Ultimate Istanbul Guide: Top 20 Must-Visit Places in Istanbul 

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole world. From history, culture to breathtaking landscapes, and numerous luxurious shopping options, this place has everything you want! It was one of the most important cities in history, and you can understand why when you visit Istanbul. Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans cherished this city throughout history and nowadays, it is the cultural capital of Turkey and one of the most unique cities in the world. Istanbul is one of the top destinations for cultural and historical tourism, but it has so much more to offer. Here we compiled a list of must-visit places that includes worldly-renowned landmarks, beautiful parks, the most luxurious shopping options, and more. Although you can visit İstanbul all year round, the best times are generally spring and autumn months, as the city becomes alive and is exceptionally beautiful during that time. 

1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a 1486-year-old, worldly-renowned structure in Istanbul. It is understandable why this place is one of the most famous places in Istanbul, as is exceptional for being a religious, historical, political, and artistic center for Christians and Byzantines. After the conquer of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror worshipped in Hagia Sophia for the first time. Over centuries Hagia Sophia was a church, mosque, and museum, and today it is a mosque. There is no entrance fee, and Hagia Sophia should be the first place to visit when you travel to Istanbul. 

2. Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace was built in 1461 and it was home to 22 Sultans of the Ottoman dynasty until 1853. The magnificent structure is the symbol of the political and historical influence of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the architectural marvels of earlier eras. The collections exhibited for visitors, such as precious paintings, and worldly-renowned The 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond, which is the 5th largest diamond in the world. The entrance fee for Topkapı Palace is 200 Turkish Lira per person.

3. Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque, which was constructed between 1609 and 1616, is one of the most remarkable structures of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. Located in Sultanahmet Square, nearby Hagia Sophia, this mosque is one of the most awe-inspiring structures and one of the symbols of Istanbul. The name Blue Mosque comes from the distinctive blue Iznik tiles of its interior design and stands out for being one of the most magnificent mosques in Turkey, with its dome and minaret heights. 

4. Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century during the Justinian period and is the largest surviving cistern of the Byzantine Empire in Istanbul. It is a popular attraction with majestic columns of 9 meters, and Medusa's Head. The entrance fee for Basilica Cistern is 300 Turkish Lira per person.

5. Prince Islands

You can always take a Bosporus tour in İstanbul, but visiting the Princes' Islands is something else. Located along the coast of Istanbul in the Marmara Sea, it is a marvelous option for a weekend getaway with pine forests, beaches, and biking. The most popular among the islands is Büyükada, which has various attractions like Hagia Yorgi Church, Hristos Hill, and Yüce Tepe Hill. You can visit the islands by ferries from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Bostancı, and Maltepe.

6. Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace, which is one of the largest and most luxurious palaces in Turkey, mesmerizes millions of tourists each year. This lavish place has more than 280 rooms, the biggest Bohemian crystal chandelier collection in the world, and a well-preserved interior design and architecture. You can visit Dolmabahçe Palace every day except Mondays, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee starts from 120 TL.

7. Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in the world. Its construction began in 1461 and spreads over 54.653 square meters with 64 streets and thousands of shops. It is a unique experience itself, but if you are looking to shop authentic, hand-crafted carpets, jewelry, leather and ceramic goods, lamps, and various souvenirs, you must visit Grand Bazaar. Being close to both Sultanahmet and Eminönü Square makes this place a popular tourist attraction.

8. Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar, or Egyptian Bazaar, was built in 1664 and it is perhaps the second most famous market in İstanbul, after the Grand Bazaar. Spice Bazaar is nearby to Grand Bazaar but it is distinguished due to its specialization in food products, where you can purchase various kinds of spices, worldly-renowned Turkish delights, essential oils, nuts dried fruits, teas, Turkish cheese, honey, and more.

9. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the most photographed landmarks in İstanbul. Located in Galata, this tower was built as a watchtower in 1348. You can get to Galata Tower from İstiklal Street in Taksim, or Karaköy by walking. You can visit Galata Tower seven days a week from 8.30 AM to 11 PM, to admire the beautiful view of the Golden Horn from the top of the tower. The entrance fee is 175 Turkish Lira per person.

10. Balat

Balat is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in İstanbul, along the coast of the Golden Horn and within walking distance from Eminönü. You can observe the traces of multiculturism from cobblestoned roads to vibrant-colored architecture. You can shop from quaint antique shops, pet the lazy cats that sleep almost in every cafe in Balat, and take photographs of the majestic Private Fener Greek High School.