Top 10: What to Do in Istanbul

First time visiting Istanbul? This bustling city has an incredible amount to offer, with a rich heritage of history and culture, as well as its fair share of modernity. For travellers, narrowing down exactly where to go can be a daunting task. Whether you want to explore the wonder of the old neighbourhoods of Galata or Krakoy, eat some traditional doner, or have a more relaxing holiday at a hammam—we’ve got you covered. Today at Civitatis, we’re offering our top 10 things to do in the City of the World’s Desire, including the unmissable major landmarks, as well as some lesser-known secrets off of the beaten track! Gidelim (Let’s go)!

Before we get started, we’re going to provide some background/fun facts about this city and also dispel some common misconceptions:

• Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey? No! Ankara has been the capital of Turkey since 1923, a city located right in the heart of the country. Istanbul was the capital of the former Ottoman Empire, and moving the capital city to Ankara was seen as a way of establishing a fresh start, and a secular republic!

• Is Istanbul in Europe? Istanbul is located uniquely in both Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Each side as its own peculiarities, with the European side often considered as more modern and commercial, and the Asian side as more traditional.

• What currency is used in Istanbul? Like the rest of the country, the Turkish Lita is the official currency. However, you might find that in tourist areas, the Euro and the U.S. Dollar is sometimes accepted.
• What languages are spoken in Istanbul? Turkish is the official language of the country, though English is widely spoken in the city, so you shouldn’t face many communication barriers! Of course, it’s respectful to learn some phrases before you visit. Teşekkürler means thank you, for example!

1. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

Perhaps the most important item on an Istanbul travel itinerary is a visit to the world-famous Blue Mosque (officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque). Constructed in 1617, the remarkable structure and its interior artistry render it one of the most famous Ottoman sites. Its now iconic nickname of the ‘Blue Mosque’ derives from the stunning blue tiles adorning its expansive interior. While your there, you might come across the ‘wishing column’, a column with a small hole on it. Legend has it that if you stick your thumb into this hole and it gets wet, your wish will come true!

The Hagia Sophia is another absolute must-see historical landmark. Originally constructed as an Orthodox church from 532 to 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia was subsequently transformed into a Catholic cathedral before being changed into a mosque in 1453. A visit to this world-famous landmark will take you on a journey through centuries of history, art and cultural exchange. This monumental temple impresses both on the outside with its overlapping domes, and on the inside with intricate mosaics and lavish decorations. Gain a deeper insight into this iconic structure with this ticket to the Hagia Sophia History Museum, located just 200 metres (650 ft) from the mosque itself.

See both of these iconic mosques along with the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul for more than 450 years on this Istanbul Mosque Tour!

2. Discover the City’s Nightlife in Taskim

For party-goers and pub enthusiasts, Istanbul offers a wonderful variety of experiences. The areas of Taksim, Kadikoy, and Beşiktaş are the most popular choices—each renowned for bars, clubs, and other entertainment options. The best way to dip your toes into the nightlife scene is with this Istanbul Pub Crawl. On this activitiy, you’ll head to Taksim Square and includes VIP access to the 3 top-rated clubs in the city!

If you’re going to be drinking, Istanbul boasts a good selection of locally bottled wines and beers to enjoy. However, the national drink is considered to be rakı. This is a clear brandy made of distilled grapes and flavoured with anise, which gives it a sambuca quality.

3. Learn about the Hippodrome of Constantinople

The Roman Hippodrome of Constantinople was an arena used for chariot racing throughout the Byzantine period from the 3rd century AD. Destroyed in the 15th century, Sultanahmet Square now stands where the hippodrome once stood. However, the structure’s outline is marked out in the square, allowing visitors to imagine the epic chariot races which once took place on these grounds.

You can learn more about the history and cultural significance of the Hippodrome and much more on this Free Tour of Istanbul—one of the best things to do in Istanbul for history lovers!

4. Relax Your Body & Mind at a Traditional Hammam

In this bustling city, as much as you can lose yourself in the madness, there are also plenty of opportunities to really kick your feet up and relax. Where could be better than Istanbul to check out a hammam (also known as a Turkish bath)? These baths are the best way to unwind after a couple of days of exploring the most exciting parts of the city. You’ll find lots of different treatment options in the city, many of which include a luxurious massage!

To receive the royal treatment, check out this Turkish Bath + Massage At DoubleTree by Hilton or visit the Cagaloglu Hammam—a lavish spa located in the city centre, which was constructed in 1741.

5. Wander through the Grand Bazaar

Walking through the Grand Bazaar is a truly essential cultural experience in Istanbul. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, this labyrinth contains over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to fine jewellery. Aside from the exciting things you can buy (of which there is plenty), simply making your way through the meandering alleys built during the Ottoman Empire and watching the bustling market in action, makes this experience worthwhile!

In the Grand Bazaar, merchants will probably offer you Turkish tea (referred to as cay, pronounced ‘chai’). If you accept the tea, there’s no expectation to pay for it or even to buy anything within—this custom is simply an element of Turkey’s famous hospitality. To see the market (and much more) accompanied by a guide, consider booking this Private Tour of Istanbul!

6. Discover Topkapi Palace

Next on our list of the top things to do in Istanbul: Topkapi Palace. Built between 1460 and 1478, Topkapi Palace is one of the oldest and most historically significant landmarks in the city, serving as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 4 centuries.

Located in the Fatih district, the palace, which is now a museum and library is an unmissable stop on a trip to Istanbul. On this skip-the-line ticket to the Topkapi Palace, you can explore the palace’s courtyards, the Treasury, the Imperial Mint, the Baghdad Kiosk and see the palace’s sacred relics!

7. Delve into the Local Gastronomy

There are so many delicious culinary delights to be found in Istanbul. Get ready, you’re gonna be eating a lot of delicious food during your visit! Known for its diverse food culture that includes influences from the Ottoman Empire, Central Asia, the Balkans and the Caucasus, this city is truly a foodie’s paradise.

Embarking on this Istanbul Food Tour is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the city’s food culture. Along the way, you’ll indulge in the flavours of a traditional Döner kebap, try a Turkish breakfast, visit a homemade ice cream stall and much more!

One of our favourites at Civitatis is the Kumpir—a delectable Turkish street food item consisting of a stuffed baked potato with butter and whatever other toppings you fancy, including veggies, ground meat, olives and various sauces!

7. Visit Local Towns & Cities

While it may seem counter-intuitive to include day trips on a list of what to do in Istanbul—there are so many great day trips and excursions which are well worth checking out while you’re there.

One of our favourite options is this Princes’ Islands Full Day Tour, which includes stops at the islands of Kinaliada and Buyukada—the second of which is the country’s most well-known and popular island to visit. Rich in history, culture and home to stunning natural beauty, the day trip is the perfect short escape from the city!

If you’re interested in classics, take a look at this day trip to Troy from Istanbul. Discover the archaeological zone of Troy, and gain an insight into the reality and fiction of the Trojan War as described in Homer’s Iliad.

9. Explore the City’s Museums

A city truly steeped in history, it should come as no surprise that Istanbul boasts an impressive selection of museums. Along with the aforementioned Topkapi Castle Museum, we highly recommend the Istanbul Archaeology Museums which is made up of 3 museums in one complex. The first museum in Turkey and home to over one million works, this massive museum is home to a multitude of Greek, Roman and Byzantine artefacts.

If you’re visiting the city and want to visit the city’s main museums and landmarks at the best price (with 60 included attractions), check out the Istanbul E-pass.

10. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait

From the water, you’ll enjoy unbeatable views of the city, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Even better, enjoy the cruise at sunset with this Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise or this Bosphorus Night Cruise – Dinner & Show. This second activity includes dinner and various shows, including belly dancing to boot!

Unique Experiences in Istanbul

If you’re a bit experimental, you might be looking for a few different things to do in Istanbul. Well, you’re in luck! This city offers a wonderful variety of fun and interesting activities off the beaten track. For example, you could delve into Turkish culture on this Turkish lamp-making workshop. On this activity, you’ll learn to make a traditional, mosaic-styled lamp. Another unique experience is the Basilica Cistern. This is a fascinating underground structure built in the 6th century, sometimes called ‘Sunken Palace’. This sheer vastness of this space which lies beneath the streets of Istanbul is truly breathtaking. What’s more, its architecture is sure to amaze you.

That’s our list of the best things to do while in Istanbul. Of course, we weren’t able to include all of the fantastic things that there are to do. If you do decide to visit this spectacular historic city, be sure to check out the activities offered by Civitatis! Also, take a look at our guide to visiting Istanbul. Iyi yolculuklar (safe travels)!