Istanbul, Turkey

Where Europe meets Asia, famed for domed mosques, bazaar alleys, Bosphorus views, and meyhanes.

istanbul and galata tower in Istanbul, Turkey

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Istanbul

  • Hagia Sophia — An monument that has served as a church, mosque and museum, famed for its massive dome.
  • Blue Mosque — The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, distinguished by six minarets and thousands of blue Iznik tiles.
  • Topkapi Palace — The lavish Ottoman sultans’ palace with courtyards, harem quarters and imperial treasures.
  • Grand Bazaar — One of the oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops across historic alleys.
  • Basilica Cistern — An ancient underground water reservoir with marble columns and atmospheric lighting.
  • Dolmabahçe Palace — A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus with grand halls and crystal chandeliers.
  • Galata Tower — A medieval stone tower in Galata with panoramic views of the old city and Bosphorus.
  • Süleymaniye Mosque — An Ottoman masterpiece designed by Sinan, with hilltop views over the Golden Horn.
  • Spice Bazaar — A historic market filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit and nuts.
  • Chora Church — A former Byzantine church with stunning mosaics and frescoes of the life of Christ.
  • +10 more sights & attractions

🥾 Trails & Hikes in Istanbul

  • Galata Bridge walk — Cross the Golden Horn between Eminönü and Karaköy, watching fishermen and seagulls.
  • Pierre Loti Hill viewpoint — A cable-car ride or walk to a hilltop café with sweeping Golden Horn views.
  • Bosphorus waterfront promenade — A walk along the Bosphorus with views of palaces, mosques and ships.
  • Istiklal Street stroll — A walk down the busy pedestrian avenue with historic buildings, shops and cafés.
  • Sultanahmet old city walk — A route connecting Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome.
  • Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque path — A short walk between two of the greatest monuments across the park.
  • Grand Bazaar alleys walk — A labyrinthine stroll through the world’s oldest covered market.
  • Spice Bazaar to Galata walk — A route from Eminönü’s spice market across Galata Bridge to Beyoğlu.
  • Topkapi Palace gardens walk — A walk through the palace courtyards with views over the Bosphorus.
  • Çamlıca Hill viewpoint walk — A climb to the hilltop mosque and park for panoramic city views.
  • +10 more trails & hikes

🍽️ Restaurants in Istanbul

  • Hamdi Restaurant — A historic terrace restaurant near the Spice Bazaar famous for kebabs and meze.
  • Ciya Sofrasi — A beloved restaurant on the Asian side serving regional Anatolian specialities.
  • Mikla — A rooftop fine-dining restaurant with Turkish-Scandinavian cuisine and city views.
  • Karaköy Lokantasi — A stylish modern meyhane serving meze, fish and Turkish classics.
  • Pandeli — A historic restaurant above the Spice Bazaar with tiled interiors and Ottoman dishes.
  • Konyali — A long-standing restaurant in Sirkeci serving traditional Turkish kebabs and pide.
  • Develi — A famous kebab house known for its Civan kebabı and Anatolian specialities.
  • Günaydin Kebap — A popular kebab chain serving grilled meats and lahmacun.
  • Doyum — A local favourite for kebabs, mezes and raki in a lively atmosphere.
  • Tarihi Ali Usta — A historic ice-cream and dessert shop famous for dondurma and künefe.
  • +10 more restaurants

🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Istanbul

  • 360 Istanbul — A rooftop bar and restaurant with 360-degree views of the Bosphorus and old city.
  • Karaköy Lokantasi rooftop — A stylish modern meyhane rooftop in the fashionable Karaköy district.
  • Mikla Rooftop — A rooftop cocktail bar at the Marmara Pera with panoramic city views.
  • Nardis Jazz Club — A long-running jazz club in Galata with nightly live performances.
  • Babylon — A music venue and club hosting live acts and DJs in Beyoğlu.
  • Reina — A famous Bosphorus-side nightclub and restaurant with multiple bars.
  • Vita Mia — A wine bar in Cihangir with a relaxed neighbourhood vibe.
  • The Hudson — A cocktail bar with a terrace in the heart of Beyoğlu.
  • Mekan — A bar and club on the Asian side with live music and a local crowd.
  • Fitzgerald — A jazz and blues bar with live music in Beyoğlu.
  • +9 more bars & nightlife

🎯 Activities & Tours in Istanbul

  • Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar — Experience the timeless beauty of Istanbul on this expertly guided Old City tour covering the city’s most iconic landmarks. Walk through centuries of Ottoman and Byzantine history as you visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the elegant Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome, and the
  • Taste of Istanbul Food Tour: Street Food & Culture — Welcome to Istanbul’s most local food & culture tour — Taste Istanbul and learn its story in two continents Hosted by professional locals, you’ll explore Istanbul’s both continents must-try foods and hidden flavors, while learning the story of Istanbul and Turkish culture in a s
  • 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour — Ready to taste the best food in Istanbul? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. 10 delicious & typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour. This tour is more than j
  • BEST of Istanbul City Full-Day Tour with Transfers — Explore Istanbul’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites on this Best of Istanbul tour, featuring iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, local culture, and authentic shopping. Choose a group tour or private option with a licensed local guide, flexible pacing, and time for photos. Ide
  • Old Town Of Istanbul - Orientation Walking Tour — Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with this insightful 2.5-hour orientation walking tour. Led by an official tour guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's history, Islam, and its most essential landmarks, helping you plan the rest of your trip more effectively. You
  • istanbul: City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque — Visit > Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar, Guiding in English, Pick up service provided. This is a customized half-day small group tour to the heart of Sultanahmet. Visit treasures of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque. Learn history about Byzantines
  • Private Istanbul Day Tour and Famous Grand Bazaar — Experience Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry as you visit the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman Islamic architecture adorned with iconic İznik tiles. Step into Hagia Sophia, a monument where centuries of Christian and Islamic history meet under one magnificent dome. Walk thro
  • Private Guided Istanbul Highlights Tour Top Historical Sites — Discover the heart of Istanbul with a fully private guided Old City highlights tour designed for a personalized and flexible experience. Explore the most iconic landmarks of the historic peninsula in a carefully planned route including Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topka
  • Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City — By choosing to be part of this ritual , you will experience this centuries-long tradition in one of the oldest historical Turkish baths in the city . Witness one of the most unique historical places in the city , get lost in time of 15th Century , with one of the most famous hea
  • Istanbul Mosaic Lamp Workshop by Hagia Sophia — Unleash your creativity in the heart of Istanbul at the Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop — one of the most unique things to do near Hagia Sophia and a true must-do cultural experience. Begin with an immersive film that unveils the rich history of mosaic art from Byzantine to Ottoman
  • +14 more activities & tours

🏨 Hotels & Stays in Istanbul

  • Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet — Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a 5-star luxury hotel in Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Located at Tevkifhane Sokak 1, Sultanahmet, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
  • Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul — Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul is a 5-star luxury hotel in Beşiktaş & Bosphorus, Istanbul. Located at Vişnezade Mah. Acısu Sok. No.19, Maçka, 34357 Istanbul, Turkey. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
  • Pera Palace Hotel — Pera Palace Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel in Beyoğlu & Pera, Istanbul. Located at Meşrutiyet Caddesi 52-56, Tepebaşı, 34421 Istanbul, Turkey. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
  • Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul — Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul is a 4-star upscale hotel in Beşiktaş & Bosphorus, Istanbul. Located at Cihannüma Mah. Sinanpaşa Cad. No:19, 34349 Istanbul, Turkey. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
  • Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy — Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy is a 4-star upscale hotel in Ataköy, Istanbul. Located at Ataköy 2-5-6 Kısım, Rauf Orbay Caddesi Sahil Yolu No 2/1, 34158 Istanbul, Turkey. Book directly via Expedia for confirmed rates and availability.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul — Luxury hotel near Taksim Square with Bosphorus views, spa, hammam, five restaurants, and Nobu.
  • The Peninsula Istanbul — Luxury hotel on the Bosphorus with spa, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, and free valet parking.
  • InterContinental Istanbul by IHG — Luxury hotel near Taksim Square with rooftop terrace, spa, three restaurants, and pool.
  • Raffles Istanbul — Luxury hotel near Bosphorus Bridge with spa, indoor pool, mall access, and panoramic city views.
  • Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — Boutique hotel near Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with rooftop restaurant and garden courtyard.
  • +9 more hotels & stays
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