aventuro
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.
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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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901
Parks Hidden gem
Republic Park
Republic Park (Cumhuriyet Parkı) is a local municipal park located in the Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul, managed by th...
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902
Parks Hidden gem
Şeyh Şamil Parkı
Şeyh Şamil Parkı is a neighborhood green space located in the Güneştepe neighborhood of Güngören, Istanbul. Named in hon...
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903
Temples Hidden gem
Mary Catholic Church
The Assumption Church, locally known as Mary Catholic Church, is a prominent Latin Catholic parish located in the heart...
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904
Parks Hidden gem
Erdem Parkı
Erdem Parkı is a neighborhood green space located in the Acıbadem district of Üsküdar on the Asian side of Istanbul. It...
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905
Temples Hidden gem
Ahmet Sut Cami
Ahmet Sut Cami is a neighborhood mosque located in the Acıbadem district of Kadıköy, Istanbul. It serves as a local plac...
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906
Temples Hidden gem
Gulfem Hatun Mosque
The Gülfem Hatun Mosque is a historic Ottoman-era place of worship located in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of...
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907
Temples Hidden gem
Meryem Ana Ermeni Kilisesi
Meryem Ana Ermeni Kilisesi is a historic Armenian church located in the Ortaköy/Mecidiye neighborhood of Beşiktaş, Istan...
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908
Temples Hidden gem
Ambarlidere Cami
Ambarlidere Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Ulus and Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Located at Öz Topuz Cd...
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909
Temples Hidden gem
Belediye Sitesi Camii
Belediye Sitesi Camii is a neighborhood mosque located in the upscale Nisbetiye district of Beşiktaş, Istanbul. Nestled...
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910
Temples Hidden gem
Molla Semsettin Gurani Cami
Molla Semsettin Gurani Cami is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The structure wa...
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911
Temples Hidden gem
Piri Mehmet Pasa Cami
Piri Mehmet Pasa Cami is a historic Ottoman mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul along Millet Caddesi. Built...
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912
Temples Hidden gem
Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque
The Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque is a historic Ottoman house-mosque conversion located in the historic Cibali neighborhood o...
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913
Parks Hidden gem
Kadi Cesme Parki
Kadi Cesme Parki is a neighborhood green space situated in the historic Zeyrek district of Fatih, Istanbul, named after...
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914
Temples Hidden gem
Karabaş Mustafa Ağa Camii
Karabaş Mustafa Ağa Camii, also known as the Mimar Sinan mosque, is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Tophane...
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915
Parks Hidden gem
Park October 29
Park October 29 is a neighborhood-level recreational space located in the Güngören district of Istanbul. The park serves...
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916
Places of interest Hidden gem
Tomb of Mehmet Akif Ersoy
The Tomb of Mehmet Akif Ersoy is located within the Edirnekapı Martyr's Cemetery in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul....
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917
Museums Hidden gem
MAJİ ART GALLERY
Maji Art Gallery is a contemporary exhibition space located in the Teşvikiye neighborhood of Istanbul's Şişli district....
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918
Temples Hidden gem
Sayyiduna 'Abdurrahman Asy-Syami ra 's Tomb
Sayyiduna 'Abdurrahman Asy-Syami ra 's Tomb is a historic Islamic shrine located in the Cankurtaran neighborhood of Fati...
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919
Temples Hidden gem
Kirazli Mescit Cami
Kirazli Mescit Cami is a historic, small-scale mosque situated in the Vefa neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul. Originally b...
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920
Temples Hidden gem
Yusuf Secaattin Ambari Camii
Yusuf Secaattin Ambari Camii is a modest, historic neighborhood mosque located in the Ayvansaray district of Fatih, Ista...
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921
Parks Hidden gem
Molla Aşkı Parkı
Molla Aşkı Parkı is a terraced public park located in the historic Ayvansaray district, notable for its elevated vantage...
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922
Temples Hidden gem
Haci Besir Aga Medrese
The Haci Beşir Ağa Medrese is an 18th-century Ottoman educational institution located in the Eyüpsultan district of Ista...
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923
Temples Hidden gem
Hicret Mosque
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924
Temples Hidden gem
İSA MESİH'İN DİRİSU KİLİSESİ
İsa Mesih'in Dirisu Kilisesi is a Protestant church located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, serving as a hub for the...
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925
Temples Hidden gem
Three Ismet Basaran Hatun Mosque
Three Ismet Basaran Hatun Mosque is a modern community mosque located in the Esenler district of Istanbul. It functions...
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926
Parks Hidden gem
Pazarbaşı Parkı
Pazarbaşı Parkı is a neighborhood green space located in the historic Valide-i Atik district of Üsküdar on the Asian sid...
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927
Temples Hidden gem
Senlikdede Cami
Senlikdede Cami is a small, neighborhood mosque situated in the Vişnezade district of Beşiktaş, Istanbul. It is located...
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928
Temples Hidden gem
Hacı Evhadüddin Camii
Hacı Evhadüddin Camii is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Yedikule neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul. Original...
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929
Temples Hidden gem
Hoca Paşa Cami
Hoca Paşa Cami is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the heart of Istanbul's Fatih district. Originally commission...
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930
Temples Hidden gem
Yavaşçı Şahin Mehmet Ali Paşa Cami
Yavaşçı Şahin Mehmet Ali Paşa Cami is a historic mosque situated in the Tahtakale neighborhood within the Fatih district...
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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.
