The Best Things To Do In Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul is a remarkable city located in the northwest of Turkey that has been around for over 2000 years. It is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and traditions, and its rich history makes it one of the world’s most fascinating cities. It is the home of some of the most important landmarks in history, such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, and it is also a vibrant city that is full of life. With its grand mosques, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine, Istanbul has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous holiday, Istanbul has it all. Here we will explore some of the best things to do in Istanbul so that you can make the most of your time in this amazing city.

Explore the Grand Bazaars

Istanbul is well known for its grand bazaars, which are filled with countless stalls selling everything from spices to jewelry to traditional Turkish souvenirs. The Grand Bazaar, also known as the Kapali Çarsi, is the oldest and largest covered market in the world and it has been around for over 500 years. It is made up of over 4000 shops and hundreds of alleyways, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring the bazaar and bargaining with the shop keepers. Other popular bazaars include the Spice Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, where you can buy fresh spices, tea, and Turkish Delight.

Visit the Historic Landmarks

Istanbul is filled with historic landmarks that will take you back in time. One of the most important landmarks is the Hagia Sophia, which was built in the 6th century as a church and was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. It has been beautifully preserved and it is now a museum where you can explore the Byzantine and Ottoman history of Istanbul. Another important landmark is the Topkapi Palace, which was once the home of the Ottoman sultans and their court. Today it is a museum where visitors can explore the sultan’s chambers, gardens, mosques, and more.

Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a strait that separates Europe from Asia, and it is one of the most popular activities in Istanbul. Taking a cruise on the Bosphorus will give you a unique perspective of the city as you sail past its historic landmarks and beautiful architecture. You can take a short one-hour cruise or an all-day cruise that will take you to some of Istanbul’s most beautiful sights such as the Maiden’s Tower and Dolmabahce Palace.

Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque was built in the 16th century by Sultan Suleyman I and it is one of the most impressive mosques in Istanbul. It is located on one of Istanbul’s seven hills and it offers breathtaking views of the city. The mosque complex also includes several other buildings such as a library, hospital, madrasa (school), and caravanserai (inn). The mosque’s exterior is decorated with beautiful tiles and its interior is adorned with intricate calligraphy and marble columns.

Shop at the Istiklal Avenue

The Istiklal Avenue is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant streets. It is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife venues that offer something for everyone. You can find everything from traditional Turkish souvenirs to designer clothes and jewelry. There are also several historical buildings along the street such as the Galatasaray Lycee and St. Antoine Church. The street is usually filled with people on weekends, so it’s a great place to people watch while enjoying some delicious street food.

Take a Food Tour

Istanbul is known for its delicious cuisine and there are several food tours available that will take you around some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes. You can explore different neighborhoods and try out different dishes such as kebabs, mezes, Turkish Delight, and more. The guided tours will also provide insight into Turkish culture, traditions, and history while you enjoy some delicious local food.

Visit The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1609 by Sultan Ahmet I, it is renowned for its interior which is adorned with over 20,000 blue tiles that give it its name. The mosque’s six minarets are also an impressive sight and it offers stunning views of Istanbul from its courtyard. It is open to non-Muslim visitors during certain hours every day and it is a popular place for both tourists and locals alike.

Experience The Nightlife

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone. There are bars, clubs, live music venues, rooftops bars, and more where you can experience local music and dance the night away. There are also several restaurants that stay open late into the night where you can enjoy some delicious food or shisha (water pipe).

Visit Anadolu Kavagi

Anadolu Kavagi is a quaint fishing village located at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait. It offers stunning views of Asia from one side and Europe from the other side as well as an interesting historical background as it has been inhabited since Byzantine times. You can explore its cobblestone streets and small shops while taking in the picturesque views of the Bosporus.

Sample The Street Food

Istanbul’s street food scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. Popular street food dishes include simit (sesame-covered bread), kokoreç (grilled sheep intestines), lahmacun (Turkish pizza), gözleme (pastry filled with cheese or vegetables), and dürüm (wraps filled with chicken or lamb).

Explore The Beyoğlu District

The Beyoğlu district is located on the European side of Istanbul and it is known for its vibrant nightlife scene as well as its historical sites such as Galata Tower and Taksim Square. It has been known as a center of art, culture, and commerce since Ottoman times and today it offers plenty of entertainment options such as restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, theaters, cinemas, galleries, museums, shops, and more. You can easily spend a few days exploring this vibrant district.

Popular Tours in Istanbul

Bosphorus Cruise Tour

One of the best ways to experience Istanbul is to take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait that separates Europe from Asia. This tour will take you around some of Istanbul’s most beautiful sights such as Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace, Bebek neighborhood, and more. You will also be able to enjoy some traditional Turkish delights on board while you admire the stunning skyline of both continents from the deck. The tour usually lasts around two hours depending on the route taken but it can be extended to include other activities such as dinner cruises or sightseeing tours.

Hagia Sophia Tour

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks that has been around since Byzantine times. This tour will take you on an exploration of this beautiful building which was once a church before being converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. You will have an opportunity to admire its exquisite interior which is adorned with marble columns and intricate calligraphy as well as learn about its fascinating history from your guide. The tour usually lasts around two hours but it can be extended to include other historical sites such as Topkapi Palace or Suleymaniye Mosque.

Food Tour

Istanbul is known for its delicious cuisine and this tour will take you on an exploration of some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes where you can sample traditional dishes such as kebabs, mezes, Turkish Delight, and more. You will also gain insight into Turkish culture, traditions and history from your knowledgeable guide while you enjoy some delicious local food. The tour usually lasts around three hours but it can be extended to include other activities such as shopping or sightseeing tours.