City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
Countries
What to do and see in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Free Things to do
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Historic Areas of Istanbul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10,677 reviews
Reviewed By titizel - Istanbul, Turkey
While you are visiting İstanbul, there are landmarks to visit. Sultan Ahmet Area, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. That are most populer places. But I advise you to add Maiden Tower and take a Bosphorus Tour.
2. Serefiye Sarnici
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By luke265
Super nice and well maintained, Most importantly its free and way fewer visitors compared to the famous Basilica Cistern,
3. Blue Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34,581 reviews
Built between 1609-1616, this impressive mosque has six minarets. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories: the first, more common one is that the interior is covered in Blue İznik tiles. The second is: many years ago, ancient sailors who sailed by the mosque on the Marmara Sea saw the blue colors of the sea reflected in the mosque.
Reviewed By TravelApopediatravel - Istanbul, Turkey
Blue mosque was built in the 1616 such a easy date to remember! It was built by architect Sefefkar Mehmet Agha who was the student of master architect Sinan who built around 400 buildings including Süleymaniye Mosque. So literally Architect Sinan is like Michelangelo of the Ottomans built Süleymaniye a true master piece and His student so student of Michelangelo has built Blue mosque and wanted to rival Hagia Sophia in terms of architecture. Hagia Sophia also inspired all the world but it was not constructed by Ottomans but by Romans so Ottomans always wanted to built amazing works, imperial mosques to surpass the Hagia Sophia so master Architect Sinan built Süleymaniye Mosque which is the biggest in İstanbul but it was not enough so after Architect Sinan died his student became the master Architect and built Blue mosque as the most beautiful work just infront of Hagia Sophia to rival it and decorated it with the best,highest quality blue tiles so that it was called as Blue mosque and has a great Architecture, perfect symmetry and harmony!!! Definitely Must see place!! But at the moment there is restoration you can just see a part of it!!!
4. Eyup Sultan Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,832 reviews
This mosque stands outside the city walls at the location where Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari, a noted Islamic individual, died in the assault on Constantinople in 670 AD.
Reviewed By istanbul455 - Ettalong Beach, Australia
A truly Tranquil garden, I actually visit this garden on all my visits, it’s on the route to the Bazzar up from all the local attractions, like blue mosque and Aya Sophia .
5. Sultanahmet District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,447 reviews
The old section of Istanbul where you can find many attractions including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Reviewed By ColinMc1951 - Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
This area is the location of the most historic places and buildings in Istanbul. And all within walking distance of each other - the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Topkapi Palace and a number of Sultans tombs (found at the side of Aya Sophia and entrance is free). The area has nice gardens to sit and rest and look around at the beauty of the buildings. It is truly an amazing area to explore. I have visited many times and consider Istanbul to be a safe place for tourists.
6. Ortakoy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,786 reviews
This charming neighborhood of renovated old buildings is home to many restaurants, shops and artist galleries.
Reviewed By SpotBoy
You can never tire of the mosques in the city, and the one in Ortakoy is special, located on the water, it glistens as the sun starts to set. Some lovely markets to pick up gifts, souvenirs, trinkets etc, but the star attraction are the fantastic waffles, piled with as many toppings as you can handle, and the really enthusuastic sellers... Then take your waffles (or savoury potatoes if you fancy) and enjoy them under the Bosphorus Bridge!
7. Halic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 790 reviews
This river separates the old and new sections of Istanbul. The commercial center of the city for 2000 years, many markets and the Chamber of Commerce still line its shores today.
Reviewed By Indiana_Jonesse - San Francisco, United States
Halic is a major waterway, the primary inlet of the Bosphorus of Istanbul. Here, there are many ships on the slip from private owners and tour operators. We docked and left the harbor, overlooking the different ports. There is a maiden tower that is very visible on the island that is a major icon along the waters. This is the main port go get to the Bosphorus boat tours.
8. Suleymaniye Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,206 reviews
Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both.
Reviewed By ayeasha7865 - Swindon, United Kingdom
What an amazing and beautiful mosque - definitely worth a visit beautiful architecture beautiful grounds and you can see far across the city views are amazing.
9. Fatih Mosque and Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Named for the Ottoman conqueror of Istanbul, this mosque was part of a large religious complex atop one of the city's many hills. Among the other original buildings in the complex were a school, library and hospital.
Reviewed By doofvfood
Was gutted when I realised we would miss the Wednesday market near the mosque which the guidebook mentioned. It's a bit further out but worth a visit. On first sight of the mosque, the marble square is really impressive and the interior of the mosque is beautiful. Was interested to learn the architect for the original mosque was not Mimar Sinan but Atik Sinan. The present mosque was rebuilt in 1700s after an earthquake destroyed the original. It was a good view from the women's area in the terrace. Istanbul has no shortage of stunning mosques & Fatih is one of the best we have visited. A visit is definitely recommended.
10. Beyoglu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
This neighborhood in the modern section of the city is home to many foreign consulates, and is popular for its restaurants and nightlife.
Reviewed By RicardoR511 - Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
There are many historical places in Istanbul but Beyoglu is where you should stay. Choose a hotel or hostel in this area ( they are cheaper ) and everytime you go out the door you will be in the most lively streets of Istanbul. Plenty of shopping malls, restaurantys, pubs, those stores selling those delicious turkish candies ( also cheaper in this district ). Beyoglu is where we want to stay.
