Are you looking for well-known Things to Do in İstanbul, Türkiye? Well, you’re in luck! Here are 7 of the best Things to Do in İstanbul, Türkiye. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your visit today!
The Best Things to Do in İstanbul, Türkiye
Galata Tower
- Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (147008)
- Phone: +90 212 249 03 44
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM

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TOP 7 Things to Dos in İstanbul, Türkiye

Grand Bazaar
- Address: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (123515)
- Phone: +90 212 519 12 48
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: Closed
- Reviews:
It’s a fantastic place. You can come here for the history and culture of the place as well as to get some goods or souvenirs at good bargain prices. The place has around 4000 shops, and is located over a large area. From my experience, shops that are near the entrance or on the immediate outside, were selling at cheaper rates than the ones deeper inside the bazaar. Always remember, unless the shop strictly says fixed price, there is always room for bargaining. Items such as shoes, leather items, carpets and lighting are usually more bargain heavy, items such as Turkish delights and spices are more of fixed pricing, but some shops allow you to haggle.By Mahbub Rahman Nafee (3 months ago)One of most famous visited places in Istanbul. Yet consider one of the best place to experience locals. This is consider tourist bazaar and one of the tourism places yet full of locals too. With 4000 shops here… You will absolutely can waste your time for more than 3 hours to explore at almost everything. From spices to jewellery, fabrics, souvenirs, restaurants and home decorations all are here. Easy excess by public transportation. Know which gate you are going in from as it could be a bit confusing. Money changer and machine at convenient both outside and inside this place. Most of the shops offered same products but different quality and prices. Try your best bargain technique here to get the best. As this is tourist place and with too many people do extra care of your belonging.By zues lieey (4 months ago)Grand bazaar is the oldest and largest covered market in the world. It’s known to be the oldest mall in the world. It’s an amazing place to visit. There are many amazing handmade and cultural items there. Many great Turkish sweets and delights. One tip to foreign visitors is to avoid eye contact with the sellers. If you make eye contact, they’ll make you buy something. 😁 They are great at convincing you to buy by giving you great discounts. If you have hard time saying no, just keep your eyes on the items.By Armita (4 months ago)It is usually crowded and lively here and bargaining is a must. Look for narrow corridors and stairs to get to more secluded places to experience genuine locations and views of the rooftops. There are some places with really good Turkish food. See my photos for places I like!By Carina Innings (8 months ago)Wow what a place… Over 4,000 shops! It’s a maze. Easy to get lost. Bring a map or know which entrance you are coming in. There are 21 of them. Spices, purses, teas, scarves, jackets, gold, silver, dishes and so much more. A must see when in Istanbul Turkey.By Eva Munch (5 months ago)
Hagia Sophia
- Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (114693)
- Phone: +90 212 522 17 50
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
One magnificent construction. You feel you are wrapped up by history here. A holy place that holds up the prayers of millions of people. This building looks great both by day and by night. Very nicely preserved and serves its purpose to so many.
An iconic spot and a landmark of Istanbul. A combination of what cannot be combined.
By Oksana Roma (a year ago)Hagia Sophia is one of the most important Mosques in İstanbul.
This is the second time that my husband and I visit this magnificent place!
This mosque has a historic and religious significance. Once was the largest eastern Roman Church. Later was a museum, and since a Turkish top court on July of 2020 reversed the 1934 Cabinet decree which turned Hagia Sophia Mosque into a museum, it has become again in a Mosque.The size of this mosque is enormous and it’s interior is so beautiful!
As a tourist is important to know that it is necessary to take off the shoes. Women must cover their hair. They must cover also their legs. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a long skirt or pants. Shoes must be removed before entering. During pray hours, tourists must
leave the prayer area. I really recommend to visit this magnificent mosque!! It is extraordinary!By Olli Cruz (2 months ago)I had the pleasure of visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, and it was an experience I will never forget. This architectural marvel is truly awe-inspiring, and the sheer size and scale of the building is breathtaking.The history of Hagia Sophia is fascinating, and the architecture is a perfect blend of Byzantine and Islamic styles. The intricate details, intricate mosaics, and beautiful calligraphy add to the grandeur of the building, and it’s impossible not to be impressed by the incredible craftsmanship that went into creating this masterpiece.
One of the highlights of my visit was climbing to the upper gallery and taking in the stunning panoramic views of Istanbul. The peaceful atmosphere of the mosque made it a perfect place to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
I highly recommend visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque to anyone visiting Istanbul. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind attraction that shouldn’t be missed. The mosque is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of humanity, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness it in person.
By Saqlain Mushtaq (in the last week)This is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever been in (partly because I’m a big history nerd, plus I particularly enjoy religious buildings). The architecture and interior itself is incredibly impressive, with the high ceiling, the dome and low-hanging chandeliers. However, what made the deepest impression on me was the atmosphere. The carpet invited people to sit directly on the floor, making it a very social, almost communal space, like an indoor park. The acoustics made it a lively, but not a noisy space. Don’t miss this wonderful experience when in Istanbul. Oh and entry is free 😊By Njal Armin (4 months ago)My second time in Istanbul to visit this beautiful place and it never disappoints! So much history in a single structure! The restoration in conversion from church to mosque is stunning! Admission is free, but lineups are very long since the pandemic!
Be sure to respect the sanctity of the place, and follow directions when security tells you to cover your head and body (for women who are uncovered during the hot summer months).By Nada Ismaiel (10 months ago)
The Blue Mosque
- Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (83821)
Topkapi Palace Museum
- Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (81602)
Dolmabahçe Palace
- Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (65065)
Gülhane Park
- Address: Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cad., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (53455)
Basilica Cistern
- Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (45331)
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It is a great place to visit. Amazing view of Istanbul opens up from the top floor, you can even go outside and take beautiful pictures. Beware of the wind! But for those who are scared, there are binoculars available inside. An audio guide can be helpful for those who would like to learn a few historical facts about Istanbul.
Lovely landmark building, preserved to a fine standard. Amazing 360* views of Istanbul in its glory. The waiting queue can be quite long. But I’d definitely worth the wait. There is a fee to go inside. There is also a lift which unfortunately for those with mobility issues, doesn’t go to the top. There’s a souvenirs shop. (Cheaper to buy from stall outside)
I tried getting tickets online; multiple fails. The line for tickets was long, but moved pretty swiftly. Some people tried jumping the line – much to their credit, the ticket counter sent them to the back of the line. They control entry well so it doesn’t get over crowded. The views are amazing; as you would expect. The next best thing is all the history on different floors as you walk down – so skip the elevator on the way out (unless absolutely necessary). Great price; 175TL, approximately $9.
From our hotel it is a little difficult to walk, but still doable.
Definitely worth it.
Really nice. Went while it rained which I liked. The misses thought it would be taller 🤣🤣. Was really nice and cost 175TL (ticket only) per person which is an okay price. But the views were really nice with free binoculars stands to really enjoy the view. Staff were friendly but the views are great. Would recommend coming early morning to avoid the cues and get the good views
Great view, tickets are available outside. If you go early (9 or 10) you don’t have to wait in line. But by the time we left (about an hour later), there was a short line outside. Once you go in, the elevator takes you to the top floor. You have to climb two more flights of stairs for the absolute top floor (no lift goes there). To come down use the stairs. On each floor they have some items for display, so it is like a small museum on 5 to 6 levels. The stairs are tricky and the roof slightly low but it’s an enjoyable walk down. For older people, they should take the elevator down. Good place to get a 360 degree view of Istanbul.