Discover Istanbul: Bosphorus Tours, Top Places to See, and Things to Do

Best Things to Do in Istanbul for Tourists

Are you planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for the best activities to make the most out of your visit? Istanbul is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern attractions, making it a top destination for tourists from around the world. Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul that will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Immerse Yourself in Istanbul's Splendors: Unwind in the Magic of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque

Explore the Historic Sites

One of the highlights of visiting Istanbul is exploring its numerous historic sites. Make sure to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum. Don't miss the majestic Blue Mosque, with its intricate tile work and towering minarets. Take a trip to the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans, and wander through its lavish rooms and beautiful gardens.

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks and a beacon on the city's skyline. It is famous for its beautiful dome and six towering minarets. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is still a functioning mosque today.

Things to do in Istanbul - Places to see in Istanbul: To experience Istanbul’s modern art scene, head to Karaköy. Popular with tourists and locals alike, this neighborhood is a haven for artists, designers, and creative souls.

Explore contemporary art galleries, browse trendy boutiques, and dine at trendy restaurants like Mikla or Karaköy Lokantası. Absorb the energy and artistic atmosphere that pervades the streets of Karakoy, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul's ever-evolving cultural scene.

Enjoy the energy and diversity of one of the world's most important historical centers while admiring sublime modern art, trendy neighborhoods, local restaurants and friendly Turkish culture. Visit all the major landmarks of Istanbul, travel across two continents and enjoy a fascinating cultural experience.

Highlights of istanbul's rich culture and history

Things to do in Istanbul - Places to see in Istanbul.

With its skyline dotted with domes and minarets, Istanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Turkey's largest city is at the intersection where continents Europe and Asia meet east and west, separated only by the 18-mile-long Bosporus, which stretches from the Black Sea in the north to the Sea of ​​Marmara in the south. In a less literal sense, miniskirts and stylish boots mingle with colorful Muslim headscarves and prayer beads on the vibrant streets of this city of 12 million.

Cruise the Bosphorus

A cruise along the Bosphorus is a must-do activity in Istanbul. Enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline, historic palaces, and picturesque fishing villages as you sail between Europe and Asia. You can opt for a traditional boat tour or indulge in a dinner cruise to experience the beauty of Istanbul at night.

Board an elegant luxury yacht for a beautiful cruise along the Bosporus and enjoy the most beautiful moment of the day - the sunset over Istanbul. Cruise along the coast and explore Ortakoy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower and Bosphorus Bridge, all with a drink of your choice.

Places to see in Istanbul: Explore the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art to experience the elegance of the Ottoman era. Housed in the magnificent Ibrahim Pasha Palace, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of historical artifacts, including carpets, rugs, manuscripts, and more.

Relax in a Turkish Bath

Unwind and pamper yourself in a traditional Turkish bath, known as a hammam. Experience a luxurious bath and massage treatment that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Many hammams in Istanbul date back centuries and offer a glimpse into the city's bathing culture.

Indulge in the delicious turkish cuisine and street food

Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers, with its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Sample traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava at local restaurants and street stalls. Don't miss out on trying a cup of Turkish tea or coffee while enjoying the stunning views of the city.

Istanbul, a city where East meets West and history whispers through every cobblestone, is a true paradise for food enthusiasts. While the renowned dishes like kebabs and baklava often steal the spotlight, there is a world of culinary wonders hidden within its neighborhoods.

Turkish cuisine includes a dizzying array of grilled meats, seafood, salads, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices, rich desserts, coffee, and tea. When visiting Istanbul, you will want to try as many of the above as possible, but perhaps Turkish kebab especially. Made of marinated lamb or beef, the kebab is cooked on skewers and served alongside vegetables or wrapped up in lavash bread.

Take a bosphorus cruise to enjoy the stunning views of istanbul from the water

Things to do in Istanbul - Places to see in Istanbul: Come aboard an elegant luxury yacht for a beautiful cruise along the Bosphorus Strait where you can enjoy sightseeing at the most beautiful time of day-sunset in Istanbul. Coast along as you spot out Ortakoy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower and Bosphorus Bridges, all with a drink of choice in your hand.

Visit the Princes' Islands

Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul by taking a day trip to the Princes' Islands, a group of small islands in the Sea of Marmara. Enjoy a peaceful retreat from the city and explore the charming villages, lush forests, and serene beaches. Rent a bike or horse-drawn carriage to tour the islands without any cars.

Explore the best of Istanbul from the water. Enjoy a 2.5-hour luxury yacht charter all around the Bosphorus. See the palaces, mosques, and seaside villas located on each side of the Bosphorus. Throughout your Bosphorus Sunset Cruise, our tour guide will share interesting facts and many captivating stories about Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Shop at the famous grand bazaar and other local markets for unique souvenirs

Wander Through the Grand Bazaar

No trip to Istanbul is complete without exploring the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Lose yourself in its bustling lanes filled with shops selling everything from carpets and ceramics to spices and jewelry. Don't forget to haggle for the best price and sample some delicious Turkish delight along the way.

Places to see in Istanbul: Explore the lively world of the Grand Bazaar, a piece of Istanbul’s vibrant shopping scene. With over 4,000 shops across 61 covered streets, this historic marketplace offers a wide range of treasures – from beautiful carpets and unique antiques to dazzling jewelry.

Grand Bazaar is a place that keeps lots of vanishing professions alive with their unique culture. It is the world’s oldest, the biggest bazaar where the most variable products are exhibited. The bazaar includes more than 3 thousand shops and it is visited by approximately 400 thousand people.

During the Ottoman Empire era, jewelry and precious hand-woven textiles were gathered in Grand Bazaar from all over the country to be sold, and it is a shopping paradise for the ones who especially appreciate traditional textiles and authentic jewelry.

Enter the heart of Istanbul and conquer Istanbul with daily tours

Exploring a vibrant and fascinating city like Istanbul can be an incredible experience, but sometimes we have limited time to spare. At this point, Istanbul daily tours come to the rescue with a touch of convenience and efficiency. These day trips from Istanbul allow you to make the most of your precious time by immersing yourself in the rich history, fascinating culture and breathtaking views the city has to offer in just one day.

Whether you choose to visit iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, dive into the fascinating world of the Grand Bazaar, or enjoy the mouth-watering flavors of Turkish cuisine, these Istanbul day tours will satisfy your desires and make your day truly unforgettable. So let these tours take the load off your shoulders and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful city of Istanbul.

In conclusion, Istanbul offers a blend of history, culture, and modernity that makes it a captivating destination for tourists.Whether you're exploring historic sites, shopping at the Grand Bazaar, cruising the Bosphorus, indulging in Turkish cuisine, relaxing in a Turkish bath, or visiting the Princes' Islands, there are plenty of exciting things to do in this vibrant city. Make the most of your trip to Istanbul by experiencing these highlights and creating unforgettable memories.

Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries about Istanbul, and we'll be more than happy to assist you. Don't hesitate to get in touch!