First time in Istanbul? Here are the top tourist things to do in Istanbul during your first visit.
With its rich culture, food, and people, Istanbul Turkey is a wonderful city to explore and immerse yourself in a unique environment! With many things to see and do, I’ve come up with some of the top tourist things to do in Istanbul you can’t miss out on. When exploring Istanbul, you’ll discover a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern life.
What To Know Before You Go
Language – Turkish is the official language in Turkey. Not many people spoke English, especially in Istanbul so I would be cautious when traveling.
- Hello – Merhaba Mur-Ha-Bah
- Goodbye- Hoşçakalin Hosh-cha-kaluhn
- Thank you – Teşekkürler Tesh-eh-kur-Ler
- Please- Lütfen Loot-fen
- Excuse me- Affedersin/ Pardon
- I’m sorry- Pardon Par-don
- Where is…- Nerede
- How much is it?- ne Kadar
- The bill please- Hesap lütfen Heh-sap Loot-fen
Currency – Turkish currency is Turkish Lira (TL).
1 USD~ 27 TL
Climate- Turkey is located off of the Mediterranean and Aegean Coast and has a strong Mediterranean climate with warm long summers and cool rainy winters; however, depending on where in Turkey, winters can be brutally cold and snowy in high-altitude places.
Safety- Istanbul for the most part is a pretty safe city to explore since it is a high touristy hub. However, as always I recommend being cautious of your surroundings, and careful of pickpockets, and I wouldn’t suggest walking at night in less touristy areas i.e. dark alleys and away from tourist areas.
Daily Budget- I would budget around $50 to $100 including food and attractions. Food is relatively affordable, you should be spending around $50 a day on food. Breakfast and lunch prices are cheaper (~$10-$15) compared to dinner prices ($25- $35).
Traveling with a Travel Company – For my trip to Turkey I decided to go with EF Ultimate Break- a traveling company geared towards solo travelers who want to travel with a group of people around the same age. It is a great opportunity to travel with EF as you meet people along the way and the best part is that everything (including flights) is all planned for. You can check out their website to explore the several trips around the world they offer and you can use my special code – www.efultimatebreak.com/?ba=UADanielaGiralt100 for $100 off your first trip with EF Ultimate Break.
Top Tourist Things to Do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Mosque
One of the two most visited mosques in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Once a church then a museum, today the mosque is visited by thousands of tourists and locals daily as a place of worship. Its impressive architecture has made this monument an important representation of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The Hagia Sophia is free to enter; however, it may be worth getting a guide to learn more about its history and make your visit worthwhile.
Do remember that visiting the mosque during prayer time (which happens at least 4 times throughout the day for a short amount of time) is forbidden to enter unless you are to pray. It is also worth noting that women need to cover their heads with a scarf, I suggest bringing your own or you would need to purchase one at the entrance as it is forbidden to enter without one.
Blue Mosque/ Sultanahmet
Located across from the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque is one of the most remarkable Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. With its incredible architecture and spectacular interior of Iznik tiles (which is where it gets its name from), the Blue Mosque is a can’t miss popular sight in Istanbul.
Though it is visited by thousands of tourists daily it is still a working mosque; therefore, it is closed during prayer time as mentioned above and for women, you do need to cover your head with a scarf, if you don’t have one they provide one for you at the entrance for free (however not at the Hagia Sophia, you would need to purchase one).
Sultanahmet Square/ Hippodrome of Constantinople
Sultanahmet Square is a public square located right between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It was originally built as a chariot race track during the Byzantine period. Today you can see both locals and tourists wandering about the square filled with shops and cafes.
Shopping at the Grand Bazaar
If you are looking to shop, the Grand Bazaar is the place to go. You’ll find anything from spices to imitating designer brands and more! This is a place to do some souvenir shopping and if you fancy gold jewelry the Grand Bazaar has several stores to choose from. Even if you’re not thinking of shopping, the Grand Bazaar is still a must-visit destination to do some window shopping!
Spice Market
Visiting the Spice Market in Istanbul is a sensory adventure that transports you to a world of vibrant colors, rich aromas, and bustling energy. Nestled in the heart of the city, this historic bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, offers a dazzling array of spices, dried fruits, teas, and sweets, each stall overflowing with treasures. As you wander through the market’s narrow aisles, the scent of exotic spices like saffron, cinnamon, and sumac fills the air, mingling with the sounds of lively bargaining. You must buy some Turkish delights here to bring back home!
Basilica Cistern – underground to Byzantium
One of Istanbul’s most popular attractions, the Basilica Cistern was built by Emperor Justinian 1 during the 6th century and was once a water reservoir to the Great Palace holding 80,000 million liters of water. Today it is visited by thousands of tourists and this underground cistern holds some exhibitions with sculptures rising from the water making it a great photo opportunity. It is a must-see museum!
https://www.basilicacisterntickets.com/
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul is a historical and cultural gem that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans. Located in the heart of Istanbul, the Topkapi Palace served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from 1465 to 1856. I suggest buying tickets ahead to avoid waiting in long lines. To get the most out of your visit I would also suggest doing a guided tour! You can purchase tickets here.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park in Istanbul is a beautiful and historic park located adjacent to Topkapi Palace. Take your time exploring the park by walking along its well-maintained paths. The park is known for its lush greenery and colorful flowers. You can visit the Rose Garden and the Tea Garden to sit, relax, and enjoy traditional Turkish tea/ coffee. If you want great photo opportunities head to higher points in the park to enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait!
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Standing tall on the European side of the city, this medieval stone tower offers panoramic views of Istanbul and a journey through centuries of rich history. To get a spectacular 360-degree view of Istanbul I highly recommend going up the Galata Tower and experiencing the view for yourself.
Golden Horn: the world’s picturesque waterways
The Golden Horn is a historic and scenic estuary that separates the European side of Istanbul. One of the best ways to experience the Golden Horn is by taking a Bosphorus Cruise. Many boat tours provide a unique perspective of both the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, offering great views of Istanbul’s waterfront. You should also check out the Galata Bridge which spans the Golden Horn. The bridge is a bustling hub with restaurants and cafes, providing great views and spots to try some Turkish seafood cuisine.
Relax and Get Scrubbed at a Turkish Hammam
Visiting a Turkish bath, or hammam, is an unforgettable experience when in Istanbul. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the hammam is a place of relaxation, cleansing, and rejuvenation.
Check out some Turkish Hammam’s here.
Take a Turkish Coffee Making Class
Taking a Turkish coffee-making class in Istanbul is a delightful way to immerse yourself in one of Turkey’s most cherished traditions. With its rich aroma and deep flavor, Turkish coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural experience with a history spanning centuries. I took a class with Highlights in Istanbul and it was amazing! They also tell your fortune with your coffee grounds. It’s truly a great experience, I highly recommend booking a class with them. They also have mosaic lamp-making class to check out!
Take a Food Tour
Taking a food tour in Istanbul is an adventure for your taste buds, offering a delicious way to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. As you wander through bustling markets and hidden alleyways, you’ll sample an array of traditional Turkish dishes, from savory kebabs and fresh seafood to sweet baklava and rich Turkish delight. Make sure to try Turkish ice cream, it looks stretchy but is so delicious!
Final Thoughts
I visited Turkey in October of 2023 and I would say it may be the perfect time to visit Turkey! The weather was perfect not too cold and not too hot and not to mention there was little to no tourist. Though I went with a traveling company, EF Ultimate, you can totally do Turkey on your own and on a budget. I wanted to check out the traveling company so that is why I did Turkey with them. Istanbul is pretty affordable and there is so much rich culture and great food and many tourist things you need to see! I hope this itinerary helped you prepare/ plan for your trip to Istanbul, you are going to have a blast!
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on some tourist things to do i Istanbul!