Beautiful Places to Visit and Things to Do for Tourist in Istanbul

October 7, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 5565 Views

Istanbul is one of the most historically significant cities in the world. Its strategic location between Europe and the Middle East as well as between the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara has resulted in several conquests. Every major empire in Europe and the Middle East has ruled this city from time to time. During these years of wars, empires have also contributed several wonderful attractions to this city, which are now among the best places to visit in Istanbul. Historically the city has also been given several names Byzantium and Constantinople being the most well-known among them. Istanbul is the bridge between Asia & Europe, both figuratively and literally. There are actual bridges that connect the Asian part of the city with the Europeans. Even the culture of Istanbul reflects a blend of the Middle East and Europe. The city is also popular for several best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey including Turkish Coffee, Turkish Baths, Bazaars, Whirling Dervishes, and so on.

Perhaps the most famous place among Istanbul’s tourist attractions is Hagia Sophia. The great mosque has been molded, reshaped, redesigned, destroyed, and reconstructed by several empires. This monument tells the story of Istanbul like no other. It is as much a blend of cultures as the city is. Hence, it is perhaps the most important place among things to see in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace is yet another monument to undergo evolution under various empires that conquered Istanbul. It is one of the top historical places in Istanbul, though not as popular as Hagia Sophia. You will be able to see the glory and might of the Ottoman Empire at this Istanbul attraction.

Yet another monument to visit among places to go in Istanbul is Basilica Cistern, a creation of the Byzantine Empire. This underground wonder is an experience within itself, something which can’t be described in words, so we won’t try. Istanbul is also known for its beautiful mosques and there are a lot of them. The most prominent among them is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Other mosques to visit among Istanbul’s top attractions are New Mosque, Camlica Mosque, Sehzade Mosque, Kariye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, and many more. There are more mosques among famous places in Istanbul than any other type of monument and they are all incredible in every way.

If you wish to enjoy Istanbul sightseeing from a different perspective, you can take the famous Bosphorous cruise. This cruise allows you to see the stark differences between the European and Asia side of the city. You can also take a dinner cruise in the same fashion among things to do in Istanbul at night. The cruise allows you to get a glance at some of the best places in Istanbul. If don’t have much time to visit Istanbul, this cruise is a great way to explore the beauty of the city from a distance. Another unique place to enjoy Istanbul sights are the bazaars. You might not see monuments, but you will see a historic tradition & culture of trade of a variety of items. It is also the best option among Istanbul tourist places to gather some unique souvenirs. Among popular activities in Istanbul to enjoy at these bazaars is the roadside Turkish coffee made right before your eyes.

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Table of Contents

Explore the Top Tourist Attractions in Istanbul in 4 Days (A Complete 4 Days Itinerary)

This section covers the best things to do in Istanbul in four days. The tourist attractions featured in this list are in close proximity to one another and draw out a path that can be explored without much hassle. You will be able to enjoy several experiences and tourist places in Istanbul as you walk the path outlined by this itinerary.

Day 1

1. Blue Mosque / Sultan Ahmed Mosque

It is one of the top places in Istanbul to begin sightseeing. The mosque is known for its Ottoman architecture designed by Sinan. The blue tile decoration is the most outstanding feature of this mosque. You will need about 1 hour to explore the magnificence of the Blue Mosque.

I suggest you should book a Tour to Blue Mosque with a Skip-the-Line Entry.

2. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia has altered between a church and a mosque many times as it was conquered by different empires. The design of this monument reflects a blend of different styles of art and architecture. It is definitely the most popular Istanbul tourist attraction. You will need 2 hours to explore Hagia Sophia owing to its size.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia.

3. Topkapi Palace

This grand palace used to be home to the Sultan’s harem and their precious treasures. It represents the Ottoman grader in every manner. There are several collections and exhibitions featured in the palace which take about 3 hours to explore thoroughly.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Ticket to The Topkapi Palace in advance.

4. Istanbul Archaeology Museum

This museum tells a 5000-year-long story in a 3-hour tour. You will get an insight into the life of people from different times in this region. If you are looking for a beginning to the story of Istanbul, you will find it here.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to The Istanbul Archaeology Museum in advance.

Day 2

1. Little Hagia Sophia

Little Hagia Sophia has a similar story to Hagia Sophia. It used to be a greek orthodox church, then later became a mosque. It is expression of byzantine and ottoman style of interior and architecture. You will need somewhere between 45 minutes to an hour to explore this Istanbul tourist attraction.

2. Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)

It is known as Sultan Ahmet Square today, but under the reign of the Byzantine Empire, it used to be a circus of public entertainment. It was one of the most popular places in the city when it was called Constantinople. It will take you about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

If you have only one day in Istanbul, then I suggest you should go for a Full Day Tour to Famous Instabul Sightseeing and it also covers the Hippodrome as well.

3. Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts

The museum houses some exquisite works of art in various forms. You will get to see artistic treasures and even actual treasures gathered from Turkey and the Middle East. There are audio guides available to help you understand the exhibits. All in all, this museum requires 2 hours of your time.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts with a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket.

4. Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern is a marvel of architecture, design, and engineering. You will see a gloomy underground marvel with seemingly infinite dimly lit columns. There will be classical music playing in harmony with the sounds of dripping and flowing water. You will require about 1 hour to admire this experience.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to Basilica Cistern with a Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket.

5. Grand Bazaar

The grand bazaar transports you to the ancient bustling markets of the middle east. This is the best place to shop for souvenirs as well as to enjoy street food and Turkish Coffee. Even if you just glide across this huge market you will need at least 2 hours.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Shopping Tour of the Grand Bazaar.

6. Suleymaniye Mosque

It used to be the imperial mosque of the ottoman empire. It looks incredibly regal atop the hill. The mosque was designed by Mimar Sinan and commissioned by the famous Suleiman the magnificent. You will need an hour to explore this monument’s magnificence for yourself.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to Suleymaniye Mosque.

Day 3

1. Dolmabahce Palace

This palace is again an expression of Ottoman grandeur built by Sultan Abudi Mecit. It is one of the most marvelous places to visit in Istanbul. The palace has over 250 rooms, though not all are accessible by tourists. There are still many things to see in this Istanbul attraction that tells about the life of the Sultans. You will need 2 hours to journey through this palace.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to Dolmabahce Palace with a Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket.

2. Istiklal Street

The street exhibits the organic spirit of the city. There are several major and minor tourist places on this street which you can explore at your leisure. It is also a great place for street food and shopping in Istanbul. You can put aside 1 hour for this street from your day.

I suggest you should try a Street Food Tour on Istiklal Street.

3. Istanbul Modern

Also known as the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. You can find works by some of the finest artists at this museum. Besides the permanent exhibits, there are several events and exhibitions organized at this venue. Be sure to check the calendar before you visit. You need to take out 1 hour of your day to visit this museum.

4. Galata Tower

This historic tower overlooks the city and is one of the best places for Istanbul sightseeing from a height. The tower belongs to the Constantinople time of the city and exhibits Romanesque architecture. You can keep 30 to 45 minutes for this tower.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking Tour of Galata with an Entry Ticket to Galata Tower.

5. Galata Bridge

The Bridge has been part of several works of Turkish literature and local stories. The bridge allows you to cross over the golden horn. You don’t need to keep aside any extra time for this place, just the time it takes to cross it.

6. Spice Bazaar

The spice bazaar as the name suggests is a market of spices. Another great place to get some culinary souvenirs and experience some unique flavors gathered from around the world. This market is a testament to the significance of Istanbul as a trade capital in the old days. You will need 1 hour for the Spice bazaar.

I suggest you should book a Tour to Spice Bazaar with a Bosphorus Cruise.

7. Rustem Pasha Mosque

Another beautiful architecture to visit in Istanbul. This mosque was also designed by Mimar Sinan, of Sulemaniye Mosque fame. You will also find some way time from tourists as this mosque is not particularly among Istanbul’s famous places. It will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore this mosque.

Day 4

1. Rahmi M. Koc Museum

The museum houses exhibit concerning the industrial, transport, and communication history of the city as well as Turkey. The museum is both indoor and open air. It is an interesting place to explore during Istanbul travel. You will need an hour and a half to explore this museum.

2. Chora Church

This church has been changed from church to mosque and back to church several times as empires fought over this region. The very first structure was built in the 4th century, the one you see now was built in the 11th century on the same grounds. It will take about 45 minutes to explore this Istanbul tourist attraction.

3. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

This mosque is not as large as the other ones in Istanbul but is surely grand and beautiful. This mosque too was designed by Mimar Sinan under the patronage of Suleiman the Magnificent. The church is named after the Sultan’s daughter Princess Mihrimah. You will need 30-45 minutes for this mosque.

4. Fatih Mosque

This mosque is no less than a palace. It was built as an institution for culture, education as well as worship by Sultan Mehmed II. The complex of mosque also has Turkish baths and bazaars to explore at this Istanbul attraction. You will need 45 minutes to 1 hour at this place.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Fatih Mosque.

5. Valens Aquaduct

Valens Aquaduct is among the historical places in Istanbul built by the Romans and the style of architecture is quite evident. These were built upon by several roman emperors as well as ottoman sultans. You will need 30 minutes for Valens Aquaducts.

I suggest you should book a Tour to Other Face of Istanbul and it covers hidden and non-touristic places such as Valens Aquaduct.

6. Sehzade Mosque

This mosque sits on one of the seven hills of the city. This mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in the name of his son Sehzade Mehmed. The word Sehzade means prince. Hence, the name of this Istanbul sight translates as Prince’s Mosque. You will need an hour to explore the mosque and its complex.

If you are visiting for more than four days, you can check out a complete list of all the best things to do in Istanbul in this article.

Things to do in Istanbul

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace Museum
Basilica Cistern
Galata Tower
Dolmabahce Palace
Sulemaniye Mosque
Maiden Tower
Kariye Mosque
Istanbul Archeological Museum
Beylerbeyi Palace
Rumelihisari Fortress
Miniaturk
Ciragan Palace
Buy Mecidiye Mosque
Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts
The New Mosque
Hagia Irene
Little Hagia Sophia
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Anatolian Fortress
Eyup Sultan Mosque
Museum of Great Palace Mosaics
German Fountain
Yildiz Palace
Kukuksu Palace
Rahmi m Koc Museum
Pera Museum
Istanbul Toy Museum
Pammakaristos Church
Faith Mosque Istanbul
Cagaloglu Hamam
Cerbelitas Hamami
Obelisk of Theodosius
Istanbul Military Museum
Column of Constantine
Yoros Castle
Sehzade Mosque
Yedikule Dungeons Museum
Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Republic Monument
Sabanci Museum
Beyazit Mosque
Palace of the Porphyrogenitus
Ataturk Museum
Zeyrek Mosque
The Museum of Innocence
Tiled Pavillion Museum
Galata Mevlevihanesi Muzesi Museum
Panaroma 1453 History Museum
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Maritime Museum
Dolmabahce Mosque
Serpent Column
St. Antuan Kilisesi
Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque
Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami
Dolmabahce Clock Tower
Ihlamur Pavillion
Church of St. George
Laleli Mosque
Camlica Mosque
Saint Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Theodosius Cistern
Fountain of Ahmed III
Aya Yorgi Church
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam
Aga Hamami

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Istanbul

Heybeliada Island
Belgrad Forest
Ataturk Arboretum

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Istanbul

Gulhane Park
Istanbul Aquarium
Isfanbul Amusement Park
Sea Life Center Aquarium
SALT Galata Gallery
Madame Tussauds Istanbul
Sulemaniye Bath
Faruk Yalcin Zoo

Shopping in Istanbul

Grand Bazaar Market
Misir Carsisi Market
Egyptian Spice Bazaar Market
Serdar I Ekram Street
Emaar Square Mall
Cukurcuma Caddesi Street
Arasta Bazaar
Istikal Caddesi Street
Beyazit Coppersmiths Market
Abdi Ipekci Caddesi Street
Ukapani Women’s Bazaar
Bagdat Caddesi Street

Beaches & Islands in Istanbul

Kinaliada Beach
Sedef Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Things to Do in Istanbul

Bophorus Boat Ride

Sightseeing in Istanbul

Bosporus Burdge
Sultanahmet Square
Golden Horn Waterway
Istikal Caddesi
15th July Martyrs Bridge
Galata Bridge
Camlica Hill
Buyukada Island
Emirgan Park
Cicek Pasaji Street
Burgaz Island
Yildiz Park
Bagdat Avenue
Sogukcesme Sokagi Street
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
Macka Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Istanbul

Ulus 29
Sehzade Can Kebap
Rana Meyhane
Kybele Cafe
Banyan
Kubbe i Ask
St. Regis Brasserie
Cafe Privato
Nar Lokanta
Rota Cafe
Maiden’s Tower
Ciya Sofrası
Asitane
Aman da Bravo
Feriye Palace
Petra Roasting
16 Roof
Adana Ocakbase
Mikla
Damla Dondurma
Sunset Grill & Bar
Mandabatmaz
Nicole
Asmali Cavit

Where to Stay in Istanbul?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Istanbul. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Istanbul.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Istanbul

How to Reach Istanbul?

By Air

There are two airports used frequently for Istanbul travel. Majority of flights land at New Istanbul airport. You will get direct flights from several cities in Europe, Asia, and North America. The second airport is called Sabiha Gokcen International Airport located on the Asian side of the city. The airport is again served by several airlines connecting to various cities on three continents. You can catch a bus or get a taxi to reach the best places to visit in Istanbul from the Airport. Buses run at regular intervals and the tickets are quite cheap. You might have to change buses depending on where you have to reach in the city. You can take a cab as well from the airport, but that will be an expensive affair compared to a bus. Although you don’t have to worry about changing buses in the city to reach places to go in Istanbul.

By Road

There is no international train station to visit Istanbul within the city. You will have to catch a train to Sirkeci or Marmaray and then continue your journey by bus to reach Istanbul city. Although you can get direct buses for Istanbul travel from Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and North Macedonia. Flight is usually the best option to reach Istanbul. Even if you travel by train or bus, you will still need a visa to enter Turkey.

If you are planning to drive to Istanbul, route E80 works both from the European side as well as the Asian side. Do remember that traffic in the city and even around the city is quite hectic.

By Water

You can get ferries from a few European cities crossing the Sea of Marmara to reach the Karaoke port of Istanbul. The port is also used by several cruise liners as a stop which includes the best things to do in Istanbul in their itinerary. These ships usually give a day to explore the city. Though you won’t be able to cover all the things to see in Istanbul in that short time, you can still explore plenty of historical places and tourist attractions.

Image Reference

Blue Mosque / Sultan Ahmed Mosque – Benh LIEU SONG / Flickr
Hagia Sophia – Raging Wire / Flickr
Topkapi Palace – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr
Istanbul Archaeology Museum – David Berkowitz / Flickr
Little Hagia Sophia – captain.orange / Flickr
Hippodrome – Dmityr A. Mottl / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts – Patrick / Flickr
Basilica Cistern – Min Zhou / Flickr
Grand Bazaar – Miwok / Flickr
Suleymaniye Mosque – İhsan Deniz Kılıçoğlu / Wikimedia Commons
Dolmabahce Palace – Olivier Girard / PixaBay
Istiklal Street – Mehmet Aktugan / Flickr
Istanbul Modern – Moody Man / Flickr
Galata Tower – Sevdenur Araz / PixaBay
Galata Bridge – Caribb / Flickr
Spice Bazaar – Lauren Buckels / PixaBay
Rustem Pasha Mosque – StockSnap / PixaBay
Rahmi M. Koc Museum – Dosseman / Wikimedia Commons
Chora Church – Garrett Ziegler / Flickr
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque – Josep Renalias / Wikimedia Commons
Fatih Mosque – Yasir Gürbüz / PixaBay
Valens Aquaduct – Patrick Rasenberg / Flickr
Sehzade Mosque – Vince Millett / Flickr