There’s really no way to quite sum up Istanbul. From its compelling (and lengthy) history to its thriving culture to its delicious food and its distinct neighborhoods, Istanbul is completely addictive–and there is definitely no shortage of fun things to do in Istanbul. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an architecture lover, or simply a traveler who loves to meander through beautiful neighborhoods, Istanbul has something for you. Here are some of the Best Things to see and do in Istanbul, Turkey that we listed!
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Best Things to see and do in Istanbul, Turkey
Head inside the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, so-called because of its stunning blue-tiled interior, is arguably the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul.
Technically named the Sultan Ahmed mosque after the sultan who had it constructed in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque is an unmistakable part of Istanbul’s skyline and one of the prettiest sights in Istanbul.
The building is still a functioning mosque, so though it is open to visitors, it closes during prayers each day, and an appropriate mosque dress (legs and shoulders covered, hair covered for women) is required to enter.
Explore the Grand Bazaar
The historical Grand Bazaar is located at the site where merchants used to gather from differing continents to trade and exchange goods. With over 5000 shops over tens of streets, the Grand Bazaar offers an unequaled shopping experience. You can spend a whole day here, and return again and again since there is ample to discover, explore and haggle for. From handcrafted jewelry and traditional clothes to spices, scents and lanterns, the Grand Bazaar is a thrilling and exciting place to immerse yourself in the local culture and history.
Visit the Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace once served as the primary administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. After the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1922, it was transformed into the Topkapi museum which has seen visitors from far around the globe. There are long queues for tickets every day, therefore it is worth going early.
The gardens of the museum are in themselves worth visiting. The lush greenery and sunny weather make for the perfect picnic spot for most of the year. Inside the various chambers of the palace, you can see beautiful thrones, swords and even old handwritten manuscripts that demonstrate the ancient art of calligraphy. There are also many religious tourists that make their way to Topkapi to behold some holy relics dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Tourists are expected to dress modestly to enter this particular chamber.
Indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine
Best Things to see and do in Istanbul- The cuisine of any place is a great way to discover the many layers of culture a country has to offer. Istanbul is no different and has many popular, mouthwatering dishes that any traveler should enjoy. Among must-try dishes is the doner, which is essentially a meat sandwich with delicious sauces and salad. It is available widely around the city, as well as in takeaway like places which can help keep a traveler’s budget down. Kebabs (or Kebaps) are also popular. This succulent meat is served with an array of cooling salads and yogurt which is particularly divine with fresh bread.
Try out some hookah
Hookah is everywhere in Istanbul–if you’re hoping to try it out, either for the smoke itself or simply for the photo op, you won’t have a shortage of opportunities.
Most traditional cafes and many restaurants have hookah pipes available, but if you’re looking for the easiest (and most photogenic) spot to light up, consider stopping into one of the cafes that have hookah pipes set out on each table–they’re quite easy to spot!
Take joy in the cats
Istanbul is known around the world for its cat population–I’ve even seen it said that they are part of Istanbul’s soul, and that seems quite accurate.
Istanbul is home to a plethora of semi-stray cats that are fed and cared for by the public. You can’t spend a day in Istanbul without passing at least a few of these adorable creatures, often as they’re grabbing a snack from the bowls left out for them or even directly from someone’s kitchen!
As the cats are strays, always be cautious when approaching them, but many relish pets and human attention, and visiting with them as you sip a cup of tea at a cafe is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Istanbul.