Destinations Europe Turkey Istanbul 25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul From historic squares to the Grand Bazaar, there's much to do in the Turkish metropolis. By Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger left New York City for a life on the road. She has spent the majority of her career traveling and living in Mexico, and is passionate about seeing destinations in a slow-paced, immersive manner. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 22, 2024 Close Photo: Kateryna Kolesnyk/Getty Images The only city that straddles two continents, Istanbul is a unique destination where the past and present live side by side. An imperial capital for 1,700 years, the metropolis has long stood as a gateway between the East and West. Highlights of a visit to Istanbul include haggling at the Grand Bazaar, touring underground cisterns, and taking a ferry across the Bosphorus Strait."It is a city with an incredible depth of culture, and history like no other," says Liam Dunch, global group product manager of Abercrombie & Kent, Europe. "Observing the way that people of the city blend together the notions of the East and those of the West is an incredible experience." Mina Agnos, president of Travelive and a Travel and Leisure A-List Advisor, agrees that the bustling city is a quintessential destination for anyone aiming to understand Turkey. "Every visit to Turkey either starts or ends with Istanbul," she adds. "It is a uniquely diverse city with so many unforgettable sites to discover." Top 5 Can’t Miss Get a taste of the city's past and present with a visit to Taksim Square. Istanbul is a very walkable city. You'll want to include the pedestrian-only Istiklal Caddesi in your itinerary for its architecture and shopping opportunities. You'll have plenty of opportunities to try the flavorful Turkish kebab, marinated beef or lamb cooked on a skewer. Walking into the Grand Bazaar can be a bit overwhelming, but visitors find all sorts of glassware and trinkets that are perfect for souvenirs. For a stunning view of the city from above, visit Galata Tower. Read on to learn what these experts highlight as the best things to do in Istanbul. Experience Taksim Square. Ayhan Altun/Getty Images Taksim Square is in the heart of modern Istanbul, perched at the end of the famous pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi. Past meets present here; at one end, you have the grand Taksim Mosque, and at the other is the modern Ataturk Cultural Center. This is where the hum of Istanbul’s activity vibrates at its highest level. Stroll down Istiklal Caddesi. damircudic/Getty Images Speaking of Istiklal Caddesi, this pedestrian-only walking street is the place to soak in the vibe of Istanbul. It is one of the most famous thoroughfares in the country and is flanked by both Ottoman-era buildings and Art Nouveau and Art Deco structures. The buildings house everything from boutiques and art galleries to cafes, theaters, restaurants, and nightclubs. Sample Turkish kebab. Unal Cam/Xinhua via Getty Images Turkish cuisine includes a dizzying array of grilled meats, seafood, salads, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices, rich desserts, coffee, and tea. When visiting Istanbul, you will want to try as many of the above as possible, but perhaps Turkish kebab especially. Made of marinated lamb or beef, the kebab is cooked on skewers and served alongside vegetables or wrapped in lavash bread. Bargain at the Grand Bazaar. Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs/Getty Images Prepare to feast your eyes on the granddaddy of all covered markets. One of the world's oldest and largest venues of its kind, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul contains a maze of streets and thousands of shops. Vendors sell everything you could possibly think of, so if you're a professional at haggling, this will be like your Super Bowl. Visit the Galata Tower. Raul C/Getty Images Rising from the historic streets of Istanbul's Beyoglu district, Galata Tower was originally constructed as a watchtower during the Byzantine era. The structure that stands today, however, dates back to the 13th century and serves as a gallery and museum. A primary feature of the tower is a 360-degree observation deck that overlooks Istanbul. Shop and party in Beyoglu. Gabriel Mello/Getty Images "The European side of Istanbul is home to the main historic district," says Agnos. "This side of the city is considered more 'Western' and it includes nightlife spots and more cosmopolitan districts such as Beyoglu and Karakoy. Beyoglu is famous for its vibrant atmosphere; this area offers wonderful stops for shopping, dining, and nightlife."It's likely you will spend a lot of time in Beyoglu should you travel to Istanbul. Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the neighborhood is the beating heart of modern Istanbul on the European side of the city. Grab a drink at Grand Hotel de Londres. A grande dame of Istanbul, Grand Hotel de Londres is a beautifully preserved building from the 1800s. It's all about opulence here, from the rich color palette and glittering chandeliers to plush wall-to-wall carpeting. The terrace bar is a favorite hangout for tourists and locals; there's often live music here, plus beautiful sunset views over the Golden Horn."This is a good suggestion for travelers that have been to Istanbul," says Agnos. "It's an off-the-beaten-path suggestion for visitors to really feel the vibe of the city." The 12 Best Hotels in Istanbul Explore Karakoy. Marina Cavusoglu/Getty Images "Karakoy, the modern name for the old Galata, is part of the Beyoglu district," says Agnos. "It is known as one of the hippest and oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul, home to arty cafes, local boutiques, cocktail bars open late into the night, and art galleries. There is a growing local fashion and art scene in this area." Marvel at the Blue Mosque. Nate Hovee/Getty Images One of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque), is a beacon in the city skyline. It is known for its gorgeous domes and six soaring minaret towers. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is still a functioning mosque today. Visit Hagia Sophia. Ayhan Altun/Getty Images Not far from the Blue Mosque is the equally impressive Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church where rulers of the empire were crowned, it was later converted to a mosque. Starting in 1935, it served as a museum dedicated to Turkey. In 2020, it was converted back into a mosque and remains one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Why Istanbul Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 — and What's New — According to T+L's Editor in Chief Roam the Hippodrome. Anton Petrus/Getty Images Back when Istanbul was the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was known for its horse and chariot racing, and the Hippodrome was where these exciting, adrenaline-pumping races took place. While the original venue is no longer around, what stands in its place is Sultanahmet Square, where several monuments serve as reminders of the area's millennia-old past. Explore the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is a revolutionary museum for Turkey, being the first in the country to showcase Turkish and Islamic artwork together. Opened in 1914, it was the last museum to open during the Ottoman Empire period. The museum has 1,700 pieces of art, and its carpet collection is among the most impressive in the world. Journey underground at the Basilica Cistern. sergeyborozentsev/Getty Images Istanbul's skyline soars with some of the world's most beautiful and historic monuments, and the beauty continues underneath the pavement, too, thanks to masterpieces of engineering and infrastructure. The primary water reservoir for Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern is cathedral-esque and a sight to see. Built during the 4th century, it is supported by 336 columns and can hold up to 17.5 million gallons of water. Visit Topkapi Palace. RuslanKaln/Getty Images This 15th-century palace was once the administrative headquarters for the Ottoman Empire. Now a museum, the venue is full of treasures, from walls festooned with gorgeous paintings to rooms that give way to sumptuous courtyards — you can even explore the opulent former harem. It's one of the best places in Istanbul to learn about the former grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Check out the Süleymaniye Mosque. Salvator Barki/Getty Images Istanbul is not short on impressive mosques, and Süleymaniye Mosque is certainly one of its most beautiful. Considered the masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque was built in the 16th century to honor Sultan Süleyman, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The central dome stands at a staggering 174 feet tall, and the interior is beautifully decorated with colors of gold, green, red, and blue. Ferry to Istanbul’s Asian side. Ayzenstayn/Getty Images Istanbul stands as an important crossroads between Europe and Asia, and the city itself is divided between the two continents by the Bosphorus Strait. Be sure to immerse yourself in both sides of this rich city in order to best understand its history. There are many ferry routes across the Bosphorus, and the crossing takes only 30 minutes. Admire Beylerbeyi Palace. Ayhan Altun/Getty Images Across the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century estate built as a summer palace for royalty. It was also used as a residence for visiting heads of state. The now-museum is a gorgeous example of interior design and architecture, with nods to both Ottoman and Neo-Baroque styles. The stunning gardens that surround the palace are equally impressive. Shop around Kadikoy Market. elxeneize/Getty Images Kadikoy Market is part of a buzzy bazaar on Istanbul's Asian side. Overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the market is a historic one, home to thousands of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to carpets, pottery, textiles, and paintings. It is also one of the best spots in the city to sample Turkish street food and Turkish delights, a jelly candy made with rosewater. Walk the Kuzguncuk neighborhood. resulmuslu/Getty Images Sandwiched between Uskudar and Beylerbeyi, Kuzguncuk is one of the most lively and vibrant neighborhoods in Istanbul's Asian side, and it has always been a melting pot of religions and cultures. You'll see mosques, churches, and synagogues here, plus the neighborhood's funky mishmash of coffee shops, restaurants, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and brightly colored historic homes. Get a serious scrubbing at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. Wellness has been "on trend" in Turkey for hundreds of years, and visitors can step back into the old ways of wellness with a visit to the iconic Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. The building dates back to the 16th century and serves as one of the top spots in the city for a classic hamam ritual today. Remember to book accordingly — the hamam is open to women through mid-day and men in the late afternoon and evening. Visit the Monastery of Zoodochos Pege. This early Byzantine monastery has a history of miracles and legends tied to it; thanks to its spring, it is believed to have magical powers. It's also set on a hilltop, making it a great place to enjoy city views. Connect with the local community. If you like to step into the shoes of a local when you travel, you can do that in Turkey. Agnos recommends visiting the island village of Bozcaada in August to harvest and sell tomatoes with the local community. Or, if you're in Bodrum in the fall, join the olive harvest. Enjoy the Mediterranean climate. Kateryna Kolesnyk/Getty Images Istanbul may be a cosmopolitan city, but it is surrounded by nature at every turn, with coastal views, island-style living, forests, and parks."There are many seaside promenades where locals walk, run, or socialize and hang out," says Dunch. "From early June to the end of September, public beaches on the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara are open." Dunch also recommends enjoying open-air concerts in the summer, or visiting Belgrade Forest, north of the city. "Around Prince's Island," he adds, "sailing and water sports are popular." Discover your favorite ‘esnaf lokantası’. Istanbul has some of the top restaurants in Europe, but local, homestyle street food cafes are where the city really shows its heart."I recommend eating at a craftsmen's eatery," said Dunch. "They are referred to as 'esnaf lokantası,' frequented by shopkeepers and craftsmen in commercially vibrant areas, such as the markets, and they offer underrated and extremely tasty home-style cooking. This is as close as a visitor can get to the heart of Turkish cuisine." Be entertained at Bomontiada. The impressive Bomontiada complex is a center for the arts. There's the Ara Güler Museum, restaurants, and a calendar of outdoor concerts and movie screenings, making this the place to go for all forms of entertainment. It also happens to be housed within the once-abandoned Bomonti beer factory, and it was integral to helping redefine this formerly desolate part of the city.