Oh, Istanbul where continents dance along the Bosphorus and baklava calories don’t apply since you’re on holiday. If Turkey is the cultural link between East and West then the best things to do in Istanbul are like a gastronomic feast of history, madness and yummy food.
But don’t just take our word for it. We’ve scoured the web, social media and the deepest corners of travel blogs to find out what global travelers think are the best things to do in Istanbul. Spoiler alert: everyone agrees that this city knows how to charm your socks off.
1. Get Lost in the Grand Bazaar (And Then Buy a Lamp You Didn’t Need)
“Went in for spices. Came out with a carpet, 3 lamps, 2 counterfeit designer bags and no clue how to get to the exit.” Lucy from Manchester, UK
When you’re not sure where to start with the best things to do in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is a classic must. With more than 4,000 stores, it’s like Etsy, but with haggling, apple tea, and history oozing from every ceiling.
Pro Tip:
Don’t agree to the initial price. Tap into your inner negotiator.
2. See Hagia Sophia – Where Architecture Causes You to Weep Gently
“I gazed at the ceiling so long I gave myself a crick in the neck. Worth it.” Jonas from Oslo, Norway
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to enter the Hagia Sophia, a structure that has been a church, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque once more. It’s like the Madonna of monuments: ageless, refined and continuously reinventing itself.
You’ll feel respectful, astonished, and maybe a little unfit of your camera roll.
3. Sail Down the Bosphorus Like a Sultan (with Tea Included)
“Felt like a sultan, except I had sunscreen and a camera rather than a turban.” Ava from Sydney, Australia
Cruising the Bosphorus is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Istanbul, particularly if you’re tired of walking up hills. You’ll slide between Europe and Asia, drink Turkish tea, and wave at mansions and palaces like you own the place.
Bonus:
Sunset cruises are attended by extra magic. And maybe a singing accordion man.
4. Eat Until You Question Your Jeans’ Loyalty
“Gained 5 kilos, zero regrets.” Marco from Rome, Italy
No list of the best things to do in Istanbul is complete without debating food. From sizzling döner to sweet, sticky baklava, each meal is a flash of delight (and mild inflating). The street food scene? A religious experience.
Dishes to demolish:
• Simit: Round bread that goes with everything.
• Menemen: Eggs meet veggies in a delightful Turkish showdown.
• Künefe: Crispy, cheesy dessert that will disturb your dreams (in a good way).
• Turkish tea: Presented 57 times a day, and you’ll say yes 56.
5. Visit the Blue Mosque (And Ask Yourself Why It’s Blue)
“Turns out it’s called “blue” due to the tiles within. I feel deceived, but in a gorgeous manner.”Sasha of Toronto, Canada
One of the best things to do in Istanbul, a visit to the Blue Mosque is an obligation. It’s one of the city’s most photographed benchmarks and an insignia of Ottoman splendor. The 20,000 blue tiles within account for the nickname and the hundreds of Instagram hashtags.
Dress humbly and enjoy the peacefulness. Also, bring socks. You’ll be shoeless inside.
6. Venture Down into the Basilica Cistern, It’s a Mood
“Dark and mysterious kinda like my ex.” Mei from Singapore
If you like creepy atmospheres and ancient engineering, this is among the best things to do in Istanbul. Constructed in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern was once the city’s water supply. It now contains your wonder.
Watch for the Medusa heads and work on your dramatic “spy movie” stride.
7. Spice Bazaar: Where Your Nose Works Out
“I shopped so much Turkish tea, I believe I’ve become formally Turkish.” Ben of New York, USA
Browsing your way through the Spice Bazaar is quite possibly one of the best things to do in Istanbul, particularly if you’re a foodie or enjoy pungent souvenirs. From rose petals to saffron, this bazaar smells like your spice cabinet got a promotion.
Purchase items you don’t comprehend. You’ll learn about it later with a recipe or regret.
8. Turkish Bath (Hamam): A Little Bit Awkward, Completely Worth It
“A man the size of a wardrobe exfoliated my soul. 10/10 would do again.” Ella from Cape Town, South Africa
Seeking the best things to do in Istanbul that will also get you noisy clean? Go to a Turkish bath. It’s all about steam, scrubbing and maybe emotional renewal.
You’ll depart shining, hydrated and a little dazed as to why you don’t do this every week.
9. Climb Galata Tower – Steel Thighs and Views
“Sweaty, out of breath, slightly sunburned, still completely worth it.” Leila from Dubai, UAE
Galata Tower has some of the city’s best views, which of course makes it one of the best things to do in Istanbul. It was originally constructed in the 14th century but now welcomes tourists who are gasping at the view and taking 143 selfies a minute.
10. Cross Galata Bridge (Ideally with a Fish Sandwich in Hand)
“So many fishing rods, it’s like a sea of antennas for seagulls.” Tomasz from Krakow, Poland
For an underrated entry in the best things to do in Istanbul, take a walk across the Galata Bridge. You’ll see fishermen cast lines, ferries gliding underneath and seagulls judging your fish sandwich method.
Below the channel, there are seafood restaurants with some of the freshest seafood in town.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best things to do in Istanbul in only 3 days?
If you don’t have much time, hit the highlights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, a Bosphorus cruise, and feast like there’s no tomorrow. That way you have history, shopping, scenery, and calories all in one transaction.
Q2. Are the top things to do in Istanbul pricey?
Not at all! Several top attractions (such as mosques and markets) cost nothing or pennies. Even the cuisine is tastily affordable. You’ll feel like a millionaire… until you get to the airport duty-free.
Q3. Must I book tours for the top activities to do in Istanbul?
Just for some activities (such as Bosphorus cruises or guided strolls). The majority of the top things to do in Istanbul can be accomplished independently with Google Maps, comfortable footwear, and curiosity.
Q4. What should I not miss in Istanbul?
You totally shouldn’t miss:
• Hagia Sophia
• The Grand Bazaar
• A Turkish bath
• Trying künefe
Missing any one of these is effectively travel betrayal.
Final Thoughts:
Istanbul isn’t just a city; it’s an knowledge layered with culture, carbs and centuries of epic layers. Whether you’re here for the mosques, the mezes or the memes, you’ll leave with a full heart (and maybe a slightly heavier suitcase). So grab your best outdoor shoes and your largest hunger, because the best things to do in Istanbul are around the corner and they’re more enchanting than you could ever dream.
