12 Must-Visit Places in Istanbul, Türkiye – Ultimate Travel Guide
Istanbul is one of our favourite destinations we’ve explored so far! Here’s a list of the must-visit places in Istanbul, that you should add to your itinerary.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and how to reach Istanbul to choosing the best airport and essential travel tips. Plus, we’ve included detailed insights into the city’s best attractions to help you make the most of your visit!
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Did you know 97% of Istanbul’s landmass is in Asia and the remaining 3% is in Europe? Because of this, Turkiye is also known as a transcontinental country.
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Best Places to Stay in Istanbul: Top Accommodation Recommendations
Choosing the right hotel in the right location is key to a hassle-free holiday. We spent two nights at the Orient Occident Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy, and it was a super cosy stay. The hotel’s central location made exploring Istanbul easy, with Must-Visit Places in Istanbul’s major attractions and a tram station just a short walk away.
The hotel sits in a prime area, just 5–7 minutes from Hagia Sophia and 3–4 minutes from the nearest metro station, allowing us to seamlessly connect to other parts of the city.
One of the highlights was Mezzepotamia, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, serving mouthwatering mezzes, fresh seafood, and delicious Turkish dishes. From the terrace, we enjoyed stunning views of the peninsula, offering a breathtaking perspective of Istanbul.
Every morning, we started our day with a traditional Turkish breakfast on the rooftop, paired with freshly brewed Turkish tea (chai). The cosy ambience made it perfect for a date night. If you visit, we highly recommend their freshly crafted cocktails and the special eggplant mezze—both were truly unique and absolutely delicious.
The Best way to Travel Istanbul
Istanbul is well-connected by two international airports—one on the European side and the other on the Asian side. These airports link major cities worldwide, making travel smooth and convenient.
Based on our experience, we highly recommend flying into Istanbul International Airport (IST) on the European side for better travel conditions and accessibility. If you’re booking a taxi, reserving one in advance can help you secure a cheaper rate for your ride to the city.
That said, if you find a great flight deal, go with the airport that best suits your itinerary. While this recommendation is based on our experience, it’s always a good idea to do your research and plan accordingly.
Why Istanbul Should Be on Your Bucket List
Visiting Istanbul is an unforgettable experience—from gastronomy to culture, street food to fine dining, and spice markets to bargain stores. This vibrant city seamlessly blends Europe and Asia, making it a must-visit destination.
If you haven’t already, add Istanbul to your travel list! Whether you’re planning a gastronomy tour to indulge in rich Turkish flavours or a classic city break with a relaxing Turkish spa experience, this city has something for everyone. Photography lovers will find endless picture-perfect spots among Istanbul’s stunning landmarks.
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List of Must-Visit Places in Istanbul
Hagia Sofia
Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, is one of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It welcomes visitors of all religions for free, though prayer areas remain restricted to worshippers. A modest dress code is required—both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, while women must also wear a headscarf.
This architectural marvel beautifully blends Christian and Islamic influences, symbolizing Istanbul’s rich cultural fusion. Originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, it held the title of the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. Later, after the Ottoman conquest, it transformed into a mosque, showcasing the city’s layered history.
Blue Mosque
Next on our list of must-visit places in Istanbul is the famous Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque stands directly across from Hagia Sophia, making it easy to visit both in one trip. After capturing tons of photos outside Hagia Sophia, we walked over to this iconic mosque. Since it is a functioning place of worship, entry is free, and the dress code is the same as in Hagia Sophia.
The mosque’s stunning exterior architecture makes it one of the most beautiful landmarks in Istanbul. For the best photos, visit early in the morning or during sunset when the lighting is at its finest.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern lies beneath Hagia Sophia, creating an underground world unlike any other. As we descended the stairs and walked through the narrow pathways, it felt like stepping into a hidden realm. The dim, flickering lights and the sound of dripping water added to the mystical atmosphere.
As foreign visitors, we paid 900 lira per person for the entrance fee. We purchased tickets on site but had to wait in a long queue. One of the most iconic sights inside is the pair of Medusa head sculptures, placed as column bases at the far ends of the cistern. This place is pure magic and an absolute must-visit in Istanbul!
Karakoy Gulluoglu
If you’re looking for the most authentic and delicious Turkish baklava, look no further than Karaköy Güllüoğlu. This family-run pastry shop, one of the oldest and most experienced in the city, has been serving traditional Turkish sweets for generations.
One of the must-try activities here is the baklava-making experience. We were handed aprons, caps, and foot covers before heading to the area where the baklava is made. Watching the process unfold—how the thin layers of dough are delicately folded and filled—was fascinating.
We got to try various types of baklava, from sweet to savoury, including a version filled with meat, all paired with traditional Turkish tea. Honestly, the fresh baklava we tasted during the experience was the best we had—melt-in-your-mouth goodness that beat anything we had in the shop itself.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most famous tourist attractions. During our first visit, we booked a professional flying dress photoshoot. There are several rooftop terraces with stunning views of the Galata Tower and the gorgeous harbour. The location and photos turned out to be absolutely dreamy.
You can also pay the entrance fee and climb to the top of Galata Tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the Istanbul skyline and harbour. Down in the area, several cute cafés line the streets. One of our favourites was San Sebastian Cheesecake, paired perfectly with Dubai Coffee at Viyana Kahvesi Galata.
Additionally, there’s a tiny lamp shop nearby where you can pay a small fee to take photos and videos inside the beautifully lit space. Carrying cash is advised, as most places require a minimum amount for card payments.
Dolmabahçe Palace
When exploring Istanbul, visiting Dolmabahce Palace is a must to experience the true richness of Turkish culture. We paid around 2,400 Turkish lira for two tickets. Keep in mind that the palace closes at exactly 5 PM, so ensure you arrive before 4 PM to explore the key highlights without feeling rushed.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautifully maintained garden, leading to a grand white entrance gate that looked picture-perfect. Situated along the Bosphorus Strait, the entrance facing the waterway offers a magical view, making it a top photography spot in Istanbul.
Inside, the palace’s lavish European-style design left us in awe, featuring crystal chandeliers and intricate detailing throughout the halls. The Ceremonial Hall stood out, housing a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier with 750 lamps, a gift from Queen Victoria of England. Equally stunning was the Crystal Staircase, shaped like a double horseshoe, adding elegance to the interiors.
Later, we took a Bosphorus cruise, and seeing Dolmabahçe Palace from the water gave us another breathtaking view. The palace looked just as magnificent from the water as it did from inside.
For those planning their first trip to Istanbul, we highly recommend adding Dolmabahçe Palace to your bucket list. This site offers a blend of European luxury and Ottoman elegance, making it a must-see attraction.
Balat
Balat is the most colourful historic district of Istanbul, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant houses. This charming neighbourhood feels straight out of a postcard, with Instagrammable corners, cosy cafés, and antique shops that add a unique bohemian charm.
On our first visit to Istanbul, we enjoyed an authentic Turkish breakfast at Forno Balat. The food was delicious, and the experience felt truly local. After breakfast, we strolled through the streets, spotting rainbow stairs, umbrella-covered alleys, and adorable street cats along the way.
Next, we visited St. Stephen Church, a beautiful Bulgarian Orthodox landmark. Later, we tried a mezze tasting paired with Raki, a traditional Turkish drink, at a local restaurant.
For photography lovers, Kiremit Street offers colourful tiled houses, while Merdivenli Yokuş features charming stairways, perfect for a scenic shot.
Grand Bazaar
You won’t believe it, but Another gem among the must-visit places in Istanbul, Turkiye, is the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world! We were so happy that our hotel’s location saved us a lot of time exploring the city.
Honestly, this isn’t just any ordinary bazaar—it’s massive, spanning 50 to 60 streets with over 3,000 to 4,000 shops. With multiple entrances that all look similar, it’s easy to lose track of where you’ve been. The market is filled with high-brand dupes, cute cafés serving coffee and refreshments, tiny pubs, eateries, silver and gold shops, leather goods, ceramics, pottery, and Turkish coffee sets. It’s a paradise for shopaholics!
Here are some important things to remember:
- Bargaining is key: Prices are often inflated for tourists, so negotiate as much as you can. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save.
- Watch out for scams and overpriced items: Some sellers may try to overcharge, so always compare prices.
- Check authenticity: When buying gold, silver, or electronics, make sure they are genuine.
- Be cautious when buying carpets: Ensure you’re paying for authentic, high-quality pieces, not overpriced imitations.
The Grand Bazaar is chaotic yet fascinating—visiting it is an experience you won’t forget!
Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar—just like the name suggests, this place is all about rich fragrances and exotic spices! Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, it’s located less than half a mile from the Grand Bazaar, so it’s easy to explore both on the same day.
This is one of the best places to buy authentic Turkish spices, teas, sweets, and Turkish delights. However, for better prices and quality, avoid shopping near the entrance. Head deeper into the market for better deals.
Before visiting, do some research on trusted vendors and always sample the products before buying to make sure you’re getting the best quality.
Galata bridge
If someone asks me, “What’s the most interesting thing to see in Istanbul?”, I’d say the fishing scene at Galata Bridge. Every day, dozens of local fishermen line up along the bridge with their fishing rods, waiting patiently for their next catch. It’s such a fascinating sight—a real glimpse into daily life in Istanbul.
Spanning the Golden Horn, Galata Bridge is not just a historic landmark but also a fantastic sunset photo spot. We also found a great deal on a Bosphorus boat trip near the bridge, which was totally worth it. And if there’s one thing I’d absolutely recommend, it’s trying a fresh fish sandwich from a local vendor—one of the must-try street foods in Istanbul.
Galataport: Istanbul’s Luxurious Waterfront Spot
On one of our evenings in Istanbul, we wandered into Galataport, a stunning waterfront development that also serves as a cruise port. Located in Karaköy, this area is lined with luxury boutiques, stylish cafés, and fine dining restaurants—all with a spectacular Bosphorus view.
We absolutely loved our evening stroll here. The breeze from the Bosphorus, the warm glow of city lights, and the sight of the Asian side of Istanbul across the water made it feel so relaxing. The highlight was seeing the Bosphorus Bridge light up in vibrant colours—it was pure magic!
Nisantasi
Eventually, we landed in Nişantaşı, Istanbul’s most modern and stylish neighbourhood.
Whether you’re after luxury shopping, chic bars, fancy brunch spots, Michelin-starred restaurants, or art galleries, Nişantaşı has it all. Located on the European side near Taksim and Beşiktaş, it’s the city’s ultimate fashion and lifestyle hub.
By night, Nişantaşı turns into a trendy hotspot, packed with cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and jazz clubs. After exploring, we ended our day with dinner at Foxy, a Michelin-starred restaurant. The food was so delicious that it melted in our mouths with every bite. We paired it with orange Turkish wine—so good that we wished we could bring a bottle back home!
With so much to see and do, the must-visit places in Istanbul, Turkiye, will surely make your trip unforgettable. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of Istanbul firsthand!
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