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

Cherad was an amazing guide, his knowledge of Istanbul was amazing, I feel I got a taste of Istanbul that you don’t normally get, I visited some amazing places and had the best time, I will now be coming back to Istanbul because of him.

September 2022

Samantha M
Ferhat showed me all the important and iconic sites. He was very knowledgeable about the history and able to meet my curiosity with my many questions. He also very thoughtful and considerate of rest stops and finding alternative movement around town when I became a bit fatigued. Excellent tour and guide. Thankyou Ferhat

July 2022

Gail H
Atilla was great. Handled our needs and shaped the day to met our wishes. He listened and adjusted plans per our wishes.

July 2022

Sam S
Atilla was an amazing guide and I am so glad we got this tour. He gave us invaluable insight into the local culture, showed us beautiful mosques, helped us bargain for lamps and carpets, took us to great places for wine and kabobs, and was just an all around wonderful person to know in Istanbul. I really appreciated how he read the survey we filled out and personalized our visit accordingly. He took us over to the Asian side by ferry, and even though he lives there, he rode the ferry back with us at the end of the night and put us in a cab to make sure we got back to our hotel safely. It was above and beyond the call of duty. Teşekkürler, Atilla!

June 2022

Shahirah M