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Planning a trip to Istanbul? Compare 2 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €45 per person.
If you are looking for things to do in Istanbul, the city suits travellers who like history, food and long walks, and who don't mind crowds on the main streets. It is a city of layers. Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and palaces stand a few minutes' walk from busy tram stops and ferry piers, and the Bosphorus runs through the middle of it all. Most first-time visitors base themselves in Fatih, the historic peninsula on the European side, because nearly the major monuments are within walking distance of each other.
What sets Istanbul apart is how the past is still in daily use. Mosques are active places of worship, the Grand Bazaar is still a working market, and the evening ferries carry commuters alongside tourists. Plan for a few days at least, keep your mornings for the big sites before the queues build, and leave afternoons for tea, shopping and a slow boat ride.
Built as a basilica in the sixth century and later a mosque, Hagia Sophia is the building that most visitors plan their whole trip around. Its dome and the vast interior, with its mosaics and calligraphic medallions, show how the city absorbed successive empires. Go early in the morning, when the line is shortest and the light through the windows is at its best. Allow at least an hour, and remember that modest dress is expected inside.
Facing Hagia Sophia across a open square, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is still a functioning mosque, so visits are scheduled around prayer times. Its six minarets and the blue İznik tiles inside make it one of the most photographed buildings in the country. Bring a scarf for women, leave your shoes at the entrance in the provided bags, and check the current visiting hours before you set out, as they change during prayers and religious holidays.
The main residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, Topkapı is a sprawling complex of courtyards, kitchens and pavilions set above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The Harem section requires a separate ticket and tends to fill up, so buy it as early as you can. Give yourself at least three hours, and walk to the terrace at the end for views across the water. Check the opening days, as the palace is closed on certain days of the week.
Beneath the streets near Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern is a huge underground reservoir built in the sixth century, supported by rows of columns. The cool, dim atmosphere makes it a good stop in the middle of a hot day. Two columns at the back have carved Medusa heads at their bases. Wear comfortable shoes, as the walkways are stone and can be slippery when wet, and expect about an hour inside.
One of the oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has more than sixty streets and thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery, leather and spices. Bargaining is part of the experience, but keep it friendly and don't feel pressured to buy. It is best visited on weekday mornings, when it is calmer. Once you are inside, it is easy to lose your bearings, so note the nearest gate or use a map on your phone.
Designed by the architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Süleyman, the Süleymaniye Mosque sits on one of the highest points of the peninsula and is often less crowded than the Blue Mosque. Its courtyard and the view across the Golden Horn are worth the climb. The surrounding streets have old Ottoman houses, tea gardens and small workshops. Visit in the late afternoon for softer light, and dress modestly as you would for any mosque.
If you want the history of the peninsula explained rather than just seen, this three-hour walking tour in Fatih connects the main monuments into one route. A guide helps you understand the sequence of empires, why the streets are laid out as they are, and which details to look for on the walls and domes. It is a good first activity on your first or second day, because it gives you a map of the area for the rest of your stay. Wear walking shoes and bring water, as there is a lot of uphill and cobbled ground. You can find details on the Istanbul Historic Peninsula Walking Tour.
Close to the Galata Bridge and the Eminönü ferry piers, the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) is smaller and more colourful than the Grand Bazaar. Sacks of sumac, saffron, dried fruit, Turkish delight and tea fill its aisles. It is a practical stop for food gifts, and a good place to sample before you buy. The area is busy at lunchtime, so go mid-morning or in the late afternoon.
Seeing the city from the water at night is one of the most memorable things to do in Istanbul. This three-hour dinner cruise along the Bosphorus combines a meal with views of the illuminated palaces, mosques and waterfront. Book a table near the window if you can, and plan to arrive a little early for boarding. For advice on what to wear, see our dress guide for the Bosphorus dinner cruise, and if you are still deciding, read whether the Bosphorus dinner cruise is worth it. You can also check the details on the Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise tour page.
Spring, from April to May, and autumn, from September to October, are the most comfortable seasons. Temperatures are mild, the days are long enough for full sightseeing, and the crowds are manageable, though the major sites are busy at any time. Summer is hot and humid, with the heaviest crowds in July and August, so start early and plan indoor stops for the afternoon. Winter is cooler and often wet, but the museums and monuments are quieter, and the Bosphorus evenings feel atmospheric. For a month-by-month breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Istanbul. If you are planning around Ramadan, expect changed opening hours and busier evenings, and check each site before you go.
Istanbul has two main airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, which is the most convenient option if you are staying in Fatih. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side, so reaching the historic peninsula means crossing the Bosphorus, by ferry or by Marmaray, and then continuing by tram or taxi. Allow extra time for this route, especially in the rush hour.
For the easiest arrival, you can book a private airport transfer in advance, which takes the guesswork out of the journey with your luggage. Details are on our airport transfer page.
Once you are in the city, the tram, metro, ferries and buses all run on the same Istanbulkart, which you can load at machines and kiosks. The historic sights in Fatih are well served by the tram. Our transport guide explains how to use each option. Taxis are plentiful, but traffic can be slow, so for short distances on the peninsula, walking is often quicker.
For a detailed timetable, see our Sultanahmet one-day plan.