Turkey

Things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. The old city of Sultanahmet holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern within a short walk, while Karakoy, Galata and Kadikoy on the Asian shore are where the city eats and drinks today.

  • Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque guided tour
  • Topkapi Palace and Harem ticket
  • Basilica Cistern ticket
  • Bosphorus cruise

Experiences in Istanbul

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.

Top-rated experiences in Istanbul

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Highlights

  • Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque guided tour
  • Topkapi Palace and Harem ticket
  • Basilica Cistern ticket
  • Bosphorus cruise
  • Kadikoy street food tour on the Asian side
  • Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar walk

Best time to visit

April to early June and September to October are the most pleasant; April also brings the tulip festival in the city parks. July and August are hot and humid, and winter is rainy but quiet.

Getting around

Get an Istanbulkart for tram, metro, Marmaray and public ferries; the T1 tram runs through Sultanahmet. From Istanbul Airport the M11 metro or Havaist buses reach the city in about an hour.

Local tips

  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays.
  • Mosques require covered shoulders and knees, and women need a headscarf; visits pause during prayer times.
  • The public ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy costs a fraction of a cruise and gives you the same skyline.

Day trips from Istanbul

  • Princes' Islands
  • Bursa
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Istanbul?

The most booked experiences in Istanbul are Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque guided tour, Topkapi Palace and Harem ticket, Basilica Cistern ticket and Bosphorus cruise.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

April to early June and September to October are the most pleasant; April also brings the tulip festival in the city parks. July and August are hot and humid, and winter is rainy but quiet.

How do I get around Istanbul?

Get an Istanbulkart for tram, metro, Marmaray and public ferries; the T1 tram runs through Sultanahmet. From Istanbul Airport the M11 metro or Havaist buses reach the city in about an hour.

Do I need to book tours in Istanbul in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Istanbul?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Athens562 km awaySantorini596 km awayOtranto890 km awayLecce913 km away