İstanbul has had a long and eventful history, having been founded as Byzantium by the Greeks, invaded by the Persians, captured by the Spartans, restored by Constantine, and finally overrun by the Ottomans.
After the Ottoman Empire fell, governmental power shifted to Ankara, but İstanbul retained its famed historical sites, which could captivate even the most globetrotting of tourists. Still, this contemporary global metropolis is always evolving. Consistently surprising and delighting guests, new attractions are always popping up.
We have compiled a list of all the must-see attractions and activities in İstanbul that you should not miss.
Indulge in the rich tapestry of one of the world’s most significant historical cities as you take in the breathtaking modern art, hip neighbourhoods, delicious local cuisine, and welcoming Turkish culture. Marvel at captivating cultural encounters while seeing all the significant İstanbul landmarks and travelling across both continents.
These are our fave activities among many captivating ones in İstanbul. Take a look at our Istanbul itinerary to get a better feel for everything.
1 – HAGIA SOFIA (AYA SOFYA)
Istanbul has been through a lot since its founding as Byzantium by the Greeks, with invasions by the Persians, captures by the Spartans, restoration by Constantine, and eventually an invasion by the Ottomans completing its lengthy and dramatic history.
Ankara became the new seat of government after the Ottoman Empire collapsed, but İstanbul kept its world-renowned ancient sites, which could enchant even the most jaded traveller. The modern world’s largest city is still changing all the time. New attractions are constantly appearing, which never ceases to amaze and thrill visitors.
Please do not miss any of the must-see sites or activities in İstanbul that we have assembled in this list.
Marvel at the stunning modern art, trendy areas, delectable local cuisine, and warm Turkish culture as you immerse yourself in the ancient tapestry of one of the world’s most important cities. Marvel at fascinating cultural interactions as you travel across both continents and discover all the important landmarks in İstanbul.
Out of all the fascinating things to do in İstanbul, these are our favourites. For a better idea of what to expect, check out our Istanbul itinerary.
2 – THE GRAND BAZAAR
The Ottomans constructed the Grand Bazaar soon after their 1453 conquest of the city. The maze-like marketplace offers wares from every imaginable category, including those that you might not even know you needed. Everything from carpets to clothing, bowls to baklava, spices to soaps, trays to souvenirs, masks to mascara.
On the other hand, the Grand Bazaar’s incessant bustle and energy are the most valuable and fulfilling commodities.
You will find an elderly Turkish man flipping kebabs at Çarşı Kebap, who is engulfed in flames. One of the most delightful things to do in Istanbul is to grab a table and eat lunch with the other vendors.
This fantastic Grand Bazaar guided tour takes you to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia if you’d rather have someone else show you around.
3 – TOPKAPI PALACE
The Topkapı Palace, which was constructed on the slope where the Acropolis of the Caesars looked over Constantinople, was erected to solidify the Ottoman conquest of the city. It was meant to serve as the capital of the Sultans’ vast dominion.
Now it’s a stunning museum with opulent structures and courtyards from a variety of architectural eras. Stop and look at the stucco tiles, tree-strewn squares, and wood-inlaid ceilings. The Circumcision Chamber & Baghdad Pavilion, nestled in the fourth courtyard and offering breathtaking views of the city, and the elaborately decorated Harem are two must-sees.
Artefacts, cultural treasures, and wealth from throughout the Ottoman Empire are housed in the palace as well. This is an absolutely delightful and lavish icon, and it’s a must-do in İstanbul.
4 – CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS
The narrow waterway known as the Bosphorus separates the European and Asian halves of Istanbul. Since the river serves as both a shipping route and a major tourist attraction, it is constantly bustling with activity.
5 – BASILICA CISTERN
One of the most intriguing Byzantine ruins in Turkey, Basilica Cistern is the biggest of a network of ancient cisterns under İstanbul. Construction began in 532 AD to store water for the old Byzantine metropolis. About the size of a cathedral, the 139-meter-long cistern can hold 80,000 cubic metres of water.
Numerous feature films have made use of the foreboding setting, such as Inferno (based on the Dan Brown novel) and From Russia with Love.
Near the very end of the cistern, you’ll see the enormous pillar bases adorned with the fabled Medusa faces. One is on its side and the other is upside down. The reason for their placement is shrouded in legend. Some think it proves the Byzantines treated Roman artefacts as trash and ignored them throughout construction. Some others think it could be because it suits them better that way.