Things to Do in Istanbul - Istanbul travel guide - Go Guides

Things to do in Istanbul include a wide range of spiritual and historic sites, art and culture, a vibrant culinary tradition, museums and incredible shopping to thrill anyone. The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are two of the most popular spiritual sites, dating to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

The Topkapi Palace Museum offers documents, ephemera, artefacts and exhibits tracing the history of the city in a building dating to the Ottoman Era. The Grand Bazaar and Misir Çarşısı are seemingly endless labyrinths of covered markets, while the Basilica Cistern is a waterworks dating to 542 C.E.

Best things to do in Istanbul

Featured stories & fun stuff

12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Istanbul has a timeless charm that owes much to its rich history. The city was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople. It served as a focal point of several ancient empires. Numerous architectural wonders, remnants of these empires, still...
12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
9 Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids
You can find great things to do in Istanbul with kids below the city’s skyline of ancient architectural wonders. The...
9 Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids
10 Best Spas in Istanbul
Turkish baths are famous across the world, and many of the best spas in Istanbul are tourist attractions as well...
10 Best Spas in Istanbul
10 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most picturesque cities you can visit whether you're interested in taking photos of impressive architecture...
10 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
10 Romantic Ideas for a Honeymoon in Istanbul
Istanbul is an ancient city and has long been known for its exotic atmosphere, making it quite popular for honeymooners....
10 Romantic Ideas for a Honeymoon in Istanbul
10 Best Historic Things to See in Istanbul
Istanbul is an age-old city that's full of history, and you can explore it all whether you visit actual historical...
10 Best Historic Things to See in Istanbul
10 Free Things to Do in Istanbul
There’s plenty to enjoy in Istanbul for budget travellers. Grand monuments and some of the world’s most beautiful mosques are...
10 Free Things to Do in Istanbul
5 Best Football Stadiums in Istanbul
Istanbul football stadiums combine world-class facilities with some of the most vocal and passionate fans in all of Europe. The...
5 Best Football Stadiums in Istanbul
How to Make the Most of Your Istanbul Football Trip
Istanbul football fans are some of the most passionate in Europe. Despite Türkiye being relatively late to take up football...
How to Make the Most of Your Istanbul Football Trip
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Istanbul
With a city spanning 2 continents and 3 peninsulas, finding the best place to stay in Istanbul is no simple...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Istanbul

what’s around Istanbul

Galata Tower in Istanbul

Galata Tower in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Browse Istanbul by category

Where to stay in Istanbul

Lobby

for 1 night

includes taxes & fees

Start planning your trip

Also popular in Türkiye

Kemer
Kemer
Belek
Belek
Bodrum
Bodrum
Kaş
Kaş