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AJWA Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Istanbul

Updated 1 October 2026 · 19 things to do

Pictured: AJWA Sultanahmet

Istanbul is the only major city that sits on two continents, and it wears the crown well. Over the centuries it has been Byzantine Constantinople and the Ottoman capital, and the layers show everywhere: a 1,500-year-old church with a dome that seems to float, a covered bazaar that has been trading for centuries, mosques crowned with minarets that punctuate the skyline, and ferries chugging between Europe and Asia as if it were nothing.

Give it time. The big sights in Sultanahmet could fill two days alone, and the real joys, a breakfast spread, a tea in a tulip glass, a fish sandwich by the water, come in between. Wear comfortable shoes for steep, cobbled hills, carry a scarf for mosque visits and let the call to prayer be your soundtrack.

Don't miss

  1. 1Hagia Sophia
  2. 2The Blue Mosque
  3. 3Topkapı Palace
  4. 4The Basilica Cistern
  5. 5The Grand Bazaar

The Old City

Sultanahmet packs more history per square metre than almost anywhere on earth.

  1. Hagia Sophia

    Landmark

    The domed bulk of Hagia Sophia
    Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Built in the 6th century as a cathedral, later a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, this is one of the great buildings of the world. The enormous central dome appears to hover above you, and the mix of Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy tells the city's story in a single room.

    Tip: Dress modestly and check the current visiting arrangements before you go, as they have changed in recent years.

  2. The Blue Mosque

    Landmark

    The domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque
    Photo: Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it takes its nickname from the thousands of blue İznik tiles covering its interior. Six slender minarets frame a cascade of domes, and the courtyard is as impressive as the prayer hall.

    Tip: It is a working mosque, so expect closures around prayer times, and cover your shoulders and knees.

  3. Topkapı Palace

    Landmark

    A gate and courtyard at Topkapı Palace
    Photo: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0

    For centuries the home of the Ottoman sultans, this sprawling palace is a series of courtyards, pavilions and tiled chambers on a headland above the Bosphorus. Highlights include the Imperial Treasury and the Harem, and the terraces have gorgeous views over the water.

    Tip: Allow at least half a day, and arrive early to beat the tour groups.

  4. The Basilica Cistern

    Landmark

    Columns rising from the water of the Basilica Cistern
    Photo: Moise Nicu, CC BY 3.0

    A cool, dimly lit underground reservoir built under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, supported by rows of columns rising from shallow water. Two column bases carved with Medusa heads are the quirkiest finds.

  5. The Süleymaniye Mosque

    Landmark

    The dome of the Süleymaniye Mosque
    Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The grandest of the imperial mosques, designed by the great architect Mimar Sinan for Süleyman the Magnificent. It sits on a hill above the Golden Horn, with a peaceful garden, a calm interior and fantastic views.

  6. The Grand Bazaar

    Market

    A vaulted lane inside the Grand Bazaar
    Photo: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0

    One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, a maze of vaulted lanes lined with thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, lamps, jewellery and leather. Bargaining is part of the fun, and so is getting thoroughly lost.

    Tip: Go in the morning, take your time, and be ready to haggle with a smile.

  7. The Spice Bazaar

    Market

    Heaped spices at the Spice Bazaar
    Photo: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this L-shaped market near the Galata Bridge is a feast for the nose, with heaps of spices, dried fruit, nuts, Turkish delight and tea. It's smaller and easier than the Grand Bazaar.

Beyoğlu and the Golden Horn

  1. Galata Tower

    Landmark

    The stone Galata Tower above the rooftops of Beyoğlu
    Photo: Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A medieval stone tower built by the Genoese, rising above the lanes of Galata. The viewing gallery at the top gives a panoramic sweep across the Golden Horn, the Old City skyline and the Bosphorus.

    Tip: Go near sunset for the best light, and expect a queue.

  2. İstiklal Avenue

    Neighbourhood

    A long pedestrian street running from Taksim Square towards Galata, packed with shops, cafés, bookshops and old buildings. A little red nostalgic tram rattles up and down the middle. Duck into the side streets for meyhanes and bars.

  3. Karaköy and the Galata Bridge

    Neighbourhood

    Karaköy is the waterfront district of galleries, specialist coffee and stylish cafés. The Galata Bridge nearby is lined with fishermen, and the restaurants beneath it face the Golden Horn and the Old City skyline.

  4. Balat

    Neighbourhood

    Colourful houses on the hillside in Balat
    Photo: Antoloji, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A hillside neighbourhood on the Golden Horn, with steep streets of brightly painted wooden and stone houses, antique shops, old churches and a lot of cafés. Wander without a plan and you'll find the city's more local side.

On the water

  1. A Bosphorus ferry

    Activity

    The best way to see Istanbul is from the water. Public ferries and sightseeing cruises run up the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, passing waterfront palaces, wooden mansions and fortresses, with Maiden's Tower sitting on its islet off the Asian shore.

    Tip: A public ferry is a cheap, scenic way to cross, and a simit and a glass of tea on deck complete it.

  2. Dolmabahçe Palace

    Landmark

    Dolmabahçe Palace and its ceremonial gate on the Bosphorus
    Photo: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder. Feel free to use my photos, but please, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus, in a lavish mix of European styles. Highlights include the crystal staircase, a vast chandelier-filled ceremonial hall and the room where Atatürk died.

  3. Kadıköy

    Neighbourhood

    Take the ferry to the Asian side and you'll find a lively market district packed with fishmongers, delis, cafés and bars. Stroll the Moda seafront afterwards for a sunset over the Old City.

  4. The Princes' Islands

    Day trip

    A group of car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara, reached by ferry. Büyükada, the largest, has pine woods, wooden mansions, quiet lanes and seafood restaurants. Hire a bike or just walk.

Eat, drink and unwind

  1. A Turkish breakfast

    Food

    A Turkish breakfast spread
    Photo: Jwslubbock, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, honey, clotted cream, jam and fresh bread, served with endless glasses of tea. It's a long, social affair and the best way to start a day.

  2. Balık ekmek

    Food

    A balık ekmek fish sandwich beside the Galata Bridge
    Photo: Benreis, CC BY 3.0

    Grilled fish, lettuce and onion in a bread roll, sold from boats and stalls around the Galata Bridge and Eminönü waterfront. Eat it standing up, with a squeeze of lemon and the Golden Horn in front of you.

  3. Baklava and Turkish delight

    Food

    Layers of paper-thin pastry filled with pistachios and soaked in syrup, plus rose and lemon lokum. Specialist shops across the city sell both, and a tiny cup of Turkish coffee is the perfect companion.

  4. A Turkish bath

    Activity

    A traditional hammam is a good way to ease tired feet after a day of sightseeing, with steam, a scrub and a foam massage. Historic hammams in Sultanahmet, such as Çemberlitaş, welcome visitors.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Istanbul →

Getting around

Istanbul is huge and hilly. Trams, metro lines, funiculars and ferries link the main areas, and an Istanbulkart travel card makes them easy to use. Walking is best in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, while ferries across the Bosphorus are both transport and sightseeing. Taxis are widely available.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with mild weather for walking and fewer crowds. Summers are hot and busy, and winters are cool and grey but quiet. Visit the major mosques outside prayer times, and bear in mind that dates for religious holidays shift each year.

Questions about visiting Istanbul

What is Istanbul best known for?
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus strait dividing Europe and Asia, and a rich food culture of kebabs, baklava and Turkish tea.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
Three or four days covers the Old City, the Galata and Beyoğlu districts and a Bosphorus trip. Add a day for the Asian side or the Princes’ Islands.
What should I wear in Istanbul’s mosques?
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Women should carry a scarf for their heads, and everyone removes their shoes before entering. Visits are not possible during prayer times.
Is Istanbul walkable?
Parts of it are. Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu are great on foot, but the city is large and hilly, so use trams, the metro and ferries to link the districts.

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