Istanbul is a fascinating city. It is a place where western and eastern cultures meet as well as the geographical crossroads between Europe and Asia. Situated on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul offers its visitors the chance to experience a wide range of visual panoramas. This ranges from architectural attractions spanning the centuries, to the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market and the atmosphere created within this melting pot of cultures, religions and history. As you can imagine, this means that there are many must-see sights of Istanbul.
The good news is that a lot of the main attractions are situated quite close to one another, meaning several can be covered in a limited amount of time. Whilst there are plenty of things in the city for all tastes and ages, I have put together my must-see sights of Istanbul. Read on to find out what they are!
Must-See Sights of Istanbul | Your Ultimate Guide
Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
No trip to Istanbul is complete without a trip to the Grand Bazaar – how else would you try your hand at haggling? Whilst it is by no means the only bazaar in the city, it is definitely the most popular and is in fact one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world! As you might expect, this is one of the most iconic sights of Istanbul. With over sixty-one streets and three thousand shops there is a lot to see and plenty of bargains to tempt those purse strings.
Quick tip: Give in to getting lost – it’s very easy to do! – and don’t forget to try some of the fresh lokum (Turkish delight) which is just delicious!
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Smaller but equally enchanting as the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar is a sensory overload of vibrant colours and tantalizing aromas. Sample Turkish delights, pick up exotic spices, or try some local teas to bring a taste of Istanbul home with you.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
For me, the Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most intriguing buildings. Constructed in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia started its life as an Orthodox cathedral and acted as the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople. It also spent around fifty years as a Catholic cathedral during the period of the Latin Empire. In 1453 the Hagia Sophia was transformed into, and served as, an imperial mosque until it was finally secularised and opened as a museum in 1935. Make sure you take a look inside the building as its interiors are absolutely breathtaking!
Blue Mosque/ Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque sits at the opposite end of Sultan Ahmed Park to the Hagia Sophia. I would strongly recommend planning your visit to incorporate both sights. Best known for the thousands of blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior, it really is one of the sights of Istanbul not to be missed!
Quick tip: Despite its popularity with tourists it is still an operational mosque and you will need to take off your shoes and dress respectfully. Women will also have to cover their hair. Before you visit, check when the prayer sessions are to avoid long queues.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı)
Just a short walk from the Blue Mosque is the so-called “Sunken Palace” or Basilica Cistern. Located underneath the streets’ surface is the largest of the cities ancient cisterns (water reservoir) which was constructed during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century.
The Cistern has a rather ethereal feel to it; bathed in golden light, the marble columns rise up from the water pools, which are home to shoals of fish, to the arched ceilings, and in one or two places one can see beautifully sculpted, upside-down heads of Medusa, acting as plinths supporting the column bases and attracting the eye of the visitor. Certainly a curious sight and one that over time has been surrounded by myth.
Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
Istanbul is full of the palaces of former Ottoman sultans but the Topkapi Palace is one of the largest and most popular. The palace complex is huge and is made up of a number of buildings, including the Harem, surrounded by several courtyards and idyllic gardens. Take your time to explore the different rooms filled with glistening imperial treasures, royal robes and historic relics, and admire the wonderful mosaic tiled walls.
Quick tip: Sat high upon the upper reaches of the Istanbul Peninsula, the Topkapi has a number of terraces that provide wonderful views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, as well as further out to the Sea of Marmara.
Galata Tower
One of the best ways to get your head around a new city is to view it from above – well I think so at least. Some of the best views of Istanbul are from the top of the 67m high Galata tower in the city’s district of Beyoglu. The cone-capped cylinder of the medieval stone tower makes up part of Istanbul’s iconic skyline and from its balcony you can are able to get a panoramic vista of Istanbul’s historic peninsula and its environs.
Quick tip: If you are unsure about venturing out onto the rather thin balcony, enjoy the view from the comfort of the tower’s café and indulge in some delicious Baklava whilst you’re at it!
Dolmabahçe Palace
Many visitors to Istanbul fail to leave the historic old town of Sultanahmet during their stay in the city, but boy are they missing out! Be sure to visit the opulent 19th century imperial Dolmabahçe Palace sat on the banks of the Bosphorus. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, exploring the pretty gardens, taking in the views and learning more about Istanbul’s fascinating history.
Ortaköy Mosque
Probably my favourite spot in the city for a number of reasons; the local atmosphere, the narrow streets full of market stalls, lots and lots of eateries and a fantastic ice-cream place… oh and that view as well of course! Ortaköy is the favourite place of photographers from where they can ‘snap’ an iconic picture of the famous Bosphorus bridge with the picturesque mosque and attractive waterfront area in the foreground, I can understand why!
Quick tip: You can get to Ortaköy by taking bus number 25E from outside the Dolmabahçe Palace. If you don’t have a ticket already you can buy one from the nearby kiosk!
Take a boat across the Bosphorus
A must do for any visitors to Istanbul is to cross the mighty Bosphorus. Whilst there are plenty of Bosphorus cruises to choose from you may, like during my trip, not have loads of time to spare. In which case I suggest you take a ‘local’ ferry across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar, stroll along the promenade towards Kadıköy where you can get a great view of the Maiden’s tower. From there you can get back across to the main city. (Depending on your energy levels you may also choose to explore the modern ‘hip’ neighbourhood of Kadıköy whilst you’re at it.)
Princes’ Islands (Adalar)
For a peaceful escape, take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, where cars are banned, and life slows down. Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore charming villages and pristine beaches.
Istiklal Street and Taksim Square
For a modern vibe, head to Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. At the end of the street lies Taksim Square, a lively hub for locals and tourists alike.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Often overshadowed by the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque offers a quieter yet equally majestic experience. Built by the renowned architect Sinan, it’s a testament to Ottoman architectural brilliance.
The Rainbow Steps
The rainbow steps of Istanbul were an art project led by artist Huseyin Cetinel back in 2013. He was fed up of the drab grey concrete stairs between the districts of Findikli and Cihangir. I wrote about my visit to the colourful rainbow steps on another blog post, where you can learn more about this incredible feature.
Tips for Visiting Istanbul
Local Cuisine: Don’t leave without trying a Turkish breakfast, kebabs, baklava, and a traditional cup of Turkish tea.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather without the peak crowds.
Transport: Use the city’s efficient tram, metro, and ferry system to navigate easily.
Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting mosques, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
Final Thoughts | Must-See Sights of Istanbul
Istanbul is a city where you can find with enchanting history and architecture, and will leave you craving more. I just loved seeing all of the unique sights across the city and haggling my way in the bazaars. If this has inspired you to visit, why not check out my post
