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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
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Popular Attractions in Istanbul (2025)
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1. Hagia Sophia
9.7
4.7/5
2,970 reviews
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
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Historic buildings
Night view
TonkarnIn 2024, hakia sophia used to be free of charge. But now it cost 25 eur. However, the place full of history and interesting thing inside. Avoid long waiting line by purchasing on line.Istanbul
457m from downtown
From 31.89
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Closes at 10:00 PM
2. Basilica Cistern
9.3
4.6/5
873 reviews
2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
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Historic buildings
Night view
M24***99The underground Basilica Cistern is incredibly beautiful. A dark and magnificent water palace hidden beneath the city. 336 pillars stretch as far as the eye can see, the dark ceiling reflecting the low light on the water's surface, the echoes gentle and calm.Istanbul
355m from downtown
From 34.99
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3. Historic Areas of Istanbul
8.9
4.6/5
152 reviewsHistoric buildings
Travel JuriVery nice, especially love the cats that are everywhere! 🐈🐈⬛Istanbul
144m from downtown
Free entry
4. Topkapi Palace
8.7
4.4/5
688 reviews2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Historic buildings
_TI***ehThis place is a worth visiting. So many historical collections and stories. Highly recommended. You would need to walk a lot to fully explore Harem and Topkapi together.Istanbul
880m from downtown
From 62.3
5. Bosphorus
8.3
4.7/5
794 reviews2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
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Beaches and shores
Boat tour
Night view
shanghaiboyuThe Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway of significant strategic, economic, and cultural value.
• Geographically Important: Connecting the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, it is the only access point for Black Sea countries to the open sea. It also serves as the natural dividing line between Europe and Asia, holding a crucial strategic position. The strait has been the subject of ongoing contention throughout history.
• Significant Economic Value: As a vital shipping channel, hundreds of large ships transit the strait daily. In the first nine months of 2024, 31,161 vessels passed through the strait, a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. It is a crucial artery for the Black Sea countries' foreign trade, including oil transportation, and has generated significant revenue for Turkey through navigation.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures converged here, marking the Asian terminus of the Silk Road. Goods, cultures, and religions from both the East and the West converged and merged here. Numerous historical sites along the strait, such as the Topkapi Palace, bear witness to the exchange and collision of civilizations.
• Rich Tourism Resources: The strait's natural scenery and historical sites complement each other beautifully. Lush meadows and shrubs are interspersed with tall buildings and small houses, along with towering palaces and ruins of ancient castles from the Roman and Ottoman empires. Cruises offer a glimpse into the Eurasian charm of both sides of the strait, and the scenery is particularly captivating at sunset.
• Convenient Transportation: Turkey has built numerous bridges across the Bosphorus Strait, such as the Bosphorus Highway Bridge. These bridges are not only marvels of transportation engineering but also landmarks of Istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia and facilitating cross-strait travel and transportation.Istanbul
3.2 km from downtown
Free entry
6. Dolmabahce Palace
8.3
4.7/5
441 reviews
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
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Historic buildings
TonkarnAbsolutely stunning. Really nice palace. However, the rntrance fee was quite expensive. Recommended. Avoid long ticket queue by purchasimg online ticket via trip.comIstanbul
4.3 km from downtown
From 46.06
7. The Blue Mosque
8.2
4.8/5
1,928 reviews2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Night view
Travel JuriVery impressive, especially how the light shines through the hundreds if coloured glass windows, the tranquility amidst hundreds of tourists that people use to do their prayers.Istanbul
19m from downtown
Free entry
Closes at 11:00 PM
8. Galata Tower
8.2
4.5/5
417 reviewsNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Türkiye
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Historic buildings
Night view
HYY0403It's worth going, you can see the whole picture of Istanbul. It was a rainy day when we went there, and the weather was not very good when taking pictures. If you go on a sunny day, or go when the sun is setting, the scenery will definitely be very good!Istanbul
2.3 km from downtown
From 39.26
9. Grand Bazaar
7.5
4.4/5
521 reviews
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Immediate access
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202***68Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is the largest and most beautiful in Eurasia. Once you've visited, you won't want to leave. More than just a shopping paradise, it's a living museum where you can experience the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and the culture of Turkish life. Wandering through arcades shimmering with light and shadow, the clink of vendors' cries and the clatter of teaware echo in your ears—this is undoubtedly a must-visit for exploring the soul of Istanbul. Like it 👍Istanbul
959m from downtown
Free entry
10. Istanbul Archaeological Museums
7.4
4.5/5
173 reviewsNo. 9 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Museums
_We***60Istanbul Archaeology Museum is the most important archaeological museum in Turkey and one of the most outstanding in the world. It is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace and houses more than 1 million artifacts, covering civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome to Byzantium and Ottoman Empire. It is almost zero distance from the remains of ancient civilizations and can be called a "time container". #One of my favorite museumsIstanbul
758m from downtown
From 23.22
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Popular Types of Attractions in Istanbul
Historical attractions | Cultural institutions | Museums | Themed exhibition halls | Nature and wildlife | Natural scenery | Beaches and shores | Mountain climbing | Sightseeing tours | Leisure activities | Spa/massage | Farms and pastures | Exhibitions & events | Performances | Concerts | Outdoor activities | Mountain climbing | Cycling | Parks
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