We will try to answer this question. Read our list of the main attractions of Istanbul with photos and descriptions, and find out where to go. Recommendations include Istanbul’s beautiful mosques and palaces, beautiful parks, bustling oriental bazaars, ancient towers, works of art and much more.
The most beautiful mosques
Among all the attractions of Istanbul, mosques occupy a special place: they are a must-see. The incredible beauty of the domes, minarets and interior decoration will be appreciated not only by Muslims. But it should still be remembered that these are functioning Muslim shrines. You need to take care of appropriate clothing and it is advisable to come during breaks between prayers.
Hagia Sophia, or Hagia Sophia
The monumental cathedral, built almost a millennium and a half ago, is called the eighth wonder of the world. From the middle of the 15th century, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks, it turned into a mosque. From 1935 until recently it operated as a museum. Since 2020, Hagia Sophia has again received the status of a mosque, which does not negate its beauty and historical significance. This attraction of Istanbul is quite worthy of becoming a place where you should go first.
The dome of Hagia Sophia is more than 30 meters in diameter. For its time, it was an incredible engineering breakthrough. For more than a millennium, there has not been a single building on Earth that contained such a vast enclosed space inside. The weight of this dome is distributed over the arches in which the windows are made. When the light pours through them, it seems as if the huge dome is floating in the air and weighs nothing at all.
Blue Mosque
The top attractions of Istanbul cannot be imagined without the famous mosque, built at the beginning of the 17th century. Rare types of marble were used for its construction. For decoration, 200 stained glass windows and 20,000 blue Iznik tiles were created, which gave the mosque its name. Noticeable from afar, the cascade of domes competes with the dome of the Hagia Sophia located opposite.
This architectural masterpiece has an interesting feature: it has six minarets. At the time of construction, mosques always had no more than five minarets, and only one, the most important mosque in Mecca, had six. Such rivalry bordered on blasphemy. To avoid accusations, Sultan Ahmet I had to pay for the construction of the seventh minaret in the al-Haram mosque.
Suleymaniye Mosque
This landmark of Istanbul appears very often in photos from Turkey. It rises on a hill and is clearly visible. This mosque can also be seen during sea excursions. It was built in the middle of the 16th century, during the time of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Roksolana. Their tombs are located in the large garden surrounding the mosque. With its soaring 53-meter dome, this structure is reminiscent of the Hagia Sophia – this is how Byzantine architectural traditions are intertwined with Islamic ones. At the time of construction, there was not a single taller mosque in the entire Ottoman Empire, and it now remains the largest in Turkey.
The Suleymaniye Mosque is a vast complex with a madrasah, library, observatory, Turkish baths, observation deck and numerous fountains. The quiet garden maintains an atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
What other attraction can a tourist see in Istanbul to better understand traditional Ottoman architecture and art? We recommend making time for the Rustem Pasha Mosque. It was built in honor of the son-in-law of Suleiman the Magnificent, the famous vizier. This mosque is relatively low and not easy to notice from the outside. But inside you can see the best examples of hand-painted Iznik tiles with intricate patterns. Since this mosque is not as famous as the Blue Mosque, there are fewer tourists here and you can calmly admire the colorful decor.
Ortakoy Mosque
This mosque was built later than other monumental buildings and is very different from them. The Ortakoy Mosque is light and elegant; from the outside it looks like a white ship sailing on the waters of the Bosphorus. The building from the mid-19th century combines Neoclassical and Baroque styles. Thanks to the large windows and vertical lines, it seems airy and more like a palace. It is usually very light inside, because not only direct light enters through the windows, but also reflected light from the water approaching the mosque.
Next to the Ortakoy Mosque is the Bosphorus Bridge. Both of these attractions are worth adding to your list of things to see in Istanbul.
Palaces of Istanbul
The Sultans of the Ottoman Empire knew a lot about luxury. In addition to the mosques, many palaces with dazzling decoration and large gardens remain. Finding yourself in such a magnificent place, it’s easy to mentally transport yourself back several centuries. The powerful rulers of the past come to life in the imagination, surrounding themselves with incredible wealth and beauty.
Topkapi Palace
It will take half a day to explore the huge palace complex, built in the 15th century by Mehmet the Conqueror. You can even devote the whole day to one of the best attractions of Istanbul and see everything without rushing. This palace is considered one of the largest in the world. For four centuries it served as the main residence of the sultans who ruled the Ottoman Empire.
The territory of the complex includes four large courtyards, three of which are open to tourists. The first of them miraculously preserves the Byzantine Church of St. Irene, built in the 11th century, and also has a beautiful fountain. Further on you can see the personal chambers of the emperor and his harem, the treasury, the library, and the towers. In addition to the luxurious gardens and interiors of the palace itself, the collections of jewelry, porcelain, manuscripts and works of art on display are of great interest. The most valuable exhibit is the pear-shaped “Spoonman” diamond weighing 86 carats.
Dolmabahçe Palace
In the mid-19th century, Sultan Abdulmecid I decided to build a new residence that would outshine the best European palaces. This is how the incredibly luxurious Dolmabahce Palace appeared. Its walls stretch along the Bosphorus Strait for 600 meters. The formal garden is decorated with fountains, pools and colorful flower beds. The interiors of the huge neoclassical building are impressive with frescoes, columns, stucco and carpets. 14 tons of gold leaf were used for finishing. The world’s largest crystal chandelier weighs about 4.5 tons hangs in the palace. If you would like to see Versailles, but are not planning a trip to France, you can see similar luxury in the city of Istanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace
After the death of Abdulmecid I, his brother, Abdul Aziz, became sultan. He also decided to build a large palace, which became the summer residence of the rulers. Completed in 1865, Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the other side of the Bosphorus. The features of Neoclassicism and Baroque are also clearly visible in it, but in comparison with Dolmabahce this palace looks more restrained. However, when the Empress of France Eugenie visited here, she was delighted with the elegance of Beylerbeyi. It is known that she ordered the same window to be made in her bedroom in the Tuileries Palace in Paris as was in the guest room assigned to her.
Squares and streets of Istanbul
What should you see and where to go if you find yourself in Istanbul? Even if you don’t go to the beautiful mosques, palaces or museums, you can still see a lot of interesting things. Istanbul is located on hills with beautiful views. There are many dissimilar areas inhabited by representatives of different cultures. And some squares have become the hallmark of the city.
Sultanahmet Square
The Blue Mosque and other main attractions of old Istanbul are in close proximity to this place. Back during the Byzantine Empire, in 330 AD, a large hippodrome was built here for chariot racing and sports games. There were many beautiful obelisks and statues around. Townspeople came to the hippodrome to relax, make appointments or, for example, hold political debates.
Little has survived from those times. When the Blue Mosque was built, stone and columns from the hippodrome were used for construction. But the modern Sultanahmet Square is very beautiful. There is a huge fountain here, refreshing in the heat – a gift to the Sultan from the German Emperor Wilhelm II. There are many flowers and trees around it. An ideal place to stroll and admire the majestic domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you are wondering what to see first in Istanbul in summer or spring, you can immediately go to this square.
Istiklal Street
This pedestrian street received its modern name, meaning “independence,” a hundred years ago. By then, Istiklal had become a center of trade and crafts, and is now one of the main tourist attractions in Istanbul. Here you can find stores of world-famous fashion brands, souvenir shops, the best restaurants, hotels, museums and restored architectural monuments. An old tram runs along the entire street, which adds to its charm. Nightlife lovers will love the bars, nightclubs and atmospheric neon signs here.
Taksim Square
If you walk along Istiklal Street from the bay to the opposite end, you will find yourself in bustling Taksim Square. Its main attraction is the 11-meter-tall Independence Monument, which often hosts events and holidays. There is also a market, hotels, restaurants, a large cultural center and historical attractions. If you are wondering what to see on your own and where to go in Istanbul, visit Taksim Square.
Towers and fortresses
A rich city always needs protection, therefore, in different eras, defensive structures were erected on the territory of Istanbul. Some fortresses, towers and sections of stone walls have survived to this day and have become landmarks or museums. Let’s name the most interesting tourist sites with a military past.
Galata Tower
Built in the 14th century, the Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. Its height is 67 meters, and it is located on the top of a hill. For centuries it was the tallest structure in the city. Initially, the tower was part of defensive structures; remains of walls remain nearby. Then, at various times, the tower was used as a lighthouse, a prison, an observatory, and a fire tower. Now at the top there is an observation deck from which perhaps the best panoramic view of Istanbul opens. But there are always a lot of people who want to admire it, so you need to come early or be prepared for queues.
Maiden’s Tower
At the southern entrance to the Bosphorus Strait there is a small island, which is mentioned in ancient sources from the time of the war between Athens and Sparta. A watchtower was built on the island, which also served as a lighthouse. When exactly this happened is unknown. Perhaps under Emperor Constantine the Great, or maybe even earlier. Initially, the tower was wooden and over the past centuries it was destroyed more than once in fires, but was then restored. Now restored, the Maiden Tower is one of the most important historical attractions of Istanbul. It has a restaurant and cafe, an observation deck at the top and a souvenir shop.
Rumeli Fortress, or Rumelihisar
In the 15th century, Sultan Mehmed II Fatih, who later managed to take Constantinople and conquer other lands, ordered the construction of a powerful fort on the banks of the Bosphorus. In just a few months, the walls of the Rumel fortress rose at the narrowest section of the strait. Its main task was to cut off the Byzantines from any help that they could receive through the Bosphorus Strait. The task was completed, and two years later Constantinople fell.
Today Rumelihisar is the most famous medieval fortress in Turkey. We recommend including it on your list of must-sees in Istanbul. The fortress, restored in the 20th century, occupies an area of 30 hectares and is surrounded by a wall with gates and towers. From here there are beautiful views of the Bosphorus, this is a good opportunity to take good photos. In summer, the fortress hosts festivals and other events.
The most interesting museums in Istanbul
There are many dozens of museums in Istanbul, even the top best usually include at least 20 or 30 of them. The topics are varied: art, crafts, history, technology and much more. It is convenient to visit museums with a special Museum Pass Istanbul card, which is valid for five days. It gives you the opportunity to save money and get into the most popular museums without queuing.
Archaeological Museum
The collections of this museum introduce the rich history of Turkey and the entire Middle East. In fact, this name combines three museums located in different buildings near Topkapi Palace. In total, they store more than a million exhibits. The most famous of them are ancient sarcophagi from Sidon from the time of Alexander the Great. The Museum of the Ancient East displays a collection dedicated to pre-Islamic art. The third museum in the complex is the Tiled Pavilion, which occupies one of the oldest surviving buildings in Istanbul. It houses a huge collection of ceramics from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Pera Museum
Near Taksim Square is Istanbul’s most famous art gallery, which houses a huge collection of art from the Ottoman Empire. The most interesting are the paintings exhibited on the second floor. Classical oriental painting gives a good idea of the life and culture of the Ottoman world in the 17th-20th centuries. On the ground floor you can see a large collection of tiles, ceramics and other antique items. The other three floors host high-quality temporary exhibitions dedicated to classical or contemporary art.
Modern Art Museum
What interesting things can be seen in Istanbul for those interested in the art of recent decades? There is a separate gallery for contemporary painting, photography and sculpture, opened in 2004. It houses numerous works by Turkish artists and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. The museum also includes a cinema where you can watch modern auteur films, and a library with a thematic selection of books. There is a restaurant nearby with a view of the city.
Beautiful parks
What to see in Istanbul in spring, June and July? Of course, beautiful parks that are buried in southern flowers. In April there is a tulip festival here. Then the tulips give way to roses, which bloom until the hottest days. In June, purple lavender blooms, joined by hydrangeas and oleanders. It is impossible to list all the flowers that can be seen in this city, and the trees and fountains in the parks create coolness in the heat.
Gulhane Park
One of the best places to relax and a famous landmark of Istanbul is the large and beautiful Gulhane Park. It is located next to Topkapi Palace and was part of the palace complex in the past. Only the ruler and his entourage could walk here. But now the park is open to the public and city residents and tourists willingly come here. Gulhane Park is famous for its rose flower beds, laid out in Sultan times. There are many spreading trees and fountains, there is a cafe and a good playground. The area offers views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The spring tulip festival also takes place in this park.
Miniaturk Park
What attractions are worth seeing in Istanbul if you are traveling with children? One of these places is Miniaturk Park. On its territory there are collected copies of 120 of the most famous architectural sights of Turkey on a scale of 1 to 25. Here you can see the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Rumel Fortress, the Topkapi Palace from all sides, and you can even walk along a copy of the Bosphorus Bridge. There are sights from other cities, such as the Temple of Artemis from Ephesus or the Mausoleum of Ataturk.
In addition to miniature buildings, the park has a cafe, an amusement park, a photo pavilion with the opportunity to dress in traditional Ottoman clothes, and much more.
Park Yildyz
Once upon a time there was a wild forest on the site of this park, and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent turned it into a hunting ground. At the beginning of the 19th century, a palace was built here and part of the grove was set aside as a park with a pond, pavilions and a collection of rare plants. Now it is one of the largest parks in Istanbul, and anyone can visit it. This garden complex is a great place to relax, especially in the warm season. There are many artificial ponds, fountains and waterfalls, and even more flowers and trees. There are cafes, children’s and sports grounds.
Eastern bazaars
First Constantinople, and then Istanbul, has always been at the intersection of the most important trade routes of Europe and Asia. It is not surprising that the city became famous for its bazaars, where you could find the best goods from all over the world. These colorful bazaars have survived to this day and have become one of the symbols of Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
A huge indoor market, occupying an entire city block, appeared in the 15th century and is still in operation. It is considered the largest bazaar in the world. There are about 5,000 retail shops here, and the number of visitors per day can exceed 300 thousand people. Tourists buy handicrafts as souvenirs, antiques, spices and oriental sweets. But here you can find almost anything.
The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s main attractions and there is a lot to see. Due to the large crowd of tourists, prices are higher than in other Istanbul markets, but you can bargain.
Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Market
Previously, this bazaar sold goods from the east – spices, fruits, aromatic and medicinal herbs. And it was built at the expense of duties levied on goods from Egypt, hence the name. Now the range has expanded greatly, and tourists will find everything they want in the Egyptian market. But this is still the best place to stock up on the most delicious edible souvenirs from Turkey. Spices, dried fruits, honey, nuts, Turkish delight, Turkish tea and coffee – this abundance makes your eyes widen. It’s better to come before 11:00 or after 16:00; the rest of the time it’s very crowded.
Karakoy Fish Market
To eat fresh fish, head to Karakoy Bazaar in the morning. It is located on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay, opposite the Egyptian Bazaar. The famous Galata Bridge is just 100 meters away. The fish at the market is the freshest, it is constantly watered, so there is no smell typical for such places. Here you can just take a walk and see what the residents of Istanbul eat. You can go to a local cafe and order something from the menu or bring your own fish there, bought at the market. From street food vendors you can try traditional Istanbul fast food “balik ekmek” (grilled fish sandwich).
Other attractions in Istanbul
It’s impossible to list all the beautiful and unusual things that are worth seeing in Istanbul. Let’s briefly talk about a few more of the most famous and recognizable attractions.
- Galata Bridge. Istanbul’s most famous bridge was built in the 19th century and has since appeared numerous times in paintings, novels, poems and plays. A modern bridge is a complex two-story structure with a movable central part. The first floor is pedestrian. There are many restaurants with beautiful views of the city and bay. Trams and cars travel on the second tier.
- Bosphorus Bridge. This is a more modern attraction of Istanbul. The 1,560 meter long suspension bridge was built in 1973. Of all the bridges crossing the Bosphorus, this one is closest to the city center. It is not possible to walk along it: traffic is open only to cars. But the bridge is very beautiful and photogenic from the outside, especially in the evening.
- Haydarpasa Railway Station. The large railway station was built at the beginning of the 19th century according to the design of German architects. The building in the European neoclassical style turned out to be beautiful and unusual for Turkey. Now this station is not operational, and its status has not been determined. But the building still adorns the city. The best view of it is from the ferries that connect the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.
- Basilica Cistern. This 6th-century structure with a huge underground hall looks like a flooded palace. Its vaults are supported by 336 columns, many of which were taken from even more ancient buildings. The cistern was used to store water and became the largest surviving Byzantine reservoir. Now it is an atmospheric place with dim lighting. Even in the hot summer it remains cool here.
There are so many interesting and beautiful sights in Istanbul that it is impossible to get bored here, no matter how far you come. The most convenient way to get to know the city is a tour organized by an experienced guide. Our website contains many offers with different programs and prices. Choose the best option and you will have a great time in Istanbul!