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Capital of empires and metropolis of the present, Istanbul is not a static “museum city”: it’s a vibrant scene where the muezzin calls out to the simit vendor, where trams skirt Byzantine ruins, and where contemporary art gazes out over the Bosphorus. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip, followed by a selection of must-sees—plus, as a bonus, some local alternatives to get off the beaten path. Let’s explore together what to do in Istanbul during a (wonderful) trip.
🗒️ Time of year, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Istanbul
Before we delve into things to do in Istanbul, here are a few helpful tips. The metropolis is vast, magnetic, and sometimes confusing: with a few pointers (ideal time to visit, neighborhoods to stay in, transportation, museum passes, mosque etiquette, etc.), you’ll save precious time and make the most of your days.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions: mild temperatures, clear light on the Bosphorus, and fewer crowds than in summer. July–August are hotter and busier, while winter can be damp, with beautiful light and often fewer people (ideal for museums). Pack a windproof jacket for ferry crossings and comfortable shoes for the cobblestones of ancient Constantinople.
How many days should I plan for?
Three full days is a good minimum to cover the essentials of Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Cistern), a Bosphorus cruise, Galata–Karaköy, and a trip to the Asian side (Kadıköy/Moda or Üsküdar). With five days, you can add Dolmabahçe, the Balat and Fener districts, an authentic hammam, and, in season, a day trip to the Princes’ Islands.
How to get around easily (metro, tram, ferries)?
The Istanbulkart remains the simplest solution (sold and topped up at the yellow/blue machines in stations and on-ramps). It works on tram T1, the metro, buses, funiculars, public ferries, and the Metrobus. Note: contactless bank cards are now accepted on most networks (buses, metro, trams, ferries), which is handy in a pinch; however, the Istanbulkart remains the most economical and universal option, especially for transfers.
How to get to the center from the airports (IST and SAW)?
From Istanbul Airport (IST), the M11 metro line connects directly to Gayrettepe (interchange with the M2 towards Taksim/Sultanahmet via Yenikapı). This is the most frequent and often fastest option during rush hour. Havaist shuttle buses supplement the service to Taksim, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, etc. From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), take the M4 metro line (towards Kadıköy) or the shuttle buses.
Is the Istanbul Museum Pass worthwhile?
The Istanbul Museum Pass (valid for 5 consecutive days upon activation) allows skip-the-line access to a range of sites managed by the cultural authorities (including Topkapi Palace , the Archaeological Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts , etc.). It does not cover Hagia Sophia (now a mosque) and does not always include temporary exhibitions or audio guides. It’s a good value if you plan to visit several museums in a short period.
Where to stay in Istanbul (neighborhoods)?
For a first visit, Sultanahmet is appealing due to its immediate proximity to monuments (with a calmer atmosphere in the evenings). Karaköy–Galata offers the best balance between historical charm, restaurants, cafes, museums (Istanbul Modern), and ferry connections; perfect for going out. Beyoğlu (towards Cihangir) is lively and creative; Nişantaşı will appeal to those who enjoy upscale shopping; Kadıköy/Moda, on the Asian side, is more local and friendly, providing access to excellent restaurants and ferries to Eminönü/Karaköy.
Three popular hotels to try
An icon of Beyoğlu, Pera Palace blends history (with its Agatha Christie salon and Art Nouveau style) and views of the Golden Horn. In Sultanahmet, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet occupies a landmark building and is just steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. In Karaköy, The Bank Hotel Istanbul (a former bank headquarters) impresses with its spaciousness, rooftop terrace, and proximity to Galataport and Istanbul Modern.
Which restaurants should I try for my first visit?
Book a table at Karaköy Lokantası (homemade meze and daily specials in the esnaf lokantası style), cross the Bosphorus for Anatolian cuisine at Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy), taste the legendary baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu , and try the historic köfte at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi . These popular yet consistently high-quality restaurants offer an excellent introduction to the flavors of Istanbul.
Is it an expensive city? How do I pay?
Prices have increased in recent years, but Istanbul remains more affordable than many European capitals. Credit and debit card payments are widely accepted (though it’s still a good idea to keep some lira on hand for small purchases and public transport); avoid exchanging large sums of money at exchange bureaus in heavily touristed areas.
Safety: what precautions should you take?
Istanbul is generally safe for travellers, with the common sense precautions of large cities: watch your effects in crowds (tram T1, bazaars), check the price before getting into a taxi (use IBB Taksi), and favour official operators ( Şehir Hatları ferries , museums, recognized hammams).
What are the etiquette rules for visiting mosques?
Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees), remove your shoes, and remain silent; women should cover their heads (headscarves are available at major mosques). Visitor access is suspended during the five daily prayers and at midday on Friday. These simple rules contribute to a respectful visit.
🔝 What are the must-do things in Istanbul?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see what there is to do in Istanbul. Only the must-sees, of course.
Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi)
A Byzantine masterpiece turned mosque, Hagia Sophia is breathtaking in its scale, marble, and mosaics. Since its reopening for worship, visitors follow a separate route from the prayer space; there is an entrance fee for foreigners and is subject to opening hours. Arrive early in the morning to admire the nave bathed in golden light, or just before sunset when the light gently skims the arches—times when the crowds are less dense. Appropriate attire is required, and large bags should be avoided.
After leaving Hagia Sophia, linger in the square to take in a thousand years of history: the Obelisk of Theodosius and the ancient Hippodrome near the Blue Mosque, the Ottoman fountains, and the simit vendors. To save time, combine your visit with the Basilica Cistern (a two-minute walk) and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, which borders the Hippodrome.
Admire the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Visiting the Blue Mosque is like stepping into an Iznik masterpiece: nearly 20,000 blue tiles and a sky of shimmering blue skullcaps. Entry is free but suspended during the five daily prayers and Friday midday: plan ahead and aim for the morning (excluding Fridays) or late afternoon. Wear modest clothing; scarves and sarongs are available to borrow or purchase on site. Remove your shoes and place them in a bag provided at the entrance.
Upon exiting, stroll around the arcaded courtyard and along the esplanade to the fountains; the view of the six minarets is one of the city’s iconic images. A coffee on the terrace of a nearby hotel can offer a more tranquil panorama if the queue is long during peak season.
Explore Topkapi Palace, the palace of the sultans (including the Harem and Hagia Irene)
Lose yourself in the courtyards and kiosks of Topkapi Palace : immense kitchens, relics, treasures, rooms with dazzling tiles… The Harem is absolutely worth the extra cost (more intimate rooms, princely pavilions), as is the Church of Hagia Irene within the palace grounds. The Istanbul Museum Pass covers these sites; check the conditions and opening hours the day before. Arrive when it opens and head straight to the Harem to avoid the crowds.
From the upper terraces, the view of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara is a reminder of why the sultans resided here for four centuries. On your way out, plan a break in Gülhane Park, adjacent to the palace, for tea in the shade of the plane trees.
Discover the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
Beneath the cobblestones of Sultanahmet lies the Basilica Cistern: a forest of 336 columns, bathed in soft light, reflecting on the water, and adorned with Medusa heads. The recent exhibition design highlights the structure’s volumes and occasionally features contemporary artworks. Open daily, it can also be visited in the evening: a more mysterious atmosphere and often fewer crowds. Payment is by card/İstanbulkart.
Tip: Buy your tickets in advance and arrive just before opening or after 7 p.m. for photos without the crowds. Combine with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque for a historic trio all within a 500-meter radius.
Take a Bosphorus cruise with Şehir Hatları
To truly understand Istanbul, you have to see it from the water. The public ferries Şehir Hatları offer both short and long cruises: the long one goes as far as Anadolu Kavağı, a small port in the north where you can enjoy a fish lunch before returning. It’s the local, economical, and friendly option. Check the timetable (which varies depending on the season) and board at Eminönü; take a seat on deck to cruise past palaces, yali (traditional Istanbul houses), fortresses, and bridges.
Alternative: a regular ferry trip at dusk between Karaköy and Kadıköy gives, for a few lira, a light show on the old town and Maiden’s Tower — perfect if you are short on time.
Go to Galata Tower and the alleyways of Karaköy
A symbol of the Istanbul skyline, the Galata Tower has reopened after restoration: the elevator leads to a circular terrace with a 360° panoramic view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Go up early in the morning or just before sunset. The sloping streets around Galata and Karaköy are a mix of cafes, pastry shops, art studios, and renovated 19th-century facades—a microcosm of bohemian Istanbul.
Continue to the footbridge towards Karaköy, then to the Galataport waterfront, lined with promenades, museums, and terraces. This is also where you’ll find the entrance to Istanbul Modern, Renzo Piano’s new cultural center.
Discover Istanbul Modern & Galataport, the contemporary showcase
Re-established in 2023 in a Renzo Piano building, Istanbul Modern explores Turkish and international creativity through temporary exhibitions, photography, and film. Its spacious layout, windows overlooking the Bosphorus, and bookstore make it an ideal stop between walks. Book in advance if a major exhibition is taking place during your stay.
Just a stone’s throw away, Galataport has reclaimed a kilometer of quayside for the public: a promenade lined with cafes, public art, and access to the underground cruise terminal—an engineering feat that has reshaped the waterfront. At the end of the day, the atmosphere is particularly pleasant.
Traveling through time at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): a covered labyrinth of 4,000 shops selling carpets, copperware, and jewelry. Go early (closed on Sundays) for a more peaceful experience, haggle over prices with a smile, compare, and get lost—it’s all part of the fun.
Ten minutes away, the Spice Market (Mısır Çarşısı) displays its array of saffron, Turkish delight, teas, and dried fruits, with beautiful views under its vaulted ceilings. Ideal for edible gifts (ask for airtight packaging).
Go to Kadıköy & Moda: the art of Asian living
Take the ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy. Around the fish market and pedestrian streets, you’ll find the Istanbul of the locals: tavernas (meyhane), specialty cafes, ice cream parlors, and independent shops. Enjoy some meze, try a kokoreç (for the adventurous), and stroll down to Moda for a sunset view of the islands.
The return trip by night boat offers superb views of the minarets of the old town. For a longer walk, stroll along the Moda promenade towards Kalamış, dotted with lawns and tea kiosks — perfect for a break.
Visit the Balat and Fener districts
Between colorful houses, photogenic staircases, and Orthodox churches, Balat/Fener tells the story of a working-class Istanbul undergoing a revival. Go early in the week to enjoy the quiet alleyways and uncrowded outdoor cafes. Look beyond the Instagram spots: bookstores, antique shops, and small synagogues (sometimes open for tours upon request) reveal the neighborhood’s true character.
Combine with the ascent to the Pierre-Loti café via the TF2 cable car from Eyüp for a romantic panorama of the Golden Horn, especially at sunset.
Entering Dolmabahçe Palace
Built in the 19th century, Dolmabahçe Palace boasts crystal staircases, giant chandeliers, and state rooms. The visit is divided into two parts (the Selamık and the Harem); allow 2–3 hours if you see both. It represents a later, European face of the Ottoman Empire—quite different from Topkapi Palace. Book online through the National Palaces website.
Complete with a stroll to Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, between jetties, white mosques by the water and kumpir (stuffed potatoes) stands to share while watching the boats.
Visit a historic Hammam (Kılıç Ali Paşa or Hürrem Sultan)
A signature Istanbul ritual, the hammam combines steam, marble, kessa scrub, and fragrant foam. Two heritage locations stand out: Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı (Tophane), a masterpiece by Sinan, and Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı (between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque). Reservations are highly recommended; both establishments provide peştamal (a type of bathrobe), soap, towels, and sandals.
Go at the end of the day after your sightseeing: it’s the perfect time to stretch your legs before a meze dinner. Some hammams alternate men’s and women’s sessions; check the schedule.
Sail to the Princes’ Islands (Büyükada or Heybeliada)
For a relaxing break surrounded by nature, head to the Princes’ Islands: beaches, pine trees, and wooden villas. Büyükada is packed with restaurants and promenades, while Heybeliada is more tranquil. Private motorized vehicles are prohibited; you get around on foot, by bicycle, or using electric shuttles. Leave early and return at sunset for the view of the skyline.
From Kabataş, several ferries connect to the different islands; check the Şehir Hatları timetables and remember to top up your Istanbulkart.
Explore the “triangle” Pera – İstiklal – Cihangir
İstiklal Avenue (historic tramway, Art Nouveau passageways), Pera (Pera Museum, turn-of-the-century facades), and Cihangir (cafés, antique shops) tell the story of 19th-century cosmopolitan Istanbul, now a creative quarter. Between galleries, head up to a rooftop in Beyoğlu for a drink at sunset; then stroll back down Galip Dede Street towards the Galata Tower to the sounds of luthiers.
For a literary and contemporary touch, the Orhan Pamuk House of Innocence (museum) is just a stone’s throw away, in the alleys of Çukurcuma.
Enjoying a sunset
When the light turns golden, position yourself on the Galata Bridge (fishermen, silhouettes on the Golden Horn) or on the Üsküdar waterfront facing the Maiden’s Tower. Another spectacular option is the terrace of the Galata Tower or the viewpoints of Üsküdar and Çamlıca. Photographers also love the small Ortaköy Mosque, framed by the Bosphorus Bridge—a classic shot, a joy undiminished.
Practical bonus: surviving (and living well) in crowds
Istanbul can be intense. Buy tickets online whenever possible (Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Cistern), aim for opening/ending times, and use the metro/funicular to bypass traffic jams. The M11 line from the airport and the Şehir Hatları ferries are your traffic-avoiding allies; the Museum Pass speeds up entry to state museums.
There you go, we hope this guide to things to do in Istanbul has helped you prepare for your trip.