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The Greeks, Persians, Romans and Ottomans all fought over Istanbul, a city strategically located at the crossroads of continents and at the end of the Silk Road. Today, it is graced with a glut of historic monuments from the Byzantine masterpiece of Hagia Sophia to the glittering Blue Mosque and the opulent Topkapi Palace. Wherever you wander, you’ll be struck by the complexity of its heritage, the vibrancy of its people, and the seamless blend of old and new as shoppers wander between souqs and malls, diners enjoy modern food with ancient roots, and art lovers seek out timeless icons as well as world-class contemporary works.
Things to see and do in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
Istanbul's Old City, Sultanahmet, is home to the city’s landmark sights. Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are here, as well as the vibrant Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Chora (Kariye) Museum, formerly an ancient church. From the secular to the sacred, it’s a beguiling place to explore with magnificent monuments dating from its thousands of years as a hub of trade, power and culture. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets and bustling bazaars, stop for a break in one of the many tea houses, or venture as far as the Golden Horn waterway to observe local life.
Hagia Sophia
One of the world’s greatest monuments, the 6th-century Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s best-known landmark and is hailed as the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It sits on the city’s ancient acropolis and was designed to impress. At the time of its construction it was the world’s largest building, consecrated as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in 537, converted into an imperial mosque in 1453 and designated a museum in 1935. Byzantine emperors were crowned below its soaring dome and the enormous nave, intricate detailing and glittering mosaic work make it just as impressive today.
Blue Mosque
Six graceful minarets and a cascading blanket of domes give the 17th-century Blue Mosque its graceful form, a dominating element of the Istanbul skyline. Officially known as the Sultanahmet Camii, the mosque is best known for its grand scale and interior decoration where 20,000 blue İznik (decorated ceramic) tiles line the light-filled interior, giving this magnificent monument its unofficial name. The building still functions as a mosque and the huge central prayer space is closed to non-Muslims at prayer times. Approach it from the huge courtyard for the best views and appreciation of its perfect proportions.
Topkapi Palace
The heart of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries, the Topkapi Palace is a vast and opulent complex of buildings, gardens and courtyards that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the sultans, courtiers and servants who lived here. Along with the private chambers of the sultan and the imperial council chambers, you can see the palace bakery, the 300-room harem, a Byzantine church, the restored palace kitchens, privy chambers and the imperial treasury, all of which are filled with precious objects of the era from robes and weapons to books, manuscripts and furniture.
Grand Bazaar
At the heart of Istanbul’s old city is the Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar, a sprawling, labyrinthine complex of over 4,000 stalls, shops and craft workshops piled high with every spice, fabric, food, clothing and household item imaginable. Wander the narrow laneways flanked by ornate lamps, intricate rugs, pyramids of dried fruit, necklaces and bangles, leather slippers, blankets, textiles and antiques, and you’ll most likely get lost — but it’s all part of the experience. This city within a city also has goldsmiths who can create custom-made items, lots of fresh food stalls, and banks, a post office and even a police station.
Beyond the Old Town
Each of Istanbul’s districts has its own distinct character and exploring beyond the main sights provides a welcome break from the inevitable crowds. Nişantaşi and the area around Istiklal Street are awash with top-end designer stores, art galleries and restaurants. The bohemian area of Çukurcuma is known for its kitsch antique shops, while the narrow alleyways of Karaköy are home to quirky coffee houses and tiny galleries. The Istanbul Modern, on the shores of the Bosphorus, is a haven of contemporary art, and the Sunday market at Ortaköy, almost beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, makes a great alternative to the Grand Bazaar, offering authentic products in a less touristy setting.
Best time to visit Istanbul
Istanbul can be visited year-round; mid-July to mid-September is the most popular time to arrive, but during these months it’s hot and humid, peak prices apply and higher visitor numbers mean longer lines to see the landmark sights. Our top tip is to visit between April and May or mid-September to mid-November when temperatures are more pleasant and there are fewer visitors.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Istanbul
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Istanbul, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Photos of Istanbul
Our expert guides to exploring Istanbul
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Istanbul, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Istanbul at its best.
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An insider’s guide to Istanbul, from the Hagia Sophia to fried-fish sandwiches An insider’s guide to Istanbul, from the Hagia Sophia to fried-fish sandwiches
An insider’s guide to Istanbul, from the Hagia Sophia to fried-fish sandwiches
Bridging Asia and Europe, Istanbul effortlessly mingles modern commerce and ancient cultures. One-time resident Ninwa introduces you to the city she loves, from the big-name sights like the Grand Bazaar to the best place to buy fish sandwiches right off the boat.
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Accommodation choices for Istanbul
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Istanbul. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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The Bank Hotel Istanbul
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Levni Hotel
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Çırağan Palace Kempinski
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Pera Palace Hotel
Istanbul
Ideas for experiencing Istanbul
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Istanbul, and which use the best local guides.
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Tour of the Grand Bazaar Tour of the Grand Bazaar
Tour of the Grand Bazaar
This privately guided tour will take you beneath the domed roof of the Grand Bazaar to explore its labyrinthine alleys and stalls.
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Spice Market tour Spice Market tour
Spice Market tour
Experience the smells and sounds of the Spice Market with this guided tour through its narrow streets and stalls selling herbs and spices, Turkish delight, tea and other delicacies.
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Blue Mosque guided tour Blue Mosque guided tour
Blue Mosque guided tour
Take a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, perhaps the most photographed site in Istanbul with its distinctive shape dominating the Sultanahmet skyline.
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Trip to the Topkapi Palace Trip to the Topkapi Palace
Trip to the Topkapi Palace
Learn about life in the imperial household of the Ottoman sultans with this guided excursion of the Topkapi Palace’s buildings and Treasury.
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Private excursion to Hagia Sophia Private excursion to Hagia Sophia
Private excursion to Hagia Sophia
Take a trip to see perhaps the most famous of all Istanbul’s sites, the Hagia Sophia, which dates back to 537 AD.
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Guided tour of Suleymaniye Mosque Guided tour of Suleymaniye Mosque
Guided tour of Suleymaniye Mosque
This excursion will take you to the Suleymaniye Mosque, which dominates Istanbul's skyline, to see its Iznik tiles, mother of pearl inlays and stained-glass windows.
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Shared tour of Dolmabahce Palace Shared tour of Dolmabahce Palace
Shared tour of Dolmabahce Palace
Take a guided tour of the interior of the Dolmabahce Palace, which is sumptuously decorated from floor to ceiling with gold and crystal.
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Guided visit to Çukurcuma and the Museum of Innocence Guided visit to Çukurcuma and the Museum of Innocence
Guided visit to Çukurcuma and the Museum of Innocence
Experience Çukurcuma with its tree-lined streets and winding alleys before visiting the Museum of Innocence, a creation of author Orhan Pamuk.
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Bosphorus cruise Bosphorus cruise
Bosphorus cruise
Starting from the marina just in front of the Spice Market, your cruise will take you out onto the Bosphorus to view many of Istanbul's different architectural styles.
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Full day visit to the Gallipoli battlefields and Troy Full day visit to the Gallipoli battlefields and Troy
Full day visit to the Gallipoli battlefields and Troy
Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where you'll explore the beach cemeteries of fallen Allied soldiers from World War I and the ancient city of Troy.
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Private tour of the Basilica Cistern Private tour of the Basilica Cistern
Private tour of the Basilica Cistern
Visit the Basilica Cistern’s underground cavern. Descending beneath the streets, you’ll be met with the sight of hundreds of columns rising from the waters, with towering, arched brick ceilings overhead.
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