Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul in Turkey is the only city in the world that has half of it nesting in Asia and the other half in Europe. It is also the largest city in Turkey, and it boasts of cultural diversity, amazing architectural heritage, and fascinating history. Although mostly surrounded by sea, snow is apparent in Istanbul. A lot of tourists come to this lovely city to experience exciting tour adventures and witness its majestic landscape such as the Roman ruins of Ephesus, the magnificent Cappadocia, the heart of the old Constantinople, the white cotton castle known as Pamukkale, and a lot more. Aside from these destinations, there are a whole lot more sights to see and things to do in this city. We have prepared for you a list of things to do on your next trip to Istanbul. Feel free to check them out below.
Tip from tour guide
For the ultimate fun experience, make sure to hop on a ferry during your trip. It's a great way to revel in views of the enchanting Old City and the stunning waterfront. You can also exchange waves with the members of other ferries. Watch a video of the waters here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rXYaH_Ao1cU
1. Indulge in the seaside serenity of Moda Pier - contributed by Tour Guide, Dilek Orubegarcia
Historical Moda Pier was designed by Architect Vedat Tek during the reign of the 35th Ottoman Sultan, Sultan Mehmet Reşat (1844-1918). The pier, which was severely damaged in the southwestern storm in 1937, remained closed until 1964. The pier closed and reopened many times until it was restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality between 2021-2022.
The historical Moda Pier has a café and library. There are approximately 9,000 works in its library. It is also a great place to visit for tourists since the pier is located on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. If you are coming to Istanbul and want to get away from the crowd, you can visit this place. There are fewer tourists than on the Asian side, and you can feel like a real Istanbulite here.
Moda Pier
Address: Caferağa, Moda Cd. No:175, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
2. View the historical Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hamamı - contributed by Tour Guide, Dilek Orubegarcia
The traditional layout and spatial analysis of Turkish baths were applied in Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hamamı, which was designed as a double bath, one serving men and the other serving women. It sits on an area of approximately 1.27 sq m (13.62 sq ft) on an area of 2,000 sq m (21, 527.82 sq ft).
In both sections, the cold/undress/window-warmth-temperature/private rooms correspond to each other. The cold rooms with a square plan are covered by a single dome, and the temperature in the men’s section is the most striking part of the bath in terms of space effect.
Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hamamı
Address: Yavuz Sultan Selim, Müstantik Cd. No:32, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 6:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Explore The Walls of Constantinople - contributed by Tour Guide, Dilek Orubegarcia
The Walls of Constantinople surround Constantinople, which is now within the borders of Istanbul, and were built during the Eastern Roman period. They began construction in the 5th century and were rebuilt and rebuilt four times. The last construction was after 408 AD. Come to Istanbul and walk along these walls. Imagine Byzantium and Mehmet the Conqueror.
Explore history through tours covering the city’s land walls. Witness the city walls through the eyes of the soldiers who came to conquer them. On the other hand, you’ll also get to see them through the eyes of those who guarded them. The city walls were featured in Netflix’s “Rise of Empires: Ottoman” documentary as well.
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4. Have a good time walking around the undiscovered streets of Istanbul (from USD 99.0)
The best way to discover the pulse of a city is by walking through its unexplored roads. This historic tour does just that. You can explore the undiscovered areas with a guide who is more like a friend.
On this full-day trip, you can start by exploring the Hippodrome of Constantinople before moving on to the Theodosius Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Your guide tells you about the rich history of the old Greek and Jewish neighborhoods of Fener and Balat while touring them and gives you enough time to take pictures.
If books fascinate you, a stroll through the paper bazaar of Sahaflar Çarşısı will charm you with its collection of rare books. The tour covers top sites such as Suleymaniye Mosque, the Spice Bazaar, the Church of St. George, and the campus of Istanbul University. Visitors can enjoy a break of Turkish coffee, pastry, and hookah in the middle of stops.
Tip from tour guide
Tunel, the world's second-oldest underground railway, has been chugging beneath Istanbul since 1875. It's like a time capsule that transports you from the bustling streets of Karakoy to the heights of Beyoglu. A short ride with a long history – the perfect blend of vintage and modern transport.
Tip from tour guide
Balat’s vibrant doors are worth exploring - it feels like you're stepping into a rainbow’s secret hideout! Each door tells a story – some chic, some quirky, but all bursting with character. Personally, I’m just here for the colors! There are lots of tiny streets and fancy historical houses with colors and designs from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures melting together in the same maze-like neighbourhood.
Istanbul Off the Beaten Path Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers
Duration: 7 hours
Istanbul Tour Guide
Rose The Guide
Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
Istanbul Tour Guide
Dilek Orubegarcia
My name is Dilek, a national-licensed tour guide. I am 40 years old and have been guiding for 12 years. My husband is from Mexico as a Mexican Turkish family and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoying Istanbul as much as we can. We go out, try to discover new restaurants, new museums, art galleries, children's acti... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Safiye Kaban
Hi there, this is Safiye from istanbul. I am a professional licensed tour guide and travel expert over 12 years. I have guided thousands of travellers from all around the world. I love meeting with new people, making new friends and building bridges. I orgnize cultural, historical, shopping and food tours to small groups, I mostly guide to private tours. I am also a foodie, I love discovering n... Read more
5. Enjoy a Turkish bath experience in a hammam (from USD 127.0)
If you are in Istanbul, you must visit this iconic 600-year-old hammam which was designed by the same architect who built the Topkapı Palace. Soak your cares away with the signature steam in the Turkish bath. You will find this hammam inside the Nova Plaza Pera Hotel & Hammam. Guests can either visit directly or request a pickup from anywhere in the city. Rejuvenate with a bubble massage of honey and milk. Dead skin is removed with a full body scrub while you relax with Turkish coffee and fruits.
You can opt for add-on massages such as aromatherapy, reflexology, hot stone, Thai, and Bali massages. Wind down with a refreshing beverage on the rooftop café of the hotel afterward while enjoying a spectacular view of the sun going down on the city.
Istanbul Private Historic Hammam Experience with Transfers
Duration: 2 hours
6. Be mesmerized by the Whirling Dervishes at Hodjapasha (from USD 37.0)
Witness and be mesmerized by an hour-long cultural performance of the mystical Sufis at Hodjapasha.
Preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this 800-year-old tradition and spiritual rituals of the Whirling Dervishes is not only an incredibly beautiful sight to behold but is also a great opportunity for a tourist to immerse in Turkish culture. The lobby in the museum has good information on the posters that helps in understanding the performance. The significance is explained in lucid English during the show.
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes and Turkish Orchestra
Duration: 1 hour
7. Watch the sunset on a luxurious yacht cruise (from USD 66.0)
While in Istanbul, you must book this luxurious yacht that goes cruising by palaces, mosques, and minarets while the guide tells you historical tales. It sails north as far as Kanlıca after which it cruises south where boarders can enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful sight of the Bosphorus Bridge that dazzles fiercely after dark in the glow of LED lights.
You can enjoy snacks, fruits, tea, coffee, and yummy baklava while soaking in the atmosphere and savoring the sunset. The Dolmabahçe Mosque, the Rumelihisarı Fortress, and the Beylerbeyi Palace are only some of the places the yacht sails by that leave you charmed by their magnificence.
Istanbul Sunset Cruise: Bosphorus Yacht with Guide and Nibbles
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
8. Marvel at the lofty dome of the Hagia Sophia (from USD 175.0)
Hagia Sophia was once a cathedral turned mosque and presently, a museum. It is also known to tourists as the Church of Holy Wisdom or the Church of Divine Wisdom. It is famous for its dome-shape structure and considered one of the world’s most magnificent shrines. It is also considered a testament of time for it has witnessed a lot of events in history and has dealt with different rulers. Its structure is made mostly from masonry with primary materials built from sand and ceramic pieces. While in Istanbul, you should visit Hagia Sophia and marvel at this amazing and relevant symbol of history.
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & More: Istanbul City Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
9. Hang out with a cocktail in hand at Arkaoda
Arkaoda is a popular night club in Turkey. While in this city, it is important to experience its night scene, and one of the best ways to do so is by hanging out in Arkaoda while enjoying the live entertainment and sipping your favorite cocktails and mixed drinks. It is cozy in there and with indoor seating of sofas and armchairs. Outside, there is a garden with benches to sit on. They also feature a lively DJ that will make your night full of dancing and partying the Turkish way. Pro tip, if you want to avail a good seat, you should arrive early because Arkaoda is usually fully booked and the doorman will not let any more people in.
Arkaoda
Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Kadife Sok. No:18 D:1, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul - Asia, Turkey
Website: Arkaoda
Opening hours: Sun - Thurs 12:00 pm - 1:30 am / Fri - Sat 12:00 pm - 2:30 am
10. Wander inside the Topkapı Palace (from USD 115.0)
Topkapi Palace is one of many fascinating museums in Istanbul Turkey. Most tourists who visit this country include Topkapi Palace on their itinerary. It is formerly called The New Palace. Topkapi Palace has withstood the test of time by undergoing multiple renovations from one calamity to another since the 1509 earthquake. At the present time, it has become a symbol of old century Istanbul. It features hundreds of rooms and secret chambers, but not all of them are available for public viewing. Those rooms that are accessible to the public showcases a collection of ottoman antique weaponry, armors, religious relics, manuscripts, and a lot more.
Istanbul Day Tour of Sultanahmet: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia
Duration: 8 hours
11. Be mesmerized by the tiles inside the Blue Mosque (from USD 155.0)
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque also known as The Blue Mosque is a magnificent tourist spot in Istanbul, Turkey. At the present time, The Blue Mosque is still holding ceremonies. It was established sometime between 1609 to 1616 under the rule of Ahmed I. Both locals and tourists kneel on the red carpet of the mosque before the start of a ceremony. The whole interior of this mosque is exquisitely adorned by blue tiles painted by hand, and when it starts to get dark, the mosque glows with blue light all around it. It is also within walking distance of Hagia Sophia in case you want to explore more of Turkey’s historic sites.
Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Tour
Duration: 8 hours
12. See an independent film at Kadıköy Sineması
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are one of those tourists who love to see every angle of a country’s culture including its movie and art scene, you should pay Kadıköy Sineması a visit and witness, first hand, the Turkey cinematography and learn a thing or two from it. It is a local movie theatre that showcases independent movie films that you will surely enjoy. Movie art and drama is a big part of one’s culture, and your trip to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without seeing things in the Turkish perspective. The whole cinema is modern and with surround sound effects. It is clean, cozy, and occasionally plays popular western movies as well.
Kadıköy Sineması
Address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Bahariye Cad. Kadıköy Pasajı No:25, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul - Asya, Turkey
Website: Kadıköy Sineması
Opening hours: Sat - Thurs 10:00 am - 10:00 pm / Fri 11:00 am - 10:00 am
13. Travel back in time to Byzantium at the Basilica Cistern
Istanbul indeed boasts of amazing mosques, museums, and shrines, and no doubt it is a land of architectural wonder. Basilica Cistern is another tourist destination that you shouldn’t miss while in Istanbul. Located southwest of the marvelous Hagia Sophia, this cistern is one of the most enormous cisterns lying underground of the city. Its construction dates back to the Byzantinium era in the 6th century. At present, it features an archaic interior with some of the columns having mysterious sculptures and patterns. Tourists have been coming here to marvel at the beauty of this majestic and historic spot.
Istanbul 4-Hour Imperial Tour with Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar
Duration: 4 hours
14. Catch an opera or ballet at the Süreyya Opera House
If you are a lover of the performing arts, you might want to experience watching a ballet or opera performance in the Sureyya Opera House. Situated in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul Turkey, Süreyya Opera House is also known as the Süreyya Cultural Center. This opera hall holds most theatrical performances in Istanbul and can accommodate up to 570 guests. In the past, it never really staged live entertainment. Instead, it was used for plain movie viewing. In 2007, it has undergone renovations to become an operational opera house that stages live performances.
Süreyya Opera House
Address: D Osmanağa Mah., General Asım Gündüz Cd. No:29, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Website: Süreyya Opera House
15. Taste forgotten Anatolian recipes at Çiya Sofrası
If you want to experience the taste of signature Turkish cuisine, you should head over Çiya Sofrası. It is a three-story classic restaurant that serves authentic Turkish cuisine from salads to kebabs to soups and many more. The restaurant itself is clean and cozy and exudes a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is warm and welcoming and is always pleased to assist you in any way possible. Their food is guaranteed fresh and is made from flavorful ingredients that are available within the season.
Çiya Sofrası
Address: Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sk., 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Website: Çiya Sofrası
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
16. Learn more about Mediterranean history on the Bosphorus Cruise (from USD 13.01)
Those who wish to explore the beautiful city fo Istanbul without breaking a sweat from all the walking can book the Mediterranean cruise, experiencing Eurasian sailing at its best. Spend a day or a day discovering Istanbul’s finest such as historic fortresses and the famous Bosphorus bridge while gazing at the stunning Mediterranean waters.
Learn about the mega-metropolis of Istanbul and how it evolved to the booming city it is today via an audio guide in multiple languages. Participants will also get wifi access at the pier, a map of the whole Bosphorus, and complimentary water or juice for the ninety-minute tour.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
Duration: 1.5 hour
17. Snap solid Instagram photos of the Dolmabahce Palace (from USD 66.15)
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Instanbul is the scenic Dolmabahce Palace. This historic landmark welcomes travelers and tourists on the daily, which can often manifest long lines and even hours of waiting just to get a ticket inside. Skip the long queues and purchase this Getyourguide ticket and dual audio tour pass to get started.
Inclusions apart from the entry ticket include an audio guide with multiple languages, a brief orientation by an English-speaking tour guide, and the admin booking fee. This pass is a great deal for solo travelers who wish to explore Istanbul at their own pace and in their own time.
Dolmabahce Palace Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio
Duration: 1.0 day
18. Discover the history of the Ottoman Sultans on a half-day tour of the Dolmabahce Palace (from USD 130.52)
Spend four hours exploring the stunning and historic landmark of Istanbul, the Dolmabahce Palace. Filled with interesting European antiques and artifacts, the Palace boasts a ton of in-depth background on the Ottoman Sultans from the mid-1800s. It’s said that the palace has 365 rooms and 22 saloons which are sights definitely not to miss when in Istanbul.
Travelers and tourists interested in this half-day GetYourGuide tour will be getting transfer and return arrangements, a private English-speaking tour guide in the palace itself, paid entrance fees, and transportation arrangements. Explore what Istanbul’s history has to offer and learn more about the poignant impact of the Ottoman empire in Turkey and in the world.
Tip from tour guide
The extravagant Dolmabahçe Palace served as the last residence of the Ottoman sultans and witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Sèvres, effectively putting an end to the Ottoman Empire. It's like the palace had a front-row seat to the dramatic conclusion of a historical blockbuster.
From Istanbul: Half-Day Dolmabahce Palace Tour
Duration: 4 hour
19. Brush up on your ancient history at the Archaeology Museum (from USD 6.0)
If you are a fan of the science of archeology or just a curious Tom, you might enjoy a day tour to the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. The whole of Istanbul Archaeology Museum is composed of three diverse museums, namely the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. It is situated in the Eminönü district, within walking distance of the Topkapi Palace and the Gülhane Park. These museums hold a vast collection of relevant historical relics from the Statue of an Ephebos to The Troy exhibit, to antique ottoman memorabilia to tile images of Babylon, and a whole lot more.
Tip from tour guide
Istanbul Archaeology Museums is a grand complex that includes the Museum of Ancient Oriental Artifacts and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. The complex consists of structures that have an important place in Türkiye’s archeology and museum history. Many artifacts dating back to the Ottoman Empire can be found in these buildings, one of which was built in the 15th century. There are also two from the end of the 19th century.
In addition to the ancient sculptures and the Sidon sarcophagus, which are unique works of art, you can see important turning points in human history and find rich cultural heritage items left by different civilizations. Discover the “firsts of love, war, and peace” in this complex.
Tip from tour guide
Sometime between 1887 and 1888, Osman Hamdi Bey uncovered a grave site during his excavations in Sayda. A new museum building was needed to display the sarcophagi and the other exciting artifacts they discovered. To meet this need, a building was designed by the architect Alexandre Vallaury. This time, they built a museum right across from the Tiled Pavilion Museum, and it opened in 1891.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum Entrance Ticket
Hello Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey, is an amazing city of vibrant culture and fascinating heritage. The destinations are magnificent, the people are warm, the food is exquisite, and the art scene is indeed remarkable. If you have Istanbul on your list of places to visit, it is important that you have an idea of the things to do while in this beautiful city. Check out our compiled list of activities that you might want to try during your trip to Istanbul.
Attend an art fair hosted by Contemporary Istanbul
Contributed by Tour Guide, Rose TheGuide
Source: Rose TheGuide
Contemporary Istanbul is a paradise for art lovers. It hosts art fairs in the historic district of Tersane, Istanbul, on the grounds of a former shipyard from the Ottoman era. The fairs feature interesting galleries and initiatives from over 20 countries from different corners of the world.
Walk along the serene shores of Beykoz
Contributed by Tour Guide, Rose TheGuide
If you’re in the Asian side of Istanbul, visit Beykoz to enjoy a lovely spring day walking tour along its calm shores facing the Black Sea.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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