Istanbul, Türkiye’s sprawling metropolis, is a city where Eastern culture meets Western modernity. With endless things to explore from culture and history to cuisine, Istanbul’s every corner sings a unique tune. It is no ordinary destination, once part of Greece and known as Constantinople, the grand Ottoman Empire based itself here for centuries, fighting war after war, battle after battle.
Whether you enjoy exploring the grandeur of ancient monuments, indulging in exquisite local cuisine, or wandering through buzzing bazaars, Istanbul has a spectrum of things to do. This guide will try to peel each layer of the city to capture its true essence.
What are the Top Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey?
Istanbul: A place where the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires collide, leaving a legacy imprinted in every street, every monument, and every taste of its unique culture. From the fascinating Hagia Sophia to the engaging Grand Bazaar, there are plenty of things to do in Istanbul that will make your every rupee worth spending.
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Explore the Topkapi Palace
- Indulge in the Grand Bazaar
- Descent into Basilica Cistern
- Explore the Blue Mosque
- Must-Try Local Food
- Tour the Dolmabahçe Palace
- Dive into the Spice Bazaar
Visit Hagia Sophia
The first thing to see in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine piece of art and one of the world’s most prominent monuments. Built as a Christian church in the 6th century, the structure became a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again. A masterpiece of architecture, Hagia Sophia perfectly reflects the regional religious changes through its Islamic minaret and Christian mosaics. The structure is a time capsule, collecting the complex layers of Istanbul’s history.
How to visit the Hagia Sophia? For guests, entry is free, but they are advised to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered and women need a headscarf.
Explore the Topkapi Palace
Once served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the main residence of its Sultan, Topkapi Palace is a major thing to see in Istanbul. Once a maze of courtyards, chambers, and treasures is a large museum and library today. Guests can wander through those opulent courtyards and chambers, and explore panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn to experience the extravagance of Ottoman architecture.
Why does it matter? Covering an area of 350,000 square meters, it stands as a captivating monument to history, narrating the story of the Ottoman dynasty. The legendary Harem, the precious treasure, and the picturesque gardens are a nostalgic journey into the past.
Indulge in the Grand Bazaar
Shopping, shopping, shopping! The best activity to do in Istanbul is shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a one-of-a-kind experience. Covering an area of 45,000 square meters, the bazaar is rumoured to have over 4,000 shops offering a variety of goods. Here you can discover the old magic of traditional bazaar while diving into the culture and history of Turkey.
And for the non-shopping team, you can wander in the maze-like alleys and enjoy delicious Turkish food. While discovering the elaborate decoration on the ceilings and floors of the historic bazaar, or admiring the 250-year-old hand-drawn patterns that adorn many arches and walls, here you can spend hours without even noticing.
Descent into Basilica Cistern
There is plenty of stuff to do in Istanbul but exploring Basilica Cistern is a must. It is an underground place, cool and quiet, different from the chaos on the city’s surface. A testament to Byzantine brilliance, the Basilica Cistern is an architectural masterpiece with mysterious and fantastical elements.
Arranged in twelve rows, there are a total of 336 well-preserved columns. Each of the 9-meter-long columns is unique, but most of them have a cylindrical shape and have Corinthian and early Byzantine features. You might also have the rare opportunity to attend a concert here, so do not miss it!
Explore the Blue Mosque
Exploring the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, stands as one of Istanbul's most favourable activities to do. Nestled in Sultanahmet Square, it’s surrounded by other historical treasures like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Why is it called the Blue Mosque? The nickname derives from the thousands of handmade blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior walls. When sunlight filters through the mosque’s stained-glass windows, the entire space shines bright with a soft blue hue, creating an ambience that feels both serene and majestic.
This mosque is a testament to power, beliefs, and devotion. Today, the Blue Mosque is both a place of worship and a cultural site, where visitors can admire its architecture while respecting its role in religious practice.
Must-Try Local Food
Amidst all the places to see in Istanbul, do not forget to enjoy the delicious Turkish food. You can do that by visiting the local market. What are the dishes you must try? Kebabs, Lahmacun, Menemen, Baklava and Kunefe, and Manti are non-negotiables.
A practical tip to enhance your culinary experience is to carry Turkish lira to make sure you can enjoy authentic servings from local vendors. Furthermore, while English always works, familiarising yourself with basic Turkish phrases, such as “Mehraba” will undoubtedly win you warm smiles from the locals.
Tour the Dolmabahçe Palace
An expertly curated Istanbul city tour package will always include a visit to this large and sumptuous palace in Turkey. Istanbul’s first European-style palace, Dolmabahçe Palace was an attempt to modernise the city. It is believed that about 14 tons of gold and at least 6 tons of silver were used in interior decorations.
The Dolmabahçe Palace was once home to six sultans between 1856 and 1924. Later, it continued to be used as a presidential residence until 1949, and since 1984 it has been operated as a museum by the Directorate of National Palaces.
Dive into the Spice Bazaar
Dive into the world of Egyptian spices with the infamous Spice Bazaar. Since we have been exploring Istanbul’s gems, Spice Bazaar cannot be left out. A feast for the senses, this place is a taste of Istanbul’s multiregional identity.
What does it offer? Piles of paprika, turmeric, za’atar, and rare saffron. Turkish sweets like Lokum in every flavour. Dried fruits like apricots, figs, and mulberries in chunks, and herbal teas. Pro tip, bargaining is a must here. Offer about 60-70% of the asking price. Along with taste buds, the place is a delight for the eyes with vaulted ceilings, faded paint, and a classic courtyard, adding charms to its beauty.
Overall, Turkey, Istanbul offers so many things to do that you will lose count in no time. From ancient architectural wonders to modern chaos and charm, every street has a unique tune to it. In Istanbul, every moment feels alive and surreal, and a short trip won’t do justice to its beauty. So, plan your holidays this year with Veena World and indulge in the captivating aura of this magnificent city.
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