Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul

Istanbul, spanning two continents, has been continuously inhabited for over 2,600 years. With 16 million residents and an annual tourist flow of 17 million + visitors, it ranks among the top 10 most-visited cities worldwide. Stretching 5,343 km² between the Black Sea and Marmara Sea, and split by the 31 km-long Bosphorus Strait, this metropolis unites the cultures of Europe and Asia like nowhere else.

Below are the ten essential experiences—complete with historical figures, distances, and verified details—that reveal Istanbul’s scale, rhythm, and soul.

1 · Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Completed in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia remained the world’s largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. Its 31 m-wide dome rises 55.6 m high—an engineering feat of the 6th century. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II turned it into a mosque; in 1935 it became a museum, and since 2020 it again serves as a mosque open to all.

Inside, over 9,000 m² of marble and gold mosaics depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Byzantine emperors. More than 3.5 million people visit annually, standing where empires met faith. Today, Hagia Sophia remains Istanbul’s architectural compass—a UNESCO site merging Christianity and Islam through 1,500 years of artistry.

2 · Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque displays 6 minarets, 13 domes, and 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles in turquoise and cobalt tones. Its main dome spans 23.5 m across and rises 43 m above a carpet that hosts 25,000 daily visitors and worshippers.

More than 260 stained-glass windows fill the prayer hall with filtered daylight. Outside, the courtyard’s 64 arches frame perfect views of Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. Within one square kilometer, you can witness 1,600 years of sacred architecture.

3 · Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

Founded in 1461, the Grand Bazaar sprawls across 30,700 m², containing about 4,000 shops, 61 streets, and 22 gates. On peak days, 400,000 to 500,000 people crowd its domed corridors. Economists estimate 20,000 workers earn their living inside this self-contained city of trade.

Merchants still shout “Hoş geldiniz!” across arched halls painted in red and gold. You’ll find handmade carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and spices whose scents—cinnamon, amber, leather—mix into the Bazaar’s trademark aroma.

Pause for çay (tea) in a 15-lira tulip glass, watch bargaining rituals centuries old, and realize you’re standing in a marketplace that has functioned for over 560 years.

4 · Bosphorus Cruise

The 31 km Bosphorus Strait narrows to 700 m at its tightest point, linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and separating continents. Public ferries depart every 30–60 minutes; the full route from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı takes about 105 minutes.

You’ll glide past Dolmabahçe Palace (1843–1856), Rumeli Fortress (1452), and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (1,560 m span). Over 620 wooden mansions (yalı) line the shores, their 19th-century façades reflecting gold at sunset.

Oceanographers note the Bosphorus’ two-layer current system—surface water flows south, deeper water north—one of only a handful worldwide. Choose the right-hand deck when sailing from Europe to Asia for the best light and skyline shots.

5 · Topkapi Palace

Covering 70 hectares (700,000 m²), Topkapi Palace served as Ottoman headquarters from 1465 to 1856. At its height, over 4,000 residents lived behind its walls. The complex includes 4 main courtyards and dozens of pavilions: the Imperial Council Hall, Harem, Treasury, and Palace Kitchens.

Treasures here include the Spoonmaker’s Diamond (86 carats), the Topkapi Dagger, and sacred relics of the Prophet Muhammad. The Harem alone houses 400 rooms adorned with İznik tiles and fountains.

Average visit time: 2.5–3 hours. Annual attendance exceeds 2 million. From the palace terraces, you can see three waterways—the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and Marmara—merging into a single imperial panorama.

6 · Cross to the Asian Side

Roughly one-third of Istanbul’s people live on Asia’s 2,000 km² half. Ferries cross the Bosphorus in 20 minutes, offering daily commutes for more than 200,000 passengers.

Kadıköy, founded 685 BC as Chalcedon, today hosts 200 food stalls across 10 streets in its market district. Try midye dolma (stuffed mussels) or balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) before walking or cycling the 3 km Moda coastline.

Eight kilometers north lies Üsküdar, home to 180 mosques including Mihrimah Sultan (1548) and Şemsi Paşa (1581) by architect Mimar Sinan. From Salacak promenade, the Maiden’s Tower, just 200 m offshore, glows like a lantern between continents.

7 · Taste Turkish Cuisine

UNESCO lists Turkish gastronomy as intangible heritage with 3,000 regional dishes. A typical breakfast (kahvaltı)—cheese, olives, tomatoes, sucuklu yumurta—totals 650 calories and provides 25 g protein.

Turkey ranks #1 globally in tea consumption (≈ 3 kg per person per year). Street-side simit costs 10–15 TRY, eaten by roughly 12 million residents daily. Lunch might be İskender Kebab (300 TRY; 40 g protein), and dinner brings shared mezes with rakı 45 % ABV.

Sweet endings—baklava (~ 350 calories each) or lokum—reflect Ottoman indulgence. Pair with Turkish coffee (70 ml cups), recognized by UNESCO in 2013. Food here isn’t just flavor; it’s 2 millennia of migration, trade, and hospitality condensed on a plate.

8 · Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

Established in 1664, attached to the Yeni Camii, the Spice Bazaar spans 6,000 m² with 85 shops. Taxes from Egyptian trade originally financed its construction—hence the name “Egyptian Bazaar.”

Today, more than 7,000 items fill its shelves: saffron (≈ 200 TRY per gram), dried mint (20 TRY / 100 g), nuts, teas. Temperature inside averages 22 °C year-round. Light enters through 42 arched windows, illuminating piles of color.

Around 8 million people visit each year. Over 50 varieties of Turkish delight scent the air—rose, pistachio, pomegranate, coffee. At noon, the bazaar becomes an orchestra of voices and spice dust swirling under vaulted ceilings.

9 · Galata Tower

Built in 1348 by Genoese merchants, the Galata Tower stands 67 m tall, 16.5 m in diameter, with walls 3.7 m thick. Nine floors ascend via elevator and 14 final steps to a circular deck giving a 360° view across the city. Visibility reaches 30 km on clear days.

In 2024, 1.2 million visitors climbed it. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for ideal photography; after dark, 64 LED floodlights outline its conical roof.

Legend credits Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi with gliding from this tower across the Bosphorus in the 1600s—an early flight over a 3-km stretch that defines Istanbul’s daring imagination.

10 · Turkish Hammam Bath

At its Ottoman peak, Istanbul hosted 300 + bathhouses; about 60 survive. The Çemberlitaş Hamamı (1584) and Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan (1556) are masterpieces by Mimar Sinan.

A session lasts 60–90 min: 10 min warming on 45 °C marble, 15 min exfoliation with a kese, and 20 min foam massage. Entry costs 800–1,500 TRY, oils or aromatherapy add 500 TRY.

Studies (Istanbul University, 2022) show hammams reduce muscle tension ≈ 23 % and heart rate ≈ 10 %. Lying beneath the domed stone, surrounded by echoing water, you join a 600-year tradition of purification and calm.

Why Istanbul Matters

Across 2 millennia, Istanbul has housed 120 emperors and sultans, 5,000 monuments, and countless migrations. It’s where data and poetry intertwine: 537 AD engineering beside 21st-century nightlife, 6 minarets beside neon bridges.

Every number—31 km of strait, 4,000 shops, 20,000 tiles—tells a human story. Whether you stay three days or three months, you’ll carry the rhythm of ferry horns, call to prayer, and roasted chestnuts long after you leave.

Istanbul is not just a destination; it’s a measurable miracle—an eternal junction where East and West, ancient and modern, statistics and soul converge.

Best Istanbul Tours & Experiences – Explore the City with Vigo Tours

Discover Istanbul’s most fascinating tours with Vigo Tours — from legendary landmarks and mosques to romantic Bosphorus cruises, traditional Turkish baths, and cultural getaways to Cappadocia or Ephesus. Dive into history, taste authentic cuisine, and feel the city’s vibrant energy with local expert guides.

Hagia Sophia Ticket Sales Point

Secure your Hagia Sophia tickets easily and explore one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with skip-the-line access.
Visit the Hagia Sophia Ticket Sales Point and discover the architectural beauty that unites empires and centuries in the heart of Sultanahmet.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Party on the Bosphorus

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on a luxury Bosphorus cruise filled with fireworks, music, and elegant Turkish cuisine.
Join the New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Party on the Bosphorus and welcome the new year with a dazzling night on the water.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Experience an unforgettable evening on the Bosphorus with live music, Turkish folk shows, and the glittering city skyline.
Book the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and sail between Europe and Asia for a perfect night in Istanbul.

Fishing Tour in the Bosphorus

Enjoy a relaxing day on the Bosphorus while fishing like a local and admiring the city’s skyline.
The Fishing Tour in the Bosphorus of Istanbul offers calm waters, fresh air, and a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia City Tour

Explore the heart of old Istanbul with visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and more.
Join the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & More City Tour for a deep cultural and historical journey through centuries of empire.

Beylerbeyi Palace Half-Day Afternoon Tour

Discover the elegance of Ottoman architecture at Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the sultans.
Experience royal luxury with the Beylerbeyi Palace Afternoon Tour on Istanbul’s scenic Asian side.

Byzantine Relics Morning Tour

Walk through ancient Constantinople and explore its glorious Byzantine monuments.
The Byzantine Relics Half-Day Tour reveals mosaics, relics, and timeless heritage that shaped Istanbul’s soul.

Istanbul City, Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Palace

Discover the splendor of Dolmabahce Palace and enjoy a panoramic Bosphorus cruise in one unforgettable day.
Join the Istanbul City & Dolmabahce Palace Tour to experience both Ottoman grandeur and breathtaking scenery.

Bosphorus Asia & Europe Full-Day Tour

Travel between continents and explore Istanbul’s most famous landmarks along the Bosphorus.
The Bosphorus Asia and Europe Full-Day Tour offers a complete picture of the city’s culture and contrasts.

Ottoman Relics Afternoon Tour

Step back into Ottoman times with visits to grand mosques, ancient tombs, and imperial architecture.
The Ottoman Relics Half-Day Tour is perfect for history lovers seeking authentic heritage.

Day Trip from Istanbul to Bursa

Escape the city and explore Bursa — the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Join the Day Trip to Bursa for mountain views, traditional markets, and the famous Green Mosque.

2-Day Trip to Cappadocia from Istanbul

Discover Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, cave churches, and hot-air balloons.
Book the 2-Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul for an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s magical landscape.

Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Village Tour

Enjoy nature at its best on a day trip to Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Village.
The Sapanca & Masukiye Tour from Istanbul combines green landscapes, waterfalls, and local charm.

Suleymaniye Mosque & Yedikule Fortress Tour

Discover two of Istanbul’s most impressive historical sites on a half-day trip.
Join the Suleymaniye Mosque & Yedikule Fortress Tour for architecture, history, and panoramic views.

Suleymaniye Mosque, Yedikule & Bosphorus Tour

Explore Istanbul’s hidden gems and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise.
The Suleymaniye, Yedikule & Bosphorus Tour offers a perfect mix of history and scenic beauty.

Gallipoli Full-Day Tour

Pay tribute to the heroes of World War I on a moving journey to Gallipoli.
Join the Gallipoli Day Tour for an emotional and educational visit to this historic battlefield.

Istanbul–Cappadocia–Pamukkale–Ephesus 4-Day Tour

See the best of Turkey in one incredible multi-day adventure.
The 4-Day Istanbul–Cappadocia–Pamukkale–Ephesus Tour connects iconic sites and natural wonders.

Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Witness the surreal white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Book the Pamukkale Tour by Plane for a quick and comfortable escape from Istanbul.

Ephesus & Virgin Mary’s House Tour by Plane

Explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
The Ephesus & Virgin Mary’s House Tour offers fascinating Roman history and sacred heritage.

Troy & Gallipoli ANZAC 2-Day Tour

Discover two of Turkey’s most legendary sites in one trip.
Join the Troy & Gallipoli 2-Day Tour for an unforgettable blend of myth and modern history.

Day Trip to Troy from Istanbul

Step into the legendary world of Troy and its timeless stories.
The Day Trip to Troy is perfect for history lovers and mythology enthusiasts.

Guided Foodie Tour – European & Asian Sides

Taste Istanbul from both sides of the Bosphorus.
The Guided Foodie Tour is a delicious journey through local markets, street foods, and hidden gems.

Opera & Ballet Tickets in Istanbul

Enjoy world-class performances in the city’s most elegant venues.
Get your Opera and Ballet Tickets and experience the cultural heart of Istanbul.

Private Turkish Bath, Sauna & Massage

Relax with an authentic hammam ritual in a private setting.
Book the Private Turkish Bath Experience and feel renewed with traditional steam and massage therapy.

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tour

Descend into one of Istanbul’s most mysterious ancient sites.
Join the Basilica Cistern Guided Tour for fascinating stories and impressive underground beauty.

Imperial & Hidden Treasures of Istanbul

Explore Istanbul’s most secret and luxurious historical sites.
The Imperial and Hidden Treasures Tour reveals palaces, courtyards, and artifacts of the imperial era.

Princes’ Islands Tour

Sail to the peaceful Princes’ Islands and enjoy a day away from the city.
The Princes’ Islands Tour offers horse-drawn carriage rides, sea views, and island serenity.

Valentine’s Day Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Celebrate love on a romantic evening cruise with dinner and live music.
Join the Valentine’s Day Bosphorus Cruise and enjoy unforgettable moments under the stars.

Private Yacht Organization in Istanbul

Experience Istanbul from your own private yacht with tailor-made service.
Book the Private Yacht Organization for luxury, privacy, and breathtaking Bosphorus views.