Ultimate List of Things To Do in Istanbul

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is a very unique place to visit, not only because of its unusual location in both Asia and Europe, but also because of the amount of history and culture accumulated in one place. This Turkish city is definitely magical and easily accessible from anywhere in the world, thanks to the nicely renovated Istanbul Airport.

I visited Istanbul multiple times and still wasn’t able to do and see everything, as it would take months to get to know the city properly. Here are my best tips on attractions in Istanbul, things to do in Istanbul, where to stay, what to eat and more.

Visting Istanbul as an adult vs exploring it with kids is a completely different experience, so this article is aimed mostly towards adult visitors.

Where to Stay in Istanbul?

• Kempinsky Palace – Beautiful luxury hotel overlooking the Bosphorus if you’re looking for a luxury stay.
• World Heritage Center – Just 2-minutes away from Hagia Sophia, with a fantastic rooftop. This is where I stayed with my kids
• Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet – Nothing beats their design, location, views from rooms and bathrooms.

---

Best Things to Do in Istanbul

If you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions, you might want to buy an Istanbul Tourist Pass, which includes skip-the-line tickets and internet access. It’s honestly incredibly worth purchasing.

If you want an airport transfer, Uber works just fine in the city, but if you prefer or feel safer booking in advance, that’s an option too, just be mindful that none of the prebooked shuttles can stop right next to the exit, so it might be quite a mission to find your choffer, and then you still have to drag your luggage downstairs either way.

Istanbul can be a confusing city at first, so it might be easier to have a guide with you if you want to learn about particular spots. You can book Istanbul’s most recommended guided tour and just relax.

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

A cruise on the Bosphorus cannot be missed when visiting Istanbul. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of the city before you start exploring its attractions. The cruise usually lasts up to 2 hours. You can pre-book an evening tour with a show here.

---

Climb Galata Tower

Ever read the fairy tale about Rapunzel? The Galata Tower looks exactly like her home. The view from the top of this 14th-century construction is amazing and definitely worth checking out when you’re in town. The area of Taksim Square, where the tower is located, is also a great spot for nightlife.

---

Visit the Hagia Sophia

Istanbul is home to over 2900 mosques, but the most important is the Hagia Sophia, which was actually a church before. You should always be respectful when entering a mosque; some provide a veil to cover your legs in case you’re wearing shorts, and covers for your shoes in case you don’t want to take them off.

The line gets long during the summer months, so you might want to pre-book skip-the-line tickets.

---

Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque can be recognized by its 6 minarets and as the name indicates blue decorations. It’s a very interesting place to visit as it’s a working mosque, and that’s why I wasn’t able to see it during my first visit to Istanbul. 

Remember to dress modestly and women are obliged to cover their heads when entering.

---

Visit Topkapi Palace

Topkapi is the largest royal residence in Istanbul, serving the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Don’t miss the harem apartments where the sultan’s wives and concubines lived along with their children and other family members.

There are also many exhibitions of the Muslim world, including the swords used by Muhammad’s blessed companions.

---

Buy a Lamp at the Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is a place for dedicated shopaholics with over 4000 shops. If you’re looking for a fancy new lamp, that’s the place to get it, as they cost as little as $20.

Just remember not to take any photos of them unless you want to be chased by local vendors. If you’re looking for a smaller souvenir, why don’t you get a Hand of Fatima necklace or the iconic Turkish eye of evil?

---

Get Some Spices From the Market

You should definitely bring back home some spices from Istanbul and what’s the best place to get them than the second largest covered market in the city? Pick some spices, nuts, dried fruits, or Turkish tea.

---

Feel Like a King by Having a Drink at Kempinski

I’m a big fan of Kempinski hotels after I visited Budapest, and the Istanbul one didn’t disappoint me either. The place looks like an actual palace and I think it’s a great spot for an afternoon tea on the balcony overlooking the Bosphorus.

---

Taste Fresh Chestnuts from Sultanahmed Square

Baked chestnuts are usually horrendously expensive everywhere, but in Istanbul, you can get yourself a big bag of them for just $2. Look for a red stand with a grill and there you go!

---

Go Underground at the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is the largest of the ancient underground water cisterns found across Istanbul. Most of the columns in the cistern appear to have been recycled from the ruins of other buildings.

Among them, you’ll find two carvings of Medusa’s head used as column bases, as well as a column with tear-shaped engravings believed to have the power to make your wishes come true. The place can actually be very romantic in my opinion.

---

Visit a Colorful Staircase

The colorful staircase is a little-known place in Istanbul, but a must-do activity. A local resident painted the stairs to brighten the area, but two days later, the council painted over them in boring grey!

There was such an outcry that they were redone! There are now quite a few stairways in the area that have been painted and it’s a picturesque location for photos. Google ‘Cafe Nove’ as it’s located right next to it.

---

Play with Stray Cats

Istanbul loves its stray cats and I think it’s one of the best destinations for cat lovers. Cats are walking freely everywhere, and the city even installed street feeders that give a bowl of cat food when a human puts a bottle to recycle inside.

The most famous cats of all – Tombili, even got a postmortem statue to honor him, but it’s currently under renovation. It’s meant to return in 2020.

---

Get a Massage at Hamam

Hamams are must-visit places when in Turkey as they are local spas. You can get a massage or a body scrub or even dip your whole body in mud. Probably the most famous one is the Ayasofya.

---

Smoke Some Sheesha

Sheesha, also known as narguila, hookah, or whatever you want to call it, should definitely be smoked in Istanbul. There are many lounges where you can smoke it, accompanied by some Turkish tea.

---

Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar

Watching the sunset from one of Istanbul’s many rooftop bars is a must! Every major hotel has a rooftop bar, so simply try a few out to find your favorite spot.

Get Stuck in Traffic

Unfortunately, Istanbul has the worst traffic I’ve ever seen. When I arrived, it took me 2,5h to get from the airport to my hotel, so be prepared for it.

---

What to Eat & Drink in Istanbul?

Drink Some Pomegranate Juice

You cannot oversee stands with pomegranate juice when in Istanbul. Turks sell it almost on every corner for a good reason – it’s delicious. Get yourself a cup and you might not end up on your one…

---

Eat a Kumpir

I’m very glad my friend introduced me to kumpirs. A kumpir is basically a big baked buttered potato served with a bunch of toppings including cheese, sour cream and meat or veggies if you prefer. P.S. You can eat the skin!

---

Eat a Borek

Börek is a traditional Turkish pastry made of layered dough. It can be stuffed with feta cheese, potatoes or minced meat. It’s very yummy!

---

Drink Ayran

I’m not a big fan of ayran, but I think everyone should try a cup before leaving Turkey. It’s a cold yogurt beverage with water and salt. It’s a nice alternative to a cup of Turkish coffee!

---

Dare to Eat a Desert Made of… Chicken Skin

Tavuk Göğsü is the dish known for being prepared by boiling chicken breast in water and then shredding the meat into small fibrous pieces. The meat is then boiled again, this time with milk, sugar, vanilla, cornstarch and rice flour.

The end result is a sweet pudding which you can top off with a sprinkling of cinnamon… and the chicken skin.

---

Try Some Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma)

Turkish ice cream is a sticky thing that might not remind you of ice cream back home, but it’s an interesting thing to eat. Fun fact: it also doesn’t melt that easily.