Updated Date : 15.01.2022
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 Sofia, 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 majesties element of Islamic and Christianity, making it highly attractive for tourists looking for exciting things to do in Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace remained the abode of the Sultans from 1478 to 1856. Therefore, its visit is among the most exciting things to do when 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.
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosques is another attractive place to visit in Istanbul. It stands out due to its structure that 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 welcomes 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. Therefore, to avoid any inconvenience, we advise you to pay attention to the rules of the Blue Mosque.
Hippodrome
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.
Istanbul 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.
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 Istanbul is one of the biggest covered bazaars globally. It has about 4000 shops offering ceramics to jewelry, to carpets, to name a few.
The Grand Bazaar Istanbul 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.
Spice Bazaar
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.
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.
Galata Tower
Built-in the 14th century, the Galata Tower was used to surveillance 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 ancient towers in Istanbul. Therefore, its lengthy historical background is enough to attract tourists to it.
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 Istanbul seems floating on the water of Bosphorus and offers an exciting view to its visitors.
It is one of the most famous landmarks of 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.
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 over two continents. The Bosphorus Cruise starts its trip from the 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.
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. The 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 offers 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.
Walls of Constantinople
The Walls of Constantinople are the 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 dancing.
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 it 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.
Nightclub
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 in 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 that it can get crowded sometimes.
You will see multi-story buildings on both sides with shops for quick window shopping on Istiklal Street. The Istiklal Street looks very different from other places in Istanbul. However, it can potentially grab your attention and take you to another world.
The Final Words
Istanbul is full of places to visit and offers a chance of many things to do. The combination of history with modern architecture attract tourist 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 Istanbul E-pass, and don't miss a chance to explore every unique attraction in Istanbul.