Top 50 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

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  • Hagia Sophiatop_1
    󰺂9.7
    255.84
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet457m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Byzantine murals & balcony view
    󱨜A historical symbol of multiculturalism
    󱨠Saved by 1659 users󱨠2248 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    TonkarnTonkarn

    In 2024, hakia sophia used to be free of charge. But now it cost 25 eur. However, the place full of history and interesting thing inside. Avoid long waiting line by purchasing on line.

  • Basilica Cisterntop_2
    󰺂9.4
    274.4
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet355m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBasilica Cistern becomes a popular photo spot
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Medusa columns guard mysterious underground
    󱨜Relive classic movie scenes
    󱨠Saved by 1507 users󱨠527 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    JasminelcfJasminelcf

    Very easy and instantly confirm. You can buy when you like to enter since it is not refundable. No queue and just show the QR code to enter. Very good!

  • Topkapi Palacetop_3
    󰺂8.7
    474.54
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet879m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoTopkapi Palace Ottoman History Experience
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Bosphorus Strait view available
    Overlook the magnificent bay view from the high point of the palace
    󱨠Saved by 829 users󱨠330 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Iuliia RubanIuliia Ruban

    Оооочень удобно. Оплатил в любое время, не стоишь в бесконечных очередях. Встретили , провели и гуляй самостоятельно! Просто супер!

  • Dolmabahce Palace
    4
    󰺂8.4
    361.19
    Istanbul.Besiktas4.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Ottoman center & ceiling decor
    󱓊Crystal stairs & chandelier
    󱨠Saved by 687 users󱨠269 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    TonkarnTonkarn

    Absolutely stunning. Really nice palace. However, the rntrance fee was quite expensive. Recommended. Avoid long ticket queue by purchasimg online ticket via trip.com

  • Bosphorus
    5
    󰺂8.4
    Istanbul.Taksim3.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Roman & Ottoman ruins abound
    󱤎Night cruise to enjoy the light show on both sides of the river
    󱨠Saved by 926 users󱨠314 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    极个别同学-极个别同学-

    The location was easy to find; just follow the GPS. The signs were large and prominent. We didn't request a hotel pick-up and found the ship easily on our own. We showed our QR code, and they let us board. A staff member verified our names and led us to our seats. Everything went very smoothly. On the ship, we saw the Bosphorus Strait at night, a very novel experience. We also enjoyed local food and watched local performances. People from different countries and regions blended together through dance. The service staff were excellent. They were quick to change our meals and refill our water. The tablecloths were clean, the toilets were spotless, the floors weren't greasy, and there were no unpleasant smells on the ship. A very good experience!

  • The Blue Mosque
    6
    󰺂8.2
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet20m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSultan Ahmed Mosque Ottoman Tour
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Byzantine & Ottoman architecture fusion
    󱨜Blue tiles reflect the six spires
    󱨠Saved by 1349 users󱨠1100 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Travel JuriTravel Juri

    Very impressive, especially how the light shines through the hundreds if coloured glass windows, the tranquility amidst hundreds of tourists that people use to do their prayers.

  • Galata Tower
    7
    󰺂8.1
    307.89
    Istanbul.Galata2.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 5 of Night Attractions in Istanbul
    Highlights:
    󰋄Istanbul's stunning sunset views
    󰀆Nightclub with belly dance show
    󱨠Saved by 728 users󱨠264 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    火锅美人鱼火锅美人鱼

    Climbing the tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul. The queue takes about an hour, and I started queuing around 4 PM on November 13th. I managed to catch the sunset just in time, which was quite a rare treat! Although the price was a bit steep, I felt it was worth it.

  • Grand Bazaar
    8
    󰺂7.4
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet959m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Experience Turkish bargaining shopping
    󱓊Taste kebabs for exotic experience
    󱨠Saved by 784 users󱨠107 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    看云的馬看云的馬

    Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is the largest and most beautiful in Eurasia. Once you've visited, you won't want to leave. More than just a shopping paradise, it's a living museum where you can experience the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and the culture of Turkish life. Wandering through arcades shimmering with light and shadow, the clink of vendors' cries and the clatter of teaware echo in your ears—this is undoubtedly a must-visit for exploring the soul of Istanbul. Like it 👍

  • Istanbul Archaeological Museums
    9
    󰺂7.4
    182.37
    Istanbul.Sirkeci757m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Near Gülhane Park & Topkapi Palace
    󱓊1 million artifacts from various cultures
    󱨠Saved by 247 users󱨠38% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    _We***60_We***60

    Istanbul Archaeology Museum is the most important archaeological museum in Turkey and one of the most outstanding in the world. It is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace and houses more than 1 million artifacts, covering civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome to Byzantium and Ottoman Empire. It is almost zero distance from the remains of ancient civilizations and can be called a "time container". #One of my favorite museums

  • Istiklal Avenue
    10
    󰺂6.7
    Istanbul.Taksim3.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 6 of Night Attractions in Istanbul
    Highlights:
    󰋄3-mile walk through medieval Genoa
    Consulates & churches along the street
    󱨠Saved by 545 users󱨠123 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    携Cheng携Cheng携Cheng携Cheng

    Istanbul Riverside I said before that the Grand Bazaar is the big alley in Istanbul, and Istiklal Street is the Istanbul Riverside. On the first day, we went to Taksim Square with a group tour, and only had one hour to go shopping. Of course, we didn't go shopping enough, so we arranged our time here for the second day's free travel. We took the bus from the hotel to this area (it is said that the taxi price in Istanbul is expensive and there is traffic jam, because the traffic jam will be more expensive, so we chose to take the bus). We first went to the Rainbow Stairs, and then walked through a residential area to the nearby Carrefour. In the middle, we also went into a drugstore. The owner was very talkative and said that he had been to many places in China, and even to Tianjin and Hohhot. He was very kind. It was a mistake to go to Carrefour first. I bought a lot of things, which caused us to carry these things behind me. After buying snacks and souvenirs, we came to Istiklal Street, which may be the busiest pedestrian street in Istanbul. There were a lot of people on the day we went. It can be seen that not only foreign tourists came to visit, but also locals came to shop. There are large and small shopping malls, restaurants, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and clothing stores on the street. The types of shops are very complete. We went to Pandora, Mado, St. Anthony's Church, a baked potato shop, a regular restaurant barbecue shop, a street stall barbecue shop, a candy store, many clothing stores, Watsons, two shopping malls... I don't know if I have said it all. I walked around for a whole day and went back when it was dark. I bought a lot of things and ate local special barbecue. Although I spent the whole day on this street and didn't go anywhere else, there are really a lot of food, drinks and shopping on this street. Although it's a bit tiring, I had a great time. The food is much better when traveling independently than when traveling with a group.

Best things to do in Istanbul (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Istanbul? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Istanbul offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Istanbul

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Istanbul experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Hagia Sophia

• Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet | 457m from downtown

• : Byzantine murals & balcony view,A historical symbol of multiculturalism

Basilica Cistern

• Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet | 355m from downtown

• : Medusa columns guard mysterious underground,Relive classic movie scenes

Topkapi Palace

• Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet | 879m from downtown

• : Bosphorus Strait view available,Overlook the magnificent bay view from the high point of the palace

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Istanbul

If you want to explore attractions just outside Istanbul, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Istanbul, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Istanbul special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Istanbul

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Istanbul

Ready to explore the best of Istanbul? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Istanbul?
These are all Best Things to Do in Istanbul:Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Istanbul?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Istanbul include:Hagia Sophia:4.7, Basilica Cistern:4.5, Topkapi Palace:4.4, Dolmabahce Palace:4.7, Bosphorus:4.7
At what locations in Istanbul can Best Things to Do in Istanbul be found?
The Best Things to Do in Istanbul are mainly located in:Hagia Sophia:Istanbul, Basilica Cistern:Istanbul, Topkapi Palace:Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace:Istanbul, Bosphorus:Istanbul
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