Situated on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, where extraordinary architecture and an intriguing history set the tone for an authentic, yet somewhat intoxicating travel experience.

Once the epicentre of the world’s greatest dynasties; the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empire, Istanbul remained home to an astounding mix of cultural and historical heritage, which continue to draw adventure seekers and curious travellers alike.

Meander through vibrant maze-like bazaars, admire incredible ancient Ottoman creations, jump aboard a unique cruise between two continents, and sample distinctive Turkish cuisine.

While Istanbul tends to catch visitors off guard in many ways, especially first-time visitors, the city also has a whole ’nother side to it – think trendy restaurants and cafes, an incredible modern art scene, as well as hip and happening neighbourhoods away from the hustle and bustle.

To help you enjoy the best of both worlds, here’s my definite list of things to do in Istanbul.

THE ISTANBUL WELCOME CARD

Though I understand that you’re here to dive into my list of things to do in Istanbul, there’s one thing that I’m pretty excited about; the Istanbul Welcome Card.

Given Istanbul is home to loads of highlights, I’d highly advise you to grab an Istanbul Welcome Card too, especially if you’re planning to explore most of ‘em.

Benefits of the card include a guided tour of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, free entrance to 12 of Istanbul’s major sights, including Galata Tower and Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus Cruise, 10 vouchers for public transport, as well as several other discounts.

2 | VISIT THE TOPKAPI PALACE

The Topkapi Palace is a famous imperial Palace that was built following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 to become the main residence of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, as well as his successors.

Located atop the Eastern Roman acropolis on Istanbul’s historical peninsula, the Topkapi Palace has long been the administrative, educational and artistic centre of the Ottoman empire.

At present, the palace serves as a museum, where heaps of opulent pavilions, an extensive harem and the imperial treasury grant visitors an interesting glimpse into the life of a wealthy Ottoman sultan and his loved ones.

Although the palace is easy to visit by yourself, note that it takes around half a day to uncover the extensive palace. If you prefer to wander through the palace with a knowledgeable local guide, make sure you check out this tour of the Topkapi Palace.

If you purchased the Istanbul Welcome Card, you’re already covered for a guided tour of the palace.

3 | CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS

If you’re somewhat overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, jump aboard a Bosphorus Cruise and experience the city from a whole new perspective, while also learning about its importance throughout history.

The Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a narrow strait that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and is considered one of the most important trading routes in the region, connecting the Marmara Sea with the Black Sea.

During a Bosphorus Cruise, you’ll be welcomed by awesome views of Istanbul’s waterfront, with several historical landmarks flanked on either side of the shores; Ortaköy Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Rumeli Hisarı to name but a few.

On top of that, you’ll have a unique perspective on the Hagia Sopha, Galata Tower and Süleymaniye Mosque, which makes cruising a great option if you’re on a shorter trip to the city.

At night, Istanbul becomes a completely different world, and this magical ambience is best experienced on a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus while enjoying traditional folk dance and entertainment.

4 | ROAM THE EGYPTIAN SPICE MARKET

Just a short walk from the southern end of the Galata Bridge is Istanbul’s intoxicating spice market, a large covered bazaar that is teeming with goods from the exotic East.

Nicknamed the Egyptian Bazaar, the market is flanked by loads of stalls, selling a wide variety of spices, dried fruits, nuts and of course, Turkey’s famous Lokum (Turkish Delight).

For centuries, this buzzing bazaar has been the epicentre of trade in Istanbul and roaming it in search of a particular spice, tea or delight remains a happening like no other.

5 | VISIT THE ISTANBUL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Set within a former maritime warehouse, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is Istanbul’s most progressive art museum and showcases the artworks of Turkey’s finest artists, as well as that from artists overseas.

In 2004, Istanbul Modern became Turkey’s first private museum to organize modern and contemporary art exhibitions and now holds a broad selection of paintings, sculptures and photography, as well as a few interactive artworks on installation and video.

If Istanbul Modern piqued your interest, I’m pretty sure you’ll be delighted by Istanbul’s incredibly diverse art scene. Other great museums that are worthy of a visit include the Museum of Innocence, the Pera Museum, the Panorama 1453 Museum, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, and Tophane-I.

6 | TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE GALATA TOWER

Set in the middle of Istanbul’s lively Karaköy district is one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks; the medieval Galata Tower.

Built to keep an eye on Constantinople, this tower is said to date back as far as the 5th century, when the city was under the rule of the Byzantine empire.

While the original wooden tower perished due to several tragic events, the Genoese chose to build an even more impressive tower in exactly the same place, this time solely out of stones.

These days, the Galata Tower is still very much as it was built by the Genoese in 1348.

From atop, visitors are spoiled by the most stunning panoramic views over the whole of Istanbul, including the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the city’s Historical Peninsula.

As with most of the city’s historical landmarks, the Galata Tower is often overrun by visitors – so I absolutely advise planning your visit wisely.

7 | ADMIRE THE SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE

Settled high atop the Third Hill of Istanbul, the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque is undeniably one of the best examples of the quintessential Ottoman imperial architecture style.

In order of Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque was designed by renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan; who is said to be one of the greatest to ever do it.

After its opening in 1557, the Süleymaniye Mosque remained the largest mosque in the city for nearly 462 years. It wasn’t until the completion of the Çamlıca Mosque in 2019, that the Süleymaniye Mosque handed over this honourable status.

While it’s no longer the largest mosque in Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque remains beautiful as ever, both inside and out. For that reason, I absolutely recommend going inside to take in the incredible interior too – if doing so, make sure you respect the religious customs.

Also, the complex is home to a lively courtyard, which grants visitors some of the best views of the city.

9 | VISIT THE BLUE MOSQUE – SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE

Built atop of the foundations of the prestigious Ayse Sultan Palace, the Blue Mosque has become one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks ever since.

Officially, the mosque was named after Sultan Ahmed who ruled the Ottoman empire in the 17th century. However, due to its iconic domed ceilings decorated by blue Iznik tiles, the mosque is more commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque.

It is often said that the sultan chose to build it next to the Hagia Sophia on purpose to show off the greatness of the Ottoman empire – it is fair to say that it worked out exactly as he thought!

While non-Muslims are allowed to visit, make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Also, the Blue Mosque is still very much an active place of worship, meaning it closes during prayer time.

10 | GET LOST IN THE GRAND BAZAAR

As with most historical landmarks in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar was built shortly after the Ottoman took over Constantinople in 1453.

Ever since, the large covered market has been the centre point of all things shopping in Istanbul, teeming with a lively, yet intoxicating atmosphere from dusk till dawn.

With over 4.000 shops dotted throughout its maze-like lanes, you’ll find basically everything you can imagine; lanterns, carpets, jewellery and silk just to name a few.

Whether you’re visiting in search of an authentic souvenir, wish to get a feel for daily local life, or just to chat with the many shop merchants, getting lost in the extensive Grand Bazaar is an unmissable experience in Istanbul anyhow.

11 | VISIT THE PHANAR GREEK ORTHODOX COLLEGE

Towering high above the time-worn streets of Balat, the Phanar Greek Orthodox College is a traditional Greek school that is known for its distinctive castellated red-brick facade.

Often named the red castle due to its castle-like appearance, the school was designed by Ottoman Greek architect Konstantinos Dimadis in the year 1880.

It is said, that the institute within the Phanar Greek Orthodox College predates the Ottoman arrival in Constantinople, which if true, makes it the oldest educational body in Turkey.

While its heydays are no longer here, this exceptional building still serves to provide the education of 50 students today, which is pretty cool if you ask me.

Since the school is still in use, I’m not quite sure if visitors can go inside. If that isn’t the case, make sure you take a walk around the college to behold it from the outside.

12 | SEE ISTANBUL FROM A SECRET ROOFTOP – BUYUK VALIDE HAN

One side of Istanbul that became extremely popular in the last few years, is the incredible rooftop scene, with loads of secret rooftops scattered throughout the city.

Though there are several rooftops that are set up with cosy pillows and picturesque carpets to attract those in search of their next viral Instagram post, I’ve somehow stumbled upon Buyuk Valide Han, an old urban caravanserai which rooftop provides stunning views over Istanbul.

Visiting Buyuk Valide Han, was easily my most authentic experience in Istanbul, as it happened quite unexpectedly. When I roamed the time-worn streets of Fatih, a friendly man shouted; ‘rooftop views’ and ‘James Bond’ to me.

After doing some quick research on sight, I decided to go for it, and after an adventurous walk through the decayed building, I reached the rooftop – the views were bloody awesome!

While I highly recommend this experience, I also advise being cautious at all times and planning your visit with more people just to be sure.

13 | MARVEL AT THE ORTAKÖY MOSQUE

Istanbul has no shortage of historic mosques, but the marvellous Ortaköy Mosque perched on the bank of the Bosphorus is without question my favourite.

Designed by Armenian architect Nikogos Balyan, who also designed the neighbouring Dolmabahçe Palace, this Baroque mosque is one of the finest examples of the late Ottoman architecture style.

Within you’ll notice several medallions decorated with Arabic calligraphy, large decorative windows and a raised dome-shaped ceiling full of incredible mosaic paintings.

Though the mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors, make sure you respect religious customs by avoiding a visit during prayer times.

SAFETY IN ISTANBUL | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Istanbul is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

KEEP ON READING WITH THESE IN-DEPTH TURKEY GUIDES

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