Located in Türkiye, Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the famous Bosphorus Strait. Walking through its streets, you’ll experience a mix of ancient history and modern life.

The city is known for its stunning landmarks like the Blue Mosque, with its towering minarets, and Hagia Sophia, a former church, then mosque, and now a museum. You can explore bustling markets like the Grand Bazaar, where you’ll find colorful spices, handmade jewelry, and Turkish carpets.

Istanbul’s vibrant atmosphere is perfect for exploring its rich culture and heritage, while also enjoying beautiful views of the water and skyline. It’s a city that offers something for everyone – from history lovers to foodies, and from shoppers to adventurers.

In June of 2024, I visited Istanbul for a couple of days and after testing out everything there is to do in Istanbul, I have summarized it into a list of 14 things to do in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Table of Contents

• 1. Go shopping at the Grand Bazaar
• 2. Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque
• 3. Visit the Blue Mosque
• 4. Go on a Bosphorus cruise
• 5. Visit the Basilica Cistern
• 6. Eat some San Sebastian Cheesecake
• 7. Try the Turkish Delight
• 8. Climb the Galata Tower
• 9. Visit the Süleymaniye Camii
• 10. Walk around the Spice Market
• 11. Take a ferry to Princes’ Island
• 12. Visit the Asian side of Istanbul
• 13. Admire the colourful houses in Balat
• 14. Walk down Istaklal Street

1. Go shopping at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It’s like stepping into a colorful, lively maze with over 4,000 shops spread across narrow, winding streets. As you walk through, you’ll see shops filled with beautiful things—like Turkish carpets, colorful ceramics, jewelry, spices, and handmade crafts.

The atmosphere is bustling, with shopkeepers calling out to invite you in, and the air is filled with the scent of spices, leather, and freshly brewed tea. It’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs or just to enjoy the lively vibe.

Lots of shop workers will invite you to try their tea and/or their Turkish delights. At first, we were apprehensive on accepting their invites because we didn’t know if it would be a scam and if they would end up asking us for money. However, everyone was actually extremely friendly and welcoming, and never did we ever feel like we were part of a scam. So, I really recommend accepting their invites and getting to know the workers a bit more!

2. Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in the world. Originally built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD, it was later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and has now been restored as a mosque again. Its rich history reflects the many layers of Istanbul’s past.

The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with a massive dome that seems to float high above the interior. Inside, you’ll find a stunning mix of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy, creating a unique fusion of two religions. The grand marble pillars, intricate decorations, and the golden glow from the mosaics give it a breathtaking, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Hagia Sophia is the only mosque in Istanbul where you need to pay to enter. The entry fee is 25€ per person.

3. Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful and famous landmarks. Built in the early 1600s, it gets its nickname from the stunning blue tiles that decorate its interior walls. From the outside, the mosque is breathtaking with its six tall minarets and large central dome, making it a standout in the city’s skyline.

Inside, the mosque is equally impressive. The high ceilings are covered in intricate patterns, and natural light pours in from hundreds of windows, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The blue tiles, with their beautiful floral and geometric designs, give the interior a calming, almost magical feel.

Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque for free, but since it’s still an active place of worship, it’s important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. In addition, if you are a woman, you will have to cover your hair and your shoulders if you haven’t already before entering the mosque. Before entering the Blue Mosque, everybody passes by a little kiosk, where they will give you a scarf if you need one. Therefore, don’t worry if you didn’t bring a scarf yourself!

4. Go on a Bosphorus cruise

The Bosphorus is a stunning natural waterway that runs through the heart of Istanbul, separating the city into its European and Asian sides. It’s one of the most unique features of the city, offering both locals and visitors beautiful views and a chance to experience life on the water.

Taking a boat ride along the Bosphorus is a must-do. You’ll see grand palaces, historic forts, and charming wooden houses lining the shores. The skyline of Istanbul, with its mosques and minarets, looks even more magical from the water, especially at sunset. Activities can range from taking a ferry on the Bosphorus sea to a high end luxurious dining experience at night.

5. Visit the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is a fascinating underground structure in Istanbul, hidden just beneath the busy streets. Built in the 6th century, it was used to store water for the city. As you walk down into the cool, dimly lit space, you’ll see rows of tall stone columns reflected in the shallow water below, giving the cistern an almost mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere.

One of the most famous features inside is the Medusa heads, two stone carvings placed at the base of two columns, adding to the sense of ancient history and myth. The cistern is a peaceful, quiet spot, a sharp contrast to the bustling city above, making it a perfect place for a short, memorable visit.

There is an entry fee of 800 Turkish Liras. There are two ways to buy tickets: you can either purchase them online via the skip-the-line tickets, or you can buy them in person. Buying them in person is a few liras cheaper, but we did have to wait around 30 minutes in line to buy them.

6. Eat some San Sebastian Cheesecake

San Sebastian Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert with a unique twist. Originating from Spain’s Basque Country, this cheesecake is known for its distinctive burnt top, which gives it a delicious caramelized flavor.

Unlike traditional cheesecakes, San Sebastian Cheesecake has a soft, custard-like center and a slightly crisp, charred exterior. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients—cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and cream—resulting in a smooth and indulgent treat.

In Istanbul, you can find loads of cafes that serve the San Sebastian Cheesecake. The one we went to was called “Galata Hezarfen Cafe.” Because it was located right next to the Galata Tower, the cheesecake was indeed very overpriced. Nevertheless, it was one of the best cheesecakes I have ever had. If you also want to try it out, I honestly recommend going somewhere else where it will be a fraction of the price.

7. Try the Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight, or “lokum,” is a traditional sweet treat from Türkiye that’s as delightful as it sounds. It comes in a variety of flavors and textures, but it’s typically a chewy, jelly-like candy cut into small cubes and dusted with powdered sugar or coconut.

The most popular flavors include rose, lemon, and pomegranate, but you might also find options with nuts like pistachios or walnuts. Some varieties are flavored with spices like cinnamon or clove, adding a unique twist.

You can find Turkish delights almost everywhere from the famous markets like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market and Istaklal Street to a typical local shop in any neighbourhood. A lot of vendors will also welcome you to their shops for you to try some of their Turkish delights!

8. Climb the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most beloved landmarks. Located in the lively Galata district, this tall stone tower has been a part of the city since the 14th century.

When you visit Galata Tower, you can climb to the top or take an elevator to reach the observation deck. From up there, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. You can see the sparkling Bosphorus Strait, the historic skyline with famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and the bustling streets below. It’s a perfect spot for taking beautiful photos and watching the sunset.

Inside the tower, there’s a cozy café where you can relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee while enjoying the stunning scenery. The area around Galata Tower is full of charming cafes, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore before or after your visit to the tower.

There is an entry fee of 30€ to climb the tower.

9. Visit the Süleymaniye Camii

Süleymaniye Camii, or the Süleymaniye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most magnificent and largest mosques. Built in the 16th century by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, it sits on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, offering stunning views of the city.

The mosque is known for its elegant design, with a large central dome and four tall minarets. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with high ceilings, soft natural light, and simple yet beautiful decorations. The spacious courtyard and gardens around the mosque add to its tranquil vibe, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Süleymaniye Camii was personally my favourite mosque in Istanbul. Although it is as gorgeous as the Blue Mosque, I loved that it was on top of a hill, so from the garden around the mosque, you could see panoramic views of Istanbul. The garden was very calm, and it was a perfect place to relax. In addition, Süleymaniye Camii was way less crowded than the Blue Mosque.

10. Walk around the Spice Market

The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and colorful places. Located near the waterfront, it’s a bustling marketplace filled with the rich aromas of spices, herbs, teas, and dried fruits. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by stalls overflowing with bright piles of saffron, cinnamon, and countless other spices.

Besides spices, you’ll also find Turkish delights, honey, nuts, and a variety of local products. The lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out and offering samples, makes it a fun place to explore. It’s the perfect spot to buy unique souvenirs or simply take in the sensory experience of Istanbul’s traditional flavors and scents.

11. Take a ferry to Princes’ Island

Princes’ Island is a beautiful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Located in the Sea of Marmara, it is composed of nine islands in the Princes’ Islands archipelago.

Out of the nine islands, Büyükada is the biggest one and the one we decided to visit. Büyükada is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. You can explore the quaint streets, enjoy a leisurely bike ride, or simply relax in a café with a view. It’s a lovely spot to experience a slower pace of life and enjoy some beautiful natural scenery, all just a short ferry ride from Istanbul.

On the island, you’ll find charming old mansions, lush pine forests, and tranquil beaches. Cars are not allowed, so people get around on bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, or by walking, which adds to the island’s peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

12. Visit the Asian side of Istanbul

The Asian side of Istanbul offers a charming and slightly different perspective of the city compared to the bustling European side. Known for its relaxed and local vibe, it’s a great place to experience everyday life in Istanbul.

On the Asian side, you’ll find beautiful neighborhoods like Kadıköy, which has a lively market, trendy cafes, and a vibrant arts scene. There’s also Üsküdar, known for its stunning waterfront views and historical sites like the Maiden’s Tower.

I highly recommend you visiting the town of Kadıköy/Moda. To get there, you only need 1 ferry if you are staying on the European side of Istanbul. The ferry tickets can be bought in person at the ferry station.

13. Admire the colourful houses in Balat

Balat is one of Istanbul’s most charming and colorful neighborhoods, known for its historic vibe and narrow, winding streets.

What makes Balat special are its vibrant, pastel-colored buildings and small, quirky cafes and shops. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk, where you can explore antique stores, art galleries, and cozy tea houses. The neighborhood feels like stepping back in time, with its laid-back atmosphere and sense of community.

I loved walking in Balat. Although there are a few tourists, it feels a lot less crowded and a bit more like a hidden gem compared to the other areas of Istanbul. I simply wandered around and admired the pretty houses. I also saw lots of people do walking tours, which I think is a lovely idea.

14. Walk down Istaklal Street

Istiklal Street is one of Istanbul’s most famous and bustling streets, located in the heart of the city. It’s a lively pedestrian street that stretches for about 1.4 kilometers, packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Walking down Istiklal Street, you’ll experience the vibrant energy of Istanbul. The street is lined with a mix of modern stores and charming old shops, where you can find everything from stylish clothes to unique souvenirs. There are also plenty of cafes where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a traditional Turkish pastry.

One of the highlights is the historic tram that runs along the street, adding a nostalgic touch to the lively atmosphere. Istiklal Street is always bustling with people, street performers, and music, making it a perfect place to soak in the city’s vibrant culture and enjoy some great food and shopping.