Istanbul Tours and Things to Do

Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet

The vast sixth-century dome of Hagia Sophia, the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the column forest of the Basilica Cistern lie within a few minutes' walk. Hagia Sophia is a working mosque, so dress modestly and plan around prayer times.

Topkapı Palace

For centuries the home and seat of government of the Ottoman sultans, the palace unfolds through a series of courtyards, the Harem and the treasury. Its terraces look out over the point where the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara meet.

Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

One of the oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of carpet, ceramic, jewelry and antique shops. A short walk downhill, the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü is fragrant with spices, Turkish delight and dried fruit.

Cruising the Bosphorus

Glide past Dolmabahçe Palace, the Rumeli Hisarı fortress, elegant waterfront mansions and the bridges linking two continents, with the Maiden's Tower off Üsküdar. Sunset departures are the most popular, and longer cruises sail up toward the Black Sea.

Galata Tower and Karaköy

Built by the Genoese in the Middle Ages, Galata Tower has a viewing balcony over the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula. The steep lanes below lead down to Karaköy, full of cafes, galleries and old merchant buildings.

Princes' Islands

A ferry ride from the city, Büyükada and Heybeliada offer pine woods, grand wooden mansions from the late Ottoman era and quiet coves. With almost no private car traffic, the islands are best explored by bike or on foot.

When to Go

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for exploring Istanbul. In April and May the parks fill with tulips and the weather is ideal for long walks, while September and October bring mild, clear days that are perfect on the water. July and August are hot and humid, and the major sights are at their busiest. Winter is often rainy with occasional snow, but lines shrink and it is a good time for museums, mosques and hammams.

Getting There

Istanbul has two international airports: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side. Both are linked to the city by metro, buses and private transfers, and travel times depend heavily on traffic. High-speed trains also connect Istanbul with Ankara. Within the city, the metro, trams, the Marmaray rail tunnel and public ferries work together; the tram is the easiest way to reach Sultanahmet, and ferries are the classic way to cross between continents.

Practical Tips

• Get an Istanbulkart, the rechargeable transit card that works on the metro, trams, buses and public ferries across the city.
• When visiting mosques, cover your shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf to cover their hair.
• See the big museums of the Old City first thing in the morning, then spend the afternoon on the water or in the bazaars.