Things to do in Istanbul

When you come to Istanbul, you should first take a nice walk by the sea and have a nice tea and bagel break by the Bosphorus.   

Afterwards, you can visit the museums in Istanbul during the day. There are many museums in different districts of Istanbul. But you can especially visit Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace and Museum, Turkish Islamic Art Museum and Toy Museum.   

The Historical Peninsula in Istanbul is one of the rare places that reflects the spirit of Istanbul as it is. You should definitely go to the Historical Peninsula. You should see Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Basilica Cistern. You can go to Gülhane Park.   

You should definitely go to districts such as Bebek, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy. You should definitely walk down Istiklal Street and take lots of photos. You can also start the day with a nice breakfast on the beach in Bebek.    

You should see Dolmabahçe and Yıldız palaces. You should go to Yıldız Park. You can go to Taksim Square. You can see the walls of Istanbul. You can eat fish bread in Eminönü.    

You should plan a trip to the islands for a day trip or a stay of one or two nights. Heybeliada, Büyükada are all beautiful and worth seeing.   

You can do a lot of shopping in Istanbul's historical bazaars and shopping centers such as the Spice Bazaar. You can find many items, figures or foods unique to Istanbul and our country.

In the evening, you can enjoy a nice fish against the Bosphorus view. You can taste fresh seasonal fish grilled or fried or with special sauce. Later in the night, you can go to a bar or an entertainment venue and have a good time.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Istanbul Hotels page.

Ada Palas Hotel, +12

Ada Palas Hotel, +12

4.7 · Great · 14 reviews
Ada Palas Hotel, Buyukada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Büyükada’s Most Romantic & Comcortable Hotel
Getting the best price
Ajia Hotel Kanlıca

Ajia Hotel Kanlıca

4.3 · Great · 7 reviews
Ajia Hotel, Kanlıca Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Small Hotel, Bosphorus Mansion
Getting the best price
Anastasia Meziki Köşk

Anastasia Meziki Köşk

4.4 · Great · 7 reviews
Anastasia Meziki Köşk, Büyükada Istanbul
Elegant 19th century hotel
Getting the best price
Anemon Galata Hotel

Anemon Galata Hotel

Anemon Galata Hotel, Galata İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Ank’Ada Ayanikola (12+ Adult Only)

Ank’Ada Ayanikola (12+ Adult Only)

Ank’Ada Ayanikola (12+ Adult Only), Büyükada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Avantgarde Urban Şişli

Avantgarde Urban Şişli

Avantgarde Urban Şişli, Sisli Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Ağva Beyaz Ev Hotel, +18

Ağva Beyaz Ev Hotel, +18

4.5 · Great · 18 reviews
Ağva Beyaz Ev Hotel, Agva İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Small Hotel, fireworks and with jacuzzi
Getting the best price
Blue House Hotel

Blue House Hotel

Blue House Hotel Sultanahmet, Sultanahmet İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Bosphorus Palace Hotel

Bosphorus Palace Hotel

4.6 · Great · 5 reviews
Bosphorus Palace Hotel, Beylerbeyi İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Mansion Hotel in Istanbul
Getting the best price
Broyt Hotel

Broyt Hotel

Broyt Hotel, Caddebostan İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Casa Lavanda Hotel & Spa, +12

Casa Lavanda Hotel & Spa, +12

4.6 · Great · 25 reviews
Casa Lavanda Hotel & Spa, Sile Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Small Hotel, Adult Only, Spa Hotel
Getting the best price
Agva Greenline Guest House

Agva Greenline Guest House

4.4 · Great · 23 reviews
Agva Greenline Guest House | Agva, Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
It stands out with its comfortable rooms, good food and specially selected music.
Getting the best price
Hammamhane Hotel

Hammamhane Hotel

5.0 · Great · 3 reviews
Hammamhane Hotel, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Sirkeci İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
My Finest Bosphorus Hotel

My Finest Bosphorus Hotel

5.0 · Great · 2 reviews
My Finest Bosphorus Hotel, Sarıyer İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Park Mandalin Hotel, +15

Park Mandalin Hotel, +15

4.6 · Great · 12 reviews
Park Mandalin Hotel, Agva İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
A riverside small hotel with fireplace among trees
Getting the best price
Rixos Tersane İstanbul

Rixos Tersane İstanbul

Rixos Tersane İstanbul, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, Sultanahmet İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Wame Suite Hotel Nişantaşı

Wame Suite Hotel Nişantaşı

Wame Suite Hotel Nişantaşı, Sisli Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Wineport Lodge Hotel

Wineport Lodge Hotel

4.6 · Great · 21 reviews
Wineport Lodge Hotel, Ağva Istanbul | Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Smal Hotel in Agva River
Getting the best price