Discover the 10 must-see places in Istanbul! From Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar - with insider tips and links to book tickets in advance.
1. Hagia Sophia
Considered the oldest major building in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is one of the City’s symbols. It was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I and completed in 537 AD as a cathedral and it’s still standing today.
Nowadays, Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, which you can visit for free. If you would like access to the upper level to see the mosaics and inspect the dome closer, you need to pay for a ticket and use a different entry. The dress code for all mosques still applies – covered shoulders and knees and covered hair for females.
Hagia Sophia was formerly known as Temple of God’s Holy Wisdom and has witnessed almost 1,500 years of history between Europe and Asia. There is a special sense about the building and a grandeur atmosphere in it. It’s kind of hypnotising when you look at it. Walking around it feels a surreal venture through history.
Needless to say, this is a very busy landmark, so here are a few tips:
- Book skip-the-queue tickets in advance. You can do this here. The price is the same or similar to what you will pay on the spot but will save you a lot of time, as Hagia Sophia seems to have the longest ticket queue in Istanbul.
- You can visit the Mosque part of Hagia Sophia for free – you can enter from the front of the building.
- Best times to visit: early in the morning before the organised tours start attending.
- Working hours: open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM but closes at prayer times.
- To enter, you need to pass through airport-like security. You can take photos and videos inside, but tripods and professional filming equipment are not allowed.
2. The Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is a prime example of Ottoman architecture. Built between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, the Mosque has a classical Ottoman layout with one central dome and four semi-domes over the prayer hall.
From the inside, the Mosque is decorated with Iznik tiles and floral motifs mostly in blue, which leads to the nickname The Blue Mosque. It also has a beautiful courtyard that can get very busy during the day.
You can visit the courtyard, without queuing or covering your hair if you are female. To enter the Mosque, however, you need to observe all rules, including taking off your shoes (plenty of storage available). If you are worried about what you are wearing or you don’t have a scarf, members of staff can assist you.
There is a stall selling souvenirs and books on the left hand side of the courtyard. I would encourage you to pay them a visit – I have personally found many treasures there and their prices are lower to what you will find in other shops.
The Mosque gets very busy, so here are my tips:
- You can enter for free, but you can get a guided tour for a good price here.
- Working hours: usually between 9 AM and 6PM daily (closed during prayer times)
- You can take photos inside, but please be respectful of people, who are there to pray.
3. Sultanahmet Square
This is where the Hippodrome of Constantinople used to stand. Walking down the square, you will see:
Walled Obelisk – It used to be part of the Hippodrome and although it’s unclear when it was built, it’s believed that it dates back to late antiquity. It originates from Delphi but was relocated to Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 324. There used to be three serpent heads on top of it. One of which can still be seen in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
Serpent Column – ancient bronze column that was part of a Greek sacrificial tripod.
Obelisk of Theodosius – it was first erected during the 18th Egyptian dynasty (1479–1425 BC). It was transported to Constantinople at 390 AD by Theodosius I. It was originally 30 metres tall. The marble pedestal the obelisk sits on now, was from the times it was erected in Constantinople and shows Theodosius I offering the crown of victory to the winner in the chariot races.
Visiting is free and you can come at any time of the day or night.
4. The German Fountain
Right at the end of Sultanahmet Square, you will find the German Fountain. It was built in 1898 to commemorate the second anniversary of the visit of the German Emperor Wilhelm II to Istanbul. It was built in neo-Byzantine style and has a beautiful mosaic dome. The fountain itself doesn’t work as such at the moment, but you can walk up the steps and enjoy its dome and overall architecture.
Visiting is free and you can come at any time of the day or night.
5. Topkapı Palace
Better prepare a whole day to explore this palace! It’s made of multiple buildings that house various exhibitions. In the Mosque you can see some of the most unique and rare artifacts you can even think of.
Topkapı Palace was the main residence for the sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. The first stage of the palace was built shortly after the Conquest of Constantinople and Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror lived here until his death in 1481.
There are Four Courts, a Treasury, the Harem and Hagia Irene – my advice would be to have a strategy of how you move from court to court to ensure you see everything. There are also two picture-perfect viewpoints where you can enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus from the palace.
Hagia Irene is a former Eastern Orthodox Church built before Hagia Sophia that has never been converted to a Mosque. It stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple, which makes it even more diverse in its history.
Topkapı Palace is extremely popular with people from all around the world, so here are some tips for visiting:
- Buy tickets in advance to skip the queues here.
- Ensure that your ticket includes the Harem and Hagia Irini as they come at an additional price.
- You can enter the First Court of the palace for free.
- To enter the place, you need to pass through airport-like security and they will not allow any drones in.
- Go to the palace early in the day as the palace gets really busy from mid-morning onwards.
- The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- Working hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- If you can, visit on a Wednesday, when the Mehter comes to play around 11:00. They are the oldest military band in the world and create a very authentic atmosphere with their performance.
6. Grand Bazaar
Kapalıçarşı is a covered bazaar comprising 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It is believed to attract up to a quarter of a million visitors every day. It’s crazy busy, yet very pleasant to walk around and look at the shops. You can find anything from traditional Turkish dresses to lokum (Turkish delight) and tea. Shopkeepers will often approach you and offer you to go inside and take a look. They would offer tea or lokum for you to try for free. Many children work alongside their parents in the market and I have noticed that they are some of the best salesmen.
The Grand Bazaar is like a labyrinth and can be overwhelming for some, so make sure you take it at your own pace.
Visiting the bazaar is free and how much you will spend depends on you. As with every extremely popular tourist attraction, some prices might be inflated, however, I have personally found good bargains. Here are some tips:
- Ask for the price upfront if you don’t see it on the items.
- When buying lokum, tea or baklava by the gram, ask upfront how much a whole box would cost.
- Ask for the prices in Turkish Lira.
- Working hours: 9 AM – 7 PM, Monday to Saturday
7. Galata Bridge
The bridge links Eminönü in the Fatih district to Karaköy in Beyoğlu district and it spans the Golden Horn. You can walk across it on two levels: the upper level is where cars and the tram also cross and where you will find many fishermen; the lower level is where you can sit in one of the restaurants and enjoy fresh fish while you are soaking in the views.
One of the best places for photos right next to the ferry ports. Observing Istanbul from this bridge, gives you a different view every second – nothing is ever still, besides the Galata Tower in the distance.
Going across the bridge is free and you can do it any time of the day or night.
8. Galata Tower
A medieval Genoese tower that once was part of the Walls of Galata. Built in 1348 and initially named the Tower of Christ, it still stands today. It is, in my opinion, the most recognisable structure in Istanbul’s skyline.
Nowadays, the Tower is a museum, open for visits that offers one of the best views of Istanbul. The area around the Tower is also very busy and it seems to be used as a meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.
You can buy your tickets in advance here.
9. İstiklal Avenue
The most famous street in Istanbul. Also, the busiest. Clothing shops, souvenirs, baklava, lokum, restaurants, bookshops… you have it all here. A historical tram goes along the street with children often hanging from the back of it. Loud and colourful, this pedestrian street offers everything you need in less than a mile stretch.
It starts at Galata Tower and runs up to Taksim Square. While walking along, make sure you check out the architecture of the buildings around as each one of them is beautiful in its own way. As with everything in Istanbul, there is a hill you need to climb as you go along, but it’s worth it.
10. Taksim Square
Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, here you can enjoy food, shopping and easy access to the Metro. Here you will find the Republic Monument, which was built to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye.
At the end of your exploration, sit down for a tea at Taksim Mosque and then pay a visit to the arts and souvenirs stall at the entrance of the Mosque. There you will find calligraphy pieces and paintings that I have not seen anywhere else in Istanbul. Best of all, are the knowledgeable people working there! I have been there a few times and I have learnt a lot about Ottoman history and art from them! If you enjoyed this article, you will enjoy a chat with them.
Here you go – 10 must-see places in Istanbul. Best part about it? – You don’t even need public transport to visit them all. You can walk from number 1 to number 10 and explore along the way! You can download your free map here by signing up for my Newsletter.
Which one of the above is your favourite must-see place in Istanbul?