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 Private Tour: Taste of Local Food
We provide to our Guests to experience real local food which are not touristic and see hidden streets of Istanbul . We present food and history combined tour which is rare in Istanbul. You will visit the oldest historical buildings and historical streets of Istanbul and experience street delicacies. You will be taken to an original tour where you can see hidden historical mosques and churches and Byzantine ruins in this tour, which starts with the Egyptian bazaar and continues to the Grand Bazaar.
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Turkey Museums of Istanbul Tour
Immerse yourself in the incredible history and culture of Turkey with this tour through the Topkapi Palace Museum. This package gives you the unique opportunity to skip inconvenient lines and connect with local tour guides, allowing you to gain fresh insights from their observations and experience. Originally serving as the offical residence for Ottoman Sultans, this museum is both visually enticing and filled with interesting wonders.
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Istanbul Archeological Tour with Tickets
Join our guided tour and discover ancient treasures, from the Alexander Sarcophagus to the world’s oldest peace treaty. Dive into the stories of civilizations past with our expert guide. Book now for a journey through history! This tour have a maximum of 12 to 13 people.
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Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht
Admire Istanbul’s skyline as you glide down the Bosphorus, passing striking landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Set sail in the evening in time to watch the sunset from the water, sip included soft drinks and snack on a range of canapés and fruits, and listen to the live onboard commentary to learn more about the city’s fascinating history and heritage.
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Private Ottoman Istanbul Full‐Day Tour with Local Expert Guide
Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Ottoman Istanbul on this full‐day private tour. Visit the key cultural heritage sites such as the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and feel the Ottoman majesty. Get inspiration from the spiciness and brightness of the Grand Bazaar. Learn about the awe‐inspiring history of the Hagia Sophia, originally built as an Orthodox Christian cathedral, and converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Choose the early morning or evening to visit the Hagia Sophia for a crowd‐free excursion. A lunch break and a cup of Turkish flavored coffee are included. Explore the world of Ottoman civilization in a company of a personal guide; Visit the key historical sites such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia; Feel the vibrant buzz of the Grand Bazaar; Admire the spectacular view from the Bosphorus waterfront; Savor a traditional meal at a local restaurant; Choose the visiting time for a crowd‐free excursion in the Hagia Sophia
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Istanbul Highlights Small Group or Private Guided Tour with Drink
Get the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s most iconic places during a half‐day tour of the Old City with an experienced guide. Step into the world of Ottoman sultans and Byzantine emperors as you make your way from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque and the underground Basilica Cistern. Explore the gleaming mosaics at Hagia Sophia, then immerse yourself in the bright colors, vivid scents and bustling aisles of the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy the personal experience of a small‐group tour, with insider tips and advice from a local.
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Istanbul Small‐Group Full‐Day Walking Tour with Hagia Sophia
Discover some of Istanbul’s top attractions on a full‐day walking tour in the old city of Sultahnahmet. Visit the opulent Topkapi Palace — one of the main palaces for the Ottoman sultans, then take in the magnificent Hagia Sophia, where Byzantine and Ottoman rulers worshipped. Continue to another gem, the Blue Mosque, then walk around the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar, learning about the history of each site from your informative guide. Your small‐group tour includes lunch and is limited to eight people for a more personalized experience.
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Istanbul Old City Highlights Small‐Group Full‐Day Walking Tour
Explore the highlights and hidden gems of Istanbul's Old City on a full‐day small‐group walking tour. Begin with visits to the iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hippodrome. Then, learn about Istanbul's fascinating past and present from your knowledgeable guide as you stroll through the neighborhood's charming streets and alleys. Finally, with the help of your guide, navigate the labyrinth of stores at the Grand Bazaar.
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Istanbul Old City Group Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer
Get a holistic look at Istanbul’s highlights on a full‐day group tour of the Old City. Together with your guide, you’ll discover the eventful stories behind the Hippodrome, Sogukcesme Sokak, and the German Fountain. Guided visits inside the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace ensure a truly comprehensive experience. Set at a comfortable pace, you’re able to fully appreciate Istanbul's history.
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Istanbul Top Sights Private or Small‐Group Half‐Day Tour
Visit four of Istanbul’s most important sights in one day with this private or small‐group tour. Admire the Blue Mosque, visit Hagia Sophia, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern, as you learn about Istanbul’s history, cultural heritage, and religious traditions from your guide. Finally, take a walk through the spice bazaar, before ending the tour with a traditional Turkish coffee. Admission tickets are not included.
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.