What to See and Do in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world — the only metropolis that spans two continents, and a place where the layers of empire (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman) are still tangible in every neighbourhood. It is enormous, complex, and endlessly fascinating.

The Historic Peninsula

Most of Istanbul's landmark monuments are concentrated on the historic peninsula, the original city that the Romans called Constantinople.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is the centrepiece. Built as a cathedral in 537 AD, converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of 1453, turned into a museum in 1934, and returned to mosque status in 2020, it has witnessed more history than almost any building on earth. Its vast golden dome — an engineering marvel that was the largest in the world for nearly a thousand years — is breathtaking from every angle.

The Blue Mosque

Directly opposite Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) is famous for its six minarets and the 21,000 blue Iznik tiles covering its interior walls. It remains an active place of worship, so visits are timed around the prayer schedule.

Topkapı Palace

For three centuries, Topkapı Palace was the centre of the Ottoman Empire. Its treasury contains astonishing objects — the Topkapı Dagger, the Spoonmaker's Diamond, and holy relics brought from across the Islamic world. The harem section reveals the private life of the sultans.

The Grand Bazaar

With over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets, the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Navigating its labyrinthine alleys — past spices, ceramics, carpets, gold, and leather — is an experience in itself.

Beyond the Peninsula

The Bosphorus

No visit to Istanbul is complete without a Bosphorus cruise. Gliding between Europe and Asia, past Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions (yalı), and medieval fortresses, you see the city from an entirely different perspective.

Beyoglu and Istiklal Avenue

İstiklal Avenue is the social heart of modern Istanbul — a long pedestrian street lined with 19th-century European-style buildings, art galleries, restaurants, and one of the city's last remaining nostalgic trams.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Built in 1856 as the new Ottoman imperial seat, Dolmabahçe Palace is staggeringly opulent — 285 rooms, 44 halls, a 4.5-tonne crystal chandelier, and a stunning position on the Bosphorus waterfront.

Food

Istanbul's food scene is world-class. Don't leave without trying:

• Simit — sesame-crusted bread rings sold from street carts

• Balık ekmek — grilled fish sandwiches from boats at Eminönü

• Mezes — small plates of vegetables, cheeses, and seafood in a traditional meyhane (tavern)

• Baklava — especially from Kağıthane's famous pastry shops

• Turkish tea — served in tulip-shaped glasses, everywhere, always

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The city has an efficient metro, tram, and ferry network. The Istanbulkart is a reloadable card that works on all public transport.

• Best time to visit: April–June and September–October. Summer is hot and extremely crowded.

• Plan for: At least 3–4 days to cover the main sites without rushing.

• From Antalya: 1-hour flight or overnight bus. Our Turkish Riviera Circuit and Express Anatolia Tour both include Istanbul.

Istanbul is not just a stop on a Turkey itinerary — it is a destination in its own right. A city that rewards slow exploration, unexpected turns, and the willingness to get happily lost.