Planning a trip to Istanbul? This Istanbul guide has got you covered!
I could just tell you all about the good bits of Istanbul.
A mixture of modern and ancient architecture, the magnificent assortment of mosques, is a historical rollercoaster on its own, the stunning Bosphorus River that divides the European and Asian continents. But it wouldn’t be fair to you or me.
The truth is, arriving in Istanbul’s lively vibe in the middle of summer after a long break from travelling (anywhere), I secretly wished I’d waited a little bit and visit in autumn or winter instead. If you’ve been following my travels, I prefer travelling in the colder months and occasionally in spring. But summer travels, I intentionally avoid. So this is definitely a rare occasion.
Istanbul —a mass tourism destination simply wasn’t a good fit for me in summer. It’s simply too hot (hotter than Malaysia) for my brain to handle. Don’t get me wrong, I just think I would’ve enjoyed Istanbul much more if temperatures were cooler. Long time followers of Yasmin Uurya may remember me bemoaning about this on Instagram. All I’m saying is, summer is just not my season, no matter where in the world I travel to.
But if this is your first time on my travel blog, I’d like to reassure you: that these sour first (and second) impressions of the temperature is what spurred me on to get out every day and discover Istanbul.
Which is why this guide on the best things to do in Istanbul can be your reference to visit this amazing city whenever you prefer. I really think it will help you carve out the best experience and avoid the mistakes I made in this popular city.
Good to Know Before Exploring Istanbul
Do / Download the Uber app
Save / If you want to access at least three museums in Istanbul, you can save cost by getting the Istanbul Museum Pass for €105 or RM 493 per entry (valid for five days). It’s cheaper when you purchase online as it’s an e-card. Plus, you can access over 13 museums in Istanbul.
Get / Istanbulkart Card: TRY 130 or RM 16.51 (does not include credit). It’s recommended to add TRY 200 for at least 10 rides on any public transportation i.e. bus, trams and ferries. It also has a 7-day validity period.
Alternatively, your credit card and Wise Cards works on public transportations too. Not sure if it works the same for ferries, but I recommend having both the Istanbulkart and your other cards ready anyway.
Do / Get Airalo travel eSIM for non-throttled connection. Not sure if Airalo eSim is a good choice? Alternatively, Airhub could be a good choice for staying connected while in Istanbul. Check out my comparison post on Airhub vs Airalo eSim here.
In no particular order, this is 10 of the most wonderful things to do in Istanbul. It includes the best day trips, experiences, viewpoints, plus my pick of the best accommodation, advice on getting around and context-setting to explore better tips and to make the most of your visit.
The Best Things to Do in Istanbul
The Topkapı Palace
In the whirlwind of Istanbul’s vibrant streets, it’s easy to overlook the enchanting Topkapi Palace, a true gem brimming with history. It’s easy to find oneself torn between countless sights (myself included), often missing the opportunity to step into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.
The Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) and the Harem, is quite possibly the only landmark with the most colourful stories than most museums in the world. Prioritizing Topkapi will not only unveil its stunning beauty but also connect you to the stories of libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs that give a fascinating insight into their lives during the 15th and 16th centuries. This palace deserves a spot on your itinerary!
If you’ve watched Netflix’s ‘Rise of Empires: Ottoman’, you’ll know that Mehmet the Conqueror built the first stages of the palace in 1453 shortly after the conquest and lived there until his death in 1481.
Where | Topkapi Palace has four courts, the Harem Section and an Imperial Treasury. The palace is located in the Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point) and sits between the Golden Horn, the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus Strait within the Fatih district of Istanbul; or what is also known as the historical peninsula.
Topkapi Palace Entry Pass | We bought the Istanbul Museum Pass, which allows us one-time free access to over thirteen museums in Istanbul. The pass is valid for five days from the first time it’s used at a museum or an archaeological site. It’s also valid for one year from the date of purchase.
There’s a caveat to this. The museum pass does not include entry into the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern because the Hagia Sophia was recently reinstated as a mosque and is no longer a museum. Meanwhile, the Basilica Cistern is not considered a museum either.
For this reason, your decision to buy the museum pass will depend on how many museums and how many days you have in Istanbul. Buying a museum pass may not be the best thing to do, especially if you only have less than three days in Istanbul and if you only plan on entering two listed museums in the pass.
Unfortunately for us, we bought the Istanbul Museum Pass after a significant price hike. Little did we know, the price for the pass had increased threefold. In the beginning of last year (2023), the price was only RM 135 or €35, but when we bought it last July, it was RM 534 or €114. We bought it anyway because we thought it would free us from the hassle of looking for a ticket counter every time we visit a museum, including entering Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.
That was not the case. We ended up buying two additional tickets for the two entries. Not ideal but on the plus side, we manage to enter three museums using the pass.
Alternatively, you can buy a separate skip-the-line entry tickets for Topkapi Palace for the following sections:
Palace: 500 TL (US$ 15.30)
Harem: 225 TL (US$ 6.90)
Palace + Harem: RM 262.81 (€56.11)
Arrive | We ordered an Uber ride from where we were staying in Beyoglu and started early in the morning to beat the crowd. That was a 24-minute drive via the Galata Bridge route. It’s also just a short walk from the Sultanahmet and Gulhane tram stations. So taking Tram 1 would be a good alternative if you’re near a tram station.
Visiting hours | Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm, Wednesday to Monday. When we purchased our Istanbul Museum Pass, it was on a Tuesday. The plan was to cover the museums on that day, but unbeknownst to us, the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays so we had to pivot a little and enter museums that are open and come back again another day to enter Topkapi Palace.
Best time to visit | In the morning. Best for avoiding crowds.
A Day at The Princes’ Islands
Looking for a short escape from the hectic city of Istanbul?
Look no further than The Princes’ Islands!
The Princes’ Islands is a cluster of nine fairly small islands in the Sea of Marmara. They were once a place of exile in the Byzantine era that has evolved to an unmissable day trip from districts like Eminönü, Taksim or Sultanahmet. Out of the nine islands, only four islands are open to public — Burgazada, Kınalıada, Büyükada and Heybeliada. Of the four, we had the opportunity to visit Büyükada and Heybeliada.
Despite the popularity and their proximity to the busy city of Istanbul, the densely packed islands feel far more quaint and relaxed in looks and vibe than the districts in Istanbul. One of the main features that caught my attention is the apparent silence. You can’t help but notice the only noise you hear are human chatter, footsteps and bicycle bells. Fuel-driven vehicles are banned, making the islands an oasis of peace and a quiet escape for many travellers, including Istanbulites. The main mode of transportation here is of course bicycles, electric buses and electric taxis.
Particularly for Heybeliada, that’s not the only unique feature. You’ll find yourself walking or riding through narrow streets surrounded by untouched pine forests or fine wooden Victorian cottages. It’s a nice Fin-de-siècle flashback.
If I had known how quaint and less hectic they are and that it had a decent level of accommodation, restaurants and cafés, I would have rejigged my itinerary a little and stayed in Büyükada for a night or two.
The decision is yours!
Plan | Büyükada and Heybeliada are popular among visitors because of the scenic views, historical sites, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great way to escape the hectic city life of Istanbul. I will be sharing details on things to do in Büyükada soon.
Do | A popular place for those seeking to experience the quieter side of Istanbul. It’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a laid-back day for leisurely strolls, picnics and for enjoying local cafés and restaurants like Yücetepe Restoran & Kafe. Here, you can enjoy a Turkish meatball dish with a sea view.
Stay | Mid-range travellers who appreciate beautiful sceneries and terrace sea views should check out Splendid Palace, a mini palace experience or Cenar Konak Butik Hotel.
Know | Both islands get very busy at mid-morning. So if you plan to visit the islands, be sure to catch the first ferries on any given day. That way you can beat the (local) crowd and check departure schedules upon arrival to see when the last ferry leaves the islands for Istanbul. This won’t be an issue if you are staying for a night or two, but if you are only planning for a day-trip, then you wouldn’t want to miss the last ferry.
Evening Coffee at Maple Coffee
The one hour-voyage, especially in warm and windy weather, sets the stage for a memorable experience. As soon as you step off the ferry, you will be spoilt for choice on where to start your day in Büyükada. But why not make a coffee stop first.
Whether you arrive in the morning or later, spend some time at Maple Coffee and savour the essence and joy of the island with Maple’s fan favourite— the Kombucha iced tea or if you’re more of a coffee person, a flat white or maple latte will get your day going.
Maple coffee sits at Fenerbaceli on Lefter Street. It’s hard to miss as it’s right infront of the Büyükada bus and taxi terminal. Some reviewers don’t quite take to the fact but for us that was a not a big deal.
It’s got a cosy blissful setup making it absolutely one of the things you should do while in Büyükada. There were also three resident cats that were under their care, which was nice to see.
Opening hours | Maple Coffee is open daily from 9am to 9pm and you can find it here on Google Maps.
Experience a Royal Turkish Hammam Treatment
A summer Turkey travel wouldn’t be complete without including a ‘wellness weekend’ in your itinerary, and what better way than to indulge in a one and a half hour royal Turkish Hammam treatment on a hot Thursday.
After days of walking in the heat and exploring Istanbul, we decided that we should at least experience the Turkish Hammam and that we should go all ‘royale’. While there are many options to experience a royal Turkish Hammam, we decided to book a slot at the Hurrem Sultan Hammami as it coincided with our plans to continue exploring the museums in Sultanahmet.
Though for some, a session at the Hurrem Sultan Hammami can be a bit of a stretch on the budget. But if you still want a Hammam experience in a 450-year old Turkish Bath architecture, adorned with natural Marmara Marble interior and backsplashes all under the gaze of lead-covered domes, then go for it.
Before entering the warm room you get to relax in the cold room, which is also the VIP area where you’ll be served turkish tea and Lokum. It’s also an area where you’ll change into your pestamal, and store your belongings in security lockers before the Hammam ritual.
It was a pleasant first impression.
When + Where | The Hurrem Sultan Hammami is located in the Sultanahmet area between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. If you happen to be spending your day in Sultanhamet to explore any of the main attractions suach as the Topkapi Palace, Archelogical Museum, Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, then it makes sense to pair or combine the activities together.
For the best experience, do the hammam in the morning and cover Topkapi Palace right after. Topkapi Palace alone takes atleast half a day as the site is huge, and there’s plenty to see. Expect a ton of walking too.
Costs | It’s RM 461.79 for the 45-Minute Pir-ü Pak Hamam Package. This of course includes a traditional body scrub, bubble wash ritual, full body bubble massage, head and neck massage. You’ll also get a shampoo, conditioner, a body lotion and an exfoliating glove that will be used during the hammam. All packages come with the Turkish Tea and some lokum.
Know | Besides Hurrem Sultan Hammam, there are other Turkish Hammam alternatives with a slightly more affordable price where you can still get similar “royal” experience. Check out Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath, Cagaloglu Hamam, Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City.
Visit The Chic Fishing Village Of Ortaköy
Along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, on the European side of istanbul is Ortakoy. It lies between the neighboourhoods of Beşiktaş and Üsküdar making it easily accessible and ideal for a relaxing day away from the crowds.
We headed to Ortaköy from our Airbnb early in the morning to catch the cool morning breeze and to beat the crowds. We had a lovely breakfast at The House of Cafe (Google Maps here) with a table by the picturesque waterfront. Ortaköy is originally known as a small fishing village (also known in Greek as Agios Fokas), which has now grown in popularity to locals and tourists alike.
I must say, Ortaköy can get busy pretty quick, and if you want to experience Ortaköy in peace, it’s best to plan an early morning visit —which was what we did and probably the best decision.
By lunch the crowd started pouring in and that’s when we left Ortaköy.
While The House of Cafe offers a more chic foodie experience, Ortaköy is known for it’s infamous street of Kumpir sellers.
Kumpir is essentially a giant jacket potato. What’s so special about it you ask? Well the joy is not when you sample it but before it’s eaten — while choosing your toppings and eventually indulging the smooth, buttery cheesy potato texture in your mouth along with all the toppings.
There’s a vibrant cafe scene with chic bars and restaurants too. Overall, Ortaköy offers something for everyone!
Know | There are no trams or metro stations in Ortaköy, but you can get there by bus, Uber or by ferry. We ordered an Uber ride getting to Ortaköy and used the ferry heading back to Eminonu. Stopping at Eminonu provides us the opportunity to check out the fish restaurant scene at Galata Bridge.
Ideally check the ferry departure schedules before exploring Ortaköy.
Plan | Ortaköy can easily be covered in less than half a day. I will be preparing a detailed Ortaköy Guide on 4 Things You Can do there soon. So watch this space.
Coffee on Bank Street and Photography at Galata Tower
Galata is one of those touristified places in Istanbul. It’s storied history reflects the city’s various transfomation over centuries and offers a good enough blend of the old, the modern, the local and the international.
Galata has been inhabited since antiquity so if you’re not bothered to walk up steep cobbled stone streets, this trip to the Galata Tower may not be for you. I was, at first reluctant to visit Galata Tower but not because of the inevitable ‘hike’ or that it’s touristy. I simply wasn’t looking forward to walk in the heat anymore. We eventually reached Galata, and while I took the time to walk up the Kamondo steps up to the tower (at snail-pace), my friend had a more relaxing idea in mind —to chill at Ilter’s Coffee.
Overall your experience of Galata will truly depend on what you’re there for:
- you might spend a day/night because of how transportation work out
- you might select it as an alternative base to explore Istanbul
- you might only choose to do a day-trip visit from elsewhere in Istanbul
- it might only be a pass through on your way to or from somewhere else
Galata can be quite compact at different hours and days of the week, but it has more than enough cafes, bars, places to eat and snapshots to make it worthwhile.
When + Where | When you search on Google Maps, two locations will show up, but don’t get confused. The correct one to pin is called Galata Kulesi. The other location on the map contains the correct opening hours. It’s called Galata Kulesi Müzesi.
Do | The best time to visit Galata Tower is in the morning, however visiting in the afternoon at around 3pm proves to be a good time too. It’s what my friend and I did. Crowds were lesser and definitely no long ques.
Tip: The closest metro station to Galata Tower isŞişhane which is a five-minute walk from the base of the tower, roughly about 350 meters away. From Taksim, take the M2 green line metro.
When exiting the metro station, I recommend you ignore the Galata Tower sign posts and follow signs leading towards Istanbul Galata Universitesi instead. This will lead you out to Buyuk Hendek Cd. From there, it’s mostly a downhill four-minute walk approaching the tower from the western side. This is a good way to avoid walking up from the Kamondo steps like I did.
Know | While public transportations are the cheapest and more affordable option to moving about in Istanbul, the slightly pricier Busforus Tour Bus has other benefits too, especially in summer. If you’re anything like me who hates the heat, Busforus Tour Bus provides an almost less chaotic, more organized way of making the most of your day.
The bus have designated stops at all the main attraction points, which means less Google Maps usage, less queing in crowded lines, seats are almost always available, and if you’re knackered from exploring, you can nap in the bus. Yes, power naps while travelling helps and travel does not have to be a constant rush all the time. After all, you’re there to explore and enjoy the place.
If Galata Tower is a stop you plan on making using the Busforus Tour Bus, don’t stop at Stop #3 (Karakoy). Stop at #10 (Şişhane) instead.
Costs | Istanbul Museum Pass: €105 or RM 493 per entry (valid for five days). It’s cheaper when you purchase online as it’s an e-card.
Individual E-Pass for Galata Tower: €30 or TRY109 per entry.
Istanbulkart Card: TRY 130 or RM 16.51 (does not include credit). It’s recommended to add TRY 200 for at least 10 rides on any public transportation i.e. bus, trams and ferries. It also has a 7-day validity period.
Credit card or Wise Cards also works for trams, ferries and busses.
Busforus Tour Bus: RM 214 or TRY 1,685.55 (48-Hour with a 5 day validity). Download bus route here.
Visit the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern
Before visiting these two attractions, know that the Topkapi Palace is in the same vicinity as these two attractions. One thing I realised from this is it would be a lot to pack all three in one afternoon/evening. So since all three are within the same vicinity, I recommend giving yourself time to explore Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, allowing 30-45 minutes each. Then if you feel like entering Topkapi Palace after, you would still have the rest of the day to do so at your own pace.
The Hagia Sophia needs no introduction. This 6th century Byzantine wonder was once the largest interior space in the world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes it unique is during it’s transformation from church to mosque, Christian mosaics was plastered over. When a dedicated restoration effort took place, the mosque revealed a stunning depiction of biblical figures, angels, and geometric patterns, offerring a glimpse into it’s Byzantine past. It is till this day remains a significant site to both Christians and Muslims, including other faiths.
In 2020, the Hagia Sophia was reinstated as a mosque, which means doors close three times during the day. It opens from 9am to 7:30pm. If you’d like an in-depth experience an audio guide could be worth getting.
Just around the corner is Basilica Cistern. The most well-known among hundreds of underground water chambers lurking beneath the streets of Istanbul. It was constructed in the 6th century during the Emperor Justinian I and is known to be the biggest reservoir —about 9,800 square metres in size.
As you walk on the elevated boardwalk you’ll here sounds of water droplets. You’ll also immediately see decorated columns. It will seem like it goes on for miles but there’s 336 columns, some have ghostly engravings. It’s also a nice break from the heat outside because the cistern is dark and cooling.
For a fast track entry with an audio guide, get it here and skip the line.
- Alternatively: Cistern of Theodocious opens until 6pm, daily (ticketed). It has similar layouts but with less visitors and not typically busy.
- Optional: If you have enough time and happen to be in the vicinity of the Blue Mosque or the Hurrem Sultan Hammami, head to Arasta Bazaar. It’s open from 9am to 7pm. If you are not up for getting lost in a lively marketplace like the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar (Egytian Bazaar), then you’ll love the calmer, slow-paced more well organised atmosphere of the Arasta Bazaar. It deserves a spot in your itinerary. It’s also a quick four-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and about a three minute walk from the Hurrem Sultan Hammami.
Sunset Seafood Dinner at Galata Bridge
Why not end your day with a hearty dinner while watching the sunset at Galata Bridge with a view of the Golden Horn. Galata Bridge is Istanbul’s most popular spot to watch the sunset and sample tasty street food or dine in one of the restaurants under the bridge offerring a variety of dishes, including fresh fish caught daily.
As you walk along on the bridge you’ll notice eager anglers line the bridge casting their fishing rods on the side.
When + Where | You can find the Galata Bridge here. We arrived at Galata Bridge from Eminonu.
Lunch at Upscale Nişantaşı
Nişantaşı (pronounced ni-shan-ta-she) is only a 15-minute drive from Galata Tower. It’s also one of those places where locals recommend to visit if you want to get shade and away from the summer heat. Though I don’t personally think it’s the only place to get shade, but people recommend it because of the buildings are in close proximity making it easy to find shade.
Overall, Nişantaşı offers a unique blend of the old-world allure with modern elegance. Some dub the neighbourhood as the Paris of Istanbul as it’s lively. It’s where designer stores and upscale restaurants line along the streets of Abdi Ipekci and Tesvikiye.
If you’re feeling peckish at any point while exploring Nişantaşı, have lunch at The House Cafe Corner. True to it’s name, the cafe is located in the corner of a renovated 1960s historical building right in the center of the Teşvikiye neighborhood. It is one of the many branches that first opened in 2002 and drew attention due to it’s cozy and contemporary interiors, filled with an eclectic mix of authentic atiquities and fine locally crafted furniture.
While the menu offers an array of creative and classical dishes to suite the adventurous pallette, I settled with the good old Pasta Marinara.
Where to Base Yourself in Istanbul?
Choosing the right place to stay in Istanbul will define your experience, but depending on your travel style there are definitely pros and cons.
Check out The Best Affordable Boutique Hotels in Istanbul
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