Istanbul is one of the most amazing cities in the world. There are so many fantastic reasons to visit this place. Istanbul is very old, with a history that goes back thousands of years, so there are many historic sites to explore.
So, if you’re going to plan a trip to Istanbul, then you need to know what to do in Istanbul turkey.
That’s why I created a list of the top 10 things to do in Turkey Istanbul.
Let’s explore these top things!
List of Top 10 Things to Do in Turkey Istanbul
- The Hagia Sophia — Must visit place in Istanbul turkey
- The Blue Mosque — Most beautiful place to visit in Istanbul for free
- The Grand Bazaar — Recommended thing to do in Istanbul
- The Basilica Cistern — Unique things to do in Turkey Istanbul
- The Chora Church (Kariye Museum) — Beautiful places to visit in Istanbul for couple
- Topkapi Palace — Things to do in Turkey Istanbul with family
- The Galata Tower — Things to do in Turkey Istanbul with kids
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait — Things to do in Turkey Istanbul at night
- Istiklal Street — Fun things to do in Turkey Istanbul
- The Spice Market — Things to do in Turkey Istanbul for couples
1. The Amazing Hagia Sophia
If you can only see one place in Istanbul, make it the Hagia Sophia! Yes! It’s an old building, built way back in the year 537! For a long, long time, it was a special church for Christian people. It’s like the coolest building ever made by the Byzantine Empire.
Later, when the Ottoman people took over the city, they changed the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. It was a museum for a while, but now it’s a mosque again.
Inside, you can see parts of both the Christian and Muslim religions. It’s really cool! You’ll need about two hours to see everything.
2. Blue Mosque
After seeing the Hagia Sophia, you can walk over to the amazing Blue Mosque. This stunning building was finished in the year 1616. It’s famous for its super cool blue tiles that cover the whole inside.
Do you know what the best thing about the blue mosque is? It’s free to go in. Yes! If you’ve never been inside a mosque before, this is a great place to visit in Istanbul for free.
There are special rules you need to follow when you go inside a mosque. Don’t worry, because lots of people visit the Blue Mosque every day, there are clear signs to tell you what to do.
On a tour, if you have a knowledgeable guide, they will show you both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
3. The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is, without any doubt, one of the largest and the oldest trading markets in the whole world! It is entertaining to go there in Istanbul because it is easy to locate colorful carpet, shiny jewelries and tasteful Turkish delight. There are over 4,000 stalls in the bazaar which means that there is a lot to do in the from a sightseeing perspective. That is why walking through the rather tight streets of the Grand Bazaar feels like an exciting journey.
You can also engage in bargaining skills here which indicates that customers can negotiate for a better price of the products they need. Thus it is ideal for locating unique gifts and experiencing the upbeat ambiance.
4. The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a cool and mysterious place to visit in Istanbul. It’s like an underground lake with huge columns and a very special atmosphere. This ancient water reservoir was built in the year 532 to provide water for the city. You’ll walk on wooden platforms above the water and see big columns with different carvings.
One of the most famous features is the Medusa heads, which are carved into two columns. It’s a fun and free place to explore if you want to see something different and ancient in Istanbul!
5. The Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
Another place of interest is the Chora Church now known as the Kariye Museum in the city of Istanbul. It was previously a church which was constructed in the 4th century and had gradually been converted to a mosque.
Today it is a museum, which gives an opportunity to observe breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. These graphic artworks are brightly painted, depict episodes from Bible, and are rather realistic. It is a nice place to visit as the church has a beautiful garden accompanied by quiet surroundings to offer some historical facts and practices. It is somewhat less busy compared to the other places; therefore, it is suitable for a more calm visit.
6. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a must-see if you’re in Istanbul with your family. This huge palace was once the home of Ottoman sultans and their families. It’s now a museum where you can see amazing treasures like jewels, weapons, and beautiful clothes. The palace also has lovely gardens where you can enjoy a nice walk.
You can visit different parts of the palace, like the Harem, where the sultan’s family lived. It’s a fun place to learn about history and see how royalty used to live.
7. The Galata Tower
I think Galata Tower is a great place to visit in Istanbul, especially if you have children. It is a conical tower with spacious base constructed in the 14th century. It is possible to go up On top of the tower and make observations of the surrounding landscapes of Istanbul.
From the top, you will be able to view the old city, the Bosphorus Strait, and many other attractions. It is best for photography and seeing the beautiful view. The tower has an interesting historical background, and it is quite entertaining to visit if you like heights and wonderful sceneries.
8. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait
Istanbul is a city that has part of it in Europe and the other part in Asia. Without a doubt, this is best viewed by boat. Bosphorus cruise shows the strait that divides the european and the asian continents. You will be able to witness great palaces, bridges, and painted houses.
It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. Many cruises offer dinner and live music. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins swimming in the water! A Bosphorus cruise is a must-do for anyone visiting Istanbul.
9. Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street is on the list of the most vibrant and joyous places that you should visit in Istanbul. This is one of the people-dominated infrastructures with business shops, coffee houses, and sometimes performances by individual artists. You can walk from one end of the street to the other sometimes, taste good food and shop around for teak.
Lots of amazing spots to make a pause and take a break or eat an ice cream. It is highly enjoyable place because it helps to give and receive the pulse of the town. Thus, Istiklal Street caters to everyone – be you an Istiklal street walker in need of a between-meal munch or a gift hunter trying to find that one perfect and special gift.
10. The Spice Market
The Spice Market is quite bright, and you can really feel the spirit of Istanbul there; it is better to go there if you are a couple. The market also has stalls being used to sell every form of spices, herbs and sweets known to man. The sight and smell of fresh fruits and veggies along with the delicious smells of cinnamon, saffron, and the assortment of spices.
It is also suggested to purchase Turkish delight and other sweet-meats here. You can get spices of your choice and also feel the market pulse. This is absolutely ideal for newlyweds and for the purchase of tasty and sweet recalls.
Last Words
Exploring Istanbul is an amazing adventure with lots of history, culture, and fun places to see. With this guide, you can easily find the best things to do in Istanbul Turkey. Enjoy your trip and make the most of every moment in this incredible city!
