You want to go to Istanbul for the first time, but you don’t know where to start. You’ve come to the right place. Istanbul is a huge city with so much to see and do that it can be hard to decide what to do first. Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, but it is the economic, cultural, and historical center of the country. This city was once called Constantinople, and it has been around for a very long time. There are many historical places to see, as well as lots of interesting art, architecture, culinary history, and a lively atmosphere. In November 2021, we went to Istanbul, and we loved this city. In this article, we talk about 7 of the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey. These things are great for a 3- to a 5-day trip to a city.
Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey that are best
Before we get into our list of the 7 best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey, we’d like to mention some other great things to do in Istanbul, Turkey that didn’t cut it.
- A trip on a boat from Europe to Asia
- Going to a bar or restaurant with a rooftop to take in the view
- Balat is a colorful place to walk around.
- Seeing the Mosaic Museum or the Archaeological Museums in Istanbul
- We tried to see the Basilica Cistern, but it was closed for repairs when we were there.
Take a walk at Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street, which is full of life, is the one of the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey. Istiklal is the city’s busiest street, like London’s Oxford Street, New York’s Fifth Avenue, or Paris’s Avenue des Champs-Elysées. This 1.4-kilometer-long (0.87-mile-long) street has a lot of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and other places to go. It’s a great place to try local food, like kumpir, doner, or a traditional Turkish breakfast. To have the best time, you should go on a food tour.
Relax at a Hamam
The hamam, or Turkish bath, is a big part of Turkish culture. It was mostly used in the Ottoman Empire starting in the 16th century. It was a type of steam bath and a place where people could take a bath together. The hamam was a place to get clean, but it was also a place where people from all walks of life could meet. Its goal is to clean your mind and body. This can be done by sweating and washing your body for about 30 minutes in a steam room. Then, you’ll get a full-body scrub to get rid of the rough dead skin. But it’s also an important part of the whole thing! In Istanbul, there are about 60 baths that offer traditional baths or massages as well.
Stroll over the Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge in the heart of Istanbul is number five on our list. This bridge goes over the Golden Horn and connects the new part of Istanbul to the old part of Istanbul. The Golden Horn is a part of the Bosphorus River, which is the waterway that separates Europe from Asia.
It used to be a big trading post, and there is still a lot going on there now. From the fishermen lined up on the bridge to the busy eminonü square to the New Mosque at the south end, there is a lot to see.
Visit the Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a great piece of architecture in Istanbul, so it comes in at number 4. This palace was the center of the huge Ottoman Empire and was home to the sultans for almost 400 years. There are a lot of beautiful tiles, gold, and other decorations in the palace’s many rooms.
Some rooms are more like a museum, with weapons from the Ottoman Empire on display.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to see Tapkapi Palace. This beautiful place can keep you busy for hours, and there is often a long line of people waiting to get in.
Galata Tower has a Great View
The Galata Tower is the third best thing to do in Istanbul. This old tower is high above the city and can be seen from every direction. It was a watchtower in the past, but it is now a museum. It’s great to be able to see one of the best views of Istanbul, but it was also interesting to learn about its history and how it has been used. At the front door, you can get an audio guide, which we also recommend.
Visit the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar to Shop
Shopping at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar is the second-best thing to do.
Both are near the Galata Bridge in the old part of Istanbul. The Spice Bazaar is a huge covered market, and most of the shops there sell food. You can get traditional Turkish delight here, as well as olives, figs, and pistachios, which are all tasty treats from Turkey. The Grand Bazaar, which is where all the action is, is also close to the market. The Grand Bazaar has more than 4,000 shops, so it has a little bit of everything.
Learn about Istanbul’s past At the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is one of the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey. This is one of the most impressive and important buildings ever built. It is in the middle of Sultanahmet. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, it was turned into a mosque. Before that, it was the largest church in Christendom. Later, it became a museum to make Turkey less religious, but in 2020, it went back to being a mosque.
Conclusion
That was one long trip! This blog post about things to do in Istanbul, Turkey, should have helped you make plans for your trip there. I was born and raised in Istanbul, and I lived there for more than 30 years. I did my best to give you the best local advice, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Feedhour has a website where you can find out more about things to do in Istanbul, Turkey.