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Top 20 Things to Do in Istanbul: 2025 Bucket List

The ultimate bucket list of things to do in Istanbul. From the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar to hidden rooftop terraces and Bosphorus cruises — 20 unforgettable experiences that make Istanbul one of the world's greatest cities to explore.

ivergini
7. februar 2026 ob 11:08
23 Ogledi
Top 20 Things to Do in Istanbul: 2025 Bucket List

Istanbul: A City of Unforgettable Experiences

Istanbul is a city where every corner tells a story, where empires have risen and fallen, and where the ancient and modern coexist in spectacular harmony. Spanning two continents and framed by the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus, this metropolis offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every type of traveler. Here are the 20 things you absolutely must do when visiting Istanbul. Before heading out each day, check the Istanbul weather forecast to plan your activities around the conditions.

1. Step Inside the Hagia Sophia

No visit to Istanbul is complete without entering this architectural wonder. Built in 537 AD as a Christian cathedral, converted to a mosque in 1453, turned into a museum in 1934, and returned to mosque status in 2020, the Hagia Sophia is a living monument to Istanbul's layered history. Stand beneath its massive dome — 55 meters high — and marvel at the interplay of Byzantine golden mosaics and Ottoman Islamic calligraphy. The sheer scale and spiritual atmosphere of this building are truly humbling. Entry is free, but arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.

2. Admire the Blue Mosque

Directly across Sultanahmet Square from the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque — universally known as the Blue Mosque — is famous for its six slender minarets and its breathtaking interior lined with over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles. The cascading domes and the soft light filtering through 260 stained-glass windows create an atmosphere of serene beauty. The mosque is an active place of worship, so visit outside prayer times and dress modestly. The courtyard is equally impressive, offering beautiful views back toward the Hagia Sophia.

3. Explore the Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has been the beating commercial heart of Istanbul since 1461. With over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets, this labyrinthine marketplace sells everything from handwoven Turkish carpets and Ottoman-era ceramics to gold jewelry, leather goods, and fragrant spices. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Do not rush through — get deliberately lost in the maze of streets and discover hidden workshops and quiet courtyards. The bazaar is also a perfect rainy-day activity.

4. Cruise the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus strait is Istanbul's defining geographic feature, and experiencing it from the water is absolutely essential. Public ferry cruises depart from Eminönü and travel up the strait past Ottoman waterfront mansions (yalıs), medieval fortresses, ornate mosques, and the massive suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia. The full cruise takes about six hours round trip, while shorter options last 90 minutes. For the best experience, check the wind and weather conditions — calm days with wind below 15 km/h offer the smoothest, most photogenic cruises. Sunset cruises are particularly magical.

5. Descend into the Basilica Cistern

Hidden beneath the streets of Sultanahmet lies one of Istanbul's most atmospheric attractions. The Basilica Cistern, built by Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD, is a vast underground water reservoir supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters tall. The columns are reflected in the shallow water while ambient lighting creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Do not miss the two Medusa head column bases — one upside down, one turned sideways — whose origins remain a mystery. The cistern stays cool even in summer, making it a refreshing escape from the heat.

6. Wander Through Topkapi Palace

For nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace served as the residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. This sprawling complex of courtyards, pavilions, gardens, and treasury rooms sits on a promontory overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara. Highlights include the Imperial Treasury (home to the famous Spoonmaker's Diamond), the Harem (the private quarters of the sultan and his family), and the terraces offering some of the finest views in all of Istanbul. Allow at least half a day to explore properly.

7. Climb the Galata Tower

Rising 67 meters above the Galata neighborhood, this medieval stone tower built in 1348 offers one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul. From the observation deck, you can see the Old City with its domes and minarets, the Golden Horn waterway, the Bosphorus, and on clear days, the Asian side of the city. Visit around sunset time for the most spectacular views and golden light. The surrounding Galata neighborhood is one of Istanbul's most charming areas, filled with independent cafés, vintage shops, and street musicians.

8. Walk Down İstiklal Avenue

İstiklal Avenue is Istanbul's most famous pedestrian street — a bustling, 1.4-kilometer boulevard running through the heart of Beyoğlu. The street is lined with 19th-century European-style buildings housing shops, restaurants, bookstores, cinemas, and art galleries. A nostalgic red tramway clangs its way through the crowds. Side streets and hidden passages (pasajlar) reveal atmospheric old-world drinking spots, fish restaurants, and live music venues. İstiklal is best experienced in the late afternoon and evening when the energy reaches its peak.

9. Visit the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Smaller and more manageable than the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar near the Galata Bridge is a sensory feast. The L-shaped market is filled with vendors selling pyramids of colorful spices, dried fruits, Turkish delight, teas, and natural soaps. The aromas alone are worth the visit. Just outside the bazaar, the surrounding streets host a lively open-air market selling fresh produce, cheese, olives, and cured meats. This is where locals shop, giving it a more authentic atmosphere than the Grand Bazaar.

10. Cross Continents on a Ferry

Istanbul is the only major city in the world that spans two continents, and crossing from Europe to Asia (or vice versa) by ferry is one of the city's quintessential experiences. The Eminönü to Kadıköy ferry takes about 20 minutes and costs just a few lira with an Istanbulkart. As the ferry pulls away from the dock, the skyline of mosques and minarets unfolds like a painting. Pack a simit (sesame bread ring) from a waterfront vendor and enjoy the crossing with tea from the onboard café.

11. Explore Kadıköy on the Asian Side

After your ferry crossing, spend time exploring Kadıköy — Istanbul's most charming Asian-side neighborhood. The Kadıköy food market is a food lover's paradise, with vendors selling fresh fish, artisanal cheeses, pickles, and pastries. The Moda district offers peaceful seaside walks and independent cafés. The vintage tram runs through quiet residential streets. Kadıköy feels like a different city entirely — more relaxed, more local, and refreshingly free of tourist crowds. Check the district weather to pick the best day for your Asian side exploration.

12. Experience a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam)

The Turkish hammam tradition dates back centuries, and Istanbul has some of the finest historic bathhouses in the world. The experience typically involves a steam room, a hot marble slab where you lie while an attendant scrubs your skin with a coarse mitt, followed by a foam massage and rinse. Historic hammams like the Çemberlitaş Hamamı (built in 1584) and the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı offer beautifully restored Ottoman interiors. A hammam visit is especially wonderful on cold or rainy days — check the forecast and save this activity for inclement weather.

13. Watch Sunset from Süleymaniye Mosque

While the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque get the most attention, many visitors consider the Süleymaniye Mosque to be Istanbul's most beautiful. Built by the legendary architect Sinan between 1550 and 1557 for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, it sits atop one of Istanbul's seven hills with commanding views over the Golden Horn. The gardens behind the mosque offer one of the city's best sunset viewpoints, free from the crowds that gather at more famous locations. Time your visit using our Istanbul local time page.

14. Get Lost in the Balat and Fener Neighborhoods

These neighboring districts along the Golden Horn are Istanbul's most photogenic and least touristy historic neighborhoods. Balat and Fener feature colorful Ottoman-era houses lining steep, narrow streets, along with ancient churches, synagogues, and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. The area has become increasingly popular with artists and young entrepreneurs, resulting in a growing number of quirky cafés, vintage shops, and art spaces. This is Istanbul at its most authentic — a place where centuries of multicultural history are visible in every building and street corner.

15. Eat Your Way Through Istanbul Street Food

Istanbul's street food scene is legendary and endlessly delicious. Essential tastings include the balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) served from boats at the Galata Bridge, the ubiquitous simit (sesame-encrusted bread ring), roasted chestnuts and corn from street vendors, the döner kebab in all its forms, the crispy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), and the syrup-drenched künefe dessert. For a sit-down experience, seek out a traditional lokanta (casual restaurant) serving home-style Turkish cooking. Food tastes even better when enjoyed outdoors on a pleasant weather day.

16. Shop at the Arasta Bazaar

If the Grand Bazaar feels overwhelming, the Arasta Bazaar offers a more relaxed shopping experience. Located right behind the Blue Mosque, this attractive row of shops sells high-quality carpets, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry in a quieter, less pressured atmosphere. Prices tend to be slightly higher than the Grand Bazaar, but the quality is generally excellent and the experience much more pleasant. The bazaar was originally built in the 17th century to fund the maintenance of the Blue Mosque.

17. Take a Day Trip to the Princes' Islands

Just an hour's ferry ride from the city center, the Princes' Islands feel like a world away from Istanbul's urban intensity. Cars are banned on the islands, which are instead navigated by horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and electric vehicles. Büyükada, the largest island, features grand Victorian-era wooden mansions, pine-forested hills with sea views, and peaceful swimming beaches. The islands make a perfect day trip escape, especially in spring and autumn. Check the weather on departure day — clear skies make the ferry journey and island views spectacular.

18. Admire the Dolmabahçe Palace

If Topkapi Palace represents Ottoman tradition, Dolmabahçe Palace represents Ottoman modernization. Built in 1856 along the Bosphorus shoreline in Beşiktaş, this extravagant palace blends European architectural styles with Ottoman craftsmanship. Its main hall features the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, weighing 4.5 tons. The waterfront location, the ornate interiors, and the gardens make Dolmabahçe a highlight of any Istanbul visit. The palace also holds historical significance as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his final days.

19. Drink Turkish Tea and Coffee

Turkey's tea and coffee culture is not just about beverages — it is a social ritual and a way of life. Turkish çay (tea) is served in distinctive tulip-shaped glasses throughout the day, from breakfast to late evening. Turkish coffee, thick and strong, is prepared in a special pot (cezve) and served with the grounds settled at the bottom. Visit a traditional çay bahçesi (tea garden) for a true local experience. Some of the best are found in parks overlooking the Bosphorus, in the courtyards of old mosques, and in the back streets of Kadıköy and Balat.

20. Watch the City Light Up at Night from the Galata Bridge

End your Istanbul days by walking across the Galata Bridge at dusk. The bridge connects the Old City to Beyoğlu, and its lower level is lined with fish restaurants while its upper level is crowded with local fishermen casting their lines into the Golden Horn. As darkness falls, the mosques of Sultanahmet and Süleymaniye light up on one side while the Galata Tower glows on the other. The reflections shimmer on the water, the muezzin's call to prayer echoes across the waterways, and you will understand why Istanbul has captivated travelers for millennia.

Plan Your Istanbul Adventure

Istanbul offers enough to fill weeks of exploration, but even a few well-planned days can be transformative. Use our Istanbul weather forecast to plan outdoor activities on clear days and save indoor attractions for rainy ones. Check the current local time for scheduling, explore district information to understand the city's layout, and use our Route Planner to calculate distances between attractions. Istanbul is a city that gives back more than you put in — the more you explore, the more it reveals.