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.

11. Ortaköy

Ortaköy is located on the coast of the Bosporus and it is famous for its beautiful view, Kumpir and Waffle shops, handmade jewelry stands, and eccentric boutiques. Ortaköy mosque is very famous as well, and it is one of the most photographed places, as it presents beautiful scenery; the mosque, the sea, and the bosporus bridge. While you are there, do not forget to eat kumpir, which is a large potato stuffed with several appetizers.

12. Taksim Square

Taksim is a popular tourist area in Istanbul, which presents various activities for different kinds of visitors. Generally, Taksim is perceived as the heart of the nightlife in Istanbul with numerous bars and pubs, but Istiklal Street has so much more to offer, from historical buildings, malls, shops, restaurants, cafes, and more. You can find the best options for Turkish cuisine, visit Madame Tussauds, and see Taksim Republic Monument.

13. Istanbul Malls

Istanbul has numerous malls that you can explore. From high-end luxury brands and authentic Turkish brands to restaurants and cafes, malls in İstanbul have everything you want. If you are traveling with your family, there are various attractions for kids, such as aquariums and playgrounds. Some of the most famous malls in İstanbul are Akasya Mall, Forum İstanbul Mall, Zorlu Center, Emaar Square Mall, İstinye Park Mall, and Watergarden Mall.

14. Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a summer residence for the Ottoman dynasty between 1861-1865 in the neo-Baroque style and has 24 rooms, 6 halls, and a Turkish bath. It resembles the Dolmabahçe Palace but it is smaller, less crowded, and located on the Asian shore of Istanbul. Overall, it is beautiful with its view, interior design, various statues, and landscape design. It operates Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 60 Turkish Lira per person.

15. Çengelköy

Çengelköy is located about 3 kilometers from Üsküdar, on the Anatolian side of İstanbul. It is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in İstanbul and worth visiting. You can have a notable Turkish breakfast in the seaside cafes, and drink your Turkish tea with the view of the Bosporus Bridge. Çengelköy is also famous for one of the best street foods in Turkish cuisine, kokoreç, which is lamb intestines tucked inside the bread with spices like oregano and pepper.

16. Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the fascinating structures of Mimar Sinan, a notable architect of the Ottoman Empire, and was built between 1550-1557. What makes this mosque special is that Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan were buried in this mosque. Besides visiting the mosque, you can wander around Süleymaniye Square and eat traditional beans and pilav. The restaurants serving this dish in Süleymaniye are very famous.

17. Nişantaşı

Nişantaşı is the heart of fashion, food, and luxury in Istanbul. If you are looking for the authenticity of small boutiques, as well as high-end luxurious brands within a walking distance, you should head to Nişantaşı for a shopping spree. If you want something more, you can drink Turkish coffee in one of the many beautiful cafes, have lunch with a wide selection of both Turkish and international cuisine, visit the Teşvikiye Mosque, and more.

18. Bebek

Bebek is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in İstanbul. Located on the banks of the Bosporus, this place is ideal for a lazy weekend. Of course, it is crowded, especially when the weather is warm, but the lush cafes and restaurants, and walking along the sea are worth it. While in Bebek do not forget to visit Baylan Patisserie which is quite famous for its delicacies.

19. Cağaloğlu Hammam

Hammams have great importance in Turkish culture and if you want to pamper yourself, look no further than Cağaloğlu Hammam. Located in Cağaloğlu, this is the last large hammam that was built in the Ottoman Empire era, 1741. The interior design and unique architectural features bewitch its visitors. Operate every day from 9 AM to 11 PM, and the fee starts from 60 Euros, with different hammam packages available.

20. Gülhane Park

This centuries-old imperial park is great for chilling after visiting all the landmarks in Sultanahmet, as it is a walking distance from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The best time to visit Gülhane Park is in spring, especially during the tulip festival. The entrance is free, there are cafes where you can drink your Turkish tea, a playground for children, and a breathtaking view of the Bosporus.