Top Things to Do in Istanbul

About the City

Istanbul, Turkey: A City of Marvels and Mayhem Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a vibrant city buzzing with energy, where tantalizing aromas waft from bustling bazaars and minarets pierce the skyline. It's a city of contrasts, where East meets West and ancient history rubs shoulders with modern flair. Dive into the Grand Bazaar and haggle over a kaleidoscope of goods, or relish a blissful cruise on the Bosphorus, straddling Asia and Europe. Art and architecture enthusiasts will swoon over the Hagia Sophia, with its breathtaking dome, and the enchanting blue tiles of the Blue Mosque. Yet, amidst these wonders, brace for the symphony of horns in traffic jams of legendary proportions, and the labyrinthine streets that can baffle even the savviest of travelers. Expect your senses to be assaulted in the best possible way, with the rich, hearty flavors of Turkish kebabs, the sweet allure of baklava, and strong aromatic Turkish coffee. But, be wary of the pushy street vendors and the summer heat which can soar to sizzling heights. In short, Istanbul is a city that never fails to exhilarate and exasperate in equal measure, guaranteeing an adventure that’s as unforgettable as it is chaotic.

Things to Do in Istanbul

Spot Christian Remnants in Hagia Sophia

Sights

After the fall of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and depictions of Christian iconography were covered or removed. There are still faded crosses and even some guys with crosse...

Go beneath the city of Istanbul

Sights

Check out the Bascilica Cistern (i probably spelled this very very wrong) It’s an ancient aqueduct and very cool! Medusa herself is lurking in the shadows below 👀

Find Medusa in Istanbul

Sights

The myth says that if she looks you in the eye, she will turn you to stone. But what if you find her shadow?

Go to Europe AND Asia

Sights

Crossing the Bosphorus in Istanbul takes you on the coolest journey in the city: Between continents. Cross the Bosphorus by boat or by this bridge to experience one city and two continents!

Crash a wedding

The Unexpected

We made our way into a Turkish wedding reception. It was a ton of fun. They loved it and us. Do not attempt if not total badddies.

Indulge in Mantı Madness

Food & Drink

Prepare your forks for the ultimate Turkish dumpling delight, Mantı. Picture tiny dough pockets filled with seasoned meat, topped with creamy garlic yogurt, and drizzled with melted butter and a sprin...

Explore the Colors of Yıldız Park

Outdoors

Take a stroll or have a lovely picnic amongst a burst of floral beauty in the historic Yıldız Park. It's the ideal spot to unwind and 'leaf' all your worries behind!

Unravel the Secrets of Anatolian Carpets

The Unexpected

Who knew rugs could whisper tales of the ages? Dive into the woven world of Anatolian carpets where every knot has a story to spill. Just try not to get too tangled in the history!

Discover the Vibrance of Turkish Tea Gardens

The Unexpected

Seek out the city's most charming tea gardens for a 'steep' into bliss. Sip on some Turkish çay, gobble down a simit, and indulge in a gossip fest or a tranquil timeout!

Conquer the Asian Side on Two Wheels

The Unexpected

Buckle up for a bike ride and be the ruler of the Asian side's less-trodden paths. Pedal along the coast, breeze through quaint neighborhoods, and conquer those hills like a cycling sultan!

Kite-Flying Fest at Moda Seaside

Outdoors

Nothing screams fun-in-the-sun like flying a kite against the backdrop of the stunning Marmara Sea. Let your spirits (and kites) soar sky-high in the gentle sea breeze at Moda!

Bask in Sunset Views from Çamlıca Hill

Outdoors

Elevate your Istanbul experience by watching the sunset from Çamlıca Hill, the city's very own sky-high haven. The silhouette of minarets against the crimson sky? Pure magic. It's the golden hour capt...

Capture the Colors of Spring at Emirgan Park

Outdoors

Picture this: strolling through an explosion of colors as tulips stand tall and proud, showing off their spring wardrobe. Istanbul's Emirgan Park becomes a painting come to life during the annual Tuli...

Paddle and Glide Along the Bosphorus

Outdoors

Ready to slice through the waters like a sea-savvy Istanbulite? Grab a paddle, jump into a sea kayak, and make the Bosphorus your playground. Don't forget to wave at the fishers on the bridge and salu...

Feast Your Eyes and Stomach on Lahmacun

Food & Drink

Lahmacun, lovingly dubbed as 'Turkish Pizza', is the stuff of legends. A thin, crispy base slathered with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, baked to perfection, and rolled up with a punch of fresh g...

Get Lost in the Grand Bazaar

Sights

Unleash your inner shopaholic in the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar! With thousands of shops, you can haggle for souvenirs, rugs, and lanterns. It's like a treasure hunt, but instead of 'X marks the sp...

Nibble on Nostalgic Simit

Food & Drink

Simit is the MVP of Turkish street snacks. Picture a sesame-encrusted bread ring that's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with the superpower of keeping you full for hours! Munch on it w...

Gobble up Gozleme Like a Local

Food & Drink

Spin that street food roulette and land on Gozleme, Turkey's answer to a stuffed pancake party. Watch the magic as dough is rolled out, filling splattered, and all of it sizzled on a dome-shaped gridd...

Tuck into Menemen with a View

Food & Drink

Wake up your morning appetite with the sizzling sounds and aromas of Menemen, the Turkish take on scrambled eggs. This egg-cellent dish mixes up fresh tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and a kick of sp...

Master the Melody with Turkish Instrument Lessons

The Unexpected

Strum your way into Turkish culture by learning to play a traditional stringed instrument like the 'bağlama' or 'oud'. Music shops around the city offer lessons where locals will eagerly share the har...