The Best Things To Do in Istanbul

Istanbul is a unique city located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and its beauty is only matched by its rich and diverse culture. It is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 15 million people. Istanbul is known for its ancient architecture and monuments, as well as its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. It’s an ideal destination for tourists who want to experience a taste of the traditional and modern culture that Istanbul has to offer.

History of Istanbul

Istanbul has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 6th century BC when it was known as Byzantium. In 330 AD it was renamed Constantinople, and it became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and renamed Istanbul, and it remained the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. Istanbul was also the capital of the Turkish Republic from 1923 until 1930 when it was moved to Ankara. Istanbul is still one of the major political, economic and cultural centres of Turkey today.

What To Do in Istanbul

Istanbul has a wide variety of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy. From ancient monuments and museums to modern shopping centres and nightlife spots, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul:

Visit the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. It’s home to over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices, jewelry, carpets and traditional Turkish souvenirs. The bazaar is full of vendors hawking their wares and bargaining with customers, making it a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Explore Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is an ancient Byzantine church that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. It’s one of the most iconic sights in Istanbul, and its impressive architecture has been admired by visitors for centuries. Today, it’s a museum open to the public, where visitors can admire its impressive mosaics and frescoes.

Visit the Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace is another must-see sight in Istanbul. It was built in the 15th century and served as the Ottoman Empire’s primary residence for nearly four centuries. Today, it’s a museum open to visitors who want to explore its opulent halls filled with artifacts from the empire’s history. Visitors can also admire its vast gardens and impressive views of the city from the palace’s terrace.

Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and it’s one of Istanbul’s most iconic sights. Taking a boat ride along its waters is a great way to admire the city’s stunning skyline and get an up-close look at its impressive bridges connecting Europe and Asia.

Stroll Through Ortaköy

Ortaköy is a vibrant neighbourhood located on the European side of Istanbul near the Bosphorus. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, tasty restaurants and bars, as well as its colourful wooden houses and art galleries. Strolling through Ortaköy is a great way to get a feel for the city’s laid-back atmosphere, and it’s also an ideal spot for people-watching.

Explore Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square (also known as Sultanahmet Meydani) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Located near Hagia Sophia, it’s a great spot for people-watching and admiring some of the city’s most famous monuments such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. During summer months, it also hosts outdoor concerts and festivals that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Visit Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu is another must-see neighbourhood in Istanbul. Located on the European side of the city, it’s home to some of Istanbul’s most popular nightlife spots as well as its oldest theatre, Galatasaray. Beyoğlu also has plenty of trendy restaurants and bars where you can sample some of the city’s delicious cuisine.

Tours in Istanbul

If you’re looking for a more structured experience in Istanbul, then there are plenty of guided tours available that will take you to some of the city’s most popular sights. Here are two of our top picks:

Istanbul Old City Tour

This tour is perfect for those who want to explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights without having to worry about getting lost or missing something important. The tour includes stops at the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and more. You’ll also get to explore some of Istanbul’s best neighbourhoods such as Beyoğlu, Ortaköy and Sultanahmet Square. The tour is available in multiple languages so everyone can enjoy it.
Book an Istanbul Old City Tour here.

Istanbul Food Tour

If you want to experience Istanbul like a local then this food tour is for you. You’ll get to sample some of the city’s best dishes such as delicious kebabs, fresh seafood and traditional desserts like baklava. The tour also includes visits to some of Istanbul’s best markets so you can learn all about Turkish cuisine while exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Book an Istanbul Food Tour here.

Best Time To Visit Istanbul

The best time to visit Istanbul depends on what kind of activities you want to do while you’re there. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds then spring and autumn are great times to visit. The weather is milder during these months and there are plenty of cultural events taking place throughout the city. Summer months tend to be much busier but if you want to experience Istanbul at its liveliest then this is when you should visit. Winter months can be quite cold but this is when you can find some of the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Where To Stay in Istanbul

Istanbul has plenty of accommodation options for visitors ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. One great option is Sultanahmet Square which offers easy access to some of the city’s top sights such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Other popular neighbourhoods include Beyoğlu which is great for nightlife lovers and Beşiktaş which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Straits. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more luxurious then head to Galata or Nişantaşı which are home to some of Istanbul’s most exclusive hotels and restaurants.

Conclusion

Istanbul is one of the world’s most exciting cities with plenty of things to do for everyone who visits. From ancient monuments and museums to vibrant markets and nightlife spots, there is something for everyone in this incredible city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed cultural experience or an action-packed adventure, you won’t be disappointed by what Istanbul has to offer. Book an Istanbul Old City Tour or an Istanbul Food Tour today for an unforgettable experience!