüp Sultan Camii or Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Istanbul’s Eyüp district is the oldest and holiest mosque in Turkey. It is known for its two half domes and elegant interiors which feature chandeliers. Within the mosque complex is a mausoleum where Prophet Muhammad’s standard-bearer and friend Abu Ayyub al-Ansari is believed to have been buried. Large crowds also visit the mosque for the Eyüp Cemetery which is right up the hill.

0 km
from city center 35 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is an art museum situated in the Fatih district’s Sultanahmet Square. Located in the former palace of Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha, it is filled with collections of manuscripts and inscriptions in calligraphy, Islamic paintings, traditional handwoven and detailed fabrics, and ancient artefacts. It is also famous for the best rug collection in the world, with some being rare 13th-century Seljuk carpets.

1 km
from city center 36 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Little Hagia Sophia mosque is a former Greek Orthodox Church located between the Cankurtaran and Kadırga districts, in the west of the Sultanahmet neighbourhood in Istanbul. It is one of the original buildings in Istanbul, belonging to the early Byzantine period, known for its stunning architecture. The beautiful marble columns on the ground floor and the gallery on the second floor are a must-see.

20 km
from city center 37 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Belgrad Forest is one of the greenest spaces in Istanbul situated on the easternmost point of the Thracian Peninsula. Open to the public, it is known for its picnic spots, diverse flora and fauna and also for its 9 nature parks including the Bentler Nature Park, Irmak Nature Park and Ayvat Bendi Nature Park. There is a 6 km walking trail within the forest which is surrounded by a serene lake that is ideal for walking, jogging and hiking.

5 km
from city center 38 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Also called Fortress of the Seven Towers and the Dungeons of the Seven Towers, Yedikule Fortress is one of the oldest forts of Istanbul. Located 3 miles south-west from Sultanahmet, it is quite popular among tourists for its dreadful history and fantastic views.

2 km
from city center 39 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Istanbul Modern Art Museum, commonly known as just Istanbul Museum, is temporarily located in the Beyoǧlu district while the new building in Karaköy undergoes construction. It is an artist’s paradise and Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum.

3 km
from city center 40 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Fatih Mosque is an Ottoman inspired mosque in Istanbul with one of the most beautiful inner courtyards in the city. Located in Fatih, on Fevzipaşa Avenue, the mosque complex houses a hospice and the tombs of Mehmet II and his wife Gulbahar. On Wednesday, the Fatih Mosque hosts the largest street market in Istanbul (Fatih Pazarı) selling food, clothing as well as household goods.

3 km
from city center 41 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Pera Museum is w well-known private art museum located in Beyoğlu district’s Tepebaşı quarter in Istanbul, Turkey, the Pera Museum. It was founded by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation and is most popular for its focus on Orientalism in 19th-century art. The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that was once the historic Bristol hotel.

13 km
from city center 42 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

This sprawling park of more than a 117 acres is a splendid example of the Turkish gardens from the Ottoman empire.

11 km
from city center 43 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Anatolian Fortress on the Anatolian (Asian) side of the Bosporus in Istanbul, Turkey is a medieval fortress and an open-air museum. It is also known as Güzelce Hisar or the Beautacious Castle. Istanbul’s oldest surviving Turkish structure, it dates back to the 14th century and was built as a watch fort made of bricks and square-cut block stones. Although a museum, one can only visit its outer walls; the main road passes through it.

1 km
from city center 44 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Obelisk of Theodosius is an Ancient Egyptian obelisk situated in the Hippodrome of Constantinople in Istanbul, Turkey. The structure was built by the Roman emperor Theodosius in the 4th century AD to commemorate the victory in Mesopotamia. It is made out of red granite and stands tall at a height of about 84 feet or 60.8 feet without the marble pedestal.

10 km
from city center 45 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Rumeli Hisarı or the Rumeli Fortress is a medieval 15th-century fortress now converted into an open-air museum. It is located on the European banks of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. The fort is known for its magnificent views of the Bosphorus Strait, the Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge and the Asian part of Istanbul.

8 km
from city center 46 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Istanbul Toy Museum or İstanbul Oyuncak Müzesi is a toy museum located in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, Turkey in a former historical mansion. Established in 2005 by the Turkish poet and author Sunay Akın, the museum houses over 4,000 toys from Turkey and more than 40 other countries, many of which date back to the 1700s and were bought at antique shops and auctions.

1 km
from city center 47 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The New Mosque, originally called the Valide Sultan Mosque, is an Ottoman Imperial mosque situated in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, specifically on the Golden Horn. This 17th-century edifice is one of the city’s most prominent mosques, famous for its magnificent architecture. It is also known as the “bird mosque” since there are numerous birds within the complex at all times.

16 km
from city center 48 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

The Istanbul Akvaryum is the biggest thematic aquarium in the world situated close to the Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. The aquarium houses over 1,500 land and water species and is divided into 17 themes. Some of the most popular species here include Gentoo penguins, Capybaras, Cownose rays, Musky caimans, Lemon sharks and Redbelly piranhas.

11 km
from city center 49 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Kucuksu Palace is a former summer pavilion turned into a museum, situated in the Beykoz district of Istanbul, Turkey. Visited for its architecture and artefacts, the palace was constructed under Sultan Abd-ul-Mejid’s reign and was used by the Ottoman Sultans for short stays. The palace was built in the new-baroque style and has 2 main floors and 1 basement.

1 km
from city center 50 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Cagaloglu Hamam is a famous historic Turkish bathhouse situated in Eminönü in Istanbul, Turkey. One of the city’s last major hamams to have been built during the Ottoman Empire, it is constructed in the Ottoman Baroque style of architecture and comprises a bathhouse for women and men. The entry to the women’s section is through a door which is on a side street called Hamam while the entry to the men’s section is from the main road.

8 km
from city center 51 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Located within the Forum Istanbul Mall in Bayrampasa, the Legoland Discovery Centre is a fun and interactive entertainment park. Enjoyed most by families of children aged between 3-10 years, Legoland’s activities include rides, play zones, workshops, a LEGO 4D theatre, and more. Some other wonderful attractions are Miniland, a mini Lego city built with replicas of famous monuments of Istanbul.

21 km
from city center 52 out of 100
Things To Do in Istanbul

Yoros Castle is a ruined fortress from Byzantine rule, located to the north of Joshua’s Hill in Istanbul. Also known as Genoese Castle, it is one of the most beautiful castles in the city. Only the exterior of the upper castle is open to the general public. Located on Macar Bay, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the conjoining point of the Marman and the Black sea from the top.