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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Its centuries as an imperial capital have also left it some extraordinary historical art to seek out – the gorgeous mosaics in the Chora and Grand Palace museums from the Byzantine era, and from Ottoman times, a hoard of beautiful things: miniatures, glass and metalwork, carved and inlaid woodwork, colour-drenched tiles, ebru (paper marbling) rugs and calligraphy. The Topkapi Palace offers a compelling intro, but it’s well worthwhile seeking out the art in Istanbul’s museums.

But in recent decades, a young, vibrant Istanbul has become a world-class centre for contemporary art too, with several new museums, as well as the Biennale and Istanbul Contemporary art fairs, creating a unique and enticing blend of old-meets-new.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £-
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Gold-tiled interior of Turkish church with religious frescos
Experience

Chora Museum

Istanbul , Marmara Region , Turkey

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.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Mosaic of man's face
Experience

Great Palace Mosaic Museum

Istanbul , Marmara Region , Turkey

Lovely, lively 5th and 6th-century AD mosaics depicting nature, animals and people from the palace of the first Byzantine Emperors.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Istanbul Biennial
Experience

Istanbul Biennial

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

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.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 9 weeks

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Man and a woman looking at paintings in a modern art gallery
Experience

Istanbul Modern

Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey

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.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

Dating back to the 1860s, this was the last palace to be built in Istanbul for the Ottoman royals – it’s now an opulent 5-star hotel and celeb favourite, set away from the cacophony of central Istanbul.

Official star rating:

Four Seasons Istanbul Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

Superbly staffed, relaxing oasis in an unbeatable location – the luxury choice in central Sultanahmet.

Official star rating:

Hotel Bankerhan

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

A cool, art-filled boutique hotel near the heart of modern Istanbul’s most fashionable shopping and nightlife district. 

Official star rating:

Georges Hotel Galata

Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

In the heart of Istanbul’s hip Beyoglu district, this boutique hotel combines understated luxury with a glam rooftop restaurant. One of the best hotels in town for a romantic city break. 

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Istanbul

Marmara Region, Turkey

Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.

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Round-ups that include this experience