In a nutshell
- From majestic mosques to palaces, Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities for lovers of history and design.
- Wander through Istanbul’s lively neighborhoods. Don’t miss the colorful streets of Balat and the authentic vibe of Kadıköy—two of the best places to visit in Istanbul off the beaten path.
- For unforgettable views, head up high! Climb the tallest observation point, the Çamlıca Tower, and take in one of the best sights in Istanbul from above.
- Whether it’s bustling markets, fascinating museums, or a Bosphorus boat trip, there’s no shortage of top attractions in Istanbul beyond the classic sightseeing spots.
Istanbul Map of Attractions
Before we introduce you to our top sights in Istanbul, here’s a quick overview of where to find the city’s main attractions.
Hagia Sophia
- Admission: 32,50 Euro
- Tickets: available on the official website or on GetYourGuide
Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic sights in Istanbul and even ranks among the most famous attractions in the world. It’s definitely a must-see.
The mosque is stunning and awe-inspiring. Standing beneath its massive 56-meter-high dome is a moment you won’t forget.
Its history is equally remarkable. Originally built 1,500 years ago as a Christian church, it even served as a model for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Today, you can still discover golden mosaics from its Christian era.
Our tip: The line in front can get very long. To skip the wait and learn more about its history, we recommend a guided tour with fast-track entry.
Book a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque without queuing
Skip-the-line Hagia Sophia ticket with audio guide
Blue Mosque
- Admission: free
Located directly opposite Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is one of the most visited buildings in Istanbul and a classic photo spot.
Its official name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, but it’s called the Blue Mosque because of the blue and white tiles that decorate the interior. The six minarets make it stand out—only a few mosques in the world have this many.
Visitors can enter for free outside prayer times. Current prayer times are listed on the official website.
The queue is often long! Either arrive early or book a small group tour to skip the line.
Book a small group tour of the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
Cisterna Basilica - The Sunken Palace
- Admission: 35.90 euros
- Tickets: available on the official website or on GetYourGuide
This attraction takes you underground. The Cisterna Basilica is the largest surviving water cistern from ancient Constantinople, measuring 138 meters long and 65 meters wide.
Often called the Sunken Palace, it feels magical with hundreds of columns reflected in the water and massive Medusa heads serving as supports.
Familiar? You might have spotted it in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love or Inferno with Tom Hanks, which filmed some scenes here.
For a deeper dive into its history, a guided tour is highly recommended.
Book a guided tour of the Cisterna Basilica without queuing
Cisterna Basilica skip-the-line audio guide ticket
Ortaköy Mosque
- Admission: free
This charming mosque, officially called Büyük Mecidiye Camii, is in the Beşiktaş district. The best view is from a Bosphorus boat tour.
Don’t miss the interior—it’s bathed in natural light from the many windows. The surrounding area is also worth exploring.
You can reach it easily by ferry from Eminönü, with the dock right next to the mosque.
Our tip: Food lovers will enjoy the ~20 kumpir stalls behind the mosque, serving delicious stuffed potatoes with a variety of toppings.
Topkapı Palace
- Admission: 62.50 euros
- Tickets: buy online in advance via Tiqets
Topkapı Palace is one of the most impressive places to visit in Istanbul. It was the residence of Ottoman Empire.
Here you will feel as if you have stepped into a fairytale palace from 1001 Nights. Stroll through beautiful courtyards and discover original jewelry, weapons, paintings, and kitchen tools in the exhibitions.
Plan at least half a day here, as Topkapı Palace is one of the largest palace museums in the world.
Our tip: Don’t miss the harem, where up to 2,000 women once lived! A guided tour is the perfect way to experience the life of the sultans and get transported to another era.
Book a guided tour of Topkapı Palace with harem
Topkapı Palace & Harem skip-the-line audio guide ticket
Çamlıca Mosque
- Admission: free of charge
One Istanbul attraction you shouldn’t miss is the Çamlıca Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey!
Perched on a hill in the Üsküdar-Çamlıca district on the Asian side, it offers a fantastic panoramic view of Istanbul.
It is one of the few mosques in the world with six minarets—the other being the Blue Mosque, listed under number 2.
The expansive forecourt and inner courtyard are impressive, and inside you’ll find much more: a museum, art gallery, library, conference hall, and a small park next door.
Currently, the mosque can only be reached by bus, though a subway connection is planned in the coming years.
Galata Bridge
Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn, linking the old town with the Beyoğlu district. From here, you get a great view of Istanbul’s skyline.
The two-story bridge is famous for its restaurants on the lower level and street food stalls along the southern side. On the upper level, the railings are nearly hidden by all the fishermen—a fascinating scene to watch!
Walking across is the best way to experience the buzz and energy, though buses and trams also cross here. Note: there is no bus stop directly on the bridge.
Our tip: Don’t leave without trying a fish sandwich at one of the stalls—delicious and inexpensive.
The Colorful Balat District
Istanbul is full of exciting neighborhoods to explore, and Balat in Fatih is a true highlight.
The top attraction in Balat is Kiremit Street, where one colorful house follows another—perfect for photo opportunities. These streets are some of the most photographed sights in Istanbul.
You’ll also find plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants in Balat. Away from the main roads, the area has a more local, lived-in vibe.
The easiest way to reach Balat is by bus or ferry. The Fener ferry dock is right across from the main road, with a bus stop nearby serving many routes.
Gülhane Park
Need a break from the city’s chaos? Head to Gülhane Park!
Located near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this peaceful green space is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic on the lawn.
The park is beautifully maintained and free to enter.
Walking through the park will bring you straight to the waterfront, allowing a leisurely stroll all the way to Galata Bridge.
The Authentic Kadıköy
Kadıköy, on Istanbul’s Asian side, is a must-visit place in Istanbul. Here you get a sense of the city’s authentic vibe—less touristy and very lively.
The area is colorful, energetic, and full of surprises. Just wander through its small cafés, restaurants, and vintage shops.
Bahariye Street, home to the Süreyya Opera House, is always bustling. Don’t miss the famous fish market near the harbor.
Kadıköy is popular with young people, and for those seeking nightlife, Bar Street is the place to be.
Walk Along the Moda Promenade
For a relaxing stroll, head to the Moda Promenade in Kadıköy and continue to Moda Pier.
From here, you have a beautiful view over the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. Watching the yachts glide by is surprisingly calming.
Need a break? Sit in a café for a Turkish tea or enjoy lunch at one of the delicious fish restaurants along the waterfront.
Galata Tower
- Admission: 35 euros
- Tickets: buy in advance on the official website or on Tiqets
The Galata Tower was originally part of Istanbul’s city fortifications and has also served as a prison, watchtower, and lighthouse.
The nine-story tower rises nearly 67 meters, offering a 360-degree panoramic view over the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara from the top.
Elevators reach only the seventh floor, so the final stretch must be climbed by foot. You can descend via the stairs.
There’s a café and restaurant at the top, but we recommend exploring the Galata district around the tower instead, with its colorful streets, bars, and excellent restaurants.
Book your Galata Tower ticket without queuing
Çamlıca Tower
- Admission: from 23 euros
- Tickets: available online on GetYourGuide or on site
From the modern Çamlıca Tower on Küçük-Çamlıca Hill, you get a magnificent view over the city. At 369 meters, it’s Turkey’s tallest building, far higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The elevator takes you swiftly to the viewing platforms on the 33rd and 34th floors, at 148 and 153 meters.
Heads up: the glass elevator goes up the outside of the tower—be prepared if you’re afraid of heights!
Even if you don’t go to the top, the tower’s beautiful park and views of the banking district make it worth a visit.
Book your Çamlıca Tower ticket
Viewing Platform Sapphire of Istanbul
- Admission: 13 euros, 19 euros for the combined ticket with 4D cinema
- Tickets: buy in advance online on GetYourGuide or on site
At the Sapphire Shopping Mall in the financial district, you’ll find Istanbul’s second tallest skyscraper: the Sapphire Observation Deck.
From 236 meters, enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul. Sunset here is unforgettable. Don’t miss the 4D cinema simulating a helicopter flight over the city’s sights.
Book your Sapphire Observation Deck ticket
Pierre Loti Tepesi Observation Deck
This viewpoint with a café sits on Pierre Loti Hill and can be reached by cable car. From the top, you have a gorgeous view of a side branch of the Bosphorus.
The French writer Pierre Loti loved this spot, and it’s said he wrote here, giving the hill its name.
Visit early in the morning to avoid queues, or take a cab or walk up along a scenic path past an old cemetery.
Maiden's Tower
From Üsküdar, take a boat to the Leander Tower, an historic lighthouse on a small Bosphorus island.
Legends abound, including a story of a princess imprisoned here. That’s why it’s also called the Maiden’s Tower, and you can learn more about the tales inside.
The visit is quick, but the views alone are worth it. Enjoy the peaceful, romantic atmosphere away from the city bustle.
Sit in the small café, sip a Turkish mocha, and let the magical vibe take over.
Book a boat tour in Istanbul including Leander Tower
Shopping Street İstiklal Caddesi
If you feel like shopping, the main shopping street İstiklal Caddesi is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
From international brands to trendy Turkish boutiques, there’s something for everyone. Need a break? Just pop into one of the many cafés or restaurants along the street.
A unique feature of this shopping mile is the historic streetcar that runs from Tünel Square to Taksim Square—a classic photo opportunity!
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the largest and most famous market in Istanbul. With over 4,000 shops spanning more than 20,000 square meters, it’s truly a top attraction in Istanbul.
Bring plenty of time to explore. From souvenirs and jewelry to books and clothing, you’ll find it all here. Haggling with the merchants is part of the fun—but don’t get lost in the maze of alleys!
The bazaar’s special charm comes from its oriental atmosphere and vivid hustle and bustle, reminiscent of markets in Marrakech.
Open daily except Sundays and public holidays from 8:30 am to 7 pm, the covered market is perfect even in rainy weather.
Egyptian Bazaar
Not far from the Grand Bazaar, near the Galata Bridge, you’ll find the Egyptian Bazaar, also called the Spice Bazaar, filled with Turkish specialties.
Discover a wide variety of teas, sweets, and, of course, spices. With so many colors and aromas, it’s a feast for the senses—a top thing to see in Istanbul!
The bazaar is covered, so it’s ideal even on rainy days.
Santral Istanbul
One of the more unusual attractions in Istanbul is a former coal-fired power plant, now transformed into the creative art and culture center Santral Istanbul, on the campus of Istanbul Bilgi University.
In addition to a documentation center with a cinema, a public library, and a café in a converted workshop, you’ll also find the Energy Museum with hands-on exhibitions for children. Everything here is free of charge. Check details on the official website.
Sightseeing Cruise Across the Bosphorus
A Bosphorus cruise is one of the best things to see in Istanbul. You’ll pass famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Galata Tower. An audio guide shares fascinating stories about each attraction.
Our tip: Bring a small piece of bread to feed the seagulls that follow the boat—it’s a fun experience!
Book a sightseeing cruise with audio guide
Day Trip to Troy
Once you’ve explored Istanbul, consider a day trip to the surrounding area, packed with history and sights.
Note: It’s quite a long drive to Troy, so day trips take around 14–18 hours in total.
The guided tour of ancient Troy is especially exciting. You’ll learn about the legendary city, see the archaeological remains, and marvel at a replica of the Trojan Horse.
If your hotel is on the European side of Istanbul, transfer is included, as is lunch at a local restaurant.
General Tips for Istanbul
Before you set off, here are some useful tips for making the most of your stay in Istanbul.
#1 Take a guided tour of Istanbul
Istanbul is huge, and there’s so much to see. If you don’t have a lot of time to explore on your own, a guided tour is a great way to experience the city’s top attractions.
Local, German-speaking guides are easy to find, and they know the city inside out. You’ll often get fantastic Istanbul restaurant tips and insider tips for Istanbul along the way.
We recommend these tours in Istanbul:
Private 1- or 2-day tour to all the highlights of Istanbul
7-hour tour of Istanbul’s top sights with priority entry
Full-day Istanbul tour including lunch
#2 Get the Istanbul Tourist Pass
The Istanbul Tourist Pass is available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days, starting from 139 euros. It covers a lot, including guided tours of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace.
The pass also includes a Bosphorus boat tour with dinner, a discounted hop-on hop-off bus tour, a performance by the Dancing Dervishes, and unlimited internet access—so you can avoid roaming charges.
A few things to keep in mind: the guided tours are only available in English, and you need to plan your itinerary carefully, as some activities require advance booking.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want tours in German, this pass might not be the best fit.
#3 Be mindful of cultural customs
When visiting Istanbul’s stunning mosques, it’s important to follow the dress code.
You cannot wear shorts or skirts, and shoulders must be covered. Shoes must be removed before entering.
Women are also required to cover their hair with a scarf, but no worries—you can borrow one at the entrance.
#4 Getting from Istanbul airports to the city
All our tips on traveling from Istanbul’s airports to the city center are available in a separate article.
#5 Choose a centrally located hotel in Istanbul
Istanbul is vast! To save time, it’s best to stay in central areas like Beyoğlu, Ortaköy, or Sultanahmet.
What was your favorite thing to see in Istanbul?
These were our tips for the best places to visit in Istanbul. Have you been to the city and discovered even more sights? Share your experiences in the comments!