Things to Do in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's most attractive cities, offering you a sneak peek into the past. At the same time, you get a beautiful blend of modern architecture infused with technology applications. The city is full of exciting places, so you get many things to do in Istanbul. The beautiful attractions, the historical legacy, and the mouth-licking food offer you countless opportunities for things to do in Istanbul.
From mosques to palaces to bazaars, you won't want to miss the opportunity to visit as many places as you can once you are in Istanbul. So here we list for you the most exciting things to do in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
Let's start with Hagia Sophia, which is one of the most attractive places in Istanbul. The Hagia Sofia mosque occupies a special place in the architectural heritage of the country. Moreover, it signifies the interaction of three periods, starting from Byzantine to finally the Muslim era. Therefore, the mosque is also known as Aya Sofya.
During its periodic changes of possession, it has remained an Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, a museum, and a mosque. Currently, Aya Sofya is a mosque open to people from all religions and walks of life. Even today, Aya Sofia displays the majestic elements of Islam and Christianity, making it highly attractive for tourists looking for exciting things to do in Istanbul.
The Istanbul E-pass includes a guided tour for Hagia Sophia. Get your E-pass and listen to the history of Hagia Sophia from a professional tour guide.
How to Get Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet area. In the same area, you can find the Blue Mosque, Archaeological Museum, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam.
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From Taksim to Hagia Sophia: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Sultanahmet station.
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Opening Hours: Hagia Sophia is open everyday between 09.00 - 19.00.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace remained the abode of the sultans from 1478 to 1856. Therefore, visiting Topkapi Palace can be the most exciting thing to do in Istanbul. Shortly after the end of the Ottoman era, the Topkapi Palace became a museum. Thus, offering an opportunity to the larger public to visit the brilliant architecture and majestic courtyards and gardens of the Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul E-pass provides a guided tour for Toplapi Palace. With skip the ticket line option, you can save time and enjoy a hassle-free visit.
How to Get to Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is behind Hagia Sophia, which is located in the Sultanahmet area. In the same area, you can also find the Blue Mosque, Archaeological Museum, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, and Great Palace Mosaics Museum.
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From Taksim to Topkapi Palace: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to the Kabatas tram line to Sultanahmet station or Gulhane station and walk around for 10 minutes to Topkapi Palace.
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Opening Hours: Topkapi Palace is open everyday, except on Tuesdays. Topkapi Palace is open everyday between 09.00-17.00. The last entrance is at 16.00.
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is another attractive place to visit in Istanbul. It stands out due to its structure which highlights the blue color in its blue tile work. The mosque was built in 1616. The mosque does not charge an entrance fee and but donations are welcomed at your own will.
Visiting the Blue Mosque is among the most exciting things to do in Istanbul. However, like all well-maintained public places, the mosque has some rules and guidelines to follow for entrance. In order to visit mosques, visitors should follow the dress code. Women need to cover their hair, their clothes must be modest. Men should not be wearing shorts that above the knee lenght.
Blue Mosque is located in front of the Hagia Sophia. In the same area also you can find the Hagia Sophia, Archeological Museum, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum Of The History Of Science and Technology in Islam,
Blue Mosque guided tour is free for E-Pass holders included with the Hippodrome of Constantinople guided tour. Feel every inch of history with an Istanbul E-pass.
How to get to Blue Mosque
From Taksim to Blue Mosque: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Sultanahmet station.
Opening Hours: The visiting hours may vary.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Hippodrome dates back to the 4th century AD. It is an ancient stadium of Greek times. At that time, it was used as a site where they raced chariots and horses. The Hippodrome was also used for other public events like public executions or public shaming.
The hippodrome guided tour is free with an Istanbul E-Pass. Enjoy the rich stories of the Hippodrome from a professional English-speaking guide.
How to get Hippodrome of Constantinople
Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square) has the easiest access to get there. It is located in the Sultanahmet area, you can find it near the Blue Mosque. In the same area also you can find the Hagia Sophia, Archeological Museum, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum Of The History Of Science and Technology in Islam.
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From Taksim to Hippodrome: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Sultanahmet station.
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Opening Hours: Hippodrome is open for 24 hours.
Archaeological Museum
Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a collection of three museums. It consists of the Archaeology Museum, the Tiled Kiosk Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Orient. When deciding on things to do in Istanbul, Istanbul Archaeological Museum is an exciting place to visit and spend quality time.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum has almost a million artifacts in it. These artifacts belong to various cultures. Although the interest to collect artifacts goes back to Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, the emergence of the museum only started in 1869 with the establishment of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
The entrance to the Archeological museum is free with an Istanbul E-Pass. You can skip the ticket line with professional licensed English speaking guide and feel the difference with an E-Pass.
How to get Archaeological Museum
Istanbul Archeological is located between Gulhane Park and Topkapi Palace. In the same area also you can find the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum Of The History Of Science and Technology in Islam, and Great Palace Mosaics Museum.
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From Taksim to Istanbul Archeological Museum: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Sultanahmet station or Gulhane station.
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Opening hours: Archeological Museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00. The last entrance is one hour before its closing.
Grand Bazaar
Visiting one of the most exciting places on the earth and not shopping or collecting any souvenirs, is it even possible? We hardly think so. Therefore, the Grand Bazaar is a must place for you to visit when in Istanbul. Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest covered bazaars globally. It has about 4000 shops offering ceramics jewelry, to carpets, to name a few.
The Grand Bazaar features a beautiful decor of colorful lanterns that illuminate the streets. You will need to spare some time to visit 60+ streets of the Grand Bazaar if you want to have a thorough visit to the place. Despite an overflowing crowd of visitors in the Grand Bazaar, you will find yourself at ease and going with a flow when going from shop to shop.
How to get Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar is located in the Sultanahmet area. In the same area also you can find the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Istanbul Archeological Museum Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum Of The History Of Science and Technology in islam, and Great Palace Mosaics Museum.
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From Taksim to Grand Bazaar: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Cemberlitas station.
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Opening Hours: Grand Bazaar is open everyday from 08.30 to 19.00, except on Sundays.
Eminonu District and Spice Bazaar
Eminonu district is the oldest square in Istanbul. Eminonu is located in the Fatih district, close to the southern entrance of the Bosphorus and the junction of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn. It is connected to Karakoy (historical Galata) by the Galata Bridge across the Golden Horn. In Eminonu, you can find the Spice Bazaar, which is the biggest market in Istanbul after the Grand Bazaar. The bazaar is much smaller than the Grand Bazaar. Moreover, there are fewer chances of getting lost as it consists of two covered streets making a right angle to each other.
Spice Bazaar is another attractive place to visit in Istanbul. It regularly gets a large number of visitors. Unlike Grand Bazaar, the spice bazaar is also open on Sundays. If you are interested in buying spices from the Spice Bazaar, many vendors can also vacuum seal them, making them more travel-friendly.
How to get Eminonu District and Spice Bazaar:
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From Taksim to Spice Bazaar: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Eminonu station.
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From Sultanahmet to Spice Bazaar: Take (T1) tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas Or Eminonu direction and get off at Emionu station.
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Opening Hours: Spice Bazaar is open everyday between 08.00-19.30.
Galata Tower
Built-in the 14th century, the Galata Tower was used to surveil the harbor in the Golden Horn. Later, it also served as a fire watch tower to locate fires in the city. Therefore, if you want to get an opportunity to get the best view of Istanbul, Galata Tower is your desired spot. Galata Tower is one of the tallest and the most ancient towers in Istanbul. Therefore, its lengthy historical background is enough to attract tourists to it.
Galata tower is located in the Beyoglu district. Near Galata tower, you can visit Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum, Istiklal Street, and on Istiklal Street; the Museum of illusions with Istanbul E-Pass.
With an Istanbul E-pass you can enter Galata Tower with discounted price.
How to get to Galata Tower
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From Taksim Square to Galata Tower: You can take the historical tram from Taksim Square to Tunel station (the last station). Also, you can walk along with Istiklal Street to Galata Tower.
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From Sultanahmet to Galata Tower: Take (T1) tram to Kabatas direction, get off Karakoy station and walk around 10 minutes to Galata Tower.
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Opening hours: Galata Tower is open every day from 08:30 to 22:00.
Maiden's Tower Istanbul
When you are in Istanbul, not visiting Maiden's Tower, should never be an option. The tower has a long history that dates back to the fourth century. Maiden's Tower seems floating on the water of Bosphorus and offers an exciting view to its visitors.
It is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Istanbul. The tower acts as a restaurant and a cafe during the daytime. And as a private restaurant in the evenings. It is a perfect place to host weddings, meetings, and business meals with breathtaking scenery.
Opening hours: Maiden's Tower is open everyday between 09.30 - 21.00.
Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul is a city that extends over two continents (Asia and Europe). The divider between the two continents is the Bosphorus. Therefore, Bosphorus Cruise is an excellent opportunity to see how the city spans two continents. The Bosphorus Cruise starts from Eminonu in the morning and goes towards the Black Sea. You can have your mid-day lunch at the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. Additionally, you can visit nearby places like Yoros Castle, which is just 15 minutes away from the village.
Istanbul E-Pass includes 9 types of Bosphorus Cruises. Do not miss Bosphorus tours with an Istanbul E-pass.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace attracts a large number of visitors due to its breathtaking beauty and rich historical background. It is sitting with its full majesty along the Bosphorus. Dolmabahce Palace is not very old and was built in the 19th century as the residence and administrative seat of the Sultan towards the end of the Ottoman Empire. This place should be on your things-to-do list when planning a trip to Istanbul.
The design and architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace offer a beautiful amalgamation of European and Islamic designs. The only thing that you find lacking is that photography is not allowed in the Dolmabahce Palace.
Istanbul E-pass provides the entrance ticket for Dolmabahce Palace. With Istanbul E-pass, you will be skipping the ticket counter line, and save time.
How to get to the Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is located in Besiktas District. Near the Dolmabahce palace, you can see Besiktas Stadium and Domabahce Mosque.
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From Taksim Square to Dolmabahce Palace: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station and walk around 10 minutes to Dolmabahce Palace.
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From Sultanahmet to Dolmabahce Palace: Take (T1) from Sultanahmet.
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Opening hours: Dolmabahce Palace is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00, except on Mondays.
Walls of Constantinople
The Walls of Constantinople are a collection of stones that were made to protect the city of Istanbul. They present an architectural masterpiece. The Roman Empire built the first Walls of Constantinople by Constantine the Great.
Though many additions and modifications, the Walls of Constantinople are still the most complicated defense system ever built. The wall protected the capital from all sides and saved it from attack from both land and sea. Visiting the Walls of Constantinople is one of the most exciting things to do in Istanbul. It will take you back in time in the blink of an eye.
Nightlife
Taking part in the nightlife of Istanbul is again one of the best things to do for a traveler looking for fun and excitement in Istanbul. The nightlife is indisputably the most exhilarating experience with the opportunity to eat savory Turkish food, late-night parties, and dance.
Turkish food will tantalize your taste buds at the mere sight of them. They hide a lot of wonderful flavors and aromas in them. The tourists experiencing nightlife often spend a tasting variety of Turkish food. If you want your stomach to get familiarized with Turkish culture and life, Turkish food is among the best things to do in Istanbul.
Nightclubs
A nightclub is another fun aspect of Turkish nightlife. You will see many nightclubs in Istanbul. If you are searching for excitement and fun things to do in Istanbul, a nightclub will never fail to grab your attention. Most of the nightclubs are located on Istiklal Street, Taksim, and Galata Tunnel line.
Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street is one of the famous streets in Istanbul. It caters to many pedestrian tourists, so it can get crowded sometimes.
You will see multi-story buildings on both sides with shops for quick window shopping on Istiklal Street. Istiklal Street looks very different from other places in Istanbul. However, it can potentially grab your attention and take you to another world.
The Istanbul E-Pass includes an Istiklal Street and Taksim Square audio guide tour. You can learn about the history of these beautiful streets with E-pass.
How to Get to Istiklal Street
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From Sultanahmet to Istiklal Street: Take (T1)from Sultanahmet to Kabatas direction, get off Kabatas station and take the funicular to Taksim station.
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Opening hours: Istiklal Street is open everyday for 7/24. The operating hours of the shops may vary.
The Final Words
Istanbul is full of places to visit and offers a chance for many things to do. The combination of history with modern architecture attracts tourists from around the globe. Those mentioned above are some of the most notable things to do in Istanbul. Make sure to plan your trip with the Istanbul E-pass, and don't miss a chance to explore every unique attraction in Istanbul.