Things to do in Istanbul

Turkey

Explore the best attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems in Istanbul. Discover what makes this destination special.

64 Places to Visit

Apse Mosaic

Virgin and Child mosaic signifying return of icon worship.

Basilica Cistern

Visit Basilica Cistern in İstanbul, Turkey, a captivating underground wonder and one of the most iconic historical sites in Turkey. Discover the Medusa columns, Byzantine architecture, and mysterious legends in this must-see attraction. Perfect for history lovers and travelers seeking unique things to see in Istanbul.

Blue İznik Tiles

Over 20,000 handmade blue İznik tiles with intricate Ottoman floral motifs.

Blue Mosque

Discover the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey — a 17th-century architectural wonder known for its stunning blue tiles, grand domes, and six towering minarets. Explore its rich history, breathtaking interiors, and unique role as both a mosque and major tourist attraction.

Byzantine Mosaics

Iconic mosaics depicting Christ, Mary, saints, and angels.

Calligraphy and Qur’anic Inscriptions

Elegant Arabic calligraphy by master artist Seyyid Kasim Gubari adds sacred beauty.

Çarşı Street

Walk along Çarşı Street, the vibrant heart of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, filled with color, energy, and traditional Turkish crafts.

Cevahir Bedesten

Step inside the Cevahir Bedesten, the oldest part of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, where antiques, jewelry, and Ottoman treasures await.

Chamber of the Sacred Relics

Visit the Chamber of Sacred Relics at Topkapi Palace, a spiritual highlight in Istanbul featuring holy Islamic artifacts and live Quranic recitation.

Chora Church

Visit Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture famous for its breathtaking mosaics and frescoes. This historical site in Turkey showcases centuries of history, from its origins as a monastery to its current use as a mosque. A must-see for travelers exploring Istanbul tourism, Chora Church offers an intimate look at late Byzantine art, cultural heritage, and religious history.

Conical Roof and Exterior Façade

Capture the perfect Istanbul skyline photo with Galata Tower’s signature conical roof and medieval stone exterior.

Courtyard

Grand open courtyard with colonnades and central ablution fountain.

Courtyard

Wander through the peaceful courtyard of Süleymaniye Mosque, a tranquil space surrounded by marble columns and historical beauty in İstanbul.

Deesis Mosaic

Masterpiece mosaic with Christ, Mary, and John the Baptist.

Domed Interior Hallways

Discover the Spice Bazaar’s domed hallways in Istanbul, blending Ottoman architecture with rich aromas and vibrant shopping.

Egyptian Bazaar Courtyard

Explore the Egyptian Bazaar courtyard in İstanbul, a vibrant marketplace hub funded by Ottoman Egypt.

Fourth Courtyard and Baghdad Pavilion

Relax in the Baghdad Pavilion of Topkapi Palace, a serene gem with Bosphorus views and elegant Ottoman design.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower in İstanbul, Turkey is a historic medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of the city and Bosphorus. Built in 1348 by the Genoese, it remains a top attraction for those exploring İstanbul tourism, historical sites in Turkey, and things to see in İstanbul. With its legendary tales and stunning skyline vistas, visiting Galata Tower is an essential experience for travelers.

Gate of Salutation

Walk through the Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, the monumental entry into Istanbul’s historic imperial heart.

Grand Bazaar

Explore the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey—one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. A top destination for travelers looking for historical sites in Turkey and authentic things to see in Istanbul, this vibrant marketplace dates back to the 15th century and is home to over 4,000 shops selling Turkish carpets, spices, jewelry, and more. Visit the Grand Bazaar to experience Ottoman architecture, traditional crafts, and lively Turkish culture in one unforgettable setting.

Hagia Sophia

Explore Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey – a historic architectural marvel transformed from cathedral to mosque, museum, and back to mosque.

Hen’s Eye Column

Visit the Basilica Cistern in İstanbul and discover the mystical Weeping Column—a moving tribute to ancient laborers and a powerful visual highlight of this Turkish historic site.

Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi Legend Exhibit

Learn about Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi’s legendary flight from Galata Tower—one of Istanbul’s most enduring myths.

Imperial Gate Mosaic

Entrance mosaic of Christ and Emperor Leo VI.

Imperial Harem

Explore the Topkapi Palace Harem in Istanbul, a beautifully tiled and historically rich section that unveils the secret lives of Ottoman royalty.

Imperial Treasury

Discover the Topkapi Palace Treasury in Istanbul, home to the Spoonmaker’s Diamond and dazzling Ottoman jewels.

Interior Spiral Staircase and Elevator

Experience the blend of old and new as you ascend Galata Tower via its spiral stairs and modern elevator.

Islamic Calligraphy

Monumental Islamic panels contrast with Christian elements.

Library

Visit the Süleymaniye Library in İstanbul to explore rare Islamic manuscripts and discover the intellectual side of Ottoman heritage.

Main Dome

Majestic 43-meter central dome with cascading semi-domes and massive supporting pillars.

Main Dome

Massive 6th-century dome that transformed sacred architecture.

Main Dome

The stunning main dome of Süleymaniye Mosque in İstanbul is an engineering and architectural marvel of the Ottoman Empire, offering breathtaking symmetry and acoustic brilliance.

Main Entrance Gate

Visit the Spice Bazaar’s iconic main entrance in Istanbul, a historic Ottoman gateway that once welcomed spice traders from across the world.

Marble Columns

Walk among 336 ancient marble columns at İstanbul’s Basilica Cistern, one of Turkey’s most atmospheric and visually arresting historical landmarks.

Marble Door

Historic door used by clergy during Byzantine ceremonies.

Medusa Heads

Discover the mysterious Medusa Heads at Basilica Cistern in İstanbul—ancient Roman sculptures shrouded in myth, now a must-see highlight in this historical Turkish landmark.

Mihrab and Minbar

Admire the exquisite marble mihrab and minbar at Süleymaniye Mosque in İstanbul—key focal points in one of the most beautiful historical mosques in Turkey.

Mihrab & Minbar

Ottoman prayer features that coexist with Byzantine design.

Museum Floor

Dive into Galata Tower’s rich history through interactive museum displays perfect for curious travelers.

New Mosque Connection

Visit the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Camii connection in Istanbul, blending Ottoman commerce with sacred history.

Nuruosmaniye Gate

Discover the iconic Nuruosmaniye Gate, the most historic entrance to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, blending Ottoman and Baroque styles.

Observation Deck

Enjoy sweeping views of İstanbul from Galata Tower’s iconic observation deck—one of the top things to do in Istanbul.

Prayer Hall and Carpeted Floor

Expansive, beautifully carpeted prayer hall offering spiritual serenity.

Reflective Water Pool

See the reflective waters of Basilica Cistern in İstanbul—once a lifeline for the city, now a captivating visual feature and top attraction in Turkey.

Sandal Bedesten

Explore Sandal Bedesten in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a domed 16th-century market specializing in carpets, textiles, and Ottoman fabrics.

Şark Kahvesi

Experience authentic Turkish culture at Şark Kahvesi in the Grand Bazaar—enjoy traditional coffee in a historic Ottoman setting.

Six Minarets

Unique six-minaret structure — a rarity in the Islamic world.

Spice Bazaar

Visit the Spice Bazaar in İstanbul, Turkey, one of the city’s most famous historical markets and a highlight of İstanbul tourism. Built in the 17th century as part of the New Mosque complex, this vibrant site offers visitors the chance to explore colorful spice stalls, Turkish delights, teas, and souvenirs. Perfect for those searching for things to see in İstanbul or historical sites in Turkey, the Spice Bazaar combines Ottoman history with a lively shopping experience. Located in Eminönü at the heart of the city, it remains a must-visit destination for travelers.

Spice Stalls

Visit the Spice Bazaar’s famous spice stalls in Istanbul to explore saffron, Turkish delights, teas, and authentic Ottoman flavors.

Stained Glass Windows

200+ stained glass windows that enhance the interior's ethereal glow.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque in İstanbul, Turkey—a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and one of the most important historical sites in Turkey. Built by Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleiman, this mosque offers breathtaking views of the city, rich cultural history, and intricate design. A top destination for Süleymaniye Mosque tourism and among the most memorable things to see in Istanbul.

Sultan’s Loge

Exclusive royal prayer area, richly decorated and elevated above the main floor.

The Anastasis Fresco

Visit the Anastasis fresco at Chora Church, Istanbul – a dramatic 14th-century Byzantine painting showing Christ rescuing Adam and Eve from death, rich in symbolism and artistry.

The Audience Chamber

Discover the Audience Chamber at Topkapi Palace, where sultans met ambassadors amid lavish Ottoman decor.

The Dome of the Pantocrator

See the Dome of the Pantocrator at Chora Church in İstanbul, Turkey, a stunning Byzantine masterpiece depicting Christ surrounded by prophets and angels in radiant gold mosaics.

The Mosaic of the Virgin and Child

See the Virgin and Child mosaic at Chora Church, İstanbul – a luminous 14th-century Byzantine artwork symbolizing divine love and protection.

The Outer Narthex Mosaics

Explore the outer narthex mosaics at Chora Church, Istanbul – vibrant 14th-century Byzantine panels depicting the Virgin Mary’s life and Christ’s childhood.

The Parekklesion

Discover the Parekklesion at Chora Church, Istanbul – a 14th-century Byzantine funerary chapel with vivid frescoes of the Last Judgment and paradise.

Tomb of Hürrem Sultan

Explore the beautiful tomb of Hürrem Sultan in Süleymaniye Mosque’s garden—a tribute to one of the Ottoman Empire’s most powerful and enigmatic women.

Tomb of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent

Visit the tomb of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, a historic landmark in Süleymaniye Mosque complex that honors one of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest rulers.

Topkapi Palace

Visit Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, to explore one of the most iconic historical sites in the country. Discover the opulent Ottoman architecture, ancient treasures like the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, and sacred relics of Islamic history. Ideal for tourists looking for things to see in Istanbul or Topkapi Palace tourism experiences, this former royal residence offers breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the Harem, the Imperial Treasury, and the stunning palace courtyards during your tour of Topkapi Palace in Turkey.

Upper Gallery

Balcony with panoramic views and major mosaic artworks.

Vaulted Ceiling & Brick Arches

Experience the beauty of Byzantine engineering at İstanbul’s Basilica Cistern, where vaulted brick ceilings create stunning visuals and serene acoustic spaces.

Weeping Column

Wishing column said to heal and grant visitors’ desires.