Top Things To Do In Istanbul

Tailoring each experience 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

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Must see Istanbul with a local

A mosaic encrusted Byzantine basilica, continent hopping, and syrup-soaked baklava.

$227.89 per person

8 hours

(64)

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Family day in Istanbul with a local

The Grand Bazaar and Turkish delights (we don’t just mean the sweets).

$123.17 per person

4 hours

(60)

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Eat like a local in Istanbul

Baklava dripping in honey, flaky pastries and the best kebab in the city.

$132.69 per person

3 hours

(41)

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Half day in Istanbul with a local

Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.

$123.17 per person

4 hours

(51)

Istanbul’s history: where Europe meets Asia

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Istanbul’s history: where Europe meets Asia

2500 years of history, Ottoman mosques, and a mosaic-encrusted Byzantine basilica.

$123.17 per person

4 hours

(95)

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Shopping Istanbul’s markets & bazaars

Yeşilköy, Kapali Çarşi and perhaps a market whose name you can pronounce first time.

$96.99 per person

3 hours

(32)

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul A night in Istanbul with a local

Jewel-hued lanterns, billowing shisha smoke, and Lion’s Milk.

$135.66 per person

4 hours

(61)

Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

City Unscripted Original

Istanbul Escape the airport: see Istanbul on your layover

The Grand Bazaar, meze platters, and some serious haggling.

$211.82 per person

5 hours

(35)

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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

Feruza

Istanbul

An enthusiastic Istanbul local, unveils the city's historical wonders and culinary delights, guiding you through a captivating journey of culture and flavor.

Firat

Istanbul

Cultural enthusiast and street food lover with an insider’s knowledge of Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant neighborhoods.

Ipek

Istanbul

Enthusiastic Istanbul host with a knack for finding the best bargains and uncovering hidden gems that even locals often miss.

Burak

Istanbul

History buff and traditional food lover with an insider's knowledge of Istanbul's must-see neighborhoods and iconic historical landmarks.

Emi̇r

Istanbul

History buff and rooftop enthusiast with insider tips on Istanbul’s hidden gems and Ottoman and Eastern Roman treasures.

Ahmet

Istanbul

History buff and foodie with insider expertise on Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and bustling neighborhoods, from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar.

Mert

Istanbul

History buff and passionate explorer with deep roots in Istanbul’s past and a local’s eye for its most captivating neighborhoods.

Tim

Istanbul

History lover and cultural explorer with a deep appreciation for Istanbul’s Ottoman, Byzantine, and Sephardic heritage and its unique handmade arts.

özlem

Istanbul

Professional tour guide and culture enthusiast with an insider’s knowledge of Istanbul’s history, architecture, food, and fascinating museums.

Devanshu

Dublin

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

Burak is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Turkey. He spoke English incredibly well. His guidance through the major sites was informative and enjoyable. He also took us to a few lesser known places that were extremely interesting. Even though our time with him was up, he went out of his way to take us to a local restaurant and help us order. Thank you so much for such a great day Burak!

25 April 2026

Debra G
Five stars are simply not enough for the extraordinary tour experience we had in Istanbul! We were on a long layover and decided to make the most of our time in this legendary city. When our flight delays caused us to arrive late for our appointment, she handled the situation with complete grace and professionalism, adjusting the itinerary without missing a beat. Right away, we knew we were in excellent hands. Her depth of knowledge about Istanbul was impressive, but what truly set her apart was her ability to read her audience. She quickly gauged what we already knew and built upon it, enriching our existing understanding of the city's iconic sites rather than simply repeating facts we had already encountered. Every explanation felt crafted specifically for us — engaging, layered, and deeply insightful.

20 April 2026

Ricardo C
Our day with Tim in Istanbul was fantastic!

12 April 2026

Joseph K
I liked that we walked the whole way and it felt very personable since it was just me and a local

22 February 2026

Thais A