39 Best things to see & do in Istanbul

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this world-renowned 6th-century marvel encapsulates the essence of the lost Ottoman Empire. Initially a cathedral, it’s now a museum as well as a functioning mosque – and a must-see in Istanbul.

An extraordinarily opulent 19th-century palace that blends Ottoman architecture with Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles.

Splendid Imperial palaces and gardens, built for the sultans, line the Bosphorus River in Istanbul, including the must-see Topkapi and Dolmabahce.

These magnificent granite and marble behemoths that dominate the city’s exotic skyline, painstakingly decorated with thousands of hand-made ceramic tiles, dazzle inside & out.

The 15th and-16th century home of the Ottoman Sultans, this magnificently decadent palace is a perfectly preserved time capsule of life at the top in this most exotic of empires.

The greatest of Istanbul’s Ottoman mosques, beautifully decorated with thousands of handmade ceramic tiles, the Blue Mosque combines Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic architecture.

Hypnotic and haunting, the traditional sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes dates back to the 13th century. Watch the dervishes whirl to the Sufi’s haunting, hypnotic music.

Filled with artistic treasures left by two great historical empires, Istanbul has also recently emerged as a major player on the world’s contemporary art scene.

The oldest, biggest market in the world that glitters like an Aladdin’s cave. Over 5,000 shops on 66 covered streets.

Our summary of the typical food ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in Istanbul.

Istanbul’s second largest market is a sensory wonderland, full to bursting with fragrant spices and sweets.

The grandest mosque in Istanbul, built in 1558, this iconic Byzantine beauty defines the Istanbul skyline.

Magical 6th-century underground cistern, once used to supply water to Istanbul’s Ottoman emperors.

One of the greatest urban boat journeys, a glide down the Bosphorus strait passes Ottoman palaces, forts and picturesque villages.

Experience an older, imperial Istanbul by enjoying traditional afternoon tea in a gilded, red-velvet salon at this famous 19th-century hotel.

The hammam, or Turkish Bath, performed in beautiful old bathhouses, is the most civilised of rituals – a deeply restorative sweat-out, skin cleanse, relaxation and massage rolled into one. A quintessential Turkish experience.

Three world-class collections, including the famous Alexander sarcophagus, fascinating prehistoric art and gorgeous Ottoman tiles.

A modern art museum housing the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. The Modern’s temporary exhibits by Turkish and international artists – often organized in collaboration with MoMA (New York) and the Centre Pompidou (Paris) – are particularly exceptional.

This treasure trove of Islamic art and artefacts holds one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic-influenced glassware, rugs, ceramics, carpets, calligraphy, metalwork and ethnographic items, spanning over a thousand years. It offers a fascinating insight into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Turkey. A must for decorative arts fans.

Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, Kadikoy Market is Istanbul’s foodie central, a gastro-riot of local produce including seafood, fruit and vegetable stalls, herbs, spices and cheeses. There’s also a flea market mixed in, selling antiques, second-hand goods and surprising curiosities in over-filled stalls. Tuesdays and Fridays.

A fascinating and quirky military museum with an astonishing array of uniforms, weapons and battle standards. Upstairs, there is a room devoted to the revolutionary statesman Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey. Go around 3pm for an unforgettably weird re-creation of a 17th-century military band concert.

This huge museum, dedicated to industrial heritage and technology, features just about everything from submarines to streetcars, mechanical toys to wacky inventions. Located in a historic waterfront building, it showcases a collection of vintage cars, trains, maritime artefacts, and scientific instruments. One for those interested in science, technology, and the history of transportation.

Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdulaziz (1830–1876) as a summer residence and to entertain guests, this stunning palace offers a fascinating insight into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and the decadent lifestyles of its sultans.

For a glimpse into the ancient Byzantine era, try this museum showcasing a vast collection of beautifully preserved 5th and 6th-century AD mosaics and artefacts from the Great Palace of Constantinople, the palace of the first Byzantine Emperors. Marvel at intricate designs depicting mythological scenes, historical figures and nature.

These city walls, started by Emperor Constantine in AD 324 and expanded by later emperors, were the greatest fortifications of late antiquity – though not sufficient to prevent the successful Ottoman invasion in AD 1453. Many sections were sadly dismantled in the 19th century as the city expanded.

Escape the city mayhem by taking Istanbul’s teleferik (cable car) up to the interesting suburban village of Eyup, older than Istanbul itself. Sip on a Turkish coffee at one of the many cafes and tea gardens, and admire the panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the Golden Horn. The 10-minute ride starts at the bottom of Pierre Loti Hill.

One of the world’s top showcases for international contemporary art. Every 2 years,  renowned artists from around the world display paintings, installations, films, and more in unique settings all across the city.

On the lesser-explored Asian side of Istanbul, this petite palace, built in 1857, served as a hunting lodge and summer retreat for Sultan Abdulmecid I. Inside, it’s lavishly furnished with crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces and Persian rugs. It’s open to the public as a museum.

Set in a grand villa on the banks of the Bosphorus, this museum features a permanent collection of calligraphy, paintings, and archaeological finds from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

A historic shop founded in 1876, this is the place to try boza, an ancient fermented drink, made from water, barley and sugar and garnished with cinnamon and chickpea powder. In summer, sira a local grape juice is also served.

One of the world’s best restaurants, Mikla is headed up by chef Mehmet Gurs, father of the New Anatolian Kitchen culinary movement. Situated on a rooftop terrace in Beyoglu, all meals come with spectacular views.

Housed in the city’s former power plant, this vibrant cultural complex houses contemporary art galleries, a museum, theatres, a library, and a concert hall. It also features outdoor spaces and a scenic waterfront. There’s a diverse program of exhibitions; it’s art museum combines industrial archaeology and contemporary Turkish art in Istanbul’s answer to London’s Tate Modern.

This gleaming white bathhouse was designed in 1556 by Mimar Sinan, the architect of the city’s greatest mosques – it’s now a modern, luxurious spa (albeit an expensive one) and a destination in itself. A basic 30-minute bath treatment includes a kese scrub and olive-oil soap massage.

An unassuming 11th-century church that’s home to a remarkable collection of late-Byzantine paintings and mosaics in a far more intimate and accessible setting than the vast Hagia Sophia. Open daily.

One of the city’s oldest and best-preserved Byzantine palaces, the Tekfur Palace aka ‘Palace of the Porphyrogenitus’ was built during the 12th century as a royal residence for the Byzantine emperors. It now lies abandoned, with ruins for visitors to explore.

A big beautiful bathhouse dating back to 1580, it recently reopened after a 7-year restoration. It includes a special hammam for children (of all ages). 

Super authentic spot near the Grand Bazaar where you can smoke nargile (a water pipe or hookah) and drink tea in the courtyard of a mosque from 1709.

A beautiful 16th-century hammam designed by Mimar Sinan, this bathhouse offers facial masks and other spa treatments alongside classic Turkish treatments. As authentic as it gets.

A museum offering a glimpse into the world of Orientalist paintings, and contemporary Turkish art. It houses fine collections of Ottoman art, tiles and ceramics – plus big-name travelling exhibitions – set in a former grand hotel.