Discover the top 7 best things to do in Istanbul: Bosphorus, mosques, bazaars & more. Insider tips and highlights for every taste!
Istanbul’s skyline is glitteringly reflected in the Bosphorus, a river that, as a strait, divides this legendary city into two continents.
On one side is the Asian part, on the other the European part. This alone makes the Turkish metropolis unique.
There is no other place in the world where visitors can still be in the same city but on two continents.
Istanbul and its sights welcomed more than 12 million tourists in 2019, 10 million of whom came from Germany.
Visiting friends in Istanbul
The city has 15 million inhabitants on 5343 kmยฒ. Despite the high population density, the metropolis has retained its old-world charm.
The city, with its harbors and promenades, is also known for its green oases, which include countless parks.
If you’re still not convinced, Google “images Istanbul.” These photos tell tales of a thousand and one nights and inspire you to dream.
The city’s cultural and architectural heritage is rich in unparalleled beauty and can be admired everywhere. Visitors can expect a melting pot of Eastern and Western history that is more than 2000 years old.
Here, you will find not only the most beautiful mosque in the world but also synagogues, churches, galleries, cafรฉs, chic restaurants, hostels, street food, bazaars, museums, and much more.
The city is so diverse that it has something to offer for every taste, every budget, and everyone who is curious.
Turkish hospitality is also known and appreciated beyond the borders of Istanbul. If you wander through the narrow, colorful alleyways, you will quickly feel at home and can let your soul dangle in unison with the boats bobbing about.
Best Things to do in Istanbul: The top 7 must-sees-Istanbul
“If walls could talk”
1. Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Istanbul is home to the most famous mosque in the world. The Blue Mosque has not had to relinquish this title for over 400 years. It was built between 1609 and 1616.
Despite or because of the lost war, it was intended to represent the power of the Ottoman Empire. The architect (Sedefkรขr Mehmed Aฤa) combined classical elements of Christianity with those of Islamic architecture.
This makes the magnificent, huge building complex of six minarets a landmark of Istanbul. This is where the East truly meets the West.
The 20,000 traditional blue ฤฐznik tiles and colorful windows have given it the nickname “Blue Mosque.” In addition to the prayer rooms, the mausoleum of the Sultan can be seen and a soup kitchen is also housed in the complex.
The best time to visit the mosque is at the time when the evening prayer is called. The historic building is resplendent, and the dome towers majestically over Istanbul’s skyline.
2. the Bosporus
Discovering Istanbul from the water is an absolute must. This river unites, divides and nourishes the city and its inhabitants and is one of the sights of Istanbul.
What’s more, there is always something relaxing and restful about a boat trip. The city’s picture-book setting is best experienced from the middle of the strait.
This is where the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara meet. The boats are also a good alternative to cabs and public transport.
The ferries and hop-on hop-off boats are ideal for exploring the city on your own and getting your bearings. If you prefer something more exclusive, you can also hire a yacht with a captain and private guide.
3. the Galata Tower
This former prison tower, built in 1348, offers a bird’ s-eye view of Istanbul. It has a public visitor platform that can be reached by elevator.
Only the last two floors have to be climbed on foot. It can also be seen from all over the city at night, but a visit should be planned for daylight.
It overlooks the Beyoฤlu and Karakรถy districts, which are among the liveliest and most exclusive districts in Turkey.
The queues are often long, not least because you can take wonderful photos for your Istanbul album from here. Therefore, it is worth getting here as early as possible.
In addition to the tower, there are a number of chic rooftop terraces offering panoramic views. A sundowner cocktail with a postcard view is delicious here.
Insider tip: SALT GALATA is free and has a free museum in addition to the library, gallery, and cafรฉ. The same applies to the Innocent Museum by Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk, which costs less than 2 euros to enter.
4. Hagia Sophia
The building was built as a church in 325, then rebuilt in 537, and converted into a mosque in 1453 by Faith Sultan Mehmet. It has been a museum since 1935 and became a mosque again in July 2020.
A court annulled the decision made in 1934 to use Hagia Sophia as a museum. However, it is still open to visitors and is an undisputed highlight of Istanbul’s sights.
Similar to the Blue Mosque, Christianity and Islam shake hands here. The image of the Mother of God shines alongside Arabic inscriptions on the ceilings and walls.
The imposing cathedral seems to have withstood the test of time and the controversy surrounding it. Here, too, the queues can sometimes be long. If you don’t want to queue, you can book a guide and switch to the fast lane.
5. Hamam
Sauna baths have a long tradition and are one of the special features of Turkey.
It’s all about recharging your batteries, getting a good kneading, and gathering strength for all the sights in Turkey.
Moreover, most of them are architectural, historical marvels dating back to the Baroque and Ottoman periods. Not all hamams are also mixed facilities.
Be sure to inquire about the respective behavioral etiquette beforehand. Different rules apply here than in German saunas. A list of the most beautiful hammams worth seeing in Istanbul:
- Cemberlitas Hamam
- Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam
- Sรผleymaniye Hamam
- Gedikpasa Hamam
- Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam
- Cagaloglu Hamam
- Mihrimah Sultan
- รardaklฤฑ
- Cinili Hamam Fatih Hamam
- Tarihi Kadirga Hamam
6. Topkapฤฑ Palace (Istanbul Sultan’s Palace) and Museum
This sight in Istanbul also has a long history and was home to the various rulers of the Turkish capital of hearts.
Today, it is one of the richest museums in the world. In addition to paintings, relics of the Prophet, printed books, and other treasures, the former harem rooms can also be visited today.
With views of the river, the bridge, and the Golden Horn, the palace definitely belongs on the list of Istanbul’s highlights.
Here too, the early bird catches the worm, but the sunset is also a unique spectacle.
7. shopping at the bazaar
Istanbul has a whole series of bazaars or shopping districts where you can shop to your heart’s content.
In addition to spices, local delicacies, fabrics, carpets, oriental souvenirs, designer goods (beware of illegal fakes), and art, you will also find comparatively inexpensive, high-quality cosmetic products.
In addition to the hip coffee roasteries, more and more stores for spa products have opened. A short list of the most popular markets and shopping streets in Istanbul:
- ฤฐstiklal Caddesi
- Arasta Bazaar
- Grand Bazaar (Kapali รarsi)
- Fatih Carsamba Pazari
- Balik Pazari
- Cumartesi Pazari
- Horhor Bit Pazari
- Ortakรถy Bit Pazari
- Persembe Pazari
- Sali Pazari
- Sipahi Carsisi
- Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Bazaar)
And these are by no means all the bazaars in Istanbul. Seeing them all would be a task in itself.
Summary: Top 7 Best things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul, the only city on two continents, inspires with its cultural diversity, history, and hospitality.
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia impress with their architecture and symbolism, while the Bosphorus offers unforgettable panoramic views and relaxing boat tours.
The Galata Tower offers a spectacular view over the city, and the Topkapฤฑ Palace transports visitors to the opulent world of the sultans.
The traditional hammams promise relaxation and insights into Turkish wellness traditions, while the bazaars with their colorful variety of spices, fabrics and handicrafts invite you to store and marvel.
Istanbul combines Orient and Occident and offers unforgettable experiences for every taste and budget.
10 frequently asked questions
Which sights in Istanbul should I definitely visit?
Istanbul’s top sights include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus, the Topkapฤฑ Palace, the Galata Tower, traditional hammams, and the bazaars.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
What is the best way to explore the Bosphorus?
A boat trip is ideal, be it with public ferries, hop-on hop-off boats, or a private yacht for an exclusive experience.
What should I look out for at a bazaar in Istanbul?
Haggling is common and part of the culture. Watch out for fakes and find out about prices beforehand.
Is it worth climbing the Galata Tower?
Yes, the panoramic view of Istanbul is breathtaking. An early visit is worthwhile for shorter waiting times.
Which traditional dishes should I try in Istanbul?
Be sure to try Kebab, meze, baklava, Turkish tea, and fresh fish on the Bosphorus.
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