Top Things To Do In Istanbul

Tailoring each tour to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourist posing in front of Maiden's Tower at sunset in Istanbul

Top things to do in Istanbul

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

See all

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

Wondering what to do in Istanbul?

Perched in its prime position straddling two continents, Turkey’s capital is the personification of “the best of both worlds”. Over several centuries, traveling merchants from all over the world liked the city enough to stay, contributing to the colorful cultural diversity that Istanbul retains today. Uncovering the physical reminders of these cultures, both in the heart of the city and in its outskirts, are among the most incredible things to do in Istanbul – but the city is more than an open-air museum. Modern Turkey is a festive world of friendly locals, tea gardens, coffeehouses, Turkish taverns, and a host of unexpected things to do in Istanbul.

Meet some of our Istanbul local hosts

Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

We’ve handpicked them and we’ll match you to your perfect one!

Tourists posing in front of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul

East meets west

As the final stop on the ancient Silk Road, Istanbul has seen its fair share of visitors – Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans – over the centuries. Relics of these civilizations lay peppered through the city, and the things to do in Istanbul span hundreds of years. The city’s storied past, and its European and Asian influences, are visible in each of its amazing attractions. From trawling the centuries-old Grand Bazaar to marveling at the historic center’s mosaic-adorned mosques, frescoed churches, and cascading domes, the things to do in Istanbul are like interactive history lessons.

A typical scene of a store in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

A myriad of markets

Shopping is one of the best things to do in Istanbul thanks to its colorful, chaotic markets. The city may be home to the world-famous Grand Bazaar, the sprawling covered market dating back to 1461, but this iconic attraction is just the tip of the iceberg. Over 200 traditional markets set up shop in the city each week selling virtually everything. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, fine textiles, traditional hats, or a Turkish tea set, you’ll find it in the crisscrossing lanes of a local marketplace. Of all the things to do in Istanbul, browsing a market is top of the list.

Tourist enjoying a meal with a local guide at a typical restaurant in Istanbul

Fantastic food

Turkish food is some of the most famous in the world, and it isn’t difficult to figure out why: the flavors are out of this world. In fact, the foodie things to do in Istanbul could very well be the things that will have you planning your second trip. You might try Şiş Kebap, a juicy skewered kebab straight from the glowing coals, or grab a Turkish coffee and lahmacun (a flatbread topped with minced meat, veggies, herbs, and spices) at a local café. Perhaps you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with jewel-toned Turkish delight or baklava dripping in honey. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Istanbul travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Istanbul and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

I’m really pleased with the tour that I did with Feruza today. She was really friendly and knowledgeable about the city. She also facilitated everything, from the taxi drive from and to the airport, as well as during the tour itself. I would definitely recommend her to friends.

December 2023

Georgios P
Our tour guide was excellent. she shared much of the history behind the sights we visited. She was excellent!

November 2023

Joseph M
What an amazing tour! I had a 12 hour layover in Istanbul during my travels and decided to book the tour to break up my travel day. Feruza was the most incredible tour guide! I was left with a deep desire to come back and see more. Feruza walked us through old town, to Hagia Sophia and took me for local food. It was an amazing time!

November 2023

Joana A
When we arrived in Istanbul we had so much trouble just getting out of the airport that I was almost ready to cancel our tour all together. Once we met our guide I was frustrated and tired. However, our guide Feruza completely turned our whole evening around. She gave us the best tour of Istanbul that I could have imagined. She turned it in to a city and food tour, as she recommended all the best places for us to try local food and we loved it. She is so knowledgeable about the city and nice and flexible with whatever you want to do. She took plenty of pictures of us and just went above and beyond my expectations. Thank you Feruza for making our short time in Istanbul memorable. I would come back only to tour with you again on the Asain side this time! Thank you so much!!

October 2023

Nyla S