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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
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Istanbul was known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, serving as the capital for the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires.
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The city's Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, containing over 60 streets and thousands of shops.
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Istanbul features the world's second-oldest subway line, the Tünel, which opened in 1875.
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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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1021
Places of interest Hidden gem
Ayasofya Meydanı
Ayasofya Meydanı is the historic public square nestled directly between the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmet Mosque in...
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1022
Temples Hidden gem
Ashkenazi Synagogue of Istanbul
The Ashkenazi Synagogue of Istanbul is the only active Ashkenazi synagogue in the city open to visitors, founded in 1900...
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1023
Temples Hidden gem
Sinan Pasa Cami
Sinan Pasha Mosque is a classical Ottoman mosque located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Commissioned by the Ottom...
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1024
Temples Hidden gem
Molla Aşkı Mosque
Molla Aşkı Mosque is a historic Ottoman religious site perched on the slopes of Ayvansaray in Fatih, Istanbul, overlooki...
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1025
Parks Hidden gem
ŞEHİTLER PARKI
Şehitler Parkı is a municipal neighborhood park situated in the Seyitnizam quarter of Zeytinburnu, Istanbul. The park fu...
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1026
Parks Hidden gem
Sadık Özgür Parkı
Sadık Özgür Parkı is a neighborhood green space located in the densely populated Güngören district of Istanbul. Situated...
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1027
Parks Hidden gem
Topçular Mesire Yeri
Topçular Mesire Yeri is an urban green space and recreational park located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul. The p...
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1028
Places of interest Hidden gem
Hüseyin Hilmi Işık Hazretleri
Hüseyin Hilmi Işık Hazretleri is a site of religious significance located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul, dedica...
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1029
Parks Hidden gem
Valide Sultan Parkı
Valide Sultan Parkı is a neighborhood community park located in the Gaziosmanpaşa district of Istanbul, designed primari...
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1030
Historical places Hidden gem
Vezir Hanı
Vezir Hanı is a 17th-century Ottoman caravanserai located in the heart of Istanbul's historic peninsula. Commissioned by...
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1031
Temples Hidden gem
İhsaniye Mosque
İhsaniye Mosque is a neighborhood mosque located in the Eğitim quarter of the Kadıköy district in Istanbul. It functions...
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1032
Temples Hidden gem
S.E.G Camii
S.E.G. Camii, also known as the Seyyid Ahmet Deresi Camii, is a neighborhood mosque located in the Burhaniye district of...
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1033
Temples Hidden gem
Kemankeş Kara Mustafapaşa Cami
Kemankeş Kara Mustafapaşa Cami is a historic Ottoman mosque located in the Karaköy neighborhood of Beyoğlu, Istanbul. Co...
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1034
Temples Hidden gem
Sofular Molla Hüsrev Camii
Sofular Molla Hüsrev Camii is a historic Ottoman mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Commissioned by the p...
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1035
Historical places Hidden gem
St. Pierre Han
St. Pierre Han is a historic 18th-century commercial building located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Constructed i...
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1036
Temples Hidden gem
T. C. Beyoğlu Mufti Mosque Okçumusa
T. C. Beyoğlu Mufti Mosque Okçumusa functions as both a local neighborhood place of worship and the administrative seat...
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1037
Historical places Hidden gem
Süleyman Han Çeşmesi
Süleyman Han Çeşmesi is an Ottoman-era historical street fountain located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Situated al...
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1038
Venues Hidden gem
T.C. İstanbul Bilim Üniversitesi Spor Tesisi
T.C. İstanbul Bilim Üniversitesi Spor Tesisi is the dedicated athletic facility serving Istanbul Bilim University studen...
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1039
Parks Hidden gem
Ahırkapı Parkı
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1040
Parks Hidden gem
Muammar Ersoy Park
Muammar Ersoy Park is a neighborhood green space situated in the Kartaltepe neighborhood of Bakırköy, Istanbul. Named af...
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1041
Temples Hidden gem
MEHMET ve NAKŞİYE ESEN CAMİİ
Mehmet ve Nakşiye Esen Camii is a modern neighborhood mosque located in the Osmaniye district of Bakırköy, Istanbul. The...
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1042
Temples Hidden gem
Damat Ibrahim Pasa Cami
Damat Ibrahim Pasa Cami is an Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, originally commissioned by t...
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1043
Temples Hidden gem
KADI HÜSAMEDDIN ÇAMAŞIRCI HACI MUSTAFA EFENDİ 18 SEKBANLAR CAMİİ
Kadi Hüsameddin Çamaşırcı Hacı Mustafa Efendi 18 Sekbanlar Camii is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih d...
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1044
Temples Hidden gem
Kizil Minare Cami
Kizil Minare Cami, translating to Red Minaret Mosque, is a historic neighbourhood mosque located in the Fatih district o...
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1045
Temples Hidden gem
Kurtcelebi Cami
Kurtçelebi Cami is a historic neighborhood mosque located in the Kasımpaşa area of the Beyoğlu district in Istanbul. Ori...
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1046
Parks Hidden gem
Şehit Türkmen Tekin Parkı
Şehit Türkmen Tekin Parkı is a neighborhood green space located in the Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul, named in honor o...
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1047
Temples Hidden gem
Saçlı Abdülkadir Efendi Cami
Saçlı Abdülkadir Efendi Cami is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul. It takes i...
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1048
Parks Hidden gem
97 Environmental Park
97 Environmental Park is a municipally managed green space situated in the densely populated Bayrampaşa district of Ista...
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1049
Parks Hidden gem
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Parkı
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Parkı is a municipal urban park situated in the Kağıthane district of Istanbul, serving as a neighbo...
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1050
Museums Hidden gem
Mixer Art Gallery
Mixer Art Gallery is a specialized exhibition space located in the Karaköy neighborhood, specifically focused on promoti...
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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.
