If you’re headed to Istanbul, Turkey – consider yourself lucky, as it is a wondrous and energetic city full of things to do!
Turkey is a majestic and culturally rich country, bridging together the continents of Europe and Asia. Istanbul, located in the north-western region of Turkey, is a bustling city with Turkish, Middle Eastern, Asian, and European cultural influences that can be exhibited through music, art, architecture, and food. Historically, Istanbul has been home to the Byzantine, Greek, and Ottoman Empires.
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In this post, I’ve narrowed down the top things to do in Istanbul along with an interactive Google map you can download and save!
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ABOUT
Language
Turkish is the official language of the country and widely spoken throughout Istanbul. Other popular languages you’ll hear spoken are: English, Kurdish, and Arabic. Additionally, there are many people who speak German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Azerbaijani, and other Turkic dialects.
Currency
Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira. There are plenty of ATM’s in the Istanbul Airport, as well as around the city.
Use this currency converter for the most up-to-date conversions.
Make sure to have cash on-hand when in Istanbul, as Apple and Google Pay are not yet widely available and used here. Many places do, however, use contactless payment with debit or credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), but always have enough cash just in case!
Tipping Culture
It is customary to tip in Istanbul restaurants. Plan for around 10-15% of the total bill.
Transportation
When I was visiting, I relied solely on public transportation. There is an abundance of buses and trams that cover most of the city, especially the touristy areas. There are also minibuses, ferries, and cable cars available as other means of public transportation. Uber and taxis are also available in Istanbul.
Pro Tip: there aren’t maps inside every bus/tram and stops are not announced. Make sure your maps are downloaded so you’ll know where to get off.
Pro Tip: When using taxis, make sure to determine a fare price before you begin your trip.
Attire
While there is no official dress code for women/tourists in Istanbul, keep in mind that 99% of the population is Muslim, and modesty is valued and highly recommended. A good rule of thumb I followed was, “shoulders, knees, and everything in between.” Ensure you’re covered to at least past your knees, and definitely cover your stomach and neck areas. Also try to avoid tight clothing. Note that many of the attractions here are religious mosques and require head coverings.
As a rule of thumb, remember to remain culturally respectful!
TOP SITES
TAKSIM SQUARE
Within the European part of Istanbul you’ll find Taksim Square, a popular hub filled with restaurants, shops, and public transportation stops. This is a great area to pick up some souvenirs, grab a simit or some street food, and just walk around and explore!
TAKSIM MOSQUE
In Taksim Square, you can see and visit the Taksim Mosque complex characterized by Art Deco style architecture. It was under construction for 4 years and opened in May 2021.
GRAND BAZAAR AND SPICE MARKET
This is the oldest market in the world filled with lights, colors, fragrances, and food. The Grand Bazaar occupies over 60 streets and holds over 4,000 different shops. As a shopping-lover, how cool is it to have visited the ‘first shopping mall in history’?! Truly, the kitchenware, hand-painted designs, textiles, and lights are extraordinary.
About a 10-minute walk away is the Spice Market/Bazaar. The bazaar has its own building and there are more than just spices sold here – sweet treats, fruits, tea, and other goods.
NURUOSMANIYE MOSQUE
Near the Grand Bazaar stands a beauteous mosque with one of the largest domes in the city. The Nuruosmaniye Mosque reflects the baroque style of the Ottoman Empire.
BEYAZIT SQUARE
Another “square” to check out is Beyazit Square. Located near Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find plenty of street vendors and beautiful architecture including the Beyazit Tower (85m tall), Beyazit State Library, and Beyazit Mosque.
Pro Tip: The University and Beyazit Tower are for looking only, they are both off limits to enter for tourists!
HAGIA SOPHIA
Of course, if you’re in Istanbul you have to see Hagia Sophia. This is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to, and you will be absolutely bewildered once you step inside. The Hagia Sophia is full of over 1,500 years of cultural history, dating back to the year 537. It once served as the seat of the Patriarchate of the Byzantine capital of Constantinople, later converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire in 1453 where it served as Istanbul’s main mosque for over 500 years. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, it was closed for a four-year period, but then converted into a public museum in 1935.
Source: https://www.dangerous-business.com/in-photos-hagia-sophia/
There is no entrance fee for Hagia Sophia, but donations are welcome. There are also paid options to do guided tours if you’re in the market for more in-depth knowledge, cultural insights, and a more efficient and personalized experience. Going the guided tour route also helps avoid overcrowding and enhances your appreciation of the monument’s beauty and significance.
The iconic dome structure is not only externally remarkable, but beautifully decorated inside. Outside the building there are fountains and paths, perfect for strolling around or taking photos.
TOPKAPI PALACE MUSEUM
For 500 Turkish Lira/person, you can (and should!) visit the Topkapi Palace Museum. Here you can discover an abundance of Ottoman history. Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, the palace grounds consist of multiple buildings and courtyards. Definitely make sure to carve out a few hours to explore the artifacts, courtyards, buildings, and museum cafe!
Opening hours, ticket purchases, and more information can be found here:
Pro Tip: There are also options to purchase historian-guided tours that allow you to skip the line; these take about 1.5 hours!
Pro Tip: Keep in mind the Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
GALATA TOWER
Standing 67m tall in central Istanbul is the iconic Galata Tower. This watchtower is a very common tourist attraction because of its alluring, unique silhouette, and panoramic views from the top. The tower dates back to 1348 where it has been repurposed many times over until the 1960’s when it was opened to the public. The top floor is an observation terrace, and the views – as I’m sure you can imagine – are breathtaking.
Opening hours, ticket purchases, and more information can be found here.
Pro Tip: With an Istanbul E-Pass, you’re able to skip the line!
Pro Tip: There’s also an option to add on an audio guide!
Pro Tip: The best guided tours will be through Viator or GetYourGuide
THE BLUE MOSQUE
Another very-visited site in Istanbul is the famous Blue Mosque. It’s also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii, Suleymaniye Mosque, or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It got its “blue mosque” nickname because of its interior dome designs decorated with blue Iznik tile.
Please note that this is an active place of worship, meaning there are ongoing prayer sessions that are open for those who practice. The mosque is also closed for about two hours on Fridays for the weekly sermons, as well as established holy days. Additionally, women must cover their heads and shoulders. Please dress appropriately and remove your footwear where directed.
Admission is free, but there are open donation boxes and options for guided tours that will allow you to skip the line.
Once you’re inside you will be astounded by the detailed and opulent interior. Take it all in, walk around, and appreciate everything from the famous red carpet, to the art, to the windows, to the intricate dome details.
OBELISK OF THEODOSIUS
An ancient Egyptian obelisk encrusted with hieroglyphics stands as the oldest monument of Constantinople, located near the Blue Mosque in the center of the Hippodrome.
MAHMUTPASHA BAZAAR
A popular shopping street in Istanbul located in the Fatih district, you’ll find the Mahmutpasha Bazaar. Here you’ll find hundreds of shop and food vendors. It’s a great place to wander through, and a lot of the prices you’ll find are cheaper than the Grand Bazaar.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
Here are a list of some other popular attractions that I didn’t get to but wish I had. They are also located on the Google Map below and colored in the lighter shade of purple.
Basilica Cistern
“Sunken Palace” – a historical landmark and underground water resivoir.
Dolmabahce Palace
Largest palace in Turkey.
Maiden Tower Lookout
A former lighthouse with an observation deck, restaurant, and souvenir shop. Located on a small island in the Bosphorus Strait.
Boat Ride on the Bosphorus
This is an absolute must-do! I’ve been told to do a ride during sunset.
Ortakoy Mosque
A strikingly beautiful, Ottoman Baroque style mosque that was completed in 1855.
ENJOY!
Whether this is a stop along your journey, or your final destination – I hope you enjoy the opulent and spectacular city of Istanbul!
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