100 Things To Do In Istanbul

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53. Nuruosmaniye Cami

1 km from city center

Mosque

Nuruosmaniye Mosque is an 18th century Ottoman Mosque located close to the Grand Bazaar in the Çemberlitaş neighbourhood, Fatih district. It derives its literal name “the light of Osman” from the 174 windows adorning the mosque's interiors. It boasts of prime Ottoman Baroque architecture and stands tall with the fourth largest dome in the city and unique minarets made up of bronze instead of the u (Read More)sual stone.

Great For Family Outing 4.0 /5

27 km from city center

Museum

The Pelit Chocolate Museum in Esenyurt, Istanbul conjures images of childhood tales of Hansel and Gretel. This is the only chocolate museum in Turkey! Located near the Pelit Chocolate Factory all items on display here are created from chocolate. This includes an entire village, animals, mosaic paintings or human figures depicting a shoemaker, chestnut seller, fruit seller, and more, all made using (Read More) chocolate in different forms and colors.

0 km from city center

Museum

Also known as Saint Irene, Hagia Irene is the oldest Byzantine church situated in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace. The second-largest in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia, it is now converted into a museum and concert hall. Easily accessible by tram with the nearest stop being Sultanahmet, its atrium offers spectacular architectural beauty with structures such as a narthex, three-nave naos and abs (Read More)cissa.

Tours starting from
₹457

4.0 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Madame Tussauds Istanbul is a museum chain for wax replicas of historic icons & celebrities located on İstiklal Caddesi (the Independence Avenue). There are nearly 60 figures of well-known celebrities, including statues of Suleiman the Magnificent, Muhammad Ali, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Leonardo Da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Ronaldo, Neymar, Beren Saat, and more.

Tours starting from
₹13,161

25 km from city center

Museum

The Tiled Kiosk Museum or Glazed Kiosk is located within the outer walls of the Topkapı Palace near Gülhane Park in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a museum that is currently home to about 2,000 artefacts including tiles and ceramicware from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, divided into 6 rooms. It is the oldest of the 3 museums within the Istanbul Archaeological Museum complex.

3 km from city center

Museum

Museum of Innocence is a 19th-century house converted into a museum based on the famous novel Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk. It is located in the Çukurcuma neighbourhood of the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It entirely recreates the novel and houses a collection which corresponds to the 83 chapters of the novel, presenting what the characters wore, used, collected, saw and heard in the novel. (Read More) The museum can be enjoyed irrespective of whether you have read the novel.

4.2 /5

4 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Bulgarian St.Stephen Church or Bulgarian Iron Church is an Orthodox Church in Balat belonging to the Bulgarian minority community in the area. This church is one of the hidden gems of Istanbul. It was constructed during the 19th century following a Bulgarian nationalist movement. It is easily accessible via a bus or a Golden Horn boat trip.

3.9 /5

1 km from city center

Mosque

Bayezid Mosque or Beyazit Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman selatin mosque located in Beyazit Square close to the Forum of Theodosius’ ruins. It is one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul. The mosque's interior is replicated after one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia.

3.9 /5

3 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

St.George's Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church situated in Fener in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Commonly known as Patriarchal Church of the Great Myrrh, it was constructed as a dedication to the Christian martyr, Saint George. Though it is a relatively smaller church, it is in no way lacking beauty and grandeur. The interior of the church house a fragment of the Pillar of the Flagellation (Read More).

4.3 /5

12 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Istinye Park is a luxurious shopping complex situated in the Istinye quarter of Istanbul and divided into 3 separate sections. The first section has 280 stores laid out in a blend of enclosed and open space along with lush-green gardens. Its entertainment centre, The Grand Rotunda, has a four-level arena space with a moving stage and kinetic water sculptures. The third section, The Turkish Food Ba (Read More)zaar, consists of numerous fine-dining restaurants and fast-food eating outlets.

4.0 /5

14 km from city center

Museum

Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum is a private vintage-car museum located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. It houses over 60 classic cars, trucks and motorcycles from the 1920s to the 1970s. Some of the famous ones here are a 1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, and a 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II.

Great For Couples

0 km from city center

Spa & Wellness

One of the most notable historical sites in Istanbul, the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, is a Turkish bath located at the heart of the old city of Sultanahmet. It offers the best spot for a relaxing and rejuvenating afternoon with its many hammam and massage packages under the expert assistance of the Hammam ladies. A basic 30-minutes Hamam treatment starts at 55 Euros and goes up to 185 Euros with more adv (Read More)anced packages.

4.2 /5

7 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Zorlu Centre is a vast multi-purpose complex in the Besiktas district. It is home to a high-end shopping centre, Raffles hotel, offices and Zorlu PSM. The centre is a four-tower structure with over 200 shopping outlets including Balenciaga, Dolce&Gabbana and Bvlgari and many restaurants and cafés.

3.8 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, also known as Istanbul Mosaic Museum, is an exquisite mosaics museum located in the heart of Sultanahmet Square at Arasta Bazaar. The mosaics displayed here date from 450-550 AD and depict everyday life, nature and mythology.

3.5 /5

3 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Sent Antuan Kilisesi or St. Anthony of Padua Church is a basilica and church located in the Beyoğlu district. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul and one of the three Levantine parishes in the area. It is famous for its unique architecture, which includes a gilded wooden statue of St. Anthony by Luigi Bresciani and mosaics depicting the Baptism of the Lord.

4.0 /5

5 km from city center

Museum

Panorama 1453 History Museum is a historical museum located in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul. It is the world’s first fully panoramic museum known for Cyclorama, a 360° painting exhibited in the museum. It is made up of 10,000 figure drawings which give a 3D experience to visitors standing in the middle of the viewing platform.

Tours starting from
₹1,974

3.9 /5

4 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Pammakaristos Church, also known as the Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos, is a well-known Byzantine church and museum located in the Carsamba town of Fatih district. It houses the third-largest Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia and Chora Church which visitors can see along with Constantinople's Palaiologan architecture.

3.6 /5

4 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

The Palace of the Porphyrogenitus is also known as Tekfur Sarayi in Turkish. It is located in Ayvansaray, Istanbul, and remains one of the better-preserved structures built by the Byzantine Empire. The highlight of the palace is its architecture. There is also a museum within the palace premise.

3.5 /5

7 km from city center

Museum

Santral or Santrallstanbul is situated in the Golden Horn, Eyup district within the campus of Istanbul Bilgi University. An energy museum the complex also has concert halls, an amphitheater, and a public library, making it an educational, cultural, and art hub. There are also interactive exhibits and games on both the floors of the energy museum.

4.3 /5

2 km from city center

Mosque

The Laleli Mosque is one of the smaller Ottoman imperial mosques located in Faith district of Istanbul. Also known as the Tulip Mosque, it was built by Sultan Mustafa III in the 18th century. The complex houses a mosque, madrasa, a fountain, and the tombs of Sultan Mustafa III and his family. The central dome is quite an attraction as are the minarets and the metal decoration on top of them.

Museum

Situated on the northern shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey, the Rahmi M. Koc Museum is a private industrial museum dedicated to communication and transportation items. It houses the private collection of Rahmi M. Koç, a member of Turkey’s wealthiest dynasty and a prestigious conglomerate.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

The Şişli Culture and Trade Center is a modern shopping mall based in the Şişli district of Istanbul, Turkey. More popular as Istanbul Cevahir Mall, this shopping center is one of the largest malls in the world, spreading across a 672,000 sq ft area; this mall houses over 343 stores across six floors dedicated to retail. In addition, the mall has a parking lot that can accommodate up to 2500 vehic (Read More)les.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Viaport Asia is an Outlet Shopping mall housing over 250 stores, a cinema, bowling and more entertainment options. Built over a total of 365 thousand m2 space, the Viaport Asia Outlet in Istanbul is located at Viaport Asia, the Bedesten (Covered Bazaar). The mall has an 'outlet' based concept, offering the best prices to shoppers across sever in-house and international brands.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

The Indoor mall of Historia Shopping and Life Center is set around a fountain, with various stores & cafés, including a cinema & food court. Located in Iskenderpaşa, Adnan Menderes, this mall has wide open space for visitors to relish their shopping experience. Historia also includes Tax-Free Port, a reimbursement tool for visitors from abroad.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Based in the heart of Istanbul, this mall is located in Levent, which is well connected via metro lines. With over 170 stores across five floors dedicated to retail shops; a five-star hotel with an occupancy of over 350 rooms, multiple conference halls and a river plaza, the Özdilek Park İstanbul mall is one of the most cherished shopping and corporate experiences in Istanbul.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Emaar Square is situated in Üsküdar, one of the most well-known towns in Istanbul. Turkey's largest shopping mall, Emaar Square Mall, has six storeys with a total leasable space of 138,000 sq m, 415 stores, 52 cafés, and parking for 4,200 cars in a four-story garage. You will find stores that will suit all preferences in the six-floor shopping plaza, and you can enjoy the entertainment choices be (Read More)it the movies or the arcade.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

One of the city's leading malls, City's Nisantasi Shopping Center, is located on Teşvikiye Street in Nişantaşı, a famous center in the heart of the town. The mall has several Turkish boutiques to look out for, convenient underground parking, rooftop restaurants, a food court and a cinema.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

With over 180 stores and a parking space for 2,400 cars, the Capacity Shopping Center is located on Fişekhane Caddesi, nearby Paşabahçe Capacit. Situated near the airport, it is one of the most visited malls in Istanbul, with a variety of retail stores and a fantastic food court.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

The architectural marvel of Akasya Mall is located in Uskudar, which separates Istanbul's European and Asian borders. The mall offers enticing amenities like theaters, magic shows, concerts by different bands, and restaurants. The mall also provides free, high-speed Wi-Fi and is accessible to the disabled. Additionally, it has offices, two gardens, and a complex of playground and has been a happen (Read More)ing place for tourists and localities since its opening in 2014.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Buyaka encourages a new style of living and a sense of uniqueness on Istanbul's Asian side with its plethora of national and international luxury brands, thrilling kids' entertainment, and varied Restaurants and Coffee Shops. Buyaka is situated in Umraniye and is a blended project comprising a 30.000 m2 GLA shopping mall, a 23-story residential tower, and three office towers. In addition, a 3600 m (Read More)2 sports complex is also included in the plan.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Marmara Forum, situated in Osmaniye Mahallesi "obançeşme Koşuyolu Bulvar," brings together 300 luxury brands and offers visitors with terrace parties and other exciting events. An exclusive Cinemaximum screening room with 16 auditoriums, kids avenue, international brands like Swarovski, Decathlon, Armani Junior, Sephora, Benetton, GAP, Lacoste, and clothing stores like H&M, and Zara, Marmara Foru (Read More)m stands out from other shopping malls in Istanbul.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Located in Barbaros, Watergarden AVM is a picturesque shopping center with restaurants, stores, and a big pool with extravagant fountain shows. Many events are hosted around the lavish pool in the plaza, ranging from global and Turkish feats, restaurants that cater to different palates, kids' playgrounds, and event spaces that organize various events.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Vialand Shopping Mall is a modern indoor-outdoor mall with affluent brands, a casual dining restaurant, and a theme park. The amusement Park is a 120,000 sq m establishment inside of the plaza, perfect for all ages. The fourth-best roller coaster in the world, Nefeskesen (LSM Thrill), which speeds to 110 km/h in 3 seconds, and the magnificent castle at Isfanbul Theme Park welcome visitors.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

On the Haramidere E-5 expressway, between Beylikdüzü and Avclar, one of Istanbul's burgeoning neighborhoods, sits the Torium Shopping Center. With 180 stores carrying renowned brands, Torium Shopping Mall brings you to the heart of entertainment by hosting campaigns, events, and competitions that will make shopping more enjoyable. With 11 movie screening halls and entertainment areas, you will su (Read More)rely have the time of your life at this plaza.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Akbati Alisveris ve Yasam Merkezi is a high-end mall located in Esenyurt area of Istanbul. The mall boasts over 200 different shops, nine cinemas, eateries providing cuisine from around the world, children's play areas, training fields, and indoor parking with space for up to 3,000 vehicles. With most international brands and a few unique ones, Akbati is one of the most visited malls in Istanbul.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

With 250 stores, 5,000 m2 of entertainment and performance space, 4,000 car parking spaces, 5,000 m2 of children's play areas, 1 km of outdoor parks and sports facilities, open and closed plazas designed in various concepts, and cafes and restaurants serving the most exquisite flavors of Turkish and international cuisine, Metropol Istanbul Shopping Center is the new hub of life in Istanbul.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Located in Kazlicesme, Zeruj Port Shopping Mall is the largest women-only shopping centre in Istanbul. Zeruj Port Shopping Center spans an ample space. It features several stores where everything pertaining to women's lives can be found, including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, bags, shoes, fabrics, home goods, kitchen utensils, and many other high-quality and affordable items.

56 km from city center

Shopping Mall

In a rich architectural backdrop, Kanyon Istanbul blends a distinctive approach to retail, entertainment, and shopping. Kanyon has a gymnasium, nine cinema halls, and 160 merchants. Top national and international brands, cafes, and outdoor events are all in a lively environment. Harvey Nichols, a well-known global fashion boutique, and Vakko are among the notable trend-setting businesses housed at (Read More) Kanyon.

52 km from city center

Street Food & Drinks

Turkish tea, known as "çay" (pronounced CHAH-yee), is an integral part of Turkish culture. People often sip tea in small tulip-shaped glasses at homes, workplaces, and street corners. Tea can also be tasted in tea gardens, cafes, restaurants, or small vendor stalls in any of the markets. Prices can range from about 5-15 TL per glass, depending on the location and establishment.

Great For Couples

52 km from city center

Avenues & Promenades

The Bosphorus walk spans approximately 31 kilometers, making it impractical to walk its entire length in one go. However, specific sections can be explored based on your interests and time availability. Popular starting points include Ortaköy on the European side, extending to Rumeli Hisarı, or from the Asian side’s Cadde Bostan Coast. You can also book guided walks online.

3 km from city center

Scenic Routes

The Nostalgic tramways of Istanbul are more than just a mode of transport. These beautifully restored trams run along two routes: the T2 Taksim-Tunel line on the European side and the T3 Kadıköy-Moda line on the Asian side. The most famous one is T2, that can be taken from Taksim square using Istanbulkart or a single pass ticket(18TL) bought from the machines in front of the tram station. The tram (Read More) ride is slow and leisurely, allowing tourists to enjoy street views with its bustling shops, cafes, and historical buildings.

Sightseeing

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides an easy and flexible way to see many of Istanbul’s iconic sights like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and Dolmabahçe Palace. The bus service starts from Sultanahmet, every 30 to 60 minutes and has 11 stops. It offers free wifi, charging points and audio guides in several languages. 1 day unlimited passes start at EUR 37, prices may vary with facilities included. Th (Read More)ese can be bought online or from tickets both near major tourist spots.

Town

Mudurnu is a charming town in Bolu Province at approximately 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Istanbul. Nestled in a narrow, rocky valley and surrounded by lush green mountains, Mudurnu is a perfect destination for a day trip. It is a laid back town with over 200 historical wooden houses, many of which are protected as cultural heritage sites. There are several other attractions such as Lake Abant, Leech (Read More) Lake Nature Parks, Purenli Plateau and Thermal Springs, to explore.

8 km from city center

Neighborhood

Istanbul is divided in two parts European and Asian. While European side is more touristy, Asian side is primarily residential but it still has a lot to do. Kadikoy Bull Statue, Kadıköy-Moda Tramway, Bahariye Street, Bagdat Avenue, and Caddebostan walk are some of the important things to do in the area. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is where you should land if you plan to stay in the budget options that t (Read More)he area offers. However you can use Marmaray line, buses, ferries, and the Metrobüs to reach it from other parts.

6 km from city center

Viewpoint

Golden Horn is a natural harbor, shaped like a horn that extends for about 7 kilometers into the city, separating the European side of Istanbul into two parts. The Galata Bridge, one of the oldest and most famous bridges in the world, crosses the Golden Horn, connecting the two sides. You can enjoy local cuisine at the many restaurants and cafes along the shores of the Golden Horn, take a sunset f (Read More)erry cruise or just enjoy the blue skies turn into hues of gold and red from the natural harbour.

Tours starting from
₹457

6 km from city center

Viewpoint

Pierre Loti Hill is a scenic spot located in the Eyüp district. This hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the historic city skyline. Visitors can take a cable car from the Eyüp Sultan Mosque area directly to the top. Alternatively, it can be reached following an uphill stone-paved pathway, as well. The hill also features a small hotel, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Tours starting from
₹2,696

0 km from city center

Shopping Market

Arasta Bazaar, located in the Sultanahmet district, is a charming and well-organized marketplace known for its various traditional Turkish goods. Near Blue Mosque, it is within walking distance of the bustling Grand Bazaar. It is a perfect place to buy Turkish items such as ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs, without getting lost in the maze of Grand Bazaar. Some of the unique features of (Read More)Arasta Bazaar is the Great Palace Mosaic Museum and open-air cafes and restaurants offering a free whirling Dervish show.

52 km from city center

Street Food & Drinks

A meyhane, a traditional Turkish tavern, are establishments where people gather to enjoy a variety of mezes (appetizers), seafood, and drinks, predominantly rakı, a strong anise-flavored liquor. These are scattered throughout Istanbul, with notable concentrations in historic neighborhoods like Beyoğlu, Karaköy, and Kadıköy. The ambiance of these places is enhanced by traditional Greek and Turkish (Read More)folk music.

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FAQs on Istanbul

What are the top activities in Istanbul?

The top activities in Istanbul are Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise, Bosphorus Strait Entertainment and Dinner Cruise in Istanbul, Istanbul Classics Tour, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul, Bosphorus Bridge, Camlica Hill, and Dolmabahce Palace Tour, Ancient Troy Day Tour from Istanbul.

How much does a package cost for Istanbul?

The packages for Istanbul start at INR 58485 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the top sightseeing places in Istanbul?

The top sightseeing places in Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace, SÙleymaniye Mosque, Bosphorus Strait.

What are the top hotels in Istanbul?

There are 3205 Hotels in Istanbul which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Istanbul are Galateia Residence, I'zaz Lofts, Hidden Garden Suites, Balat House, Apartment Bosphorus, Manzara Bosphorus. You can see all the hotels in Istanbul here

Things To Do In Istanbul

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100 Things To Do In Istanbul

53. Nuruosmaniye Cami

54. Pelit Chocolate Museum

55. Hagia Irene

56. Madame Tussauds Istanbul

57. Tiled Pavilion Museum

58. Museum of Innocence

59. Bulgarian St.Stephen Church

60. Beyazit Mosque

61. St.George's Cathedral Istanbul

62. Istinye Park

63. Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum

64. Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

65. Istanbul Zorlu Center

66. Museum of Great Palace Mosaics

67. St Anthony of Padua Church

68. Panorama 1453 History Museum

69. Pammakaristos Church

70. Palace of the Porphyrogenitus

71. Santral Istanbul

72. Laleli Mosque

73. Rahmi M Koc Museum

74. Istanbul Cevahir Mall

75. Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Mall

76. Historia Shopping and Life Center

77. Özdilek Park

78. Emaar Square Mall

79. City's Nisantasi Shopping Center

80. Capacity Shopping Center

81. Akasya Mall

82. Buyaka Shopping Center

83. Marmara Forum

84. Watergarden AVM

85. Vialand Shopping Mall

86. Torium AVM

87. Akbati Mall

88. Metropol Istanbul

89. Zeruj Port Shopping Mall

90. Kanyon Shopping Mall

91. Try Turkish Tea

92. Walk Along the Bosphorus

93. Ride Istanbul Tram

94. Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

95. Mudurnu

96. Anatolian Side of Istanbul

97. Watch Sunset at Golden Horn

98. Pierre Loti Hill

99. Arasta Bazaar

100. Visit a Meyhane

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