Things To Do In Istanbul

Quick answer: The top things to do in Istanbul are visiting the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque, climbing Galata Tower, exploring the Basilica Cistern, browsing the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar, and strolling Istiklal Street. Stay in Sultanahmet and most of these are within walking distance.

Istanbul is the only city in the world that stretches across two continents. The main part of the city sits on the southeastern tip of Europe and is separated from its Asian suburbs by the Bosphorus, the world’s narrowest strait used for international navigation.

Having been the seat of two empires and a centre of art and science for several hundred years, Istanbul is rich in heritage and architecture. Here is my guide to the best things to do in Istanbul, whether you’re on a budget or not.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Sultanahmet is ideal for its proximity to the city’s major attractions, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Basilica Cistern. They are all within walking distance of most hostels.

I spent five days in Istanbul and called Avrasya Hostel home. It’s in the heart of Sultanahmet, a few blocks from the city’s major attractions. It’s an excellent choice for longer stays, couples or anyone wanting a relaxing time in the city, and it also happens to serve an excellent breakfast.

Getting to Sultanahmet from Atatürk Airport

At the time of my visit, all major airlines flew in and out of Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport (IST), on the European side of the city. Note: most passenger flights have since moved to the new Istanbul Airport, so check which airport you are arriving at.

The cheapest way to reach Sultanahmet from Atatürk was by Metro and Tram. You’ll need Turkish Lira coins or small notes (TL 5 or TL 10).

• After exiting customs, turn right, walk to the end of the terminal and follow the signs to the Metro, down the elevator or escalator.
• Follow the Metro signs along the concourse to Havalimanı station on the left at the end.
• Take the M1A (Red Line) to Zeytinburnu, the sixth station.
• Exit the metro station and walk 4 blocks to the tramway.
• From Zeytinburnu, take the T1 (Blue Line) towards Kabataş and get off at Sultanahmet (15th stop).

Top Things to Do in Istanbul

Attraction	Cost at the time of my visit
Blue Mosque	Free
Topkapi Palace	40 TL (plus 25 TL for the Harem and Halberdiers)
Hagia Sophia	45 TL
Süleymaniye Mosque	Free
Galata Tower	18.5 TL
Basilica Cistern	20 TL
Spice Market	Free
Grand Bazaar	Free
Istiklal Street	Free

Prices have changed considerably since then, so check current rates before you go.

#1 Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, was built in the early 17th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. It gets its name from the blue-green colour reflected by its cobalt tiles, and it is one of Istanbul’s most prominent mosques, famous for its six minarets.

The mosque has three parts: the outer courtyard, the inner courtyard and the domed central building. The central dome is surrounded by smaller domes that create a wave effect as they decrease in size and height from the centre.

Cost: Entrance is free.

#2 Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is the most extensive monument of Turkish civil architecture, a complex of courts, pavilions, mosques and fountains. It was made up of two parts, the Enderun and the Birun.

• Enderun: the private residence of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, who conquered the city in 1453.
• Birun: housed the government, the administration and the palace’s services.

The museum in the complex houses Islamic relics, including books, jewellery, weapons, manuscripts and garment collections.

Cost: 40 TL for the Topkapi Palace museum, plus 25 TL to visit the Harem and Halberdiers. Topkapi Palace Museum could be visited using the Museum Pass.

#3 Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia means “Divine Wisdom” in Greek. It was built in 537 AD as a Greek Orthodox church and remained the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. In 1453 Sultan Mehmet II converted it into an Ottoman mosque after conquering the city.

It was secularised and opened as a museum in 1935, which is how I visited it; it has since been converted back into a mosque. Famous for its massive dome, Hagia Sophia is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have “changed the history of architecture”.

Cost: 45 TL per person when it was a museum. Hagia Sophia could then be visited using the Museum Pass.

#4 Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Suleyman I between 1550 and 1557, and stands on one of the seven hills of Istanbul. It consists of an outer courtyard, an inner courtyard and a domed prayer hall.

The outer courtyard is surrounded by buildings that once served as an academy, hospital and baths.

Cost: Entrance is free.

#5 Galata Tower

The Byzantines called Galata Tower the “Great Bastion”, while the Genoese called it the “Jesus Tower”. The first foundations were laid in 528 AD and the tower was built in 1348.

Standing high above the Golden Horn, the tower offers a magnificent view of Istanbul from its balcony.

Cost: 18.5 TL per person.

#6 Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is the grandest and most impressive of Istanbul’s cisterns. This spectacular underground reservoir is an exquisite piece of Byzantine engineering that once stored drinking water brought to the city by aqueducts.

Cost: 20 TL per person.

#7 Spice Market

Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, the domed L-shaped market has an oriental aura and is vibrant with rich aromas and colours. Food and spice lovers could spend a whole day here among shops selling everything from the finest pastirma, cheese and olives to linden tea, coconuts and a variety of spices and herbs.

The market got its name from goods that arrived from Arab countries, India and the Far East by a special boat via Egypt.

Cost: Free.

#8 Grand Bazaar

As the name suggests, the Grand Bazaar is the biggest market in Istanbul. The domed building has over 5,000 stores spread across a giant labyrinth of small streets and passages, arranged by trade: antiques, rugs, gold, silver, leather and more.

Cost: Free.

#9 Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is Istanbul’s most famous avenue, an elegant 1.4-kilometre pedestrian street in the historic Beyoğlu (Pera) district. It starts at Taksim Square, passes through Galatasaray and runs to Tünel.

It’s lined with boutiques, music stores, cafés, pubs, nightclubs, historic patisseries and restaurants.

Cost: Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best area to stay in Istanbul for sightseeing?

Sultanahmet, because the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the bazaars and the Basilica Cistern are within walking distance.

Which Istanbul attractions are free?

The Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Market, Grand Bazaar and Istiklal Street were all free to visit.

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

I spent five days in Istanbul, which gave me time to see all the attractions in this guide.

Conclusion

From grand mosques and palaces to buzzing bazaars and Istiklal Street, there is no shortage of things to do in Istanbul. Base yourself in Sultanahmet, explore on foot and let this city on two continents surprise you.