Istanbul
Save39 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Byzantine masterpiece, former cathedral and mosque with a vast dome.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Upper gallery has mosaics
📷 Photos
- 2
Sultan Ahmed Mosque with six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Closed to visitors during prayer times
- Free entry, shoes off
📷 Photos
- 3
Ottoman sultans palace with treasury and Harem.
- Must know: Closed Tuesdays
2 tips
- Buy Harem ticket separately
- Allow 3 hours
📷 Photos
- 4
Atmospheric underground Roman reservoir with Medusa heads.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Book timed ticket
- Floor is slippery
📷 Photos
- 5
One of the world oldest covered markets with 4,000 shops.
3 tips
- Closed Sundays
- Haggle politely
- Bring small bills
📷 Photos
- 6
Medieval tower with panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Sunset
2 tips
- Sunset is crowded
- Use the elevator and stairs
📷 Photos
- 7
Sinan imperial masterpiece overlooking the Golden Horn.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Less crowded than the Blue Mosque
- Courtyard has great views
📷 Photos
- 8
Egyptian Bazaar filled with spices, tea and Turkish delight.
3 tips
- Taste before you buy
- Closed Sundays in some seasons
- Pair with a Golden Horn ferry
📷 Photos
- 9
Baroque mosque beside the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Try kumpir potatoes nearby
- Go at sunset
- Bosphorus cruises depart nearby
📷 Photos
- 10
Opulent 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Guided tour is mandatory
- Bags checked at entry
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Istanbul tips
Transportation
- Get an Istanbulkart: This rechargeable card works on trams, metro, buses, Marmaray and ferries, and gives discounted transfers compared with single tickets.
- Ride the ferries: Public Sehir Hatlari ferries across the Bosphorus are cheap, scenic and often faster than the traffic between Europe and Asia.
- Take the T1 tram: It links Kabatas, Karakoy, Eminonu, Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, covering most major sights in one line.
Security
- Avoid the drinks scam: Friendly strangers inviting you to a bar, especially around Taksim, may lead to a huge inflated bill; politely decline.
- Watch the shoe-shine trick: A shoe-shiner dropping his brush hopes you'll return it and accept a pricey shine; just keep walking.
- Use official taxis wisely: Insist on the meter or use apps like BiTaksi, and watch for note-switching when paying with large bills.
Saving
- Eat street food: Simit, balik ekmek at Eminonu, and doner from busy local spots fill you up for far less than restaurants in Sultanahmet.
- Consider the Museum Pass: If you plan to see Topkapi Palace and several other state museums, the Museum Pass Istanbul can save money and queues.
- Eat at esnaf lokantasi: These tradesmen's canteens serve home-style stews and vegetables from steam trays at good prices around lunchtime.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack layers for winter: Winters are cold, damp and windy with occasional snow; a warm waterproof coat and good shoes are essential.
- Dress light in summer: July and August are hot and humid; wear breathable clothes, but keep a light cover-up for mosques.
- Bring comfortable shoes: Istanbul is hilly with cobbled streets, so sturdy walking shoes matter more than anything else you pack.
Cultural
- Dress for mosques: Cover knees and shoulders, women should cover their hair, and remove shoes; avoid visiting during prayer times.
- Drink the tea: Accepting cay from shopkeepers is common hospitality; it doesn't oblige you to buy, but a polite thanks is expected.
- Enjoy a Turkish breakfast: Try a full kahvalti spread with cheeses, olives, eggs and simit; weekend breakfast is a leisurely social event.
Local Hacks
- Ferry to the Asian side: Explore Kadikoy and Moda for markets, cafes and nightlife with far fewer tourists than the old city.
- Go early to big sights: Arrive at Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi right at opening to beat the tour groups.
- Haggle with a smile: Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar; start low, stay friendly and be ready to walk away.
1-day itineraries in Istanbul
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Topkapi Palace and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 6 stops
- 1Topkapi Palace
- 2Hagia Sophia
- 3Basilica Cistern
- 4Blue Mosque
- 5Hippodrome of Constantinople
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 3
Suleymaniye Mosque and around
🕘 9:30–17:45📍 5 stops
- 1Suleymaniye Mosque
- 2Spice Bazaar
- 3Galata Tower
- 4Pera Museum
- 5Istanbul Modern
Day 3 of 3
Balat Colourful Houses and around
🕘 9:30–16:00📍 4 stops
- 1Balat Colourful Houses
- 2Chora Church
- 3Rahmi M. Koc Museum
- 4Pierre Loti Hill