1) Dolmabahçe Sarayı, Beşiktaş
Dolmabahçe Palace, Beşiktaş At the top of the list of places to visit in Istanbul is Dolmabahçe Palace. With its magnificent clock tower and interior details, Dolmabahçe Palace stands among the most beautiful places in Istanbul. Built by Sultan Abdülmecid between 1843 and 1856, Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace in the Neo-Baroque style, covering an area of 250,000 square meters. Dolmabahçe Palace is open every day of the week from 09:00 to 17:00, except for Mondays. The entrance fee to the palace is 90 TL, and even if you have a Museum Pass, you need to buy a ticket if you want to visit the Selamlık section of the palace. If you read our Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, and Dolmabahçe Travel Guide, you can explore the area effortlessly.
2) Topkapı Sarayı, Fatih
After the conquest of Istanbul, Topkapı Palace, commissioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, stands prominently among the must-see places in Istanbul. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, Topkapı Palace is the most significant monument within the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul. For more detailed information about Topkapı Palace, you can check our related article. Visited by both local and foreign tourists, Topkapı Palace is open every day from 09:00 to 18:00, except for Tuesdays. Museum Pass holders can enter Topkapı Palace for free, but they need to pay an additional fee for the Harem and Hagia Irene sections. Tickets covering Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, and the Harem are sold for 200 TL
3) Sultanahmet Meydanı, Fatih
Everyone visiting Istanbul must go to Sultanahmet Square. This historic square, which now encompasses many tourist areas, was called the Hippodrome during the Byzantine Empire and the Atmeydanı during the Ottoman Empire. While strolling through the square, where you can see the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, don’t miss important monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, the Theodosius Obelisk, and the German Fountain.
4) Sultanahmet Cami, Fatih
Known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue tiles, the Sultanahmet Mosque is the first mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, the mosque, along with its complex, stands as one of Istanbul’s largest historical monuments. Commissioned by Ottoman Sultan I. Ahmed and built by Architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa between 1609 and 1617, the mosque is notable for being adorned with over twenty thousand Iznik tiles. Those who want to learn more about the Sultanahmet Mosque can read our related blog post.
5) Ayasofya Cami, Fatih
Located just across from the Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 in the old city center of the Historic Peninsula. After the conquest of Istanbul, the historic monument was converted into a mosque and still serves as a mosque today. Meaning “Holy Wisdom” in Greek, Hagia Sophia is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Formerly used as a basilica, cathedral, and museum, you can learn more about Hagia Sophia by reading our related article.
6) Yerebatan Sarnıcı, Fatih
Having a unique atmosphere, the Basilica Cistern is among the top places to visit in Istanbul. Built in 526 and 527 to meet the city’s water needs, this underground reservoir is now visited by many locals and foreigners. The historic site gained international fame as part of the film “Inferno,” directed by Ron Howard and based on Dan Brown’s novel. The Basilica Cistern Museum, where the Museum Pass is not valid, can be visited every day of the week. The entrance fee for the museum between 09:00 and 19:00 is 60 TL for local visitors and 30 TL for students. For those who want to visit the museum between 19:00 and 22:00, the fees are 90 TL for adults and 40 TL for students.
7) Galata Kulesi, Beyoğlu
One of Istanbul’s most important symbols, the Galata Tower, was built nearly seven hundred years ago as a watchtower. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013, the Galata Tower was restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2020. Following the restoration, the iconic structure, also known as the Galata Tower Museum, reflects Romanesque architectural style. You can visit the Galata Tower every day from 08:30 to 23:00, and the Museum Pass is valid. The entrance fee is set at 350 TL, and children under 18 are not allowed to enter without their parents. For more detailed information about the Galata Tower, you can check our related article.
8) Taksim Meydanı, Beyoğlu
Another square synonymous with Istanbul is Taksim. Named after the Ottoman period, where the water distributed to surrounding neighborhoods from a water tank built for this purpose or “taksim,” the square is a must-visit place in Istanbul. The Republic Monument in Taksim Square, Taksim Republic Monument, and nearby Gezi Park, Ayia Triada Church, Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), and Taksim Mosque are among the places you should explore in the area. To learn more about Taksim, you can read our article
9) Kapalıçarşı, Fatih
Grand Bazaar, Fatih Known as the world’s first shopping mall, visiting the Grand Bazaar is high on the list of things to do in the Istanbul area. With approximately four thousand shops, the Grand Bazaar holds the title of the world’s oldest and largest market. Considered to have originated from the Byzantine era, the Grand Bazaar boasts a labyrinthine structure with impressive dimensions. Scenes from the James Bond film “Skyfall,” released in 2012, were shot in the Grand Bazaar.
10) Mısır Çarşısı, Eminönü
Spice Bazaar, Eminönü One of Istanbul’s oldest covered bazaars, the Spice Bazaar, is famous for its spice merchants. In addition to spices, the bazaar also offers natural remedies, herbs, flower seeds, rare plant roots, and bark, as well as nuts and delicatessen products. Located behind the New Mosque in Eminönü and next to the Flower Market, the historic building and shops inside the Spice Bazaar are worth a visit. The Spice Bazaar, open every day of the week, houses 100 shops and 2 restaurants.
11) Balat, Fatih
Balat, Fatih Situated on the shores of the Golden Horn, Balat takes its name from the Greek word “palation,” meaning palace. Balat, often associated with the oppression of the Inquisition, became a haven for Jews fleeing from Spain and seeking refuge in the Ottoman Empire. Thus, the area is named after the Blachernae Palace located on the city walls. When entering through the old Balat gate, you will find Yanbol Synagogue, one of Istanbul’s oldest synagogues, on your right. This synagogue was commissioned by Jews who moved from Hungary to Istanbul after the Ottoman Empire took Buda from the Austrians in 1696. While walking through Balat, where different colors and patterns meet, don’t forget to take photos of historical mansions, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, and the Ahrida Synagogue. To find out more about Balat, check our Balat Travel Guide.
Fener, Fatih Fener, another district located on the shores of the Golden Horn, is the continuation of Balat. Fener, the Greek word for lighthouse, was named after a lighthouse built by the Byzantines on the city walls. The famous Fener Greek High School, located in the district, is where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I graduated from. Although not as colorful as Balat, Fener is a quieter and more authentic district. While exploring the area, don’t forget to visit the Greek Patriarchate and the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, where religious ceremonies are still held. To learn more about Fener, you can read our article.
12) Atatürk Arboretumu, Sarıyer
Located southeast of Belgrad Forest, Atatürk Arboretum stands out as one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul. The arboretum, meaning a tree park, is also referred to as botanical gardens. Named Atatürk Arboretum in 1982 during the celebrations of Atatürk’s 100th birthday, this park is among the places where you can spend time with your family in Istanbul. You can visit the arboretum every day of the week except Monday, from 08:30 to 17:30. Ticket prices are 17 TL for adults on weekdays and 6 TL for students. On weekends, the full ticket price is 45 TL, while the student ticket price is 17 TL.
13) Rumeli Hisarı, Sarıyer
Also known as Boğazkesen Fortress, Rumeli Fortress is one of the places that give life to Istanbul with its beautiful view. The fortress, located on the Bosphorus, was built in 1452 by Mehmed the Conqueror to control the ships passing through the Bosphorus. Opened to visitors as a museum under the Directorate of Fortresses in 1968, Rumeli Fortress can be visited every day of the week from 09:00 to 19:00, except on Mondays. The entrance fee to Rumeli Fortress is 100 TL, and holders of the Museum Pass can visit for free.
14) Yedikule Zindanları, Fatih
One of the oldest open-air museums in our country and Istanbul, Yedikule Dungeons are also called Yedikule Fortress due to their observation tower appearance. Yedikule was originally built not to create a dungeon but to impress kings visiting from Rome in a magnificent manner. After the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, three more towers were added to the structure, giving it the current appearance of seven towers. Yedikule Dungeons are open for visits every day of the week from 10:00 to 16:00, except on Mondays, and can be explored free of charge. If you wish to join guided tours during the day or night, you can make reservations online.
15) Kız Kulesi, Üsküdar
The Maiden’s Tower, one of the most beautiful symbols of Istanbul, is a must-see destination on the Anatolian side. The 25-meter-high Maiden’s Tower is believed to have been built in the 5th century BC to monitor ships coming from the Black Sea. For more information about the Maiden’s Tower, we recommend reading our related article.
Restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, the Maiden’s Tower is open for visits every day from 09:00 to 20:00. A light and laser show is performed at the tower every evening at 22:00. Museum Pass holders can enter the Maiden’s Tower for free, but everyone, regardless of having the Museum Pass, must pay the access fee of 50 TL. For those without a Museum Pass, the entrance fee is 400 TL.
16) Beylerbeyi Sarayı, Üsküdar
Boasting a majestic appearance both from the inside and outside, Beylerbeyi Palace stands out as one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul. Serving as a summer Ottoman palace, Beylerbeyi was built between 1863 and 1865 under the orders of Sultan Abdulaziz by the architect Sarkis Balyan. To learn more about Beylerbeyi Palace and places to visit in Üsküdar, you can read our related article. Beylerbeyi Palace, together with the summer palace, comprises a palace complex including the Marble Pavilion, Yellow Pavilion, Stable Pavilion, and two seaside pavilions. You can visit Beylerbeyi Palace every day from 09:00 to 18:00, except on Mondays. The entrance fee for Turkish visitors is 50 TL, and the discounted ticket is 25 TL for those without a Museum Pass. Museum Pass holders can enter for free.
17) Küçüksu Kasrı, Beykoz
Also known as Göksu Pavilion, Küçüksu Pavilion is among the top places to visit in Istanbul. Built by architect Nigoğos Balyan upon the order of Sultan Abdulmecid, the construction of Küçüksu Pavilion was completed in 1856. One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture, Küçüksu Pavilion is open for visits every day from 09:00 to 18:00, except on Mondays. Museum Pass holders can visit Küçüksu Pavilion for free, and the entrance fee for Turkish visitors is 30 TL, while the discounted ticket is 15 TL.
18) Haydarpaşa Tren Garı, Kadıköy
Haydarpaşa Train Station, Kadıköy Built by two German architects, Haydarpaşa Train Station bears traces different from classical Ottoman architecture. Named after Haydar Baba, a janissary whose tomb is believed to be located here, Haydarpaşa Train Station is among the top places to visit in Istanbul. Restoration works are still ongoing at Haydarpaşa Train Station, and we hope it will be reopened for service soon.
19) Moda Sahili ve İskelesi, Kadıköy
Moda Coast and Pier, Kadıköy Moda Coast, which is among the must-visit places in Istanbul, holds special importance for housing the Historical Moda Pier in addition to its sea view. Designed by architect Vedat Tek, the historical pier beckons to us from the middle of the sea with its beauty. The two-story Moda Pier was restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2022 and now serves as a book cafe. For more information about the Historical Moda Pier, where you can read your book and sip your coffee while enjoying the sea view, you can check out our related article.
20) Süreyya Operası, Kadıköy
Süreyya Opera House, Kadıköy Built by former Istanbul Deputy Süreyya İlmen (Süreyya Pasha), Süreyya Opera House opened in 1927. After serving as Süreyya Cinema for a long time, the building was converted back into an opera house in 2007. With captivating both exterior and interior architecture, Süreyya Opera House offers a wonderful activity for art lovers to watch performances. We would like to remind you that Kadıköy Municipality Süreyya Opera Chamber Music Concert tickets are available for sale one month before the show date.
21) Kadıköy Barlar Sokağı, Kadıköy
Kadıköy Bar Street, where the nightlife in Istanbul comes alive, is located on Kadife Street between Caferağa and Bahariye. Formerly inhabited by Armenian families, the street has now transformed into a lively bar district. Also known as Rexx Cinema Street, Bar Street boasts a colorful appearance with numerous cafes and bars lining up facing each other. Those who want to have a fun evening in Istanbul can turn their direction towards Kadıköy Bar Street.
22) Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar
Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar Kuzguncuk, one of the neighborhoods that has preserved Istanbul’s historical texture, captivates people with its colorful houses. Known as the first Jewish settlement area on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kuzguncuk now hosts charming cafes. While strolling through the beautiful streets, gardens, and bookstores of Kuzguncuk, if you get hungry, we recommend stopping by Metet Közde Döner, which will treat your taste buds with its delicious döner. You can find details about places to visit in Kuzguncuk in our related article.
24) Çengelköy Sahili, Üsküdar
Famous for its cucumber and börek, Çengelköy stands out as one of the preferred places in Istanbul for breakfast. With its unique Bosphorus view, Çengelköy Coast is among the must-see places in Istanbul. Buying börek from Çengelköy Börekçisi and having tea against the sea view at the Historical Çınaraltı Tea Garden is a beautiful activity that everyone visiting Çengelköy does, and we recommend it to you as well. The beautiful plane tree in Çınaraltı Tea Garden defies the years with its large trunk and beautiful leaves. The tree is so big that some branches have been supported with iron to prevent them from collapsing!
24) Büyükada, Adalar
Talking about the beautiful view of the Princes’ Islands and not visiting them would be a miss. Büyükada, one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul, is the largest of the Princes’ Islands, as the name suggests. Walking or cycling through the streets of Büyükada adorned with bougainvillea flowers is a must-do in Istanbul. In addition to its natural beauty, Büyükada stands out with its beautiful mansions. To learn more about Büyükada, adorned with bougainvillea flowers and its charming mansions, you can read our related article.
25- Yıldız Sarayı
Yıldız Palace, used as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Abdulhamid II, was commissioned to be built by Mihrişah Sultan, the mother of Sultan Selim III. Abdulhamid II took a personal interest in the expansion and decoration of the palace while residing there.
Upon the request of Abdulhamid II, sections such as Küçük Mabeyn Pavilion, Çit Pavilion, and Güvercinlik Building were added to the palace, spreading over an area of five hundred thousand square meters. Not only these sections but also areas suitable for cultural activities were added to the palace. With additions like a printing house, a photo studio, a theater, and a music studio, the palace transformed into a cultural center. Today, Yıldız Palace can be visited every weekday. You can explore this grand palace by taking a tour between 10:00 and 17:00
