Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul is where East and West converge, and is an unforgettable place for first-time visitors. Today, the legendary city is a rich landscape of mosques, museums, boutiques and bazaars. Discover the best places to visit in Istanbul with our travel guide where you'll uncover the romance of the Bosphorus, the bustle of the Grand Bazaar, the splendour of the architecture and the exceptional food.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems and diverse neighbourhoods, Istanbul is a treasure trove of experiences. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Beşiktaş, cruising along the Bosphorus or visiting the world-renowned Hagia Sophia, we’ll guide you on what to see and do.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
One of Istanbul’s top attractions, this mosque's name comes from the 20,000 shimmering blue-green Iznik tiles that cover its interior. Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque is still in active use, but tourists may enter through a separate entrance.
Dolmabahçe Palace
This opulent palace was the former residence of Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Boasting both European and Turkish styles, the palace abounds in decorative fineries such as crystal chandeliers, trompe l'oeil ceilings, and intricate carpets.
Basilica Cistern
Among the must-see attractions in Istanbul, Basilica Cistern has hundreds of Ionic and Corinthian columns supporting it, as well as two unidentified column bases with the Medusa head, turned upside down on them. The subterranean complex's cool, shady atmosphere is a perfect place to escape the summer heat.
Kadıköy Area (by ferry)
To see the best views of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, take one of the historic Kadıköy ferries, departing from the pier in front of the Shangri-La. Once in Kadıköy, you’ll find hundreds of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops, making it an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Cistern of Philoxenos
Being the second largest cistern in Istanbul, the building stands out for hosting various events such as concerts, fashion shows and exhibitions in recent years.
Theodosius Cistern
It has ancient relics of the Byzantine Empire's water system that visitors can explore first-hand. It lies in the center of the historic district.
Galata Tower
One of the highest and oldest skyscrapers in Istanbul is the Galata Tower. The tower is 63 meters (206 feet) in height and offers a stunning panorama of the ancient town.
Topkapı Palace
With a wealth of history behind it, the beauty of the museum-turned palace stands out in every manner. Beautiful paintings, prized ornaments, plush courtyards, the lavish Harem and more will have you fascinated.
Akaretler
Located just a 5-minute walk away from Shangri-La, Akaretler is home to designer boutiques, chic restaurants, and some of the city’s trendiest and most popular pubs and clubs.
Arnavutköy & Bebek
For a fun night out, visit the seaside areas of fashionable Arnavutköy and stylish Bebek, where you could find a number of glamorous clubs and high-end restaurants.
Balat
The most iconic aspect of Balat is its colorful houses on its sloping cobblestone streets. Sweet cafes and restaurants accompany these historic wooden houses, which are among the most photographed buildings in the city.
Hagia Sophia
A must-see place in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia was first built as a basilica in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Under its massive dome, more than 18 storeys high, tourists may view galleries of beautiful mosaics from the Byzantine era.
Naval Museum
Founded in 1897 next to Shangri-La, the Naval Museum showcases the maritime might of the Ottomans. Besides exhibits on celebrated Turkish sailors, the museum features an enormous collection of historical artifacts, including a 17th-century warship.
Explore Istanbul’s vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re interested in Turkey’s greatest museums like Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Istanbul Archaeology Museums, or art galleries such as Istanbul Modern, our guide ensures you have your finger on the pulse of the latest cultural activities.
SALT
A cultural institution serving the public, creates research-based exhibitions, publications, online initiatives, and digitization projects in addition to creating exciting activities including conferences, screenings, and workshops.
Arter
Through the celebration of contemporary art in all its forms and disciplines, Arter continues to be a lively, sustainable cultural center, making its wide range of activities available to everyone at its new facility.
Akbank Sanat
With the goal of being "the place where change never ends," Akbank Sanat presents more than 700 events annually, including exhibits, modern dance performances, concerts, panel discussions, kid-friendly seminars, and movie screenings.
Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern museum hosts a broad array of interdisciplinary activities by embracing a global vision, gathers works of modern and contemporary art, photography, design, architecture, and new media.
Sakıp Sabancı Museum (SSM)
This fine arts museum in Istanbul provides a rich collection of calligraphic art, religious and state documents and paintings from the Ottoman era, as well as educational programs, concerts and conferences, housed within a stunning location by the Bosphorus.
Borusan Sanat
This is a performance venue, organizes classical, jazz, world, and new music concerts as well as dance performances and contemporary art exhibitions. Also, Borusan combines history with technology in the heart of Istanbul.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums
These museums consist of three separate museums provide over one million immense collection from various civilizations such as Assyrian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations that had deep effect throughout the history.
Discover Istanbul’s great outdoors with an inspiring array of activities, from a walk through the city’s parks and gardens to an adventure across natural scenery. Escape to Princes’ islands, ride a horse at golden hour or relax on the city’s parks.
Prince's Islands
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Prince’s Islands, a cluster of eight islands just a ferry ride away. Explore beaches, historical buildings and scenic hiking trails, all within easy reach of the city.
Bosphorus Strait
For spectacular views, embark on a ferry ride along the iconic Bosphorus Strait. This waterway, separating Europe and Asia, offers enchanting panoramas of Istanbul’s cityscapes, especially magical in the evening light.
Yıldız Park
Yıldız Park, one of Istanbul's most beautiful and expansive parks, offers a true escape from the bustle of everyday life. Stroll through lush gardens, explore historical landmarks, and admire the former imperial palace while breathing in the fresh air.
Belgrad Forest
Nestled on the European side of Istanbul, Belgrad Forest boasts a network of trails perfect for hiking, biking or simply picnicking under the trees.
Whether you’re browsing boutiques in Nişantaşı, hunting souvenirs and spices in the markets or seeking ceramics and Turkish carpets, knowing where to shop in Istanbul and what to look for is key. To guide you, we’ve curated a list of must-visit spots that capture the essence of this vibrant city.
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul’s famous maze of a street market promises the shopping experience of a lifetime. Explore some of the 4,000 shops and establishments and bargain over the item of your desire, be it a leather bag or antique Turkish carpet.
Nişantaşı
The luxury shopping and fashion district of Istanbul, Nişantaşı is also known for Art Nouveau-style apartment buildings. Its upscale pubs and restaurants are popular with trendsetters and the well-heeled.
Beşiktaş Market
Mingle with the locals and experience the vibrant daily life in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. Walking from Shangri-La (around 5 minutes), and crossing the busy avenue will take you into Beşiktaş Market, where you find a myriad of shops as well as the neighborhood’s quintessential fish mongers, restaurants, lively bars, and trendy cafés.
Akaretler Row Houses
Nestled in the heart of Beşiktaş, Akaretler Row Houses blend historical elegance with contemporary luxury. These beautifully restored houses now host an array of designer boutiques, contemporary art galleries and sophisticated home décor shops, making it a must-visit shopping destination for those seeking style and culture in Istanbul.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
Spice Bazaar, smaller than the nearby Grand Bazaar, features rows of spice vendors prominently displaying their colorful wares in large, pyramid-like mounds, making it a visual experience as much as a place to shop for spices, Turkish delights, and other souvenirs.
