As the largest transcontinental city in the world, Istanbul offers travellers a rare chance to step between Europe and Asia. That’s not the only reason to go, though. This ancient city is packed with interesting sights, from historical buildings dating back to the days of the Byzantine Empire to ultramodern skyscrapers. Here are some top things in Istanbul that you absolutely can’t miss.
Every list of historic sites in Istanbul must surely start with this one! The story of the Hagia Sophia is very much the story of Istanbul itself. It dates back to the 6th century, built in the days of the Byzantine Empire. Originally, Hagia Sophia served as the city’s Christian cathedral, and it remained the centre of the Eastern Orthodox church for almost a thousand years.
In 1453, the Byzantine Empire collapsed as the Ottomans swept the city. Following the Fall of Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. In the 20th century, its purpose was changed again, becoming a museum, but recently, the Turkish government reclassified it again. Today, the Hagia Sophia is now once again a mosque.
This building is very much the symbol of Istanbul, and its awe-inspiring architecture must be seen to be believed. Remember that Hagia Sophia is now a working mosque. Access is limited during times of prayer, and you will need to dress appropriately to get in. You’ll also have to take your shoes off if you want to step on the carpet, so it might be wise to wear socks without holes when visiting!
The Sultanahmet Mosque
The Blue Mosque
Officially called the Sultanahmet Mosque, this is another stunning building. If you’re interested in history, make sure it’s on your list of places to visit in Istanbul! From the outside, this 17th-century mosque is impressive enough, with its huge domed roof and six delicate minarets, but it’s the interior that really shines.
When you go inside, you’ll quickly see how this mosque got its nickname. The interior is decorated with over 20,000 handmade tiles, coloured in every possible shade of blue. This Ottoman-era building is a true architectural marvel and one that every visitor to Istanbul should explore.
Like the Hagia Sophia, this is a working mosque, so you’ll need to dress appropriately. The doors are closed during prayer hours and also until 12 pm on Fridays, a holy day for Muslims.
The Sultanahmet Mosque
The Topkapi Palace
We’re sticking with history for the next item on our list, which really is one of the best Istanbul things to see. There are several Ottoman palaces dotted around the city, but this is the most impressive. The Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years. It was a mysterious, enigmatic place populated by concubines and eunuchs, where all kinds of rumours and legends swirled.
Today, the Topkapi Palace is a little more sedate — and no, you won’t find any concubines here now! You can always let your imagination run wild, though, as you explore this intriguing compound. Part of the building has become a museum full of Ottoman art, as well as treasures from around the world. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes to get there, as there’s a steep uphill walk to reach the palace. We reckon it’s definitely worth it, though!
A panoramic view of the Topkapi Palace
The Grand Bazaar
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without indulging in the national sport: haggling. Where better to work on this skill than in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the world and one of our favourite places to visit in Istanbul? Keep your wits about you, and don’t be surprised if you feel overwhelmed. There are 21 gates leading into this enormous market, where you’ll find every kind of souvenir you could possibly wish for. Persian rugs, belly-dancing costumes, spices, hand-crafted pipes, traditional Ottoman-style tiles, clothes, pottery and more are just a few of the things you’ll find here.
You’re almost guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy in this sprawling market — and if you’re not sure what to buy, the more enthusiastic vendors will make sure you don’t leave empty-handed! Remember, haggling is expected here. Vendors will almost always try to overcharge you, but that’s part of the game. Remember, you won’t offend anyone if you offer a lower price, so bring your inner haggler out to play.
The Galata Tower
At one time, the Galata Tower was the tallest building in Istanbul, but that was back in the 14th century. It was initially an Orthodox Christian building before the Ottomans changed it to an observation tower to keep a watchful eye out for fires spreading across the city. Today, it’s purely an attraction for visitors, but what an attraction it is!
Yes, the Galata Tower may now be dwarfed by other buildings in the modern city, but it’s still one of our favourite places to visit in Istanbul. When you climb the 150 steps to the top, you’ll have great views across the Bosphorus. This is one of the best places to enjoy the city skyline, including the famous domes and minarets of buildings like the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the smaller mosques dotted around the city. You can even enjoy a meal with a view, as there’s a restaurant in the tower. Advance booking is strongly recommended — this is a popular spot for dining out in Istanbul!
The Galata Tower
The Golden Horn
The Golden Horn is, essentially, the reason why Istanbul exists. For millennia, different empires have set up shop here because of the city’s incredible natural sheltered harbour. Take a look from above — like from the Galata Tower — and you’ll see that the harbour really does have the shape of a horn, which explains half of the name. Visit at sunset to see the reason for the other half: as the sun goes down, the water glows a brilliant gold colour.
If you want a good look at the Golden Horn, it’s best to take a boat trip across the harbour. In fact, you might want to do this on your first day in Istanbul. From the water, you’ll have great views across the city, making it easy for you to spot places you’d like to visit. Keen photographers will also love the harbour boat ride, as it gives you some brilliant photo opportunities. On a budget? Then hop on one of the local ferries and soak up some of the unique Turkish atmosphere. If you’ve got some cash to splash, try a romantic sunset boat ride, one of the best choices in town for a memorable date!
The Bosphorus Bridge
This was the first bridge ever built to connect Europe and Asia, and it’s definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Istanbul. It’s a road bridge, so you won’t be able to casually stroll from one continent to the other, but you can either take a bus tour or a taxi to enjoy great views. Alternatively, if you visit in October, you can join the annual fun run and sprint — or, let’s be honest, jog — between the continents.
The bridge, which stretches over the Strait of Istanbul, is also great viewed from the water. Either sign up for a river cruise that will let you admire the other waterside sights or just hop on a local ferry. The bridge looks particularly good at night when it’s lit up boldly to create a dramatic outline against the dark water.
Dolmabahce Palace
Here it is — the largest palace in Turkey and one of the most interesting places to go near Istanbul. This waterside palace is yet another remnant from the Ottoman Empire. It was built in the 19th century, and a stroll through it will help you appreciate just how rich the sultans were. The marble walls, lush carpets and stunning oil paintings are all crying out for your admiration.
Perhaps the highlight of a trip to the palace is a walk through the gardens. The decorative fountains shouldn’t be missed, but the most impressive sight is the ornamental clock tower, which stretches 100 feet in the air. Apparently, the Ottoman sultans were keen on timekeeping because it’s a true beauty!
Dolmabahce Palace
The Spice Market
Is the Grand Bazaar just too overwhelming for you? Well, don’t worry, because the next one of our favourite places to visit in Istanbul is a calmer market — well, a little bit. As the name suggests, the Spice Market specialises in spices. You’ll be able to smell it before you see it, taking in the rich aroma of saffron, sumac, paprika and chilli fills the air all around this amazing place. Also known as the Egyptian Market, Istanbul’s Spice Market is a destination that every foodie is bound to fall in love with.
If you’re a keen cook, there’s no better place to stock up. The spices here are sold loose, so you can pick up as much as you need, watching the vendor scoop them up for you. You’ll also be able to find nuts, dried fruit and some edible souvenirs in this market. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then don’t miss the authentic Turkish delight. It’s very different from the chocolate-coated stuff you’ll find in other countries!
The Old Town
Okay, we may be cheating a little bit here. After all, the Old Town isn’t one single destination — it’s an impressive maze of ancient alleys and narrow lanes, packed with more history than you’ll find in a museum. Don’t be tempted to let Google Maps show you around. Put your phone away and explore this neighbourhood on foot, as there are intriguing secrets lurking behind every corner.
The Old Town really is, well, old. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find the Walls of Constantinople, originally built by Emperor Constantine the Great in Roman times. For centuries, they were considered the finest city defences in the world, and most people believed that Constantinople could not be conquered — until the Ottomans came along and proved them wrong.
The Ottomans, too, have left their mark on this part of the city, with sights like the Mihrimah mosque and old bathhouses. There are also ancient Orthodox churches, a reminder of the days of the Byzantine Empire. These dizzying streets hold all the secrets of the city’s past. So they’re definitely one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern
When you’re cruising down the Bosphorus, admiring the views, you’ll be able to easily spot palaces, minarets and famous sights like the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque. Here’s one thing you won’t spot — because it’s buried deep underground. In fact, this 6th-century cistern was originally an ingenious piece of Roman engineering. It was built to store water, ensuring the city would never run dry, no matter what the weather conditions were like.
A guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, which is buried under the city centre, offers history lovers a unique, intriguing perspective on Istanbul’s history. Within the structure, you’ll find 336 Roman columns. They weren’t originally here. Instead, they were taken from temples, bathhouses and other buildings, then gradually transported down to this subterranean site. Take a look at them, and you’ll see that no two are the same, adding to the cistern’s unique and remarkable charm.
The illuminated columns of the Basilica Cistern
Rumeli Castle
Let’s take one more trip back in time. It’s the 15th century, and the unthinkable has happened: Constantinople has fallen. The Ottomans are now in control of the city, but they’re not sure if they can hold it. Time to build some new defences, and fast.
Enter the Rumeli Castle. This stone fortress was built on the narrowest point of the Bosphorus Strait to protect the city from invaders. It’s not the most beautiful building in Istanbul. After all, it was thrown together in a hurry — but it’s one of the most interesting. You can walk around the dramatic ramparts and enjoy the views across the river, the city and the countryside beyond.
The impressive stone walls and towers of Rumeli Castle
The Chora Church
Turkey today is a Muslim country, but many of the most interesting places to visit in Istanbul are reminders of the country’s complicated past. The Chora Church is an Orthodox church that has some of the best Byzantine artwork and architecture in the city, dating all the way back to the 6th century.
Like many of the old churches in Istanbul, it has been converted to a mosque. But it still has much of its original appearance. In particular, don’t miss the Byzantine mosaics that decorate its walls.
The Camlica Tower
We have to finish our list with something a little more modern! This tower is the tallest structure in Istanbul and is also the city’s newest landmark, having been opened in 2021.
The tower offers great views of the city, as well as a sky-high restaurant. There are some dizzying observation decks, with the highest one being 371 metres above sea level. Don’t look down!
The modern and sleek Camlica Tower
Now it’s time to check out the best places to visit in Istanbul for yourself. Our trip to Turkey gives you 8 days to explore both Istanbul and Cappadocia and discover this remarkable destination. It’s sure to be an adventure!
