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

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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.

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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.

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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

This was the only way to experience the sights of Istanbul. Our guide was Ipek and she was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and enthralled us with the history of the city. Had a great time and would recommend it to everyone

June 2025

Michael O
We enjoyed the historical sites and Ipek was very knowledgeable and engaging in her descriptions of the places

June 2025

Michael O
We arrived in Istanbul two days early for a group tour of Turkey so I scheduled a private walking tour with Tolga to see if he could show us something other than the typical list of sites that were on our group's itinerary. I felt certain that there were neighborhoods that he could show us which we wouldn't otherwise see and Tolga did not disappoint. Along the way, he filled us in on history, culture, religion, and current events. He took us to an historic place for baklava and a cute spot for a quick lunch. We rode the tram, the bus and two ferries, and walked 8 miles! After seven hours, we finally called it quits, but he would have continued longer if we had wanted. We definitely got our money's worth and counted that day as one of the best of our entire three weeks in Turkey.

June 2025

Barbara M
We arrived in Istanbul two days early for a group tour of Turkey so I scheduled a private walking tour with Tolga to see if he could show us something other than the typical list of sites that were on our group's itinerary. I felt certain that there were neighborhoods that he could show us which we wouldn't, culture, religion, and current events. He took us to an historic place for baklava and a cute spot for a quick lunch. We rode the tram, the bus and two ferries, and walked 8 miles! After seven hours, we finally called it quits, but he would have continued longer if we had wanted. We definitely got our money's worth and counted that day as one of the best of our entire three weeks in Turkey.

June 2025

Barbara M