Things to do in Istanbul

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river, and a bridge.
The Blue Mosque with crescent moon (new moon) -Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.
An aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.
A cityscape with a bridge, a river, and a seagull flying overhead.
A grand classical building with a green roof, situated by a waterfront.

Things to do

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

$34
per adult
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop

$41
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

$52
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

$47
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide

$46
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

$32
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Istanbul: Princess Island Büyükada Tour with Island Vehicle

Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip

$6
per adult
Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

$32
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Private Turkish Bath Tradition, Massages, Swimming Pool & Sauna

Private Turkish Bath Tradition, Massages, Swimming Pool & Sauna

$47
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Private Turkish Bath Tradition, Massages, Swimming Pool & Sauna
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Most popular activities in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

See all 987 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 7224 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $29 per adult
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private TableOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 262 activities
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour with skip line ticket options

Istanbul Highlights Private Tour with skip line ticket options

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 441 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $275 and current price is $225 per adult*
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour with skip line ticket optionsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 185 activities
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 7224 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $29 per adult
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private TableOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 80 activities
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 375 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $29 per adult
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus ViewOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 80 activities
Semi-Private Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis with Lunch

Semi-Private Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis with Lunch

Activity duration is 15 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $232 per adult*
Semi-Private Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis with LunchOpens in new tab

What to do in Istanbul

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Istanbul? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Taksim Square

Taksim Square

See historical monuments, attend performing arts shows and discover a lively shopping and dining scene in the heart of modern Istanbul.

Taksim Square
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

Blue Mosque
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.

Grand Bazaar
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Galata Tower
Bosphorus

Bosphorus

Explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus, a popular spot to commune with nature in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
Scenic fountain at the Sultanahmet Square and the Hagia Sophia

Sultanahmet Square

Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

Sultanahmet Square
Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Topkapi Palace
View from Galataport overlooking Bosphorus strait with sailing ferry boat and Topkapi Palace in the far end before sunset, Istanbul, Turkey

Galataport

With a visit to Galataport, a popular shopping spot in Istanbul, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

Galataport

Where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Istanbul
Learn more about Istanbul

Sultanahmet

Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.

Photo by Sergio Camalich
Open Photo by Sergio Camalich

Büyükada

Taksim

Taksim Square and Bosphorus are top sights in Taksim, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more sights in the area.

Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

Kadıköy

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Kadıköy, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

A grand neoclassical building with ornate columns and a symmetrical facade, surrounded by manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.

Beşiktaş

Travelers choose Beşiktaş for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station and check out top sights like Bosphorus.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul

This bridge located in Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey was built by Mimar Sinan. It was built for Suleiman the Magnificent. It is 333 meters long.

Silivri

Istanbul city, Turkey. Panoramic view of Golden Horn

Eyup

A bridge spanning a river, with city buildings and greenery in the foreground.

Arnavutköy

Osmangazi Bridge (Izmit Bay Bridge). IZMIT, KOCAELI, TURKEY. Aerial shot with drone.

Gebze

Sunflower Field. Beautiful sunflower with blue sky background..

Cerkezkoy

A coastal cityscape with a prominent ship docked at a pier, surrounded by dense urban development and a backdrop of hills.

Tuzla

Mustafa Pasha Bridge, located in Corlu, Tekirdag, Turkey, was built in the 17th century.

Corlu

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