Discover Istanbul’s 200 best Spring spots for your trip

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.

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.

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.

Ihlamur Kasrı

★ 4.6 · 6,641 reviews

Slip away from the city bustle at Ihlamur Kasri, an Ottoman pavilion wrapped in leafy gardens. Wander the paths among free-roaming peacocks, step inside the carved baroque rooms, and take a coffee break at the garden cafe.

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.

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.

Rumeli Kale cafe & Restaurant (Merkez)

★ 4.2 · 2,173 reviews

Claim a table at Rumeli Kale Cafe for a Turkish breakfast beside the Bosphorus. Eat in the garden or on the pavement, with the water in view and warm service close at hand.

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.

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.

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.

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque

★ 4.8 · 45,368 reviews

Visit Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, the Ortaköy landmark framed by the Bosphorus Bridge. Step inside for about 20 minutes beneath its light-catching windows, then linger on the quay as the water changes colour at sunset.

Beylerbeyi Palace

★ 4.7 · 22,324 reviews

Cross to the Asian shore to visit Beylerbeyi Palace, a sultans' summer residence rising straight from the Bosphorus. Spend about an hour among its ornate rooms, Baccarat chandeliers and seaside gardens.

Rumeli Fortress

★ 4.5 · 14,539 reviews

Climb Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus stronghold raised by Mehmed II in 1452. Walk its towers and walls for sweeping views over the strait, and judge the restored stonework for yourself.

Fener Balat Half-day Guided Walking Tour

★ 4.9 · 2,080 reviews

Wander the colourful streets of Fener and Balat on this guided half-day walk. You'll pass timber houses and old schools, enter the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Bulgarian Iron Church, and hear the stories of each community.

Emirgan Sütiş

★ 4.1 · 16,083 reviews

Stop at Emirgan S\u00fcti\u015f, a bright, bustling caf\u00e9 with views over the strait, open from 6:00 AM. Start with breakfast, then finish with one of its famous milk-based desserts.

Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings

★ 4.9 · 872 reviews

Discover the Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings, a morning of eating across Europe and Asia. Sample simit, stuffed mussels and İskender kebab, then finish with desserts and traditionally brewed coffee.

Apartıman Yeniköy

★ 4.4 · 849 reviews

Spend an afternoon at Apartıman Yeniköy, a leafy, botanical-style restaurant on the Bosphorus. Order the prawn toast, fava and slow-cooked lamb, then stay on for cocktails into the evening.

İBB Hidiv Kasrı Korusu

★ 4.5 · 4,541 reviews

Explore Hidiv Kasrı Korusu, the leafy grounds of the Khedive's Palace above the Bosphorus. Follow garden paths to the waterfall, breathe in the flower scents, and rest at a viewpoint bench.

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.

Sakıp Sabancı Museum

★ 4.7 · 6,015 reviews

Visit a charming 1925 mansion with Islamic calligraphy and sculptures. Enjoy the garden and the changing temporary exhibitions after your tour.

Feriye Lokantasi

★ 4.4 · 5,184 reviews

Dine by the Bosphorus at a stylish restaurant with an extensive wine list and lovely views. Book a waterfront table and settle in for a long 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.

Guided Food Tour with 20+ Tastings on 2 Continents

★ 4.9 · 1,350 reviews

Set off on the Guided Food Tour with 20+ Tastings on 2 Continents for a full day of eating across the Bosphorus. Follow your guide from Sirkeci's breakfast tables to Kadıköy's markets and Moda's sweet shops.

Küçüksu Pavilion

★ 4.6 · 8,161 reviews

Visit Kucuksu Pavilion, a small Neo-Baroque palace sitting right on the Bosphorus. Tour its two floors of decorated rooms, then enjoy the waterfront setting that made it a sultan's summer retreat.

Miniatürk

★ 4.6 · 37,666 reviews

Wander through Miniatürk, a park where Turkey's greatest landmarks shrink to model size. Stroll between detailed replicas of the Blue Mosque and monuments from across the country, and cross the footbridge symbolising Europe and Asia.

Tarihi Çınaraltı

★ 4.2 · 27,799 reviews

Settle under the plane trees at Tarihi Çınaraltı, a big tea garden facing the sea in Üsküdar. Order a glass of tea, unpack your own snacks and watch the water.

Lokma

★ 4.3 · 4,634 reviews

Settle in at Lokma for an Istanbul breakfast with the Bosphorus as backdrop. Work through a classic Turkish spread, tear into the simit and make the meal last.

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 Grand Bazaar: From Rooftops to the Secret Passages

★ 4.8 · 487 reviews

Go beyond the main aisles on this Grand Bazaar walking tour. Follow your guide through artisan workshops and hidden passages, then climb to rooftops for views over the bazaar.