Top 50 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Hagia Sophiatop_1
    󰺂9.7
    1885.2
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet457m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Byzantine murals & balcony view
    󱨜A historical symbol of multiculturalism
    󱨠Saved by 1612 users󱨠2238 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    TonkarnTonkarn

    In 2024, hakia sophia used to be free of charge. But now it cost 25 eur. However, the place full of history and interesting thing inside. Avoid long waiting line by purchasing on line.

  • Basilica Cisterntop_2
    󰺂9.3
    2071.35
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet355m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBasilica Cistern becomes a popular photo spot
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Medusa columns guard mysterious underground
    󱨜Relive classic movie scenes
    󱨠Saved by 1454 users󱨠514 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Efforts a visit , night ticket was perfect quiet less crowded

  • Topkapi Palacetop_3
    󰺂8.7
    3582.13
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet879m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoTopkapi Palace Ottoman History Experience
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Bosphorus Strait view available
    Overlook the magnificent bay view from the high point of the palace
    󱨠Saved by 803 users󱨠327 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    _TI***eh_TI***eh

    This place is a worth visiting. So many historical collections and stories. Highly recommended. You would need to walk a lot to fully explore Harem and Topkapi together.

  • Dolmabahce Palace
    4
    󰺂8.4
    2726.49
    Istanbul.Besiktas4.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Ottoman center & ceiling decor
    󱓊Crystal stairs & chandelier
    󱨠Saved by 662 users󱨠263 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    TonkarnTonkarn

    Absolutely stunning. Really nice palace. However, the rntrance fee was quite expensive. Recommended. Avoid long ticket queue by purchasimg online ticket via trip.com

  • Bosphorus
    5
    󰺂8.3
    Istanbul.Taksim3.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Roman & Ottoman ruins abound
    󱤎Night cruise to enjoy the light show on both sides of the river
    󱨠Saved by 902 users󱨠309 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    且兰老飞老侯且兰老飞老侯

    The Bosphorus Strait is north of the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, separating Turkey into Asia and Europe. Istanbul is located on the two sides of the central and southern section of the Strait. It was built in 1973 to cross the Bosphorus Highway Bridge, which is 1560 meters long. There is a beautiful myth in the Bosphorus. It is said that Zeus, the first of the gods, had a lover named Io, who turned Io into a cow to hide it from his wife Hera. Hera later learned about it. She became a cow fly to harass the cow Io, to avoid the cow fly, Io crossed a water wall. In ancient Greek, "bous" means "cow", "phoros" means "water wall", the myth of the water wall is the Bosphorus. ​ We were very lucky to enjoy the sunset on the cruise ship in the Bosphorus Strait, leaving a perfect termination for our three-week trip.

  • The Blue Mosque
    6
    󰺂8.2
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet20m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSultan Ahmed Mosque Ottoman Tour
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Byzantine & Ottoman architecture fusion
    󱨜Blue tiles reflect the six spires
    󱨠Saved by 1321 users󱨠1100 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Travel JuriTravel Juri

    Very impressive, especially how the light shines through the hundreds if coloured glass windows, the tranquility amidst hundreds of tourists that people use to do their prayers.

  • Galata Tower
    7
    󰺂8.1
    2324.13
    Istanbul.Galata2.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 5 of Night Attractions in Istanbul
    Highlights:
    󰋄Istanbul's stunning sunset views
    󰀆Nightclub with belly dance show
    󱨠Saved by 712 users󱨠262 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Might be on a flightMight be on a flight

    We wanted to go at the sunset time but the ticket queue was too long, so we decided to go online and book through Trip. It was quick and straightforward. I recommend! The view is amazing ☺️

  • Grand Bazaar
    8
    󰺂7.4
    Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet959m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Experience Turkish bargaining shopping
    󱓊Taste kebabs for exotic experience
    󱨠Saved by 755 users󱨠108 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    LisliskaLisliska

    One of the most beautiful and attractive East bazaars. There are many confectionary, spices, teas and things. Must visit

  • Istanbul Archaeological Museums
    9
    󰺂7.4
    1375
    Istanbul.Sirkeci757m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Near Gülhane Park & Topkapi Palace
    󱓊1 million artifacts from various cultures
    󱨠Saved by 233 users󱨠38% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    DenizKandemirDenizKandemir

    Such a perfect place for history and art lovers. Istanbul archaeological museum is the best museum in Turkey about archaeology for sure. It is so big that you have to rest times to times while you are wandering. It has so many great statues, tombs and ancient arts. Also the building has a really good architecture. You have to check out this museum while you are in Istanbul for sure!

  • Istiklal Avenue
    10
    󰺂6.7
    Istanbul.Taksim3.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 6 of Night Attractions in Istanbul
    Highlights:
    󰋄3-mile walk through medieval Genoa
    Consulates & churches along the street
    󱨠Saved by 521 users󱨠123 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Abdul MoizAbdul Moiz

    İstiklal caddesi is really worth visiting because it have a separate charm and beauty.

Best things to do in Istanbul (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Istanbul? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Istanbul offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Istanbul

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Istanbul experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Hagia Sophia

• Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet | 457m from downtown

• : Byzantine murals & balcony view,A historical symbol of multiculturalism

Basilica Cistern

• Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet | 355m from downtown

• : Medusa columns guard mysterious underground,Relive classic movie scenes

Topkapi Palace

• Istanbul.Old City Sultanahmet | 879m from downtown

• : Bosphorus Strait view available,Overlook the magnificent bay view from the high point of the palace

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Istanbul

If you want to explore attractions just outside Istanbul, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Istanbul, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Istanbul special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Istanbul

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Istanbul

Ready to explore the best of Istanbul? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Istanbul?
These are all Best Things to Do in Istanbul:Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Istanbul?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Istanbul include:Hagia Sophia:4.7, Basilica Cistern:4.6, Topkapi Palace:4.3, Dolmabahce Palace:4.7, Bosphorus:4.7
At what locations in Istanbul can Best Things to Do in Istanbul be found?
The Best Things to Do in Istanbul are mainly located in:Hagia Sophia:Istanbul, Basilica Cistern:Istanbul, Topkapi Palace:Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace:Istanbul, Bosphorus:Istanbul
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