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Turkey
Things to do in Istanbul
2,858 attractions · Turkey
Photo: GrandEscogriffe, CC BY-SA 4.0
Marmara Region, Turkey · 41.010, 28.960
About Istanbul
Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world located on two continents, serving as a unique bridge between Europe and Asia. The historic Sultanahmet district anchors the city's legacy, housing the architectural mastery of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and The Blue Mosque. Visitors can trace the opulence of Ottoman rulers at the Topkapi Palace Museum or descend into the subterranean depths of the Basilica Cistern. The cityscape is defined by its dramatic skyline, punctuated by the Suleymaniye Mosque and the vertical landmark of Galata Tower.
Good to know
- 1
Istanbul was known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, serving as the capital for the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires.
- 2
The city's Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, containing over 60 streets and thousands of shops.
- 3
Istanbul features the world's second-oldest subway line, the Tünel, which opened in 1875.
- 4
There are over 3,000 mosques located within the city limits, reflecting its deep religious and cultural history.
- 5
The Bosphorus Strait, which runs through the city, is one of the world's most critical maritime corridors for international trade.
Plan your visit to Istanbul
Best time to visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and clear skies, avoiding the peak heat of summer and the potential snowfall of winter.
How many days
4-5 days, as the city's vast historical sites and diverse neighborhoods are spread across both European and Asian sides.
Getting around
The city utilizes an extensive network of modern trams, metro lines, ferries, and funiculars, supplemented by walking in the historic peninsula.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet is best for proximity to major monuments, while Beyoğlu and Karaköy provide access to modern nightlife and the city's contemporary art scene.
Budget
Istanbul is generally a mid-range destination, offering a wide spectrum of options from affordable street food to luxury Bosphorus-front hotels.
Highlights of Istanbul
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
View the massive Byzantine-era dome and historic mosaics that have survived centuries of structural changes.
The Blue Mosque
Admire the intricate hand-painted blue tiles that line the interior walls and give the structure its name.
Topkapi Palace Museum
Explore the extensive Ottoman imperial collection, including historic armory, jewelry, and ornate palace chambers.
Basilica Cistern
Walk the raised platforms above the water to see the ancient carved Medusa head columns hidden in the depths.
Galata Tower
Ascend the medieval stone structure for a panoramic 360-degree view of the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Experience the sophisticated architectural design of Sinan the Architect atop one of the city's seven hills.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Tour the lavish European-style interiors and the massive Bohemian crystal chandelier of this nineteenth-century residence.
Galata Bridge
Watch local fishermen and take in the view of the skyline from this iconic connection point between the old and new city.
Top things to do in Istanbul
The 2,858 most popular places in Istanbul.
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781
Parks Hidden gem
Özlem Parkı
Özlem Parkı is a narrow, linear public park situated directly along the southern bank of the Golden Horn in the Cibali n...
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782
Temples Hidden gem
Zeynep Sultan Mosque
The Zeynep Sultan Mosque is an 18th-century Ottoman mosque situated in the historical Eminönü district of Fatih, Istanbu...
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783
Places of interest Hidden gem
Gazi Osman Paşa Türbesi
Gazi Osman Paşa Türbesi is the final resting place of the legendary 19th-century Ottoman field marshal Gazi Osman Pasha,...
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784
Museums Hidden gem
Adam Mickiewicz Museum
The Adam Mickiewicz Museum is located in the house where the Polish national poet Adam Mickiewicz lived and died in 1855...
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785
Temples Hidden gem
AKBIYIK MOSQUE
Akbıyık Mosque is an active neighborhood mosque located in the Cankurtaran district of Istanbul's historic Fatih peninsu...
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786
Historical places Hidden gem
Sphendone Remains
The Sphendone Remains represent the massive curving southern substructure of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, l...
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787
Temples Hidden gem
The Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church
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788
Temples Hidden gem
Ishakpasa Cami
Ishakpasa Cami is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Cankurtaran neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul. Situated jus...
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789
Temples Hidden gem
Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Cami
Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Cami is a historic 17th-century Ottoman mosque complex situated along the bustling Divanyolu street...
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790
Temples Hidden gem
Church Of St. Benoit
The Church of St. Benoit is the oldest continuously functioning Latin Catholic church in Istanbul, founded in 1427 by Be...
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791
Temples Hidden gem
Namik Kemal Mosque
Namik Kemal Mosque is a neighborhood Islamic place of worship located in the Esenler district on the European side of Is...
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792
Temples Hidden gem
Arpacilar Mosque
Arpacilar Mosque is an Ottoman-era religious structure located in the Sirkeci district of Istanbul. The mosque serves as...
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793
Temples Hidden gem
İzzetpaşa Cami
İzzetpaşa Cami is a functional neighborhood mosque located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, serving as a primary spiri...
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794
Temples Hidden gem
Yeşiltepe Konya Mosque
Yeşiltepe Konya Mosque is a local neighbourhood house of worship situated in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul. Locat...
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795
Temples Hidden gem
Three-Mihrab Mosque
The Three-Mihrab Mosque, also known as the Üç Mihraplı Camii, is a historical neighborhood mosque located in the Fatih d...
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796
Temples Hidden gem
Beyceğiz Cami
Beyceğiz Cami is a historic neighborhood mosque situated in the Atikali district of Fatih, Istanbul. Originally commissi...
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797
Temples Hidden gem
Emir Buhari Tekke Ayvansaray
Emir Buhari Tekke, located in the Ayvansaray neighborhood of Fatih, is a historical Sufi lodge dedicated to the 16th-cen...
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798
Venues Hidden gem
Üsküdar Kulüpler Birliği Halı Sahası
Üsküdar Kulüpler Birliği Halı Sahası is a municipal sports facility primarily serving local amateur football clubs and c...
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799
Museums Hidden gem
Kademi Şerif Tekkesi
Kademi Şerif Tekkesi is a historical dervish lodge located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, originally constructed to...
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800
Parks Hidden gem
Park May 19
Park May 19 is a local neighborhood park situated in the Güngören district of Istanbul. It serves as a community green s...
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801
Temples Hidden gem
Basci Mahmut Mosque
The Basci Mahmut Mosque is a historic Ottoman-era structure located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Originally commis...
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802
Temples Hidden gem
Balat Surp Hireşdagabet Ermeni Kilisesi
Surp Hireşdagabet is a historic Armenian Apostolic church located in the Balat district of Istanbul, specifically dedica...
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803
Parks Hidden gem
Dr. Sadik Ahmet Park
Dr. Sadik Ahmet Park is a municipal green space located in the Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul, named in honor of Dr. Sa...
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804
Parks Hidden gem
Gece Kondu Mesken Parkı
Gece Kondu Mesken Parkı is a neighborhood park situated in the Güzeltepe neighborhood of the Eyüpsultan district in Ista...
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805
Temples Hidden gem
Kantarcılar Cami
Kantarcılar Cami, also known as the Kantarcı Ali Ağa Mosque, is an Ottoman-era religious structure located in the histor...
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806
Temples Hidden gem
Fetihtepe Merkez Cami
Fetihtepe Merkez Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Fetihtepe district of Beyoğlu, Istanbul. Located near the...
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807
Amusement parks Hidden gem
Lunapark
Lunapark is a traditional neighborhood amusement park located in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul, situated within the...
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808
Temples Hidden gem
Baklali Kemalettin Mosque
Baklali Kemalettin Mosque is a historic Islamic place of worship located in the Aksaray neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul....
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809
Temples Hidden gem
Davud Paşa Camii
Davud Paşa Camii is a 15th-century Ottoman mosque located in the historic Fatih district of Istanbul. Commissioned by Ko...
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810
Temples Hidden gem
Saint Pierre Church
Saint Pierre Church, located in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul, is a historic Catholic church originally constructe...
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Istanbul on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Istanbul?
Aventuro lists 2,858 curated attractions in and around Istanbul, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Istanbul?
Galata Tower is the most popular place to visit in Istanbul right now.
What kind of attractions does Istanbul have?
The largest category is temples, with 1,084 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore İzmir, Bursa, Ankara.
