Go İstanbul | Travel Guide | Things to do

It is İstanbul’s endless variety in a combination of modern and traditional that fascinates its visitors. One can observe the vibrant daily life in a setting of ancient history and natural beauty.  Türkiye’s largest metropolis brings two continents, Europe and Asia together across the Bosphorus Strait. Remnants of past empires of Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman gives the city a historic charm. Rich culinary heritage of the city offers top-notch restaurants, recipies from the Palace kitchens and tasty street food.

Unique points

• Türkiye’s largest city with a population of more than 17 million people.
• A dynamic, multicultural transcontinental metropolis.
• Exquisite scenery.
• Junction of various cultures.
• Offers a perfect mixture of exotic and modern.
• Impressive cultural and artistic scene.
• A shopper’s paradise, catering to all kinds of shoppers.
• Perfect spot to explore the diversity of Turkish cuisine.
• Amazing variety of activity options.

Brief History

İstanbul is a city with roots in prehistoric times nearly more than 300.000 years.  It has been a continuous settlement from serving as, Constantinople as the capital of the Roman Empire and İstanbul, the capital of Ottoman Empire, while both civilizations meet in city’s character with the Turkish Republic. For thousands of years, different cultures have lived here together in peace, they have recreated life, they have contributed to the history and culture of the city.

A heritage of ancient Byzantion, a city which was founded by Byzas from Megara in 7th century BCE is only a step in the city’s 8500 years-old history.

In 1204 soldiers of the Fourth Crusade led by Enrico Dandolo, Doge of Venice, attacked and ransacked the city. They then ruled it until 1261, Eastern Roman emperor successfully recaptured it. The Eastern Roman Empire was restored.

When Roman Emperor Constantine chose this city as the capital of his new empire in 330 CE, the name was changed to Constantinople (Constantine’s city) and the city was restructured as a Roman capital city with its acropolis, hippodrome, palaces, and new defense walls which are still intact.  Constantine I has made the city one of the most important cities of Christianity and first churches of Hagia Eriene and the Great Cathedral (former Hagia Sophia was built on the same location by Justinian in 537) were commissioned. The city continued to grow under the rule of the emperors.

The city was conquered by Sultan Mehmet II in 1453, it was repopulated and reconstructed to become one of the largest cities of its era as the capital of Ottoman Empire.  İstanbul, as it began to be known, became the new administrative, commercial, and cultural centre of the ever-growing Ottoman Empire.

Following World War I, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led the campaign for independence and the reinstatement of Turkish territory and after the Turkish Republic was founded in 1923, the new government was set up in Ankara and İstanbul was no longer the capital.

Location & Geography

With one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, İstanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents separated by a natural strait called the Bosphorus.  Due to its unique location and landscape, a temperate Mediterranean climate makes the city a favorable place to live.

The Golden Horn (Haliç) is an inlet of the Bosphorus with two rivers draining into it at the far end. It is considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor and separates the European shore of İstanbul into two. The best places to observe the Golden Horn’s activity is the Galata Bridge.

İstanbul, is literally, the bridge between Europe and Asia; a rectangular land with the Sea of Marmara on its southern shores, Black Sea on its northern shores.  Sea of Marmara is an inland sea connecting Black Sea to the Aegean through the straits of Bosphorus and Dardanelles.

İstanbul is known as the City on the Seven Hills as these hills refer to the hills on the Historical Peninsula. The city has inherited this tradition from Roman Constantinople which – consciously following the model of ancient Rome – was built on seven hills too.

While not the actual capital, İstanbul is Türkiye’s largest city with a population of more than 17 million people.

Discover The City

Set on two continents, İstanbul covers a vast piece of land and has 39 districts. The most magnificent of İstanbul’s monuments are clustered on the Historical Peninsula, the triangular piece of land surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn, which is a natural inlet, and by the ancient city walls encircling the peninsula. Right across the Golden Horn, is located Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş and Şişli districts, 19th -20th century neighbourhoods largely inspired by modern European culture and lifestyle. Along the Bosphorus, you may see some traditional old villages that became residential areas in the long run. The Asian side of the city, including mainly Kadıköy and Üsküdar offers a more relaxed and cosier modus vivendi with convenience stores, small shops, coffeehouses and neighbourhood cultures.

Weather

İstanbul has a mild climate combining those of the Mediterranean and Black Sea climate types, with a hot dry summer and pleasantly warm spring and autumn. Winters are cold but snow is rare. İstanbul is a city where all four seasons can be experienced.

Winter, from December to February, is quite cold: the average temperature between December to February is around 10-12 °C/50-53.5°F during the daytime and around 5-7 °C/41-44.5°F during the nighttime.

During winters you can experience rain in İstanbul whereas snow is usually seen once or twice in a year.

Spring: The average temperature between March to May is around 18-21°C /64.5-70°F during the daytime and around 11-13 °C/52-55.5°F during the nighttime hours.

Summer, from June to August, is hot and sunny. The heat is felt especially within the city, while a relieving breeze blows from the sea. The average temperature between June and August is around 23-25°C/73-77°F during the daytime and around 18-20 °C / 64.5-68°F during the nighttime.

Autumn, from September to November, is warm and often sunny. İstanbul also experiences rain in November. The average temperature between September and November is around 20-23 °C/ 68-73.5°F during the daytime and around 15-18 °C / 59-64.5°F during the nighttime.

İstanbul is a year-round destination offering diverse activity options for each of the four seasons.

Getting to İstanbul

BY AIR 

İstanbul has two major international airports, one in European side, the other on the Asian side of the city.

• IGA İstanbul Airport (IST) is located on the European side of İstanbul, by the Black Sea shore. Serving since 2019, it is the new international airport of the city built as a global hub with an expected capacity of 200 million passangers.  It is approx 40 km (26 miles) away from both Taksim city center and Sultanahmet – Historical Peninsula.
• İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side of İstanbul. It is at Pendik / Kurtköy district, 40 km (26 miles) away from Kadıköy, and 50 km (30 miles) away from Taksim city center.

BY SEA  

Galataport is the brand-new cruise port of İstanbul with a capacity of 1,5 million visitor, positioned as a major-hub-pier in the Karaköy district, right by the shores of the European side of the city. It is located conveniently across the Historical Peninsula.

Getting Around

İstanbul offers a huge network of public transportation including buses and railways such as metro, tram systems and Marmaray that stretch to both continents.

In order to use all public transportation in Istanbul (boats, subways, buses, tramways, funiculars), you will need the magnetic card (Istanbul Kart).

Boats/ferries – vapur in Turkish – are the most popular and the convenient way of transportation across the Bosphorus. By taking the ferry, you will realize the vastness of the city, it is also a good way to see the city from the water at a lower price. The main piers on the European side are Eminönü, Kabataş, Karaköy, and Besiktaş, and on the Asian side, Üsküdar and Kadıköy.

Must See Sights / Sights and Landmarks

1. Sultanahmet Square – Historical Peninsula

The most magnificent of İstanbul’s monuments are clustered on the Historical Peninsula, the triangular piece of land surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn, which is a natural inlet, and by the ancient city walls encircling the peninsula.  The Historic Areas of İstanbul located on the Historical Peninsula were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, and continue to this day to impress visitors with their history and importance. Sultanahmet Square is the heart of the Historical Peninsula and in its vicinity one can find the most prominent examples of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.

Also known as the Historical Peninsula, the area’s main sites include: Ayasofya Grand Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Harem, Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan) and Serefiye Cistern.

The Topkapı Palace hosts Holy Relics such as Prophet Muhammed’s Hırka-i Saadet (Blessed Mantle) and Sancak-ı Şerif (Holy Banner) which are kept in their golden chests.

Ayasofya Grand Mosque

Ayasofya Grand Mosque, known as Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi is a masterpiece with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics as  the largest Eastern Roman Church built. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. Eastern Emperor Justinian decided to build a larger and more glorious Hagia Sophia than the first two. The third Hagia Sophia was completed only in five years between 532-537. Following the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II, also known as Fatih (Conquerer) Sultan Mehmet, Hagia Sophia was converted into the Imperial mosque of Ottoman Empire and served as a mosque for 481 years.  It was closed off to the public after the restoration works started in the 1930s. Then it was reopened as a museum in 1934 and served as a museum with no religious practice. Hagia Sophia was reopened to worship as Ayasofya Grand Mosque with the Presidential Decree in July 2020 and it serves as the world heritage of humankind as a whole.

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace is located at the tip of the historical peninsula in Sultanahmet district. The palace is one of the iconic structures of İstanbul. Topkapı Palace was the administrative, educational and artistic center of the Ottoman Empire for approximately 400 years from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to the 31st Sultan Abdülmecid, as well as housing the dynasty. Although Topkapı Palace was gradually abandoned by the mid-19th century when the dynasty slowly moved to Dolmabahçe Palace, it preserved its historical importance and value.

After the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Topkapı Palace was converted into a museum on April 3, 1924, having the distinction of being one of the first museums of the Republic. Today, Topkapı Palace is one of the largest palace-museums in the world with its buildings, architecture, collections and approximately 300,000 archive documents.

The Harem was home to the Sultan himself, his mother, wives, daughters, sons, brothers, the high ranking female officials who managed the affairs of the household, hundreds of maidservants, and black eunuchs.

Topkapı Palace houses invaluable sacred relics which are kept in Has Oda, the Sultan’s Privy Chamber. Precious belongings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and objects that belonged to prophets including Prophet Muhammad, Prophets Moses and Joseph, and Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) daughter, son-in-law, and companions along with the key to Ka’bah have been preserved at Topkapı Palace for 500 years. The most important of the relics is the Hirka-i Serif, Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) mantle, which was brought to İstanbul during the reign of Selim I. Another sacred relic is the Sakal-ı Serif, hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).

Sultanahmet Mosque

Sultanahmet Mosque, or as it is best known in the West, the “Blue Mosque,” presents visitors with the best examples of the famous Iznik tiles. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I.  Like other imperial mosques in İstanbul, it comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice within the courtyard. Besides being tourist attraction, it’s an active mosque, so it’s closed to visitors during the five daily prayer hours. Visitors must follow wearing rules while inside the mosque.

Hippodrome

Hippodrome, one of the biggest and most important structures of Eastern Roman İstanbul, was located in the center of the city, right next to the imperial palace, which is now the heart of Sultanahmet District, next to the Blue Mosque. From the 4th century to the 7th century, it was not only an area where the most exciting and popular horse-drawn chariot races and shows were held; it was also the most important public space where emperors were enthroned, military victories were celebrated with magnificent demonstrations, and the people could express their wishes before their emperors. Spina, the middle strip of the Hippodrome, is decorated with obelisks and other monuments.

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sofia, is constructed by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, in 6th c BCE. It is a big underground water reservoir is called as “Yerebatan Cistern” among the public because of the underground marble columns. As there used to be a basilica above the cistern, it is also called Basilica Cistern. It is an impressive structure with 336 columns. Except couple of the edged and grooved columns of the cistern, majority of them are shaped as a cylinder. Two Medusa heads, which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern, are the great work of art from the Roman period.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque by Sinan, the Great Imperial Architect, is a distinctive feature of İstanbul’s skyline. An Imperial mosque of 16th century is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.  It combines tall, slender minarets with a large dome and a vast courtyard with the best views of the city.

Rüstem Paşa Mosque

Rüstem Paşa Camii (Mosque), located in the Eminönü district, nearby the Spice Bazaar is one of the prettiest and the most impressive structures built by the Great Imperial Ottoman Architect, Mimar Sinan in 1561. The mosque is covered with colored İznik tile panels decorated with floral arabesques.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

400 years old Spice Bazaar is located down the hill from Sultanahmet in Eminönü district, at the shores of the Sea of Marmara, right across the Galata Bridge. Comprising of more than 80 stores selling spices and herbs, teas, natural remedies, dried nuts, and fruits, it is the center of rich scents and delicacies.  There are some good souvenir shops in the Spice Bazaar.

Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and the largest covered Bazaars of the world, with over 4000 shops spread across 64 streets.  It was opened in 1461, expanded to its today’s size throughout centuries. Jewelry shops, carpet and leather goods stores, tiles, towels, pashminas and local fabric stores and souvenir shops can be found in this amazing labyrinth of shops.

 Galata Tower

A 14th century Genoese tower, Galata Tower, is the oldest standing still tower in its original form, now offers a 360-degree observing platform of the city.

Bosphorus

Dolmabahçe Palace

Located on the shores of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace, is the 19th century residence of Ottoman Sultans built in diversity of European architectural styles. This Palace is now open for visitors with the best examples of Imperial Turkish carpets and chandelier from Europe, fine wood furniture and rich decoration items such as clocks, vases.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Built between 1863 and 1865, Beylerbeyi is a palace overlooking the vast blue of the Bosphorus. A glorious 19th-century monument that impresses with its set gardens and fascinates with its mansions, Beylerbeyi Palace has been mostly used as a summer palace since its construction.

Ortaköy

Ortaköy is the lively and attractive neighborhood of Beşiktas, located just by the Bosphorus and under the bridge. Ortaköy is also another popular nightlife and entertainment centers of İstanbul with its variety of great cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants, shops, boutiques, baked potato & souvenir shops. And Ortaköy Mosque is with no doubt, one of the most popular photo taking spots and symbols of İstanbul.

Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) is an Ottoman fortress dating to 1452, currently an open-air museum on the coast of the Bosphorus Strait’s European coast.  It was built in a short period of four months by Sultan Mehmet II, the Conqueror in 1452 before the conquest of İstanbul to prevent attacks and block aids from the north of Bosphorus. This monument is located opposite the Anadolu Fortress, built by Sultan I. Beyazıt in 1394, and is in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus.

Asian Side

Kadıköy – Üsküdar

Kız Kulesi

Kız Kulesi, the Maiden’s Tower, is located on a small islet on the Bosphorus, 150-200 meters off the shore of the Salacak district in Üsküdar. Apart from its history, this 2500 year old tower has been the subject of many legends. The tower often mistakenly named Leander’s Tower in reference to the legend of Hero and Leander. The Maiden’s Tower has been used for many different purposes over time, such as a tax collection area from merchantman, a defense tower, and a lighthouse.

Kadıköy Çarşısı (Bazaar)

Kadıköy Çarşısı (Bazaar), also known as the Kadıköy Market is an open-air bazaar area spread around narrow pedestrianised streets on the Asian side of İstanbul, in Kadıköy district. Aromatic, colorful and alluring showcase of fresh vegetables, daily fish, cheese, olives, pickles and candies as well as a maze of old bookstores, nostalgic shops, cafes, restaurants, antique shops, mosques and churches is a regular visit for locals and is also a popular visit for tourists.

Çamlıca Hill

Located on the Asian side of İstanbul, Çamlıca Hill, has the best views of the city at 260 m (850 ft) above sea level as one of the highest venues of the city. With its lush green nature, historical trees, colorful flowers, unique Bosphorus view and fresh air blowing smoothly even in the hot summer days. It is a recreation area overlooking the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea with its pavilions, fountains, tea gardens, historical monumental trees, restaurants, cafes and walking trails.

Museums

İstanbul Archaeological Museums

İstanbul Archaeological Museums are a complex of museums located down the slope from Topkapı’s First Court, or up the hill from the main gate of Gülhane Park.

The complex consists of three main units: The Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi), The Museum of Ancient Oriental Works (Eski Şark Eserleri Müzesi), The Tiled Kiosk Museum (Çinili Köşk). These three separate main units are located in the same garden İstanbul Archaeological Museum, first regular museum appearing in the history of Ottoman Empire and in Türkiye, has about a million artifacts from a variety of cultures, brought from the imperial lands.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is the first museum in Türkiye to include Turkish & Islamic art works together. The museum hosts the world’s richest Islamic Art collection. The museum is also famous for having the best rug collection in the world.

It is located at the ancient Hippodrome in Sultanahmet district of the Historical Peninsula, in İbrahim Pasha Palace to the west of Blue Mosque. The museum building is one of the earliest surviving palace buildings to the present day, dates back to the late 15th century.

Great Palace Mosaics Museum

The museum is located inside the Arasta Market in the Blue Mosque Complex, and it was formed to cover the mosaic floor of the collonaded courtyart of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Grand Palace dated between 450-550 CE.

Mosaics are magnificent both in terms of artistic and in terms of the richness of depictions of the scenes. The works exhibited in the Great Palace Mosaics Museum do not have religious content. The depictions taken from daily life, nature and mythology probably owe their vitality to the many experts under the leadership of the leading masters of the era.

Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum

Galata Mevlevihanesi (Mevlevi Lodge), is located at the Tünel Square of İstiklal Street, atop the hill going down to Galata Tower. As one of the oldest Mevlevi Lodges, it was built in 1491. Throughout the centuries it has been rebuilt and renovated many times and opened as a museum in 1975 which reflects the Mevlevi culture and art of its own age.

Naval Museum

İstanbul Deniz Müzesi is a national naval museum located in Beşiktaş district.

The unique collection of the museum mainly consists of historical caiques, hundreds of years old Ottoman wooden rowboats, as well as an “Atatürk Exhibition”, ship models, figureheads, paintings, wood carvings, seals, historical diving equipment, naval uniforms and other maritime-related objects.

Atlas 1948 İstanbul Cinema Museum

The historic Atlas Theater hosts the İstanbul Cinema Museum in İstanbul’s Beyoğlu district.  Established in 1948, Atlas Theatre was one of the oldest movie theaters operating in İstanbul and the passage that gives way to the cinema is one of İstiklal’s renowned meeting points. The movie theater was also one of the few survivors of the glorious “Yeşilçam” (Green Pine – in an apparent reference to Hollywood) era.

Following a two-year restoration project, Atlas Theater is billed as Türkiye’s first cinema museum and aims to shed light on the history of the country’s silver screen industry. The museum includes special collections, information, and documents on world cinema, as well as masterpieces from Turkish cinema for the viewing of movie lovers. This institution is projected to be a living venue with education and entertainment along with the ability to host events.

İstanbul Modern

İstanbul Modern was founded in 2004 as Türkiye’s first museum of modern and contemporary art. Committed to sharing Türkiye’s artistic creativity and cultural identity with the local and international art worlds, the museum hosts a broad array of interdisciplinary activities. A permenant collection and temporary exhibition halls, photography gallery, video area, library, cinema, educational activities, store, and café provide a comprehensive space for living that invites visitors both to witness what is produced and to produce themselves.

Pera Museum

Pera Museum is an impressive private museum founded with the aim of offering an outstanding range of diverse high-quality culture and art services.

Located in the historic quarter of Tepebaşı, in Beyoğlu district, impressive building was originally conceived as the historic art-deco Bristol Hotel of late 19th century. Following an extensive renovation, a modern and fully equipped museum is opened at this historic location as an integral part of İstanbul’s cultural scene.

Pera Museum hosts three permanent collections, “Orientalist Paintings”, “Anatolian Weights and Measures”, and “Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics”.  The works provide fascinating glimpses into the Ottoman world from the 17th to 20th centuries and include the most beloved painting in the Turkish canon – Osman Hamdi Bey’s The Tortoise Trainer (1906). Temporary exhibitions have showcased high-profile art such as Warhol, de Chirico, Picasso and Botero.

Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Sakıp Sabancı Museum is a private museum located in Emirgan, at one of İstanbul’s oldest settlements on the Bosphorus.  An impressive late 19th century mansion also known as Atlı Köşk (the mansion with the horse), is now the museum’s main building where a rich collection of calligraphy including rare handwritten works, Sultan’s decrees, Korans and and paintings were housed. Sakıp Sabancı Museum presents an exquisite environment with its lush garden filled with archeological objects and breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.

Top Experiences

 The Bosphorus Cruise

Separating the waterway between Asia and Europe is a unique experience of enjoying the cruise, taking photographs of the city, palaces, wooden mansions from the water while cruising below the bridges of İstanbul.

Turkish Bath / Hammam

As an Imperial city, İstanbul hosts several historical Turkish Baths, mostly in the Historical Peninsula, Sultanahmet area. Ottoman Turks inherited the Roman bath concept—architecture and tradition. Hammams serve men and women, either in separate sections or at separate hours.

3. Street Markets, Bazaars and Artisans

Çukurcuma is home to beautiful furniture and antiques in Istanbul. The old houses in Çukurcuma have been restored and now serve as antique shops. Visitors may find variety of nice antiques in Çukurcuma such as 19th century Ottoman embroidery, nostalgic biscuit boxes from 1950s, antique paintings and prints and more.

4. Forests and Parks

Gülhane Park served as the main garden of Topkapı Palace. During spring months, it is one of the most popular parks where Tulip Festival takes place in April. It is located right below Sultanahmet area, in Sirkeci.
Belgrade Forest has a 6-kilometre long walking trail surrounded by a beautiful lake. The forest is an ideal place for nature walking, jogging, or running. It is a hidden gem in the city where you can find refuge in nature.

İstanbul With Family

İstanbul houses some of the world’s most amazing museums and attractions to enjoy with the entire family travelling with kids such as theme parks, aquariums, Bosphorus cruise experience, Prince Island tours, bike tours and the shopping malls.

A tiny Turkish adventure at Miniatürk; an open-air miniature park where you can see the attractions and iconic places from all over Türkiye, displayed as pieces of artwork in a shrunken-down, handy size.

• İstanbul Akvaryum has various small aquariums within it, with themes based on 16 water bodies around the world.
• Vialand is a fun theme park with several rides and roller coasters. The adrenaline rush after a few hours on the rides here will be a nice break from sightseeing.
• The İstanbul Toy Museum is a one-of-a-kind place that holds a collection of toys dating back to the 18th century.
• Rahmi M Koç Museum is Türkiye’s first museum dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communication – and is particularly geared towards kids. Here, they will get a chance to explore old trams, climb up into cockpits of small military planes, sit in vintage cars and even enter a real submarine.

Outdoors & Nature

Princes’ Islands

Nine islands off İstanbul coasts on the Sea of Marmara are amongst the top destinations, especially during sunny days. Visitors can enjoy walking in the pedestrian cobblestone streets lined with historical mansions with mimosas and other colourful flowers in their gardens. Seafood restaurants, and cafes are lined up at the waterfront of most islands just by the piers.

There are daily ferry services from both European and Asian piers of İstanbul to the islands of Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada and Sedef Island.

Islands are favourite places for both residents and visitors to enjoy a quiet time as motorized vehicles are banned on the islands. Biking, trekking and specially designed electric carts are the most pleasant way to discover the history and the nature of the islands and relax among pine trees.

Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park is one of the oldest and most historical parks in İstanbul located at the tip of the Historical Peninsula. Gülhane Park is an ideal spot to relax under centuries-old trees, read a book, get away from the noise and crowd of the city, walk along the roads full of colorful flowers. Gülhane Park was first used as the outer garden of the Topkapı Palace in the Ottoman Period. Gülhane Park is the one of the highlights of the Tulip Festival period with nearly 50 different species and more than 2 million tulips.

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park is an historical urban park located along the Bosphorus which covers an area of 117 acres (470,000 m2) on a hillside.

Inside the park with two decorative ponds are plants of more than 120 species. Jogging tracks and picnic tables make the Emirgan Park a very popular recreation area for visitors.  Three historic pavilions, called after their exterior color as the Yellow Pavilion, the Pink Pavilion and the White Pavilion were restored opened to the public as cafeteria and restaurant.

Belgrade Forest

Belgrade Forest is a vast woodland also known as the “lungs of İstanbul”. It stretches to the northern part of the city on the European side. The Forest is an area of mixed woodland, with as many perennially green pines as deciduous oaks that ring the colour changes. Belgrade Forest may be a great place to jog, walk or to have a picnic among the trees.

Popular Routes

This section includes popular tour routes within İstanbul. Please check the visiting days / times of sites before planning a tour itinerary.

1. İstanbul Highlights – Historical Peninsula

This full day walking tour covers the main highlights on the Historical Peninsula – also known as Sultanahmet – for first time visitors.

• Hippodrome
• Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
• Ayasofya Grand Mosque
• Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan)
• Topkapı Palace & Harem
• Grand Bazaar

2. İstanbul Highlights – Extended

This is a full day walking tour for those who have a second day in İstanbul.

• Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
• Rüstem Paşa Mosque
• Cruise along the Bosphorus (either by private boat or public ferry)
• Dolmabahçe Palace

3. Imperial Ottoman Route

This is a focus tour on Ottoman Empire’s important monuments in addition to main highlights in the Historical Peninsula (Topkapı Palace – Sultanahmet-Blue-Mosque); walking up Divan Yolu (Byzantine Mese) – From Sultanahmet to Süleymaniye

• Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
• Süleymaniye Mosque
• Authentic wooden houses
• Şehzade (Prince) Mosque

4. Eastern Roman Empire along the Golden Horn

For visitors who have already covered the main highlights in the Historical Peninsula (Ayasofya Grand Mosque – Basilica Cistern – Hippodrome)

• Serefiye Cistern
• Chora Museum (Kariye)
• Ancient City Walls
• Tekfur Palace

5. İstanbul Centre – From Taksim to Karaköy

• Taksim Square
• Atatürk Cultural Centre
• İstiklal Street
• Atlas Cinema Museum
• Tünel
• Galata Mevlevi Lodge
• Galata Tower
• Kamondo Steps
• Karaköy

6. Asian Shores of İstanbul

• Ferry to Kadıköy
• Kadıköy Market Walk
• Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
• Kuzguncuk – a typical Bosphorus village
• Beylerbeyi Palace

Nearby Excursions / Within İstanbul

Prince Islands

The Prince Islands, an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, were places of exile for Byzantine princes.

Büyükada is the largest of the islands where you can enjoy a bike ride or a stroll among the pine trees or simply relax by the beach in one of the numerous coves that ring the island. The other popular islands are Kınalı, Sedef, Burgaz and Heybeliada.

Regular ferryboats connect the islands with both the European and Asian shores and a faster sea bus service operates from Kabataş port in the summer.

Ağva

Due to its proximity to İstanbul, Ağva is a place of unique beauty that is frequently visited by İstanbul residents. This corner from heaven, with its green forests, blue rivers and the shores to the Black Sea, offers plenty to its visitors: village breakfast, historical excursions, boat trip on the river, a lovely fish meal and more.

Anadolu Kavağı

It is a historical fishing village at the northern end of the Bosphorus. Located on the Asian side this village offers an amazing view to its visitors. There are a number of seafood restaurants where you can enjoy local food culture with fresh fish, seafood and mezze.

Kilyos

On the European side of the Black Sea coast, 25 kilometers from the outskirts of İstanbul, the long, broad sandy beaches of Kilyos offers a nice getaway with local hotels and restaurants.

Nearby Excursions / Beyond İstanbul

Bursa

A long day trip including a one-hour ferry crossing of the Sea of Marmara, followed by a two-hour drive will take you to the city of Bursa, situated south of İstanbul.

Bursa was one of the former capitals of the Ottoman Empire. Its Ottoman core with mosques, mausoleums, old as well as abundance of green parks, fresh air at the peaks of Mountain Uludağ (Türkiye’s premier ski resort) are the major highlights of the city.

Bursa is also famous with its thermal springs.

You can visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and Historic Bazaar and buy some amazing silk products.

You can also ride the teleferic (cable car) up to Mountain Uludağ or enjoy city’s thermal waters in one of the thermal city hotel spa or baths.

*For further information please refer to “Marmara Region” module.

Sapanca

Two-hour drive on the highway will take you to the green Sapanca town where you can enjoy the cafes and restaurants by the Sapanca Lake, Maşukiye Waterfall and a delicious organic meal in Maşukiye Village.

On the way back, a short stop at the peaks of Kartepe Ski center will make your day filled with fresh air and lots of green scenery.

*For further information please refer to “Marmara Region” module.

Abant

3,5-hour drive to the east from İstanbul center will take you to a large and peaceful Abant Lake.  This beautiful lake is surrounded by dense forests which are home to numerous tree varieties.

This trip can be extended with a visit to Yedi Göller (Seven Lakes) nearby, a National Park with 7 naturally formed lakes. A walk along the lake and horseback riding are the popular activities in this pleasant countryside.

*For further information please refer to “Black Sea Region” module.

Edirne

A border city 2,5 hour drive from İstanbul, is another former Ottoman capital, Edirne is blessed with imperial mosques, massive rivers of Tunca and Meriç enclosing the city and historical bridges over these rivers.

Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece of the Great Imperial architect Sinan, Eski (Old) Mosque, Beyazit Külliye (Complex) and Health Museum are the unique examples of architecture and history.

 

Beyazıt Health Museum is a unique site to visit for medical professionals as it is the largest Ottoman spiritual and physical welfare complex. There was a medical center in the museum complex which is now converted into a “Health Museum.” You can get to know the development of medical science (especially mental illness) of Ottoman at that museum.

Edirne is also home to the annual Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival. Thousands of people from different age groups, cultures and regions travel every year to see Pehlivan (wrestlers) fight for the Kırkpınar Golden Belt and the title of Chief Pehlivan. This tradition is in UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

*For further information please refer to “Marmara Region” module.

Çanakkale

A 3,5-hour drive to southwest of the Sea of Marmara will take you to the city of Çanakkale, along the strait called Dardanelles, a body of water which connects the inner sea of Marmara to the Aegean.

North of the strait is the peninsula called Gelibolu (Gallipoli) where the historic battle of Gallipoli of WWI took place. You can visit the memorial sites and battlefields and listen to the heartbreaking stories of Turkish, Australian and New Zealand and Indian; ANZAC soldiers who served as part of the British force involved in the dramatic eight-month Gallipoli campaign in Türkiye during World War I.

Crossing the straight by ferry is where another historic battle took place; ancient battle of Troia as described in Illiad by Homer. Troia is a UNESCO listed archaeological site and home to the recently opened impressive Troia Museum where you can learn the legendry stories of the wooden Trojan Horse and see its replica as well.

*For further information please refer to “Marmara Region” module.

Turkish Cuisine

Türkiye may be famous for its kebabs, but this popular dish is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Turkish cuisine. Türkiye’s rich and diverse food culture is largely thanks to its geography and the heritage of Ottoman Palace kitchens. Therefore, it is impossible to fit Turkish cuisine into a short list. Yet, it can be categorized based on ingredients and regions. 

The great diversity of fauna and flora in Türkiye has also contributed to the great variety in regional cuisines.

Turkish cuisine incorporates a huge range of vegetable dishes known as zeytinyağlı yemek – foods (mostly fresh produce and grains) cooked in olive oil. Traditional Turkish foods rely less on seasonings and more on tasty fresh ingredients.

Best known meat dishes are a variety of grilled meat; known as kebab,  köfte (meatballs) or döner; beaten pieces of meat seasoned with suet, local herbs and spices, skewered on a spit and grilled vertically.

A country located on a peninsula surrounded by three seas offeres a rich variety of seafood dishes accompanied by small platters of meze, a selection of dishes served at the start of the meal. 

Soups made with vegetables and grain, yogurt, ayran, pastries, desserts are most commonly additions of lunch or dinner menus. 

Turkish breakfast is a rich experience accompanied by local brewed black tea, round shaped sesame seed covered pastru (simit) or bread, white cheese (beyaz peynir), aged cheese (kaşar peyniri), black and/or green olives (zeytin), butter, clotted cream (kaymak) and honey, jam, veggie egg scramble (menemen) or boiled eggs (yumurta), sliced tomatoes and/or cucumbers.

The selection of the MICHELIN Guide İstanbul 2023 reflects the diversity, culinary traditions and openness of the local culinary landscape. With 53 restaurants in the selection, İstanbul’s culinary scene offers unique experiences for international gourmets. The selection of the MICHELIN Guide İstanbul 2023 at a glance: 1 restaurant with Two MICHELIN Stars, 4 restaurants with One MICHELIN Star, 1 restaurant with a MICHELIN Green Star, 10 Bib Gourmand restaurants, 38 recommended restaurants.

İstanbul’s Gastronomical Scene

İstanbul is a city where you can experience the rich diversity of Turkish cuisine. İstanbul has a great culinary scene with variety of fusion cuisine restaurants with the breathtaking view of Bosphorus, very attractive fine dining places, steakhouses, “esnaf lokantaları” (local Turkish restaurants with a wide range of stew-like dishes), century-old Turkish restaurants, “balıkçı” (fish restaurants), “kebapçı” (kebap restaurants), “meyhane” (taverns), Turkish breakfast places, modern and traditional cafés and bars, amazing street food varieties and traditional food shops such as confectioner’s shop, pickle shop, cheese shop, “çay bahçesi” (traditional Turkish black tea cafés), “boza” (thick, fermented drink) shop and local bazaars and markets.

Turkish wines work well with a number of dishes because they tend to have solid and well-balanced acidity and great fruit flavors. Today, Türkiye produces and consumes wine in large amounts, thanks to well-established wine companies and boutique producers. Some of the quality wine varieties produced in these lands are Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Çalkarası, and Kalecik Karası for red, and Emir, Narince, Sultaniye, and Bornova Misketi for white wines.

In 2013, Turkish coffee culture and tradition took its place in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.” When visiting friends and family in Türkiye, Turkish coffee is always part of every occasion and will always be offered when you enter someone’s home. Telling fortunes in the coffee grounds is another feature of Turkish coffee, and  “Every cup of coffee carries 40 years of memories” is a traditional Turkish proverb, so you can really see just how important this drink is to the culture.

Accommodation

From luxurious 5-star beauties to stylish boutique hotels that feel like home, İstanbul offers a wide variety of options and alternatives.

• Sultanahmet neighbourhood is a good option if you are interested in major sights and landmarks. By staying at Sultanahmet, the very heart of the Historical Peninsula, you will be able to visit many of the important places in 5 – 10 minutes walking from your hotel.
• Taksim neighbourhood is famous for luxurious hotels. You can also find a nice room and a fully equipped apartment to rent in the quarter. Not far from Taksim, Cihangir and Beyoğlu offer some suitable and comfortable options if you fancy a lively place. Close enough to the Historical Peninsula and other attractions, it is full of street food, local shops and a buzzy nightlife.
• Small boutique hotels, family B&Bs and hidden gems at Kadıköy, on the Asian side, are a perfect fit if you prefer quieter residential neighbourhoods to feel the rhythm of daily life, and enjoy a 20-minute boat ride to arrive to the Historical Peninsula.

Entertainment

İstanbul is one of those cities that never sleeps. Animated night life of İstanbul ranging from hip clubs to gigantic venues, partying onboard a cruise along the Bosphorus to live music bars on İstiklal Street. Plenty of nightlife choices are scattered around the city to serve all interests.

Turkish Night Shows with dinner including folkloric dances and belly dancers are also available at special venues for tourists.

Experience a Whirling Dervish Show; the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to “perfection” through mind and love.

Shopping

İstanbul is a shopper’s paradise, catering to all kinds of shoppers. From covered bazaars and workshops that continue ancient traditions, to shopping malls with all major local and international brands and departmental stores, İstanbul offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities to the travelers.

• Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are two of the most visited places in İstanbul.
• Arasta Bazaar situated behind the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is yet another place where authentic goods and handicrafts can be found and Sultanahmet and its environs are other similar areas.
• Situated between Beyazıt Mosque and Grand Bazaar is a heaven for old book enthusiasts Sahaflar Çarşısı (Booksellers’ Market)
• İstiklal Street is one of the oldest streets of İstanbul. Also known as “Grand Rue de Pera” in history or Beyoğlu district, this colorful street is the hearth of entertainment and shopping with numerous alternatives of bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, international brand stores as well as historical passages. İstiklal Street is totally pedestrianized. A historical tram operates along the street from Taksim Square to Tünel, world’s second oldest funicular.
• Nişantaşı District and Rumeli Street provide a contrast to the chaos of the bazaars. This area is where one can browse at leisure the shops selling special pieces such as home-grown designer products and top international designer brands. Exquisite jewelry, finely designed handbags and shoes can also be found here.
• With around 120 shopping malls around the city, İstanbul has more shopping malls than many European countries does in total. These shopping malls offer countless brands and services in many sectors varying from clothing to food and entertainment to electronics, and besides being a place to shop, these centres are also considered recreational areas.

Go Local – Discover Neighborhoods

City’s diverse neighbourhoods form a fusion of ancient and vibrant contemporary culture. From an idyllic fishing village to the heart of city’s culture scene, visitors can find exciting neighborhoods to explore.

From Pera To Galata

From the city’s center, the Taksim Square, a stroll along the İstiklal Street will take you to the astonishing Galata neighborhood, a historical Genoese quarter, now a hip and artsy part of the city with artisan stores, nice cafes and restaurants and the Galata Tower.

Further down from Galata are the shores of Bosphorus where a natural inlet, the Golden Horn, mixes with the main body of water. Karaköy is the port area right below Galata, across the historical peninsula, now housing the modern brand-new cruise port of İstanbul. This up-and-coming İstanbul neighborhood branches out to the left of the Galata Bridge and is known for its hipster vibe and nightlife.

Along The Bosphorus

This waterfront stretch is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of İstanbul. Azure waters flowing from the Black Sea into the Marmara Sea in the south of the city is called the Bosphorus. It is a natural strait of 30-kilometers which varies greatly in width from 700 meters to 3500 meters.  The differences in temperature and water content in the two seas encourage an abundance of fish. Thus, fishing is a major activity along the quays of Bosphorus and on the Galata Bridge. Seafood restaurants along the shores of the strait is an indication of the bounty of the sea.

Along both shores of the strait, picturesque villages, expensive waterfront wooden mansions (yalı), summer palaces of Ottomans, and lush forests spread on the hills are the highlights of a relaxing boat trip along the Bosphorus.

Asian Side: Kadıköy – Üsküdar

With a short ferry ride, the Asian side of İstanbul is worth a visit.  It is mostly the residential part of the city. Colorful street market of Kadıköy, Ottoman mosques of Üsküdar and cozy Bosphorus villages of Kuzguncuk, and Çengelköy are the prime highlights.

Kuzguncuk is admired as a traditional neighborhood where tradition lives on and old-fashioned values prevail. This quaint neighborhood was home to a mix of different cultural and religious backgrounds, evidenced by the synagogues, churches and mosques that rise side by side in the traditional and beautiful Kuzguncuk.

Golden Horn: Balat – Fener – Eyüp

Balat and Fener region was home to the old Greek Orthodox and Jewish neighbourhoods of İstanbul. With traditional old wooden houses, Byzantine churches, and old synagogues belonging to the first Jewish community who was settled here, this region is a melting pot of cultures.  The Orthodox Patriarchy resides here as well.

Eyüp neighborhood towards the end of the Golden Horn is an important site for Muslims who are coming to visit and pray for the tomb of Eyub El Ensari, who was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and died during the Arab siege of Constantinople in the 7th century. The Pierre Loti Cafe on top of the hill overlooking the shrine is a peaceful place to enjoy the view of the Golden Horn having a traditional Turkish coffee or tea.

Things to do