Istanbul is a unique fusion of history, culture, and modernity, and it's a terrific destination for travelers!
Spanning both Europe and Asia and separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this city provides a unique opportunity to experience two very different vibes and cultures. The European side is comprised of the "Old City" (containing most of the historical sites) and the "New City" ( the more modern part). Be sure to spend time in both. It's also worth a trip to the Asian side for a complete Istanbul experience.
Below are what we believe to be the 12 best things to see in Istanbul...made even more fun by tasty cuisine (beyond kabobs) and friendly people.
Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom)
The Hagia Sophia (pronounced HAH-yuh soh-FEE-uh) was built in 537 A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I after the Roman Empire relocated their capital from Rome to Constantinople. It was an engineering and architectural marvel, and stood as the worlds largest cathedral for almost a thousand years! It is a beautiful combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Following the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, it was converted to a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II, and minarets were added. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is still a functioning mosque today. While easily doable with an audio guide, we recommend hiring a local guide to enhance the pure history with a local perspective.
Blue Mosque
Known locally as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque was completed in 1617 and remains a functioning mosque today. It’s considered an iconic monument to Ottoman architecture and is stunningly beautiful inside. It gets its nickname from the 20,000+ handmade Iznik tiles that adorn the interior in beautiful blue hues and floral patterns. The Blue Mosque has six minarets which is unusual and a symbol of prestige, and its grand domes are visible from many vantage points around Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a marvel of Byzantine engineering that once supplied water to Constantinople’s Great Palace. It’s the most famous and largest of the ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul. James Bond fans will recognize the scene in “From Russia with Love” where Sean Connery rows through this cistern. This place is awesome and a must see!
Sultan Mehmed Mosque (Fatih Mosque)
The Sultan Mehmed Mosque is the third of the large mosques in central Istanbul. Completed in 1470, the mosque complex originally included schools, libraries, and a hospital, making it a significant religious and cultural center. It is located on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, and its elevated position gives it commanding views of the surrounding area. This was well worth the hike up the hill!
Topkapi Palace
Built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 1460s, Topkapi Palace served as the royal residence and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until the 1850s, and offers a glimpse into royal life and the empire's cultural and political past. Although audio guides are available, Topkapi is massive, so having a local guide is very helpful. After the tour, take time to walk the grounds and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Be sure to visit the rear courtyard - the views of the Bosphorus Strait are spectacular!
Dolmabahçe Palace
Completed in 1856, Dolmabahçe Palace served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until Türkiye became an independent republic in 1924. Take the self-guided audio tour. It provides a great summary of the functionality of the rooms and beautiful artwork within. Situated on the banks of the Bosphorus, the grounds are certainly worth a stroll and will guarantee some great pictures.
Galata Tower
Surrounded today by a vibrant neighborhood of shops, bars and restaurants, the Galata Tower is a 14th century surveillance tower built to protect Istanbul from invaders. Today, the top floor houses a restaurant and provides terrific views of the city. It recently reopened and tickets are required to enter and climb the steps - be sure to book well in advance!
Galataport
Galataport is a unique waterfront complex on the European side of Istanbul, combining an upscale blend of boutique shopping and lively restaurants. It offers an opportunity to stroll along the beautiful Bosphorus enjoying great views of the Asian side across the strait. Can’t go wrong spending an evening here for dinner and a stroll along the waters edge.
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar)
As soon as you enter this market, you’ll instantly pick up the powerful scent from hundreds of spices on sale. In addition to a plethora of spices, you’ll find nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, Turkish delight and assortments of Turkish cheeses and smoked or dried meats. Outside, you’ll find coffee shops and additional stalls selling fresh foods.
Grand Bazaar
This is one of those places you should go just to experience it. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 streets and ~4000 shops! It’s a bit of a labyrinth, and you can easily get lost if you are not paying attention. This is definitely worth a visit…and you may find a treasure or two. Haggling is expected at the Grand Bazaar, and paying in cash helps too!
Visit the Asian Side of Istanbul
Travel like a local and take the ferry from Eminonu station to Kadikoy station. While the key historical sites and main commercial activity are on the European side, the majority of Istanbul’s population lives on the Asian side and commutes back and forth. Here you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods that are distinctly different from each other in terms of culture, markets, cafes, shops, restaurants and nightlife. You’ll also notice everything is less expensive on the Asian side. Simply wander, explore and enjoy, or try a food tour to taste some of the local treats.