Things to Do in Istanbul

There's no way to adequately describe Istanbul. It is utterly addictive–from its captivating history to its lively culture to its excellent food and different neighborhoods–and there is no shortage of exciting things to do in Istanbul. Istanbul offers something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an architecture fan, or simply a visitor who enjoys meandering through gorgeous districts. Here are a few of Istanbul's most enjoyable activities.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar, with over 4,000 merchants spanning 60 streets, definitely lives up to its name. The Grand Bazaar, which has been open since 1461 and is virtually always packed, is the ideal spot to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Istanbul in a magnificent environment.

The Spice Bazaar is difficult not to like; elegant, bright, and filled with a fantastic aroma, the Spice Bazaar is the ideal spot to pick up a tasty keepsake.

Istiklal Street is the hub of contemporary Istanbul's shopping: it's here that you'll discover a lovely mix of local shops with multinational companies like H&M and Zara, among others.

Take a Food Tour

Istanbul's culinary scene is diverse, massive, and full of really excellent alternatives, thanks to its long history of having many cultures living side by side. A culinary tour is a great way to get your bearings on the greatest delicacies in town, and we recommend doing it as soon as possible in your vacation.

Visit Museums

Istanbul's lengthy and illustrious past, as well as the fact that it has been controlled by some of the world's most powerful empires, making it a veritable gold mine for history aficionados. The Museum of the Ancient Orient, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Islamic Art are the three archaeological museums.

Tour Prince Islands

This little archipelago of islands located just outside of Istanbul is ideal for a day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially in the summer when the weather is warm and pleasant.

Discover Istanbul’s Neighborhoods

Istanbul is a metropolis made up of neighborhoods, each with its own personality and flavor. While covering all of the city's neighborhoods would need thousands of pages, there are a handful that should be remembered.

Beyoğlu is one of Istanbul's largest and busiest neighborhoods on the European side, and it's frequently recommended as an excellent area to stay. Beyoğlu is enormous, and popular neighborhoods like Galata, Karaköy, and Cihangir are subsets of Beyoğlu. Another place to visit, Balat should be on your list of fun things to do in Istanbul if you want to take stunningly colorful photos of architecture and street life. Kadıköy, Istanbul's most well-known Asian district, is shamelessly contemporary and bright, with street art, cafés, and trendy eateries aplenty.