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.

Malta Bosphorus Hotel

Malta Bosphorus Hotel

Malta Bosphorus Hotel, Beşiktaş İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Ortaköy Location | Bosphorus View Rooms | Rooms with Balcony | Pet Friendly | Breakfast Included
Getting the best price
Morione Hotel & Spa Center Karaköy

Morione Hotel & Spa Center Karaköy

Morione Hotel & Spa Center Karaköy, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Karaköy Location | Spa & Massage | Turkish Bath & Sauna | 500 m from Galata Tower | Breakfast Included
Getting the best price
Mr Cas Hotel

Mr Cas Hotel

Mr Cas Hotel, Beyoğlu/Taksim İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Located on İstiklal Avenue | Historic 1900 Building | Individually Designed Rooms | İstiklal Avenue View Suites | 70 m² Family Suite | Michelin Guide Restaurant | Fashion and Art Museum | Family-Friendly | Ideal For: Couples | Food Lovers | Art and Design Enthusiasts | Cultural Travelers
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
İstanbul Sarıyer Tarabya, Bosphorus Waterfront Location, Panoramic Bosphorus Views, Jacuzzi Rooms, Honeymoon Suites with Terraces, Luxury Accommodation, Family Suites, Garden-View Rooms. Ideal For: Couples seeking romantic Bosphorus escapes, honeymooners, jacuzzi and sea-view lovers, families with children, travelers seeking peaceful luxury stays in İstanbul.
Getting the best price
Nevv Bosphorus Hotel & Suites

Nevv Bosphorus Hotel & Suites

Nevv Bosphorus Hotel - Ortaköy, Beşiktaş İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
İstanbul Beşiktaş Ortaköy | Bosphorus-View Suites | Rooms with Terraces and Balconies | Historic Building | Contemporary Design | Suites with Kitchenettes | Walking Distance to Ortaköy Square | Central Location | Family-Friendly | Ideal For: Couples | Families with Children | Business Travelers | İstanbul City Explorers
Getting the best price
Nish İstanbul Suites & Hotel

Nish İstanbul Suites & Hotel

Nish İstanbul Suites & Hotel, Beşiktaş İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Gayrettepe, Beşiktaş Location | Suites with Jacuzzi | Suites with Kitchen | Rooms with Balcony & Terrace | Free Parking
Getting the best price
Nordstern Hotel Galata

Nordstern Hotel Galata

Nordstern Hotel Galata, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Bosphorus & Golden Horn Views | Panoramic Rooftop Terrace | Historic Neo-Gothic Building | Rooms with Fireplace | Suites with Private Turkish Bath
Getting the best price
Nowy Efendi Hotel

Nowy Efendi Hotel

4.4 · Great · 5 reviews
Nowy Efendi Hotel, Sultanahmet İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia View Terrace, Panoramic Bosphorus Views, Family Suites, Family-Friendly, Buffet Breakfast.
Getting the best price
Ortaköy Hotel

Ortaköy Hotel

Ortaköy Hotel, Beşiktaş İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Ortaköy Location | Bosphorus View Room Options | Walking Distance to the Waterfront | Garden | On-Site Parking
Getting the best price
Ottoman Hotel Imperial

Ottoman Hotel Imperial

Ottoman Hotel Imperial, Sultanahmet 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
Pyrgos Hotel Restaurant

Pyrgos Hotel Restaurant

4.3 · Great · 4 reviews
Pyrgos Otel Restaurant, Burgazada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Waterfront Location | Panoramic Marmara Sea Views | Sea-View Rooms | Rooms with Balconies | Waterfront Restaurant | Fresh Seafood and Aegean Mezes | Garden Restaurant | Breakfast with Sea Views | Yoga and Meditation | Private Events and Celebrations | Family-Friendly | Ideal For: Couples seeking romantic island escapes | Sea-view accommodation lovers | Seafood and gastronomy enthusiasts | Families with children | Yoga and nature lovers | Travelers seeking peaceful weekend getaways near İstanbul
Getting the best price
RUZ Hotels, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Regie Ottoman Hotel

Regie Ottoman Hotel

4.3 · Great · 4 reviews
Regie Ottoman Hotel, Sirkeci İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Sirkeci, Historic Ottoman Building, Luxury Hotel, Sauna, Fitness, Massage, Michelin-Listed Restaurant, Family-Friendly, Spacious Suites.
Getting the best price
Rixos Pera Istanbul

Rixos Pera Istanbul

Rixos Pera Istanbul, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Beyoğlu Location | Golden Horn View Rooms | Spa & Massage | Turkish Bath & Sauna | Rooftop Restaurant
Getting the best price
Senatus Hotel

Senatus Hotel

4.7 · Great · 3 reviews
Senatus Hotel, Sultanahmet Istanbul | Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Sultanahmet, Walking Distance to Hagia Sophia, Jacuzzi Suites, Sauna, Terrace Restaurant, Family Rooms, Family-Friendly.
Getting the best price
Sergüzeşt Otel

Sergüzeşt Otel

4.3 · Great · 4 reviews
Sergüzeşt Otel, Büyükada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Historic Mansion, Sea-View Suites, Private Terrace Rooms, Garden Retreat, Garden Restaurant, Designer Rooms, Island Breakfast, Central Location. Ideal For: Couples seeking romantic weekend escapes, honeymooners, history and architecture enthusiasts, food lovers, travelers seeking peaceful island retreats, special occasion guests.
Getting the best price
Six Senses Kocataş Mansions

Six Senses Kocataş Mansions

Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Sarıyer İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Bosphorus Views, Historic Waterfront Mansions, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Turkish Bath, Sauna, Indoor Pool, Infinity Pool.
Getting the best price
Stayso The House Hotel

Stayso The House Hotel

Stayso The House Hotel, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Golden Horn View Suites | Rooms with Terrace & Bathtub | 72 m² Family Suites | Fitness Center | Restaurant & Bar
Getting the best price
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, Sultanahmet İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Blue Mosque Views | Marmara Sea Views | Rooms with Balcony | Panoramic Restaurant | Walking Distance to Hagia Sophia
Getting the best price