Discover Istanbul’s 200 best spots for your trip

Galata Tower

★ 4.6 · 217,273 reviews

Ascend Galata Tower, one of Istanbul's most recognisable landmarks. Climb to the top for sweeping views over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the city's rooftops.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

★ 4.8 · 135,257 reviews

Enter Hagia Sophia, the monumental domed landmark at the heart of Istanbul's old city. Spend an hour beneath its great dome, taking in marble, gold and the building's layered past.

Suleymaniye Mosque

★ 4.9 · 67,538 reviews

Climb to Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul's great Sinan-built landmark above the Golden Horn. Explore the spacious interior and gardens, then take in the skyline from the terrace.

Dolmabahçe Palace

★ 4.7 · 96,448 reviews

Tour Dolmabahce Palace, the opulent Bosphorus residence of the late Ottoman sultans. Walk through the ceremonial halls and Harem, admiring the carpets, calligraphy and chandeliers over about two hours.

Beyoğlu

Dive into Beyoğlu, the beating cultural heart of Istanbul. Stroll İstiklal Avenue, duck into historic passages and side-street meyhanes, and stay as the district shifts into its lively nightlife.

Basilica Cistern

★ 4.6 · 98,042 reviews

Descend into the Basilica Cistern, the Byzantine reservoir hidden beneath Istanbul's old city. Follow the lit walkways between 336 marble columns and spend about 45 minutes absorbing the echoing, water-level atmosphere.

Emirgan Park

★ 4.6 · 56,225 reviews

Wander through Emirgan Park, Istanbul's celebrated garden of ponds, shady paths and seasonal colour. Circle the water, linger among the flower beds, and find a quiet bench for a slow, scenic hour or more.

Gülhane Park

★ 4.7 · 69,659 reviews

Step into Gülhane Park, the leafy former garden of Topkapı Palace beside Sultanahmet. Follow shaded paths past flower beds and a creek, and catch the tulips if you come in spring.

The Blue Mosque

★ 4.7 · 122,896 reviews

Enter the Blue Mosque, Istanbul's iconic six-minaret landmark in Sultanahmet. Walk through the vast prayer hall, take in its tile-covered interior and the sweep of domes above.

Grand Bazaar

★ 4.4 · 189,097 reviews

Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul's vast covered market of winding indoor streets. Haggle for leather, jewellery, ceramics and gifts while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world's oldest markets.

Sultanahmet

Step into Sultanahmet, where Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul meet. Walk between the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the ancient Hippodrome, then wander cobbled lanes to a tea garden for a break.

Sultanahmet Square

★ 4.7 · 36,903 reviews

Stroll Sultanahmet Square, the open heart of Istanbul's old city and former Hippodrome. Walk among its monuments and enjoy the views of the landmarks that frame the space.

Topkapi Palace Museum

★ 4.6 · 121,375 reviews

Step into the former heart of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace. Wander its courtyards and pavilions, view the imperial treasures, and take in the Bosphorus views from Seraglio Point.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

★ 4.6 · 21,710 reviews

Explore the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, a neoclassical complex of three vast buildings in the historic peninsula. Wander its galleries and quiet gardens, following the region's archaeological heritage from room to room.

Çiya Sofrası

★ 4.0 · 14,030 reviews

Cross over to Kadıköy for a meal at Çiya Sofrası, where the focus is regional home cooking. Order a spread of small dishes across the table and ask the staff to guide you through them.

Bosphorus Day/Sunset/Night Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide

★ 4.8 · 19,455 reviews

Sail the Bosphorus on a day, sunset or night cruise with digital audio commentary. Watch the palaces, fortresses and bridges slide by as you cross between Europe and Asia.

Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

★ 4.6 · 1,754 reviews

Cover Istanbul's greatest sights in a single day on this guided highlights tour. Walk the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque, enjoy a restaurant lunch, and finish among the stalls of the Grand Bazaar.

Beyti

★ 4.5 · 5,179 reviews

Settle in at Beyti, the old-world Istanbul restaurant with a terrace and a reputation for serious kebab. Order the signature Beyti kebab or the İskender and take your time over a long, traditional meal.

Pierre Loti

★ 4.3 · 48,458 reviews

Climb to Pierre Loti, the hilltop cafe overlooking the Golden Horn. Sit with a glass of Turkish tea and watch the light change over the water, especially at sunset.

Yıldız Park

★ 4.7 · 36,395 reviews

Step into Yıldız Park, a leafy hillside retreat above the Bosphorus. Wander past ponds and flower beds, pause at a park cafe, and look up to the Ottoman palace museum on the hill.

Maiden's Tower

★ 4.7 · 28,207 reviews

Cross the Bosphorus by boat to Maiden's Tower, Istanbul's most legend-laden landmark. Climb up through the small museum, read the stories behind its origins, and enjoy views of the city as the light fades.

Van Kahvaltı Evi

★ 4.6 · 6,179 reviews

Come hungry to Van Kahvaltı Evi, an Istanbul favourite for a true Van-style Turkish breakfast. Share a spread of small dishes and keep the tea flowing as the attentive waiters guide your order.

Eminönü

Plunge into Eminönü, the buzzing waterfront gateway to old Istanbul beside the Galata Bridge. Grab a fish sandwich from the quay, wander past the Spice Bazaar, and watch ferries come and go.

Pandeli Restaurant

★ 4.2 · 2,494 reviews

Climb above the Spice Bazaar to Pandeli, a Turkish restaurant serving diners since 1901. Order the lamb shank, finish with kazandibi, and watch the market bustle from a historic dining room.

Yeni Lokanta

★ 4.8 · 2,752 reviews

Discover Yeni Lokanta, the Michelin-rated restaurant a short walk from Taksim Square. Pick the fish or meat route and work through a carefully plated multi-course menu of modern Turkish cooking.

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

★ 4.8 · 27,479 reviews

Wander among submarines, cars and engines in a hands-on museum. A favourite for families, with enough to fill an entire afternoon.

Mikla

★ 4.3 · 2,723 reviews

Rise to the top of the hotel for dinner at Mikla, Beyoğlu's rooftop fine dining address. Work through a contemporary tasting menu with terrace views, in a setting made for celebrations and slow evenings.

Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum

★ 4.6 · 5,248 reviews

Slip into the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum, a peaceful 16th-century palace just steps from Sultanahmet's crowds. Admire ornate carpets, ceramics, glassware and illuminated Korans across rooms that feel far from the tourist bustle.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta

★ 4.1 · 10,466 reviews

Discover Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta, the straightforward köfte grill just by the historic district. Order the signature grilled meatballs and enjoy a quick, filling lunch between sightseeing stops.

Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi

★ 4.5 · 3,634 reviews

Stop at Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi beside the Spice Bazaar for an authentic Turkish coffee. Sip it with cold water and chocolate, then choose a bag of freshly roasted beans to carry home.