Istanbul Travel Guide: Top 12 Things to Do in Turkey's Electrifying Metropolis

Our top picks of what to see and do (plus where to eat, drink and sleep!) in this quick-read travel guide to epic Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul Travel Guide

Last updated: January 2023

Before heading to Istanbul, the cross-continental epicenter of Turkey, we heard a comparison of the sprawling, former Ottoman metropolis as “New York City on steroids.” While we don’t think Istanbul can accurately be compared to anything, this descriptive comes somewhat close.

The truth is, tackling this city can be overwhelming – especially for first time visitors. But fear not! Here, we give you our top 12 picks of what to see and do (plus where to eat, drink and sleep) in this streamlined travel guide to epic Istanbul, Turkey.

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Top 12 Things to Do, Eat & See (Plus Where to Stay) in Istanbul, Turkey

1) EMBRACE your inner tourist and get your lay-of-the-land Istanbul crash course by riding the hop on, hop off Big Bus the entire loop. Yes it’s touristy but yes, it will give you an incredible overview of the city (visually and factually thanks to the included audio guide) in just a matter of hours.

2) SEE can’t-miss cultural, historical & religious sites. There are many to see throughout the centuries-old city, however these Istanbul icons should be at the top of your list: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern.

3) EAT YOUR WAY through both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul with Culinary Backstreets‘ immersive street food tour. It’s the best thing we did during our time in the city. Not only (a LOT of) food, you’ll get a serious dose of culture while visiting places you’d literally never even know were there. Be sure to request Senem as your guide!

4) BE MESMERIZED by the Mevlevi-order Sufi Whirling Dervishes at Hodja Pasha Cultural Center, a former 15th century hamam (Turkish bath house). Head’s up: As you are witnessing a sacred religious performance, photos and video of any kind are strictly prohibited.

5) EXPLORE Istanbul’s many museums. Our top picks: Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul Archeological Museums, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Pera Art Museum.

6) GET LOST in the maze of the 15th-century Grand Bazaar. Marvel at the historic arches and painted motifs (don’t forget to look up!), and get ready to barter at any of 4,000 shops stretching through a grid of 60+ streets. TIP: Make sure to wander through Zincirli Han while there, a former caravanserai (marketplace & inn designed for traveling merchants).

7) CLIMB the historic Galata Tower (stretching all the way back to Byzantine era in the 500s) for sweeping, 360-degree views of Istanbul, the Golden Horn Inlet and the Bosphorus Strait. If there’s a line, trust us – it’s worth the wait! And P.S. You don’t actually have to climb the tower. There’s an elevator.

8) STROLL across iconic Galata Bridge, extending across the Golden Horn inlet to connect Sultanahmet (Old City) with Karakoy and the rest of modern Istanbul. A whopping five bridges have stood on the site since the original in 1845; the final (and current) only completed in 1994. Go in the morning to find the 490 meter stretch dotted with local fisherman reeling in the day’s catch, or any time of day for jaw-dropping views of the surrounding waterways and (endless) cityscapes.

9) WANDER down bustling Istiklal Street (“Independence Avenue”) in the city’s lively Taksim neighborhood. Pedestrian-only save for the heritage tram that has been rolling through since it’s 1990 revival, this approx 2 km grand boulevard connects Taksim Square to the north with Galata Tower to the south. Along the way? A colorful whirlwind of shops, eateries, street vendors, street performers, historic architecture and more – enjoyed by a lively mix of tourists and locals alike.