I independently & honestly review all of my travel recommendations. If you click on links I provide, I may receive compensation
Istanbul is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Packed with beautiful historic buildings and activities, Istanbul is a city that I never get tired of exploring. Not to mention the excellent Turkish cuisine. Here are my favorite famous landmarks in Istanbul, including the best things to see and do in the city. These landmarks include buildings that are part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One way to get a nice introduction to Istanbul is to take a tour. Check out these excellent tour options & book now!
Many of these Istanbul activities are included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass, which can save you money on tours, entrance fees, live performances, and more. It’s especially useful if you are staying in the city for an extended period (which you should, since there are so many great things to see in Istanbul!). Learn more about the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
The Best Things To Do In Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia isn’t just one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul; it’s one of the best-known landmarks in the world thanks to its stunning architecture and long history.
This religious center has been an important place of worship for over 1,500 years. First built by the Byzantines in the 6th century, it has served as an Eastern Orthodox church, a Roman Catholic church, a mosque, and a museum at various times.
Book your hotel in Istanbul now!
Controversially, it changed back from a museum to a mosque in 2020, reversing Kemal Atatürk’s decision to make it a secular representation of Turkey in 1935.
In recent years, an entry fee has begun to be charged, and visitors are only allowed at certain times. This has limited access, but it has also made for a less crowded experience. On my most recent visit, I could no longer visit the floor, but the upstairs galleries were the emptiest I’d ever seen them.
Book Hagia Sofia tickets and tours here, including the Istanbul Tourist Pass
The Blue Mosque
The impressive Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s best examples of Ottoman architecture. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I, for whom the mosque and other nearby areas are named.
Located on Sultanahmet Square, the mosque is both an active place of worship and a popular spot for visitors.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square and Sultanahmet Park are bordered by many famous buildings, making the area one of the best things to see in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum are just some of the sights near Sultanahmet Square and Park in Old Istanbul.
The square was formerly an ancient hippodrome. It’s a popular starting point for Istanbul hop-on, hop-off buses.
Topkapi Palace
If you can only visit one Istanbul landmark, make it the Topkapi Palace. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Istanbul. Each time I’ve been there, I’ve spent at least half a day exploring its buildings, courtyards, gardens, and museum galleries.
Topkapi Palace was constructed in the 15th century. For hundreds of years, it was the home to powerful Ottoman sultans.
One must-see highlight is the Harem and the private apartments of the sultan.
These rooms are spectacularly designed and preserved.
I also enjoy seeing the artifacts from the palace kitchens. The Topkapi Palace wasn’t just home to sultans. It was also an entire city with thousands of people living and working inside, requiring a vast support network.
It’s one of the busiest attractions in Istanbul, so be sure to book tickets and/or a tour in advance or get an Istanbul Tourist Pass.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Istanbul has a rich history that includes rule by several different civilizations.
Learn about this history at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (official website), located between Topkapi Palace and Gülhane Park.
Basilica Cistern
Venturing deep into the Basilica Cistern is one of the coolest things to do in Istanbul (both literally and figuratively).
Located just outside the Hagia Sophia, this massive cistern dates back to the 6th century.
Nowadays, there’s little water in the cistern, but it has been restored and is open to the public.
Do you have upcoming travel that you need to book? Use my travel resources page to make your bookings! There's no cost to you, and you'll be supporting my site. Thanks!
The 336 marble columns, lighting, and reflections make for incredible photography.
Try not to knock any of the Instagrammers into the water when you visit. It’s one of the most popular Instagram spots in Istanbul.
Book Basilica Cistern tickets or an Istanbul Tourist Pass here
Gülhane Park
Gülhane Park is located just below the Topkapi Palace grounds.
The park includes gardens (with seasonal tulips in the spring), walking paths, a cistern, and museums.
The Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam is one of my favorite museums in Istanbul.
The Bosphorus
Istanbul is famously split between Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus carving a path between the two, serving as a connection between the Black Sea and eventually the Mediterranean Sea after the Dardanelles.
This fabled waterway is the beating heart of Istanbul. No visit to the city is complete without taking a ride on the water.
If you’re on a budget (and/or want to visit the Asian side of the city), take one of the cheap, plentiful ferries. There are numerous ports around the city, connecting not only across the water but between neighborhoods.
Alternatively, there are also plenty of great Istanbul boat cruises on the Bosphorus.
Istanbul Railway Museum
One of my favorite places to go in Istanbul is the Istanbul Railway Museum.
This small, quiet museum showcases the city’s railway history, including the famous Orient Express.
Read more about the Istanbul Railway Museum.
Eminonu Square
Most Istanbul visitors will pass through Eminönü Square at some point. It’s near many Istanbul points of interest.
Located right on the Golden Horn and bordered by Yeni Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, it’s one of the busiest crossroads in Istanbul.
Food stands along the waterfront sell fish sandwiches (Balık Ekmek), a popular local Istanbul food.
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul.
Food-lovers will enjoy wandering through the market hall. I love the smell of the bazaar, and it’s a great place to buy ingredients to bring back home.
Grand Bazaar
If you thought the Spice Bazaar was massive, just wait until you visit the Grand Bazaar. The covered market is one of the largest in the world, encompassing some 4,000 merchants visited by tens of millions of people every year.
There are “roads” through the Grand Bazaar specializing in various goods, including gold, carpets, leather, clothing, furniture, and more.
I’m not a big shopper when I travel, but this is a fun place to explore if you’re looking for something Turkish to bring home.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most impressive places to see in Istanbul. Not only is the mosque itself beautiful, but the views from the area are also some of the best in the city.
The mosque is the largest in the city from the Ottoman era and was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Colored Houses of Balat
One of my favorite things to do in Istanbul (or any city, really) is to explore neighborhoods.
One of the most picturesque areas of Istanbul is Balat, famous for its colored houses.
Miniaturk
Want to see all of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey in one place?
Head to Miniaturk, an open-air museum and entertainment center, featuring scale models of iconic Istanbul buildings, such as the Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and more. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul.
Book Miniaturk tickets or get the Istanbul Tourist Pass here
Le Vapeur Magique
I mentioned taking an Istanbul boat cruise above. The most impressive of these ships is Le Vapeur Magique.
Le Vapeur Magique is a former ferry boat that has been converted into a day cruise boat complete with restaurants and entertainment. It’s one of my favorite ways to see Istanbul from the water.
The boat cruise with Turkish breakfast is part of the Istanbul Tourist Pass. Alternatively, you can book tickets here.
Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge is another must-see place in Istanbul. The famous bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting Eminönü and Karaköy.
It’s a pleasant walk across the bridge to travel between the two busy areas. There are restaurants on the lower levels, while fishermen cast their lines from the bridge.
Galataport
The sprawling Galataport is a massive urban renewal project on the waterfront in central Istanbul.
The port includes restaurants, bars, shopping, and great Bosphorus views.
Istanbul Tünel
There’s a unique way of getting up the hill between Karaköy and Beyoğlu in Istanbul.
The Istanbul Tünel is a funicular railway & one of the world’s oldest public transportation systems. I love riding funiculars, plus it makes the journey much easier!
Read more about the Istanbul Tünel.
Kamondo Stairs
On my first visit to Istanbul, I stayed in the excellent Bankerhan Hotel, which is located just off the Kamondo Stairs.
These beautiful Art Nouveau steps are a popular Istanbul Instagram spot for people walking up to Galata Tower rather than taking the Tünel funicular.
Galata Tower
The prominent Galata Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul.
The watchtower was completed in the 14th century. Visiting the observation deck and museum is one of my most popular things to do in Istanbul.
Book Galata Tower tickets & tours here or learn more about the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
For a relaxing alternative view and no crowds, head to one of Istanbul’s rooftop bars.
Pera Museum
The Pera Museum (official website) is one of the best art museums in Istanbul.
I enjoy seeing their rotating galleries & permanent exhibitions, which include Orientalist Paintings, Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics, and Anatolian Weights and Measures.
Museum of Innocence
Istanbul writer Orhan Pamuk is a Nobel Prize Winner for Literature. Many of his works depict life in Istanbul in great detail.
I recommend reading some of his books before visiting the city, particularly “Istanbul” and “The Museum of Innocence.” The latter is a love story that spans decades of 20th-century Istanbul life.
Following the book’s success, Pamuk created a museum that replicates the central themes of the story. Visiting the Museum of Innocence (official website) is one of my favorite things to do in Istanbul.
It’s a fantastic way to see photos, mementos, and products from Istanbul’s recent history while listening to an excellent audioguide tour. Read more about the Museum of Innocence here.
İstiklal Avenue
Pedestrianized İstiklal Avenue is a popular destination in Istanbul, thanks to its shopping.
The side streets off of it are home to many bars, restaurants, and museums. If you don’t want to walk, ride the historic tram that runs down the center of the street.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square is Istanbul’s major gathering point.
Located at the end of İstiklal Avenue, it’s a transportation hub and a social hub that hosts everything from food stands to protests.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The beautiful Dolmabahçe Palace is one Istanbul’s highlights. This largest palace in Turkey was an Ottoman administrative center. It strikes an imposing view from both the city and the Bosphorus.
Today, its expansive grounds along the water include the palace itself, impressive gates, museums, and gardens.
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid queues and disappointment. You can purchase tickets & tours here or book as part of the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)
Until 1973, the only way to cross the Bosphorus was by boat. This changed with the opening of the Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. It connects Ortaköy in Europe and Beylerbeyi in Asia.
This First Bridge across the Bosphorus has since been joined by a couple of others, but at its opening it was the world’s longest suspension bridge outside of the United States.
The iconic Istanbul landmark can best be seen from the water. It’s one of the most popular sights on any Istanbul boat cruise.
Rumeli Fortress
Two imposing fortresses guard the Bosphorus at its narrowest point through Istanbul. Rumeli Fortress sits on the European side of the water.
I love exploring the grounds of the fortress, which has spectacular views of the surrounding area (and is also a great workout thanks to its position on the side of a hill). It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Istanbul.
Anadoluhisarı
The second of the two forts on either side of the Bosphorus is Anadoluhisarı (website).
This 14th-century fortress is now home to the Anatolian Fortress Museum.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is another prominent landmark in Istanbul, located along the Bosporus.
Ottoman sultans once used the palace as a summer residence. It can be visited on day tours of Istanbul, seen on boat cruises, or visited on your own.
Maiden’s Tower
Pay close attention when traveling on the ferry from the European side of Istanbul to Kadıköy and the Asian side of the city, and you’ll spot the striking Maiden’s Tower on an island in the Bosporus.
Maiden’s Tower (website) has a rich history dating back to 410 BCE, when a tower was built at the site to conduct customs activities. It later became a defensive tower and then a lighthouse.
Today, the recently restored Istanbul landmark is open for tours. It has appeared in everything from James Bond films to an Assassin’s Creed video game.
Çamlıca Tower
Çamlıca Tower (website) is a communications tower on the Asian side of Istanbul. Its shape was inspired by the tulip flowers that bloom each spring. The tower also has observation decks, shops, and restaurants.
Tickets are included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass or can be purchased separately.
Istanbul Sapphire
Istanbul Sapphire (website) is one of the tallest buildings in Turkey. For a time, the 261m (856 ft) tall tower was the tallest. The Istanbul Sapphire Sky Deck sits atop the building, providing some of the best views of Istanbul.
Entry is included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass as well as via separate tickets. While I enjoyed the view, I’m not sure I would have paid the entry fee or taken the journey out to the building if it hadn’t been included with my pass.
Yoros Castle
As I’ve mentioned above, no visit to Istanbul is complete without taking a boat ride on the Bosporus.
While the ferries and boat cruises are great, there’s another seasonal boat trip that explores the Bosporus at a leisurely pace. After departing from central Istanbul, the boat travels north toward the Black Sea, making a few stops before ending up at Anadolu Kavağı for a long break to explore. See the boat website for more details, including schedules.
The port town has a variety of restaurants and shops, but be sure to head up the hill to Yoros Castle for spectacular 360-degree views of the Bosporus and the Black Sea.
Princes’ Islands
Just outside of Istanbul sits a group of islands known as the Princes’ Islands. These islands also make for a nice day trip out of the busy city, especially when the weather is great.
While you can visit and explore the island on your own by taking a ferry, there are also day trip tours available.
Book a Princes’ Island tour here!
Hammams
Traditional Turkish baths, known as hammam, are a ritual that dates back centuries. If you’re interested in local spa treatments, Istanbul has several historic baths that welcome visitors.
Explore Turkish bath experiences here!
Food Tours
Turkish food is one of my favorite cuisines in the world. If you really want to get to know Istanbul, one of the best ways to do it is to take a local food tour, which will introduce you to tasty dishes such as kunefe.
Find great local food tour options here!
The Cats of Istanbul
My final must-see in Istanbul is a moving target. The city is home to thousands of cats.
These cats are well-cared for and can be found everywhere, from the streets to inside shops and museums.
The documentary “Kedi” is an excellent showcase of the city’s beloved inhabitants.
If you’re a cat lover, you’ll love Istanbul even more thanks to these cute residents.
Here are some great Istanbul tours.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these Istanbul hotels.
