Top 10 Attractions in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of history, art, and culture. It is a city that has been home to many civilizations over the centuries, and its rich heritage still shines through today. With a population of over 15 million, it is one of the most populated cities in the world. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and its iconic skyline make it one of the most recognizable cities in the world.

From its ancient religious sites to its vibrant nightlife, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for some fun in the sun, there’s something to do in this global city. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to see first. To help with your planning, here is our guide to the top 10 attractions in Istanbul.

1. Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is an absolute must-see in Istanbul. This sprawling market is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It has been around since 1461 and spans 61 covered streets with more than 4,000 shops. It is an incredibly vibrant and colorful place where you can find anything from traditional Turkish handicrafts to souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, carpets and more. The Grand Bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs or just soak up the atmosphere of this bustling market.

2. Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. It was originally built as a church in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, and was later converted into a mosque in 1453. Today it is a museum open to the public and offers a fascinating look at religious history. This stunning building is full of incredible artwork, frescoes, mosaics and artifacts that tell the story of its long and varied past.

3. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is just across from the Hagia Sophia and is one of Istanbul’s most prominent landmarks. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, with its tall minarets and blue-tiled interior walls giving it its name. The mosque was built in 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I and is still used for daily prayers. Visitors are welcome to visit this incredible building, although it is important to respect the local customs and traditions when visiting a mosque.

4. Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. The tower was built in 1348 by the Genoese as part of their fortifications at the entrance to the Golden Horn Harbour. Today it stands 63 metres tall and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The tower is also home to a café and restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a view.

5. Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace is a must-see for visitors to Istanbul. This grand palace was once home to the Ottoman sultans and is now a museum open to the public. The palace complex covers an area of over 700 acres and includes beautiful gardens, courtyards, mosques, pavilions, museums and more. Inside you can find some incredible artifacts from the Ottoman Empire, including jeweled swords and thrones, ceramics and other artworks.

6. Dolmabahce Palace

The Dolmabahce Palace is another must-see attraction in Istanbul. This grand palace was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdulmecid I as his residence and administrative centre. The palace covers an area of over 2 million square feet and includes 285 rooms spread across three floors. Inside you can find some beautiful neo-Baroque architecture as well as sumptuous furnishings and artwork from around the world.

7. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most fascinating attractions. This ancient underground cistern supplies water to the city from the 6th century and is an incredible feat of engineering. The cistern covers an area of over 9,800 square meters and contains 336 marble columns arranged in a grid pattern. Visitors can explore this underground cavern at their own pace and take in its strange atmosphere.

8. Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions and has been around since 1660. This bustling market is full of color, scents, and flavors as it is filled with vendors selling spices, herbs, nuts, sweets, dried fruit, teas and more. You can also find some delicious Turkish treats such as baklava, Turkish delight, lokum (Turkish candy) and more.

9. Chora Church

The Chora Church is one of Istanbul’s oldest churches and was originally built in the 4th century AD. This beautiful Byzantine church was later turned into a mosque during Ottoman rule but was restored as a museum in 1945. Inside you can find some incredible frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible as well as some beautiful marble carvings from the original church.

10. Taksim Square

Taksim Square is one of Istanbul’s main public squares and has been the center of many political protests over the years. This large plaza is surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes as well as some interesting monuments such as the Republic Monument which commemorates the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. It’s also a great place to people-watch or just soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city center.

Book an Istanbul Tour

For those looking to explore more of Istanbul’s unique sights and attractions, there are plenty of tour options available to choose from. One great option is the Istanbul City Tour by Viator which takes visitors on a journey through some of Istanbul’s most famous sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Bazaar and more. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel as well as an experienced local guide who will share their knowledge about each site along the way.

Book an Istanbul City Tour here.

Another great tour option for those looking for an immersive experience is the Istanbul Street Food Tour by GetYourGuide which takes visitors on a journey through some of Istanbul’s best street food spots including hidden gems not found in any guidebook. The tour offers tastings at each stop as well as an experienced local guide who will share stories about Istanbul’s unique street food culture along with tips on how to eat like a local during your visit.

Book an Istanbul Street Food Tour here.

Whether you are visiting for a few days or staying for weeks on end, there are plenty of attractions to explore in Istanbul that will make your visit truly unforgettable!