Walking its streets feels less like tourism and more like eavesdropping on a centuries-long conversation between East and West, where tea flows as freely as history. Today, it remains a vibrant, chaotic metropolis that refuses to be pinned to one continent or century, inviting you to lose yourself in its winding alleys and bustling bazaars.
Do Istanbul the way locals do: start slow at Caddebostan Coast, eat where the regulars do at Hafiz Mustafa 1864, let the evening run long at Loti Roof Lounge.
Top things to do in Istanbul
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
Check tours & tickets2
Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
Check tours & tickets3
The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
Check tours & tickets4
Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
Check tours & tickets5
Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
Check tours & tickets6
Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
Check tours & tickets7
Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
Check tours & tickets8
Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
Check tours & tickets9
Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
Check tours & tickets10
Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Hafiz Mustafa 1864
Long-running confectioner offering traditional Turkish sweets & pastries, plus coffee & tea.
Website12
Turgut Kebab Restaurant -Sultanahmet-
Website13
Garden 1897 Restaurant
Traditional small plates & mains served in a relaxed venue with a garden & a terrace.
Website14
Hidden Garden Restaurant Sultanahmet
Website15
Hanzade Bosphorus Restaurant
Easygoing eatery featuring local meat & fish plates, plus drinks, a rooftop terrace & water views.
Website16
Karaköy Güllüoğlu - Nadir Güllü
Baklava & other traditional Turkish desserts offered in a classic setting with counter-service.
Website17
Las Tapas restaurant (türkish cuisine)
Turkish & global fare provided in a comfy venue with brick walls, a fireplace & outdoor seating.
Website18
TurguT Restaurant Sirkeci
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Mega Lüfer Yachts | Bosphorus Dinner Cruise İstanbul | Sunset & Daytime Tours
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Dinner Cruise Bosphorus & Turkish Night Show - Private Yacht Tour
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Bosphorus Tour - SeaLand Trip
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Istanbul Dinner Cruise
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Free Tour in Istanbul
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Basis Travel - Free Walking Tour Istanbul
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Caddebostan Coast
Waterfront park & sunset hangout with picnic spots, paths & city views across the Sea of Marmara.
26
Maltepe Beach Park
Green area by the sea with a mosque, a skate park & food trucks, popular for cycling & picnicking.
27
Florya Atatürk Forest
Sprawling park with shady wooded paths, plus picnic spots, a kids' playground & views of the sea.
28
Polonezköy Nature Park
Wooded nature park covering 7,423 acres with biking & hiking trails, campsites & shady picnic areas.
Website29
İdealtepe Coast Park
After dark
30
Loti Roof Lounge
International fare & cocktails offered in a sophisticated restaurant with panoramic city views.
Website31
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub
Convivial tavern offering Irish tap brews, rugby & other live sports on TV & Irish folk music.
Website32
Ritim Roof (Teras)
Comfort food & cocktails served in a vibrant, roomy hangout with a terrace, plus evening DJ sets.
Website33
Corner Irish Pub
Old-school destination with big screens & a convivial ambiance serving beers & hearty grub.
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