Istanbul, a major city in Turkey, is known for tourism all year round. With a deep history, stunning architecture, beautiful Bazaars and glorious weather, there are many things to see and do no matter what time of year you visit.
Things to do in Istanbul
The glorious Istanbul continues to fascinate visitors and locals alike with its vibrancy and great variety. May it be in arts & culture, eating & drinking, shopping or sports there is always something new in Istanbul for everyone and every taste.
Visit top attractions in Istanbul
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is renowned for being one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. Similarly, the Spice Bazaar, built in 1644, is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. It is one of the most colorful bazaars of Istanbul that offers numberless spices, Turkish delights, caviar, dried nuts, and much more.
- Dolmabache Palace
Built in the 19th century, the Dolmabahce Palace is renowned for being one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. There are many guided tours to sign up to where you can discover more about the history of the palace, admire the impressive collection of Baccarat and Bohemian chandeliers and marvel at the vast collection of gold inside, specifically on the ornate ceilings.
- Gulhane Park
Located on the tip of Istanbul's historic peninsula, Gülhane Park is one of Istanbul’s biggest and most beautiful parks. A popular destination on the weekends among local families, the park is a sanctuary in the crowded, dense old city. Take a stroll around the park to take in the stunning greenery and wildlife.
Experience new activities in Istanbul
- Explore the depths of the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground chamber that provided a water filtration system for Istanbul early on in its development. For the most unique experience, take an unforgettable underground tour to learn more about the history.
-
Explore the Bosphorus on a boat tour
One of the best ways to see Istanbul is by boat. From the shimmering Bosphorus, you can view majestic minarets, basilicas, and glamorous palaces. Be sure to keep a lookout for the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, the main connection between Europe and Asia. Whether you choose a nighttime tour to take in the city lights or a daytime tour on a sunny afternoon, a boat tour in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
-
Discover sea life at the Istanbul Aquarium
If you require something fun for the whole family during your visit to Istanbul, the Istanbul Aquarium is the ideal place. As the world’s biggest thematic aquarium, it has interactive exhibits around every turn and more animals from the rainforest to the Black Sea than you could count.
Food and Drink in Istanbul
Istanbul is a great destination for discovering all types of food and drink. There is a multitude of dining options available, from high-end to mid-range restaurants. Whether you’re looking to treat your taste buds to traditional foods, fresh street food and fruit stalls, or tuck into a flavour you’re more familiar with, we’ve handpicked our favourite food and drink spots:
- Mesai Karaköy
- Nomads Istanbul
- 360 Istanbul
Transportation in Istanbul
Istanbul has an excellent transportation system with plenty of options to choose from to discover the city. Whether you prefer to take the scenic route by sea or hop on and off the buses, the city offers access to metro buses, subway trains, suburban trains, trams, funiculars, cable cars, ferries, sea buses and sea taxis. The majority of the transportation is linked to each other and almost all of the modes of transport can all be paid for by one payment system, the Istanbulkart.
Best located hotels in Istanbul
From boutique and luxury hotels to self-catering apartments and budget-friendly stays, Istanbul offers a variety of exceptional stays for every kind of traveller. If you’re looking for a memorable stay in Istanbul, we have handpicked our favorites for you:
- Sumahan on the Water
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul
- Hotel Empress Zoe
- Royal Tophane
Skip the long wait & issue your eVisa now!
