While every city in Turkey is an opportunity to enrich oneself in outstanding examples of history and culture, Istanbul is in a league of its own. Featuring architecture dating back millennia, and oral and dance traditions that are just as old. Istanbul is a city that refuses to succumb to the wear and tear of time, that is resilient enough that it’s been known by more than one name, whose traditions and practices withstand the test of time.
And if you choose to visit Istanbul, this city will be more than happy to share that heritage with you. Read below to discover how we’ve broken down the sites, to help you better navigate how to spend your time in Istanbul.
Top Attractions in Istanbul
Istanbul Byzantine Monasteries Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Enjoy a full-day walking tour where you’ll get a glimpse at Byzantine Constantinople, as Istanbul was once called during the days of the Roman Empire. Traverse the city on foot while learning about Istanbul’s rich and vibrant past, and stop off for lunch at an authentic Turkish restaurant before continuing your tour.
Stroll alongside an expert guide while they help bring this ancient piece of Turkey’s history back to life, detailing the Byzantium Empire and its rulers of yesteryear. Visit the St. Polyeuktos Church ruins, Pantokrator Church, the Aspar Cistern, and the Monastery of St. Saviour in what is a truly magnificent walking tour of the city.
Whether you’re a lover of the humanities, or just looking to soak up as much culture as you can, taking your time to visit the Byzantine monasteries is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
Day Tour of Ancient BattleFields of Troy & Gallipoli
Skirt around to the outside of the city, and spend an entire day visiting battle sites near Istanbul. This small-group tour starts off early, with your expert guide taking you on-site to visit the ruins of Troy. Stand in awe at the Temple of Athena. Experience the novelty of climbing inside a reconstruction of the Trojan horse; which brought the Trojan war to its clever end.
Spend the afternoon visiting the battlefields and cemeteries at Gallipoli. You’ll learn about the harrowing experiences and ultimate sacrifices that were made between Ottoman and ANZAC troops. Hear local accounts of World War 1 and its impact on the region. Make sure to acknowledge the lives lost along the Dardanelles.
Whether you’re a history buff wanting to see the sights, or someone looking for a more personal connection with an epic moment in history, grabbing up a spot on this day tour is a worthwhile means of getting in touch with a deeper side of humanity.
Small Group Tour of Topkapi Palace
Book yourself for this small group tour of the city, and you’ll be killing three birds with one stone. Embark on this eight-hour tour of Istanbul. Set yourself up to visit some of the most premium sights the city has to offer.
Accompanied by an expert guide, each tour tops out fourteen guests. Be confident in your guide’s knowledge of Istanbul’s illustrious history and their undivided attention.
Start your day with a visit to the Blue Mosque. Have the chance to explore this stunning and ornate building. Learn all about its robust past before moving onto the Hagia Sophia where you can further delve into Turkish history.
From here you’ll visit the overwhelmingly beautiful Topkapi Palace. Have a tour guide regale you with stories and trivia about the life of the palace. Those who–for better or worse–found themselves within it.
If you find yourself overthinking your countless options as to what to do in the city, reserve yourself a space on this small-group tour. It is a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
What to Do in Istanbul
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
If structured sight-seeing and tour guides aren’t really your thing, no worries. Istanbul’s got you covered. Instead of paying for a guided tour of the city, try purchasing a ticket to one of the city’s many hop-on-hop-off buses.
Choose between classic (24-hour), premium (48-hour), or deluxe (72-hour) tickets. Travel the city at your own pace, seeing the sights at your leisure. Route maps in place and an audio commentary delivered to you via complimentary headphones. Get the benefits of having a tour guide if and when you want it.
When purchasing your bus ticket, choose from the City Tour (Red) Route, or the Golden Horn/Blue Route. Both routes give you access to sites such as Sultanahmet Square, Galata Bridge, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, amongst others. Also, split off to each offer opportunities to see all that Istanbul has to offer.
Ancient Troy Day Tour
We’ve all heard of the city of Troy, but how many of us can truly say we’ve been there? Catch a ferry ride to the ancient city itself, and let your imagination run wild!
Take a stroll throughout the ancient ruins of the city that inspired Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad. Take a ferry ride upon the Dardanelles, and gaze upon the sea that straddles the boundaries of Europe and Asia.
With a tour guide, explore what remains of the architectural feats of ancient Greece. See the Odeon stage, where audiences were graced with poetry and music; the ruins of the Temple of Athena, protector of Troy and goddess of war; or the Bouleuterion, Troy’s place of assembly for political council.
Insert yourself right into the world of classic literature and world history. You’ll absolutely want to book this excursion. It’s sure to inspire some of your favorite memories when anyone asks you what to do in Istanbul.
Madame Tussauds in Istanbul
Because sometimes you just need to do something a little different while having fun!
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Istanbul features a plethora of celebrities you’re already familiar with while providing a local twist. Have fun taking selfies with movie stars, musicians, and world-famous athletes. Keep your eyes open for historical figures and cultural icons native to Turkey.
Arrange a visit to Madame Tussauds is an entertaining and laid back way. Break up the pace during your exploration around the city.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking for a relaxing end to another beautiful day in Istanbul, you won’t want to pass up the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise.
Climb aboard a glass-encased luxury yacht, where you’ll be catered to. While leisurely floating down the Bosphorus Strait, gliding past monuments of history.
For 2.5 hours, you’ll enjoy being treated to local food and drink. The tour guides will introduce you to some of Istanbul’s most breathtaking structures. Cruise along the riverbanks of the city and envision the world as it used to be. Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress coast by.
No matter if you’re on a romantic couple’s getaway, or out to see the world with friends. The Bosphorus Sunset cruise should be a priority on your to-do list. Book your place ahead of time to skip the line. Guarantee yourself the chance to see why Istanbul at dusk is truly inimitable.
Turkish Bath Package at Aga Hamami
With all of Istanbul’s many sights and occasions at your fingertips, you’ll definitely want to carve out time for calm and relaxation. What better way to unwind than with a Turkish bath package at Aga Hamami?
With three different spa packages to choose from, couples will be treated to a traditional bath at a Hamam. Far from a tourist novelty, your Turkish bath will be in the same fashion that locals recognize as far back as the days of the Ottoman Empire.
Come indulge your senses with a traditional Turkish bath. Learn firsthand the centuries-old custom of cleansing your body through oil massage and body scrub, and a foam bath.
Reservations are booked in advance, and offer time slots from morning through evening. Make sure you don’t miss out on the best self-care that Istanbul has to offer!
The Whirling Dervishes Show at the HodjaPasha Culture Center
If you find cultural immersion an enticing aspect of travel, you won’t want to miss The Whirling Dervishes. Visit the HodjaPasha Culture Center, and witness a show whose roots go back 800 years.
The Whirling Dervishes is truly an example of history coming to life. A haunting combination of song and dance. The hour-long show depicts the Mevlevi Sema, a spiritual journey that marks a soul’s trek toward God. The purpose of the soul’s journey is maturation and unity. Upon achieving these goals, the soul returns to life to serve humanity.
Why whirling, you may ask? The circular motion of the dance represents the idea that everything in creation, from the blood circulating through our bodies to the vast expanses of the solar system, is constantly revolving.
Shows for The Whirling Dervishes are booked in advance. Plan ahead and ensure you don’t miss out on a show that isn’t designed simply for entertainment but as a demonstration of faith.
