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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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1051
Temples Hidden gem
Tevkii Câfer Camii
Tevkii Câfer Camii is a modest neighborhood mosque located in the historic Balat district of Fatih, Istanbul. Built duri...
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1052
Temples Hidden gem
Hacı Bedel Mustafa Efendi Camii
Hacı Bedel Mustafa Efendi Camii is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of Is...
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1053
Venues Hidden gem
STUDIO OYUNCULARI
Studio Oyuncuları is a prominent independent theatre company and acting studio located in the Şişli district of Istanbul...
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1054
Parks Hidden gem
İBB İto Parkı
İBB İto Parkı is a waterfront green space located along the Golden Horn in the historic Fatih district of Istanbul. The...
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1055
Places of interest Hidden gem
Kozlu Cemetery
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1056
Temples Hidden gem
Yüce Cami
Yüce Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul, serving the local residential commun...
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1057
Temples Hidden gem
Haci Saban Cami
Hacı Şaban Cami is a historic neighborhood mosque located in the Piri Paşa district of Beyoğlu, Istanbul. Situated on Ha...
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1058
Temples Hidden gem
Abdülselam Cami
Abdülselam Cami is a historic mosque situated in the Halıcıoğlu neighborhood of Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The structure reflect...
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1059
Temples Hidden gem
Hürriyet Cami
Hürriyet Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Şemsipaşa district of Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul. Located along 19 M...
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1060
Historical places Hidden gem
İstanbul Marmara Surları Kalıntıları
The Marmara Sea Walls, part of the extensive Byzantine fortification system of Constantinople, once defended the city ag...
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1061
Venues Hidden gem
BJK Futbol Akademisi Hakkı Yeten Tesisleri
BJK Futbol Akademisi Hakkı Yeten Tesisleri is the primary youth development facility and training ground for Beşiktaş J....
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1062
Parks Hidden gem
Antique Park
Antique Park is a localized neighborhood green space situated in the Kuştepe district of Şişli, Istanbul. It provides a...
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1063
Parks Hidden gem
Sakızağacı Parkı
Sakızağacı Parkı is a prominent urban green space located directly along the coastline of the Sea of Marmara in the Bakı...
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1064
Temples Hidden gem
Belediye Camii
Belediye Camii is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Beştelsiz quarter of Istanbul's Zeytinburnu district. Located al...
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1065
Historical places Hidden gem
Palatium Magnaura
The Palatium Magnaura sits atop the ruins of a grand Byzantine hall, now functioning as a cafe and restaurant that integ...
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1066
Temples Hidden gem
Sinan Aga Cami
Sinan Ağa Cami is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Cibali neighborhood of the Fatih district in Istanbul. Bu...
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1067
Temples Hidden gem
Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan Camii
Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan Camii, also known as the Gureba Hastanesi Mosque, is located within the grounds of the Bezmiale...
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1068
Temples Hidden gem
Ahizade Leblebici Camii
Ahizade Leblebici Camii is a historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The structure was or...
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1069
Temples Hidden gem
Mesnevîhâne Mosque
The Mesnevîhâne Mosque in the historic Balat district of Fatih, Istanbul, occupies the site of the former Murad Efendi M...
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1070
Parks Hidden gem
Brat Karabas Park
Brat Karabas Park is a municipal green space situated in the historic Fatih district of Istanbul near the ancient land w...
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1071
Temples Hidden gem
T. C. Zeytinburnu Mufti Time - 1 Mosque
T. C. Zeytinburnu Mufti Time - 1 Mosque is a functional neighborhood mosque located in the Zeytinburnu district of Istan...
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1072
Parks Hidden gem
Park
Sibel Yalçın Park is a localized neighborhood green space situated in the Mahmut Şevket Paşa district of Şişli, Istanbul...
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1073
Temples Hidden gem
Yeşilpınar Merkez Cami
Yeşilpınar Merkez Cami is a primary neighborhood mosque located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul. It serves as the...
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1074
Temples Hidden gem
Yunus Emre Mosque
Yunus Emre Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Esenler district of Istanbul. It serves the local co...
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1075
Parks Hidden gem
Muammer Aksoy Parkı
Muammer Aksoy Parkı is an urban green space located in the Kağıthane district of Istanbul, named after the prominent Tur...
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1076
Temples Hidden gem
Ulubatlı Hasan Cami
Ulubatlı Hasan Cami is a neighborhood mosque located in the Çırçır neighborhood of the Eyüpsultan district in Istanbul....
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1077
Temples Hidden gem
Nalçacı Halil Camii
Nalçacı Halil Camii is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Zeynep Kamil district of Üsküdar on the Asian side of Istan...
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1078
Temples Hidden gem
Hüsrev Ağa Mosque
The Hüsrev Ağa Mosque, also known as the Hüsrev Ağa Camii, is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque located in the Üsküdar distr...
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1079
Museums Hidden gem
44A Art Gallery & Cafe
44A Art Gallery & Cafe is a boutique creative space located in the heart of the Teşvikiye neighborhood in Istanbul. The...
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1080
Temples Hidden gem
Gülez Cami
Gülez Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Esentepe district of Şişli, Istanbul. It serves as a local place of...
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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.
