Discover What to Do in Istanbul for a Culturally‐Rich Sojourn
The first stop for newly-arrived travelers wondering what to do in Istanbul is the Sultanahmet district, home to the city's most iconic sites. Stepping into the Hagia Sophia immediately reveals the city’s multi-layered identity; once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, this architectural chameleon is a must see in Istanbul. Across the square lies the Blue Mosque, famed for its six slender minarets and hypnotic İznik tilework. Just steps away, the hauntingly lit columns and Medusa heads of the Basilica Cistern make a visit here one of the most atmospheric and unique things to do in Istanbul.
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Top Experiences in Istanbul
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Istanbul layover tour from Istanbul airport
Meet your tour guide at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Istanbul SAW Airport and start the Istanbul layover tour with the highlights of Istanbul. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your flight.Admire Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. It played a very important role in the Christian and Islamic world. After the Ottoman conquest the bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over to convert the church into a mosque, then a museum in 1934. In July 2020 it is converted into a mosque again and it’s the must‐see point of daily Istanbul tours.Nest stop will be the ancient Romans' hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. This amazing Mosque was built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I. It is truly a magnificent masterpiece of architecture with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such massive scale and it’s on the to‐see list in Istanbul of every guest.Stroll around the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops selling spice, Turkish delight, jewelry, gold, leather products, carpet, and rugs. Remember that guided tours are best here to visit the Grand Bazaar, otherwise, you will get lost in its appealing streets. The last stop will be Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene Church.
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Treasures of Istanbul from Magnificent İstanbul
Most important sights from the “Magnificient Century” of Ottomans. SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE largest imperial mosque, built on the order of Süleyman The Magnificient by the Court Architect Sinan. The mosque crowns İstanbul on a hilltop dominating Golden Horn. Tomb of Sultan Süleyman The Magnificient and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana), and the Tomb of Master Architect Sinan. TURKISH AND ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM beatifully displaying examples; illuminated Qurans and Turkish carpets collection. Lunch at a fine Ottoman Cuisine restaurant. ARASTA BAZAAR built in 17th century in the heart of Sultanahmet. The shops in the bazaar everything from jewelry, carpets, souvenirs, ceramics, and more. BYZANTINE GREAT PALACE the remainsof which lie beneath today’s Blue Mosque. MOSAIC MUSEUM is the standout attraction and an undervalued gem of İstanbul. THE CISTERN, the big underground water reservoir of Constantinople. MILLION STONE, a monument erected in the 4th century AD as the Byzantine zero‐mile marker, the starting‐place for all the roads leading to the cities of the Byzantine Empire.
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Istanbul Pub Crawl — Istanbul Bar Nights
Discover the vibrant heart of Istanbul's nightlife with a carefully curated pub crawl, designed for both travelers and locals. Join an engaging and energetic group as you explore some of the city's most exciting bars and clubs. This guided experience offers a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable evening in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Join us for an extraordinary night of fun, socializing, and discovery as you explore Istanbul’s top nightlife destinations. This is more than just a night out—it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most captivating cities.
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Istanbul Classics
Tour the "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the old city from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.(visit is not possible on Friday because of crowded noon prayer) Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
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Transfer between Istanbul Airport and Istanbul Hotel
Travel in style and comfort to or from Istanbul Airport and your hotel. Bypass the stress of queues for taxis and buses. Instead, simply hop into your waiting private vehicle and get to your destination on time. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a private, door‐to‐door transfer between Istanbul Airport and your accommodation
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Istanbul: Bus Transfer To/From Istanbul Airport (IST)
Hop on the modern, punctual buses from Terravision Istanbul. Travel easily between Istanbul Airport (IST) and the city center, Fatih/S. Ahmet Ispark. Terravision Istanbul will make sure you reach your destination on time. Whether you're heading to the airport or exploring the city, rely on their service for quick transportation. Relax in their air‐conditioned buses. They have spaces for strollers and foldable wheelchairs. You can bring small cats and dogs in carrying boxes.
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Istanbul: Private Transfer from New Istanbul Airport (IST)
Book a comfortable, economical private Istanbul Airport transfer to Istanbul city. Save time by skipping taxis and public transport to reach your hotel more easily. Reserve a private Istanbul transfer for a smooth arrival at Istanbul Airport. A personal driver will wait at the transfer desk on the transportation floor, even if your flight is delayed. Assistance with luggage will be provided, and you will be taken to your hotel in a comfortable, modern van. A professional team will monitor flight delays to ensure assistance.
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Istanbul Aquarium with Return Transport from Central Istanbul
Gentoo penguins, capybaras, and guitarfish are just some of the amazing animals you’ll see inside Istanbul Aquarium. With 66 tanks, 7,000 cubic meters of water, and 1,500 species there’s no shortage of marine life to behold. Enjoy a route that takes you through the world’s water systems from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean to the South Pole and the Amazon. With 17,000 creatures inside you’ll walk out feeling much more familiar with the diversity of the planet’s oceans. This ticket also includes return transport to Florya from central quarters of Istanbul, including Taksim, Sirkeci and Sultanahmet.
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Private Istanbul Tour
Our private tour of the historic city of Istanbul is not just a tour, it is a gateway to a bygone era, a journey that allows you to live and breathe the rich history and culture of one of the most fascinating cities in the world. What makes our tour unique is the personal and exclusive approach that we offer. Unlike mass group tours, our private experience guarantees you full attention and the chance to explore Istanbul at your own pace, with the flexibility to focus on your particular interests. In addition, you will be in the hands of our experienced guide, whose command of Spanish is at a native level. His in‐depth knowledge of Istanbul, its history, culture, and the city's best‐kept secrets, will provide you with a full immersion into the life of this magnificent metropolis. Our mission is to make you discover Istanbul not as a tourist, but as a true local, taking you on a journey through time and history.
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Photographer in Istanbul
istanbul visitors hoping to snap some fantastic vacation photos shouldn't settle for smartphone selfies when you can book a photographer to take great photos for you. With this photo shoot experience, just meet‐up with your photographer‐guide and enjoy a shoot with the iconic buildings in the background. Photo shooting spots in istanbul: - Blue Mosque - Hagia Sophia - Suleymaniye Mosque - Bosphorus Private Yacht(extra charge) - Ortakoy - Galata Tower - Taksim - Umbrella Street - Balat Colorful Stairs Capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Return from your trip with beautiful, high‐quality vacation photos — the best souvenir ever. PLS NOTE: This photo shoot package covers only one location from the list. Adding more locations will increase the package fee. Please be aware that the service fee mentioned is per person. This is not a group price! Please specify your preferred spot from the list with your booking.
What to Do in Istanbul at Night: Where Heritage Meets Hedonism
As dusk settles over the Bosphorus, the city transforms. If you’re wondering what to do in Istanbul at night, begin with cocktails at Mikla, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views and a Nordic-Turkish tasting menu that’s as compelling as the skyline. Next, a cruise along the Bosphorus, passing under light-strung bridges alongside Ottoman palaces glowing in the night.
Unique Things to Do in Istanbul for the Sophisticated Explorer
While the Grand Bazaar often takes the limelight, explorers seeking unique things to do in Istanbul should head to the Çukurcuma neighborhood, a maze of antique shops, galleries, and the literary Museum of Innocence, based on the novel by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk. If you’re chasing stories rather than souvenirs, a visit to this district is one of the best things you can do in Istanbul.
Take a private boat tour to the Princes’ Islands, where bicycles have replaced horse-drawn carriages, yet time still seems to slow. Alternatively, dive into Turkish craftsmanship with a bespoke Ebru (marbling art) workshop in an old han (inn), tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of Beyazıt.
What to See and Do in Istanbul Off the Beaten Track
Beyond the picture-postcard sights, a visit to the Istanbul Modern, Turkey’s premier contemporary art museum, now housed in a stunning new building by Renzo Piano on the Karaköy waterfront should be included on your list of what to see and do in Istanbul. Next, explore the Fener and Balat neighborhoods, once home to Greek Orthodox and Jewish communities, where faded mansions and pastel facades offer a visual feast.
For the spiritually inclined, don’t miss a Whirling Dervish ceremony in a historic tekke; this mesmerizing, meditative experience is one of the most memorable, must-do moments for any culture-seeker in Istanbul.
What to Do in Istanbul in Two Days: Culture, Cuisine, and Cruising
If you're lucky enough to have 48 hours to spend, deciding what to do in Istanbul becomes an elegant dance between tradition and trend. Day one: follow the classic trail through Sultanahmet, then enjoy a Turkish hammam at Hurrem Sultan Hamamı, a luxury experience that restores the soul.
Day two: begin the morning on the ferry to Üsküdar then take a walk to Maiden’s Tower, followed by a leisurely lunch in Moda. Afternoon tea at Pera Palace Hotel (where Agatha Christie once penned her best-selling mysteries) is a must for literature lovers, and sunset from Galata Tower offers a golden finale to your Istanbul itinerary.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Traveling in Istanbul
Deciding what to do in Istanbul is not about ticking boxes; it’s about embracing a city that’s equal parts poem and puzzle. Whether you’re wandering centuries-old alleyways or watching the city glitter from a rooftop bar, Istanbul’s every contradiction captivates. It’s a place where your senses — and your soul — will always be full.
The next time you find yourself asking what to do in Istanbul, know this: the answer is always unfolding, always surprising, and always worth returning to.