Istanbul is huuuge, so we’ll divide the guide bellow by areas in order for you to visit this city in the best way possible.
Sultanahmet area (Old Istanbul)
1. Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)
Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years and remains one of the most important historical landmarks in Istanbul. Perched above the Bosphorus, the vast palace complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Ottoman Empire, with lavish courtyards, royal chambers, treasury rooms, and beautifully decorated pavilions. Today, it serves as a museum housing an impressive collection of imperial artifacts, religious relics, and treasures, making it a must visit for anyone interested in the history of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire
Start your day with the palace, then walk 5 minutes to the 2nd landmark.
Skip the line and book your Topkapi Palace tour.
2. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii)
Originally built as an Orthodox cathedral, it later became a mosque before serving as a museum and eventually returning to its role as a mosque. Famous for its massive dome, intricate architecture, and stunning Byzantine mosaics, Hagia Sophia has stood at the heart of Istanbul for nearly 1,500 years. Whether you are interested in history, religion, or architecture, stepping inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an experience that should not be missed.
If you want more information about Hagia Sophia, here is a guided tour that we recommend.
3. The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it is renowned for its six minarets, impressive domes, and the thousands of blue Iznik tiles that decorate its interior. Located directly across from Hagia Sophia in the heart of Sultanahmet Square, it is incredibly easy to visit both during the same outing. The mosque remains an active place of worship, but visitors are welcome outside of prayer times to admire one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture.
Take a break and wonder around the Sultanahmet square and park as you will have a nice view of the 2 mosques you just visited.
Istanbul is one of our favourite food cities in the world, so make sure to check out our must-try restaurants in Istanbul guide, where we share all our favourite spots (including a must right in this area!).
4. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
The Basilica Cistern is easily one of the coolest and most unique places to visit in Istanbul. Hidden beneath the busy streets of the city, this enormous underground reservoir feels more like a movie set than a historical site, with dim lighting, hundreds of ancient columns, and eerie reflections dancing across the water. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it once supplied water to the imperial palace and surrounding buildings.
Purchase your ticket online in advance to skip the notoriously long queue. The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions, and lines can easily stretch well beyond an hour during peak season.
While wandering through the cistern, make sure you do not miss the two famous Medusa heads hidden at the back. Nobody knows exactly why they ended up here or why one is placed sideways and the other upside down, which only adds to the mystery.
5. Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
The people here are professional bargainers so use your best negotiating skills when trying to buy a souvenir.
6. Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi)
The Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, is located less than a kilometer from the Grand Bazaar and makes a great addition to the same day of sightseeing. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by the scent of hundreds of spices, teas, dried fruits, and Turkish delights filling the air. While it is smaller and easier to navigate than the Grand Bazaar, it feels just as vibrant and colorful.
Next, you should cross the oldest bridge in the city, Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), and go visit #7.
Beyoglu area
7. Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the best viewpoints in the city. Standing 67 meters tall, the medieval stone tower offers incredible 360 degree views over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the rooftops of Istanbul stretching in every direction. You can take the elevator most of the way up before climbing a short staircase to the observation deck. The views are especially beautiful around sunset, so try to time your visit accordingly, but be prepared for queues as it is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
After visiting the Galata Tower, walk along the famous Istiklal Avenue, often compared to Fifth Avenue in New York or Oxford Street in London. If you prefer, you can also hop on the historic Istanbul Nostalgic Tram and ride it all the way to #8.
8. Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) & Istiklal Avenue
Taksim Square is the modern heart of Istanbul and one of the city’s most important meeting points. It serves as a major transportation hub and is often buzzing with locals and visitors alike. The square also marks the beginning of Istiklal Avenue, one of Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian streets, lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, historic buildings, and plenty of people watching opportunities.
Check out the Çiçek Pasaji located half way on Istiklal Avenue (great place for a quick drink).
You can also take the funicular F1 from Taksim Square down to the Bosphorus, right next to Dolmabahçe Palace.
Beşiktaş area
9. Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayi)
Now you will enter the Beşiktaş area of Istanbul to visit the grand and opulent Dolmabahçe Palace. Built in the mid 19th century, the palace features more than 240 rooms, 43 halls, and enough gold, crystal, and marble to make your jaw drop. One of the highlights is the enormous crystal chandelier weighing over four tons, which somehow manages to steal the show in a palace full of extravagant details. And if that was not enough, the palace gardens offer beautiful views over the Bosphorus, making it easy to see why this was one of the most impressive residences of the Ottoman Empire
Just keep in mind that the palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Here is a guided tour that we recomment for visint the palace.
10. Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque) & Ortaköy neighborhood
The Grand Mecidiye Mosque, better known as Ortaköy Mosque, is famous for its incredible location right on the shores of the Bosphorus in the Ortaköy neighborhood. With its elegant architecture, waterfront setting, and the Bosphorus Bridge rising in the background, it is easily one of the most photographed mosques in Istanbul. Even if you are not planning to go inside, it is worth stopping by for the views alone. Plus, this is probably the best photo spot in the city if you want the famous bridge in the background.
Take the time to walk in the Ortaköy neighborhood because there are many outdoor cafes and restaurants along the waterfront, making it a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
11. Bebek area
Bebek is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Istanbul and the perfect place to slow down for a few hours. Located along the Bosphorus, it is known for its waterfront promenade, trendy cafés, stylish restaurants, and upscale atmosphere. You will find locals out for a walk, people enjoying coffee by the water, and plenty of spots to sit back and admire the views. It is a completely different side of Istanbul from the busy historic center and a great place to experience the city’s more modern and laid back lifestyle.
There is also a small marina in Bebek where you can rent boats and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus.
12. Bosphorus boat tour
You simply cannot visit Istanbul without taking a cruise on the Bosphorus. As touristy as it sounds, it is one of those experiences that is absolutely worth it. Seeing the city from the water gives you a completely different perspective, with grand palaces, historic mosques, waterfront mansions, and the famous Bosphorus bridges passing by along the way. Whether you choose a daytime cruise or a sunset one, it is one of the best ways to appreciate just how massive and beautiful Istanbul really is.
Book your Bosphorus cruise and create memories of a lifetime!
13. Nişantaşı neighborhood
Nişantaşı is where we ended up whenever we wanted a break from the historic side of Istanbul. The neighborhood feels completely different from Sultanahmet, with designer boutiques, trendy cafés, beautiful apartment buildings, and some of the best people watching in the city. We loved grabbing a coffee and wandering around the side streets, soaking up the atmosphere. If Paris and Istanbul had a baby, it would probably look something like Nişantaşı.
Hungry already? We spent way too much time eating our way through Istanbul, so we put together a dedicated must-try restaurants in Istanbul guide featuring all our favorite cafés, breakfast spots, local gems, and unforgettable dinner experiences.
14. Commercial Centers
Turkey‘s capital is a bustling metropolis with a variety of commercial centers and shopping districts, ranging from traditional bazaars to modern shopping malls. Here are some of our favorite commercial centers in Istanbul:
Istinye Park (Alisveris Merkezi)
Located in the Maslak area, one of Istanbul’s major business districts, Istinye Park is a modern and upscale shopping center located in the Istinye neighborhood of Istanbul. It features over 300 stores, including luxury brands as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and a cinema.
Zorlu Center
This is another high-end shopping center located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. It features over 200 stores, including designer brands like as well as a variety of restaurants and a performing arts center.
Kanyon
Its name represents the shape of the commercial center and it’s located in the Levent neighborhood of Istanbul. It features over 160 stores, including designer brands (not as many luxury ones) as well as a variety of restaurants and a cinema.
15. Balat neighborhood
This picturesque area is renowned for its colorful, narrow streets lined with traditional houses and buildings. From terracotta and pastel pinks to deep blues and vibrant greens, these facades seem to be taken from an artist’s palette. As you’ll explore Balat, you’ll see the neighborhood’s art scene and graffiti that tell the stories of modern Istanbul.
Check out our other article to find out how you can get to Balat in a fast and efficient way.
Continuing your Turkey adventure? Check out our Cappadocia Travel Guide for everything you need to know about hot air balloons, cave hotels, the best viewpoints, restaurants, and more.
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