The Top 10 Best Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
#10 - Galata Tower
This tower was completed in 1348 and was considered the tallest tower in Istanbul (then Constantinople). It had many renovations done, as this tower seemed to undergo many fires, storms, and battles. After the Turkish Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, much of the area surrounding the tower was destroyed and torn down. However, the tower itself wasn’t taken down, but rather used as a prison. It is said that the first flight was performed here, where a man was strapped to large wings and jumped from the top of the tower and making his way to the Asia side of the city…although that’s highly doubtful. It wasn’t until 2020 that the tower opened up as a museum. It is mainly attractive for tourists who want to get a 360 view of the city. From our experience, IT IS NOT WORTH IT TO GO INSIDE and pay the hefty fees. There are other places where you can get great views for free. But, it is beautiful to look at and definetely worth it to see in person!
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Average Cost: 650 lira ($23)
#9 - Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar
Istanbul is known for its colourful spices and aromas, and this is probably the best and most fun place to get your desired edible goodies. The Spice Bazaar is smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but it is much more manageable, especially if you’re only looking for edible gifts, like Turkish Delight, teas, and, or course, spices. Many of these shops will carry the same items, but be sure you’re getting a good deal. If the items don’t have a price tag already, don’t go into that place - you’ll probably get ripped off. If you think an item is too expensive, it probably is (unless it’s saffron - that will be expensive). Look for places that seem to list their items clearly and don’t pressure you into buying anything. The place often recommended by touring groups is Hazer Baba. We went to their shop and had a great experience.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Average Cost: FREE
#8 - Cruise the Bosphorus Strait to Asia
When you travel to Istanbul, you can visit 2 continents in 1 trip! Istanbul is the city where east meets west. On the western side is considered Europe, while the eastern side across the Bosphorus Strait is where Asia starts. While visiting Istanbul, we recommend you visit both sides of the city. The western side has more the attractions you’ll want to visit, while the eastern side has more quieter tones with lots of shopping areas and restaurants. We recommend you visit Kadikoy for some fun shopping and dining.
The best way to get between the 2 areas is riding a boat. You can do this in many ways: take a ferry, a dinner cruise, or a private ride along the Strait. It really is up to you. No matter how you get around, there is something special about traveling from one continent to the other in about 30 minutes!
Hours: varies
Average Cost: varies - standard ferries cost 57 Lira ($2)
#7 - Dolmabahce Palace
This palace was commanded by the Empire’s 31st Sultan and was constructed between 1843-56 as a palace that was more contemporary from the traditional Topkapi Palace. It cost the Empire 35 tonnes of gold (the equivalent of $2 billion today). The cost was so enormous that the Ottoman Empire went into considerable debt. A total of 6 sultans lived in the palace, with the last sultan dying in 1938. Visiting this elaborate palace, you can see why it put the Empire in debt. The gorgeous European styles of Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical are mixed with traditional Ottoman design and architecture. Some of the rooms are quite small while others will make your jaw drop. You’ll want to spend at least 2 hours here, as this area is HUGE.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
Average Cost: 650 Lira ($23)
#6 - Blue Mosque
With more than 3,000 mosques in the city, sometimes it’s hard to pick which ones are worth visiting. Some are considered more historically significant than others, and the Blue Mosque (also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque) is one of them. The Blue Mosque was completed in 1617 by the Ottoman Empire as a way for Sultan Ahmed I to find favour with God. With it being perpendicular to the Hagia Sophia, it is believed that the Sultan was trying to rival Hagia Sophia. Because of this very costly undertaking, the Islamic legal scholars protested, demanding that sultans should only construct the mosque with the spoils from victorious battles, which Sultan Ahmed had no victories under his name. The Islamic legal scholars protested so severely that they would prevent Muslims from praying in the mosque. Right before the completion of the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmed died; however, the mosque gained popularity very quickly. You’ll learn why it became so popular from its stunning colours and architecture. It’s definetely the most beautiful mosque we visited while we were in Istanbul.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - just before dusk (90 minutes in afternoon closed for prayer time - check the sign for details)
Average Cost: FREE
#5 - Grand Bazaar
Ok, this place is MASSIVE!! This place feels like a maze with its 4,400 shops inside. More than 350,000 people visit here every day, so be prepared to feel claustrophobic at certain points. The Grand Bazaar will carry many items, like Turkish lamps, edible delights, artwork, pottery, clothes, gold, and much more. Technically, you may only spend an hour here because a lot of the shops offer the same items. However, you could absolutely spend all day here if you truly want to see everything. Like our suggestion with the spice bazaar, make sure you don’t get ripped off by using the tips above in that section. It’s a really fascinating place to do your gift shopping!
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (closed Sundays)
Average Cost: FREE
#4 - Topkapi Palace
Construction was completed on Topkapi Palace in 1465 for the Sultan Mehmed II. It was to be the palace of the Sultans for the next few hundred years following the rule of the Ottoman Empire. There are many buildings within the palace walls, which are split up into courtyards. These include the kitchen and porcelain rooms, the imperial council, the treasury, audience chamber, a library, and mosques. Perhaps the most interesting part of the palace is the haram, which we highly recommend visiting. The haram is an additional price on top of your ticket, but it is not that expensive. There’s a lot of explore at the Topkapi Palace, so we recommend staying at least 2 hours.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays)
Average Cost: 750 lira ($26)
#3 - Basilica Cistern
It’s called Basilica Cistern because there used to be a basilica above this area of land as a big public square. It was used for commercial, legal, and an artistic/cultural centre. It is believed to be constructed between the 3rd and 4th century AD. The cistern was used as a water source for the palace of Constantinople and later to Topkapi Palace. Eventually, it was forgotten about until the 1500s when a French traveler wrote about it in one of his recordings. He claimed that he rowed a boat around it and could see fish swimming at the bottom. Although this claim and some movies make it seem like the water is quite deep, it actually isn’t. The water is maybe 10 inches deep. You won’t drown in the water like the movie Inferno depicts!
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Average Cost: 450 lira ($16)
#2 - Hagia Sophia
Often considered one of the most important monuments in Turkey, the Hagia Sophia has a long, rich history. With the first 2 contructions failing, the one you will see today was built in 537 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, exclaiming his temple was better than that of King Solomon’s temple. Hagia Sophia became the largest church in the world for about 1,000 years. Then, when Sultan Mehmed II conquered Istanbul in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. It became the main mosque for worshippers until the Blue Mosque was constructed later. In 1931, Thomas Whittmore (founder of the Bysantine Institute of America), discussed the idea of turning the mosque into a museum. The president of Turkey agreed to it, and the Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum, uncovering Christian mosaics and showing the history of the building. Although it is still a museum, it is also a functioning mosque for Muslims to pray in each day. Hagia Sophia is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Turkey, with an estimated 3.8 million visitors each year.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (closed during prayer times - so check sign for specific times)
Average Cost: FREE
#1 - Dervish Dancing
If you want to get culture, history, religion, and art all in one, Dervish dancing is your answer. This is an absolutely beautiful artform that has spanned many centuries. Although this is typically done in private, there are some chances for you to see Dervish dancing in show settings. Dervish dancing is basically a symbolic love letter to God. Each movement leads to a divine blessing with God and spiritual blessings to all. As they spin, they lose their earthly ways and ego to be granted spiritual perfection. It’s as if they enter a trance. The coordination these men display is truly mesmerizing. It helps to better understand their religion and culture in a dance/movement setting. It’s beautiful to witness and is definetely something you should see to get a wonderful picture of the great people of Istanbul. There’s a reason it’s our #1 must-do for you!
Hours: Varies
Average Cost: 1,140 lira ($40)
