Things to do in Istanbul for an unforgettable experience

While it is possible to enjoy an eclectic collection of places to visit in Istanbul all year round, to get the best out of your trip, think about booking an Istanbul city break when the temperatures drop. During the spring (April or May) or the autumn (September or October), the city is a hive of activity. During April, the city hosts its annual tulip festival and green spaces are bejewelled by colourful bulbs. Locals flock to the southern coastal areas of Turkey during the summer months to flee the heat and in winter the streets are cloaked in grey clouds and occasional showers.  

Immerse yourself in the living history of Istanbul and make these authentic experiences your starting point. Step into the pages of your history books and explore the hidden treasures waiting for you inside emblematic landmarks such as the Galata Tower or the Hagia Sophia.

Earn yourself the ultimate holiday selfie and head up to The Galata Tower to get a 360-panoramic view of Istanbul from 60 metres in the sky. This historic monument is one of the best things to do in Istanbul and is one of the highest and oldest towers in the city. It was originally built as part of a defence wall surrounding the district of Galata in the 14th century. Now open to the public, you can soak up the sights of the city from this unique vantage point, all from the comfort of their rooftop cafeteria. It is one of the top sites to see in Istanbul.

For those hungry to bet beneath the surface of Turkish culture a visit to the Hagia Sophia is in order. It is reportedly the most visited museum in Turkey and one of the most visited in the world. The cultural significance of this monument is quite profound, so much so that it was declared a UNESCO heritage site.

It started life as a church, then a mosque, before enjoying a brief stint as a museum. Today this Istanbul must-see destination has reverted to being a mosque but it remains open as a museum for visitors who are eager to see this incredible architectural wonder first-hand. So, if you are looking for iconic things to do in Istanbul, you cannot miss the Hagia Sophia. 

While crowds flock to the Blue Mosque, discover what locals consider to be the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque. Located on the third hill of Istanbul, this religious place of worship was constructed in 1558 under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent. A team of 3,500 workmen worked around the clock for eight years to complete the vast building and create a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. It is the final resting place of Suleiman the Magnificent and guests can while away endless hours exploring its ornate architecture and strolling through its paradisiacal gardens. 

One of the best things about exploring new cities is discovering weird and wonderful souvenirs to bring back to loved ones. When planning things to do in Istanbul, be sure to add shopping to your list. From vast markets to quaint boutiques, be sure to travel with checked luggage so you can fill your suitcase with local arty finds.

If you still find yourself in a shopping mood, take a trip to one of the most famous places to visit in Istanbul, located around the corner from the Suleymaniye Mosque. While this 500-year-old market is not one of the hidden-secret Istanbul attractions, a trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar. Covering over 60 streets and boasting more than 5,000 shops, there are plenty of hidden treasures to be found – from handcrafted leather goods to souvenirs and jewellery. With everyday locals and visitors alike, haggling to get the best bang for their buck – do not be afraid to get stuck in and bargain, it is one of the many things to do in Istanbul if you want a local experience.

If the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar is too much for you, head down to Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district. Located next to the Blue Mosque, the Arasta Bazaar is a treasure trove of craftsmanship and artisan finds, namely carpets, textiles, ceramics and authentic souvenirs. Enjoy a leisurely and intimate shopping experience here and browse the curated stands offering vibrant displays of gifts to remind you of your travels.

There are endless things to do in Istanbul so to make your trip more manageable, divide your days into neighbourhoods. Dive into the throng of people and live like a local as you visit these must-see Istanbul neighbourhoods and cool hangouts. 

Many people like to think of Taksim Square as the heart of the city and the winding streets that connect the old with the new are the veins bringing life to all corners of the Turkish metropolis. From here you can reach anywhere. So, take the opportunity to hop on a Bosporus ferry that departs daily from Eminonu and sail the 32 km long strait which joins the Sea of ​​Marmara to the Black Sea. With the shoreline of Europe to your left and the wooded hills of Asia to your right – this unique experience is one of the best things to do in Istanbul!

Swap one neighbourhood with another and uncover the enchanting appeal of Karakoy. Deemed as Istanbul’s hippest neighbourhood, this Instagrammable hot spot is the place to head if you’re looking for chic cafes and galleries nestled amongst bohemian boutiques and traditional pastanelers (bakeries). 

Be sure to check out Istanbul Modern – the first of the city’s cutting-edge galleries with an excellent year-round exhibition program, before slipping off for a traditional Turkish bath experience at the magnificently restored Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami. A must-do in Istanbul!

The neighbourhood of Beyoglu has a distinctly modern feel when compared to Istanbul’s rich cultural history, yet it is a cultural melting pot. Described as Istanbul’s artistic hub, this area boasts art galleries, theatres, and music venues as well as its fair share of independent boutiques and hip tea rooms. As you stroll along the bustling Istiklal Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Beyoglu, you'll be invited to embrace the modern side of Istanbul.

Often described as the ‘lungs of Istanbul’ this countryside idyll makes for the perfect romantic things to do in Istanbul. If you are visiting Istanbul and crave some greenery, look no further than the Belgrad Forest. Stretching an impressive 5300 hectares, and with its highest point measuring at 230 metres it makes a drastic change from the chaotic sounds of the city. This serene patch of woodland has an essential part in Istanbul’s history. This is because it houses historical dams which during the Ottoman era controlled the city’s water supply. Back then, anyone who caused damage to the dams was punished with the death sentence. While society has moved on, the forest remains a majestic display of Turkish natural scenery. Enjoy a hike along one of the trails or take a picnic to eat by the lake and enjoy all the outdoorsy things to do in Istanbul.

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s vibrant culture and explore these unusual things to do in Istanbul. From mesmerising displays of old-world rituals to off-the-beaten-track hipster hideouts, Istanbul is full of surprises. 

Don’t leave Istanbul without paying a visit to the Galata Mevlevi House. Nestled away in the heart of the Galata district, this peaceful sanctuary is dedicated to the practice of Sufism and it is here where you can witness a traditional whirling dervishes’ dance. Watch this unusual spectacle unfold right before your eyes as you witness the spiritual heritage that has shaped Turkey over the centuries.

As night falls, head down to Istanbul’s hip new hangout, Bomontiada and enjoy a fun and modern night out. A vast contrast from Istanbul’s historical core, this cultural hub located in a reimagined industrial estate deep in the heart of the Bomonti neighbourhood offers a dynamic place to enjoy trendy cafes, art spaces, and concert venues. Celebrate Istanbul’s contemporary spirit and enjoy this eclectic fusion of art, music and innovation.