The 13 essential things to do in Istanbul

Visiting Istanbul is tempting you? So discover the 13 must-see things to do in Istanbul, a city full of wonderful places!

Visiting Istanbul is a unique moment. Indeed, the former Turkish capital has the peculiarity of being located on two continents at a time. A unique fact, which it often deserves to be designated as the meeting place between the East and the West.

With such a strategic location, the city attracted the convoys. Thus, many peoples had control over that formerly named Byzance, Constantinople, before becoming Istanbul.

To help you organize your stay, here is a list of the essential things to do to visit Istanbul in the best way!

1. A cruise on the Bosphore

A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a Bosphore cruise. This not only offers a beautiful view of the city, but the European and Asian banks of the famous fairway have a lot to offer: a large number of old palaces and houses are there, as well as the Tour de Léandre.

With respect to the duration of the cruise, you have the choice between a short (if you are in a hurry) or long (on a day). In summer, the cruise at sunset is very requested. Therefore, think to book in advance if you want to cruise on this time slot.

2. The Basilica of St. Sophia

The crazy story of this place made it famous all over the world. Built as a church in the sixth century, it then became a mosque when the Ottomans took control of the city in the 15th century.

And it is precisely this change of religion that earned it this absolutely exceptional architecture. Indeed, as the dome and minarets testify, Sainte-Sophie thus mixes elements typical of Christian churches and mosques.

Today, this architectural wonder houses a museum retracing its history. The visit usually takes an hour. Moreover, it is strongly advised to opt for a guided tour, in order to fully enjoy the stories and secrets of the place of worship.

3. Topkapı Palace

If you come to visit Istanbul, it will be difficult not to see the many palaces of the city. All are worth the detour, but there is one that must be missed under no pretext: the palace of Topkapi.

This palace (Topkapı Sarayı in Turkish) is none other than the former main residence of the sultans. The places have seen the different sovereigns of the Ottoman Empire scroll for nearly 400 years. Architecture Coast, under the name of the palace, is actually a complex of pavilions, all built around four green courses.

4. The Great Bazar

It is obviously impossible to visit the first Turkish metropolis without taking a tour at the Grand Bazar in Istanbul. In addition to being one of the city’s symbols, it is also the largest covered market in the world.

And unlike the ideas received, the Grand Bazar is not a catcher-tourist. The premises also come to buy their products. However, this does not mean that all stalls are filled with authentic products. Counterfeit and poor quality products circulate and prices can be excessive.

It is therefore necessary to prepare for the course of negotiations. Rest assured, this is not badly seen. We could even say it’s traditional. So, to you, to show you smarter than your interlocutor!

5. The Galata Tower

What if among the things to do in Istanbul, you took a little bit of height? This is what the Galata Tour offers! From its roof you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city. 360°, please!

In case of good weather, you might even see the Prince Islands. Choose your day of visit! Then, stroll through the adjacent streets in which it is pleasant to walk.

6. The Blue Mosque

The mosque Sultanahmet Camii is less famous than previous must-sees. Yet its blue mosaics (from which its nickname) attract tourists from all over the world. Let us not forget the imposing façade, which impress visitors as soon as they arrive.

The visit of the Blue Mosque is therefore an excellent idea. However, you are not the only ones who want to enter. This is why we advise you to arrive early in the morning.

7. The Süleymaniye Mosque

Just like her blue sister, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most beautiful and impressive mosques in Istanbul, yet few tourists go there.

Designed by the famous architect Sinan for Soliman the Magnificent, the mosque is actually much more than a place of worship. It is a complex of buildings containing a hospital, a kitchen, a school, etc... This helps make this jewel of Istanbul a unique place.

8. Museums

With such an enlivened history and periods of domination, Istanbul has an incredible cultural heritage. It is thus no wonder that the city welcomes a large number of museums. And some of them really deserve a look.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi) is often forgotten and it is a shame. This is where one of the richest collections in the world of classical antiques is exhibited. Inside, there is the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, decorated with bas-relief representing many moments of his life. There is also a Trojan Horse.

Saint-Sauveur-in-Chora Museum

The church of Saint-Sauveur-in-Chora, or Kariye Museum, is a bit off the beaten paths, but is worth a visit. Located near the gate of Andrinople, it is one of the most incredible religious buildings that you can visit in Istanbul.

The walls and ceilings of this church are decorated with magnificent Byzantine mosaics and fabulous frescoes. Some are considered the most important in the Christian world. And while you are there, enjoy the vestiges of the walls of the city dating from the Fifth Century, as well as the Ottoman houses.

The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum of Istanbul

The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is much more exciting than its name suggests. Located in the old palace of Ibrahim Pacha and overlooking the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the collection has over 40,000 exhibited pieces.

Each room focuses on a different period or region of the Islamic world, reflecting also the Turkish daily life from the 8th to the 19th century. Among the beautiful museum collections, you will see an amazing collection of gigantic rugs, all suspended from the ceiling.

9. The Palace of Dolmabahçe

Of all things to do in Istanbul, the Dolmabahçe Palace certainly has the most unlikely story. Indeed, this residence was born in 1856 under the impulse of Sultan Abdülmecit I. The reason? Essentially to prove that the Ottoman Empire, then in decline, was actually fine.

Yes, this palace that has cost the equivalent of 35 tons of gold is somehow a call for communication. A little expensive! But good, it will allow you to see a splendid crystal chandelier of Bohemia, weighing 4.5 tons.

10. La Citerne Basilique

Istanbul is not only fascinating on the surface: it is also underground. La Citerne Basilique is a beautiful piece of Byzantine ingenuity. The mission of this spectacular underground tank was to store drinking water, provided by aqueducts. Water was sometimes brought back from the present Bulgaria.

With its tame light and classical music added to the background noise of the drops of water, some consider the place as romantic. For others, the Basilica Tank is a little scary.

Our advice: walk in the aisles and watch the fish swim between the 336 columns that support the ceiling. You will find a beautifully carved Medusa head, placed on the back and serving as a base for one of the columns.

11. Typical neighborhoods

Sometimes European, sometimes Asian, both Ottoman and Roman, but especially Turkish, Istanbul has many facets. To best understand this interculturality, Wanderlix encourages you to visit the different districts of Istanbul.

You will see, despite its size and number of inhabitants, some parts of the city can be resting. Others, on the contrary, are in perpetual movement!

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the most famous district in Istanbul. Normal, since the main places of interest are right here. The neighborhood is therefore the reference for everything that is tourist. You will certainly spend a lot of time there, rightly.

However, if you want to interfere in local life, you will have to turn to other neighbourhoods.

Balat

Here's where to go to discover a more real Istanbul. Balat is a pretty neighborhood that stands out for its colorful, Mediterranean-inspired facades. But Balat is also and especially the former Jewish quarter of the city, now inhabited by several ethnic groups, such as Armenians and Greeks.

If you are a photographer in the soul, you will fall in love with the places.

The districts of Bebek and Ortaköy

Bebek and Ortaköy are two less well-known districts of tourists. They are nice to discover. You could go for lunch or walk on the promenade.

Also, the two neighborhoods have a fairly developed nightlife. Whether it's for a drink or start at night, there's a good time.

12. Stamboo cuisine and its markets

Turkish cuisine is among the richest of all, mixing flavours from different continents and cultures. All these dishes are prepared with fresh products you can even buy yourself. For this, take the direction of the city markets (called pazar ). If they do not pay a mine, you can be sure that you will receive a warm welcome from the merchants.

Are you not the future Top Chef? You can also head to restaurants or stands street-food . Borek , kebab , dolma (farcis vegetable) or lokum, your taste buds will have a nice time!

13. The hammams

You saw him, there are many things to visit in Istanbul! Even if you discover only the essential, it can quickly become a sportsman! So you have to think of resting. By chance, you are in the land of the hammam! After a long day of visits, relaxing in a Turkish bath comes like the icing on the cake.

Here are two hammam addresses that GV advises you: Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı .

Good session!

How to get to Istanbul?

From France, it takes about 3 hours to reach Istanbul. Direct and regular flights are in operation from:

• Paris Charles De Gaulle ;
• Marseille ;
• Lyon St-Exupéry ;
• Nice Côte-d’Azur ;
• Nantes Atlantique.

To find a cheap flight that meets your criteria, we advise you to use comparisons of flights as Ulysses For example. Simply specify your requirements, the comparator handles the rest.

Where to stay in Istanbul?

Istanbul is really a very good city in terms of housing. There is indeed a very large choice of hotels that you can find in the different districts of Istanbul. Thus, the competition of establishments allows you to benefit from good prices, if you take it in advance. To find a cheap hotel in Istanbul, think about relying on a Compare hotels .

The district Sultanahmet is a good strategic choice, since the main places of interest are there. For a lively and/or local atmosphere, on the other hand, it is best to prefer neighbourhoods such as Taksim, Beyoğlu, Bebek and Ortaköy . Other interesting and singular place: Galata is almost a whole town.