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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.
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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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1081
Temples Hidden gem
Ilyas Bey Mosque
The Ilyas Bey Mosque in the Yedikule district of Fatih, Istanbul, is a modest historical neighborhood mosque characteriz...
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1082
Parks Hidden gem
Bakırköy Belediyesi Şehit Polis Mustafa Yurter Parkı
Bakırköy Belediyesi Şehit Polis Mustafa Yurter Parkı is a municipal public park located in the Osmaniye neighborhood of...
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1083
Parks Hidden gem
Bakırköy Municipality Five Göğüş Park
Bakırköy Municipality Five Göğüş Park is a neighborhood-level recreational space located in the Kartaltepe district of I...
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1084
Parks Hidden gem
Ulubatlı Hasan Parkı
Ulubatlı Hasan Parkı is a neighborhood recreational space located in the Bahçelievler district of Istanbul. It is named...
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1085
Places of interest Hidden gem
Hamal heykeli
The Hamal Heykeli, or Porter Statue, serves as a bronze monument dedicated to the traditional porters of Istanbul who hi...
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1086
Temples Hidden gem
Süleyman Subaşı Camii
Süleyman Subaşı Camii is an Ottoman-era mosque located in the Sarıdemir neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul. Originally comm...
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1087
Temples Hidden gem
Molla Mosque HÜSREV
Molla Hüsrev Mosque, also known as the Arapoğlu Mosque, is a historic Ottoman-era place of worship situated in the Fatih...
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1088
Temples Hidden gem
Saban Kaptan Cami
Saban Kaptan Cami is a historic, neighborhood-scale mosque located in the Kasımpaşa area of the Beyoğlu district. Origin...
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1089
Parks Hidden gem
Cezayirli Hasan Paşa Parkı
Cezayirli Hasan Paşa Parkı is a neighborhood park located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, named after the 18th-cent...
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1090
Temples Hidden gem
Hz. Şu'b Tomb
The Hz. Şu'b Tomb, located in the Ayvansaray neighborhood of Fatih, is a historical site associated with the burial plac...
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1091
Temples Hidden gem
Fatih Sultan Mücahitler Camii
Fatih Sultan Mücahitler Camii is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Fetihtepe district of Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The stru...
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1092
Temples Hidden gem
Bilali Habesi Cami
Bilali Habesi Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Talatpaşa district of Kağıthane, Istanbul. It serves the loc...
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1093
Temples Hidden gem
Zeynep Hatun Mosque
Zeynep Hatun Mosque, located in the historic Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul, serves as a local neighborhood place of wo...
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1094
Temples Hidden gem
Saya Hilal Cami
Saya Hilal Cami is a functional neighborhood mosque located in the Gaziosmanpaşa district of Istanbul. It serves as a pr...
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1095
Temples Hidden gem
Akşemsettin Mosque
Akşemsettin Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Çırçır district of Eyüpsultan, Istanbul. It serves...
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1096
Temples Hidden gem
Ornektepe Cami
Ornektepe Cami is a local neighborhood mosque situated in the Kağıthane district of Istanbul on Silahtar Caddesi. Servin...
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1097
Parks Hidden gem
Ali İsmail Korkmaz Parkı
Ali İsmail Korkmaz Parkı is a neighborhood park located in the Rasimpaşa neighborhood of Kadıköy, Istanbul. Named in mem...
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1098
Temples Hidden gem
Burhaniye Camii
Burhaniye Camii, also known as the II. Abdülhamit Camii, is a significant neighborhood mosque located in the Burhaniye d...
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1099
Temples Hidden gem
Kucuk Ihsaniye Cami
Kucuk Ihsaniye Cami is a historic neighborhood mosque located in the Salacak district of Üsküdar, overlooking the Bospho...
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1100
Parks Hidden gem
Sultantepe Parkı
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1101
Temples Hidden gem
Syriac Catholic Church
The Syriac Catholic Church in Istanbul, located in the Gümüşsuyu neighborhood of Beyoğlu, serves as a notable spiritual...
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1102
Parks Hidden gem
Hayrettin Karaca Park
Hayrettin Karaca Park is a compact urban green space located in the densely populated Şişli district of Istanbul. It is...
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1103
Temples Hidden gem
Şâh u Gedâ Câmii
The Şâh u Gedâ Câmii is a historical Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It is situated in the...
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1104
Temples Hidden gem
Kefevi Camî
Kefevi Camî is an historic Ottoman-era mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The structure originally functi...
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1105
Places of interest Hidden gem
Prof.Dr.Mahmut Esad Coşan Türbesi
The Prof. Dr. Mahmut Esad Coşan Türbesi is a mausoleum dedicated to the influential Turkish academic, theologian, and le...
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1106
Temples Hidden gem
Silahtar Uğur Cami
Silahtar Uğur Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated on Uğur Street in the Silahtarağa quarter of Eyüpsultan, Istanbul....
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1107
Parks Hidden gem
Eyüp Municipality Standing Tree Park
Eyüp Municipality Standing Tree Park is a public green space located in the historic Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul, po...
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1108
Temples Hidden gem
Havuz Basi Yesil Mosque
Havuz Başı Yeşil Mosque is a neighborhood-level house of worship located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul. It serv...
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1109
Temples Hidden gem
Kartaltepe Green Mosque
Kartaltepe Green Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul. It serves as...
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1110
Temples Hidden gem
M. Fevzi Çakmak Cami
M. Fevzi Çakmak Cami is a neighborhood mosque situated in the densely populated Esenler district on the European side of...
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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.
