Originally a sprawling rose garden on the Topkapi Palace grounds, Gülhane Park (Gülhane Parki) is now a lush public green space favored by locals. The park, located in the Sultanahmet district, is an ideal space for relaxing in nature as you explore Istanbul’s cultural heritage. The northern part of the park has sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri) contain a wealth of material, with a massive collection of art and artifacts housed in three separate buildings. Founded in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülaziz, who wished to have a museum on par with Europe’s, the museums draw on superb pieces—from sarcophagi to pottery and tile—from former Ottoman lands.
Located in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk Islam Eserleri Müzesi Hizmete) has a wealth of Islamic art dating from the eighth to the 19th century. The collection ranges from calligraphy and paintings to a spectacular selection of antique rugs, with items from across the Middle East.
Housed in a structure that served as a Turkish bath from the 15th century until 1988, the Hodjapasha Culture Center (Hocapasa Kültür Merkezi) is currently a venue that hosts a variety of dance and theatrical performances. The most traditional performance offered is the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, featuring Whirling Dervishes who perform a mesmerizing Sufi ritual.
Originally built as the Church of the Holy Savior during the Byzantine era and converted to a mosque during the Ottoman rule of Istanbul, Khora Church is now a museum with colorful, well-preserved frescoes and mosaics. Located outside the Old City in the Edirnekapi neighborhood, the art-filled Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi) is well worth the trek.
Anzac Cove (Anzak Koyu), a small area on Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Gallipoli Peninsula, holds a huge amount of importance, particularly for Australians and New Zealanders. During the 8-month Gallipoli Campaign in World War I, Anzac Cove was the primary landing spot for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC)—and many soldiers lost their lives in battles here.
Built in conjunction with Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, the Arasta Bazaar’s market stalls were originally created so their rent could fund the imperial mosque. Today, the long row of shops sell all kinds of Turkish goods—including carpets, kilims, ceramics, and textiles—plus prepared foods and tea in the heart of the Sultanahmet neighborhood.
A quiet oasis off of Istiklal Street, St. Anthony of Padua Church (Sent Antuan Bazilikasi) is the largest Roman Catholic parish in Istanbul. The neo-Gothic church in Taksim is open to the public, and mass is conducted by Italian priests is a variety of languages. The original building was constructed in the 18th century, but the current building dates to 1912.
Opened in 2004 as Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) first museum of modern and contemporary art, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi) relocated in 2018 to a temporary space in the Asmalimescit neighborhood while a new building is constructed. The city’s preeminent modern-art museum features contemporary works by Turkish artists and rotating temporary exhibitions.
Built in the 15th century by architect Haci Ivaz Pasha, the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) in Bursa takes its name from the green-and-blue tiles that decorate its interior. The mosque is notable for its ornate decorative stonework. The Green Tomb, near the prayer building, contains the tomb of Sultan Mehmed I, who commissioned the building.
Located on the European shores of Istanbul, Emirgan Park (Emirgân Korusu) is one of the largest in Istanbul and serves as an oasis of nature in the urban sprawl. The park a popular weekend destination thanks to its jogging trails and picnic areas, and it is also the main venue for the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, which blooms every April.
One of the last Istanbul stops on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, Anadolu Kavagi is a former Black Sea fishing village that retains its quiet charm. It’s known for the ruins of Yoros Castle, a medieval fortress that towers over the neighborhood. Dotted with fish restaurants, Anadolu Kavagi makes for a calm escape from the central city bustle.
Madame Tussauds needs little introduction as the world’s most famous waxworks museum, and its Istanbul doors opened in 2016. Inside, view the collection of almost 60 waxwork figures includes important figures from Turkish history, politics, and pop culture, as well as international celebrities, Hollywood movie stars, and sporting icons.
One of Europe’s largest aquariums, Istanbul SEA LIFE® Aquarium houses more than 15,000 marine creatures across 21 zones. Highlights include a stingray exhibit, a touchpool, a 60-strong school of sharks, and a sea turtle hospital where the largest turtle weighs a whopping 440 pounds (200 kilograms).
Despite its name, Istanbul’s New Mosque (Yeni Cami) is an Ottoman-era building dating to 1663. With its prominent location on the water—in Eminonu Square, at the end of the Galata Bridge and near the Egyptian Spice Bazaar— as well as its swooping domes and large courtyard, the New Mosque is a prime example of Ottoman architectural splendor.
Experience the ritual of Turkish bathing at the opulent Cagaloglu Hamam in Istanbul, one of the city’s historical landmarks. With its stunning architecture and rich cultural significance, this 18th-century bathhouse takes you on a pleasant foam-filled journey into Ottoman-era luxury and relaxation.
Escape the crowds of Istanbul and enjoy fresh air and nature at Belgrad Forest. Located north of the city, the over 13,000-acre (5,300-hectare) green space is a popular picnic and recreational area for Istanbul residents, particularly on the weekends.
Rising nearly 54 stories about the ground, Istanbul Sapphire is one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The high-tech luxury commercial and residential mixed-use project was Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) first ecological skyscraper. The top of the building features an observation deck with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Istanbul skyline.
Built to preserve a series of stunning floor mosaics once belonging to the Great Palace of Constantinople, the Great Palace Mosaics Museum is part of the Blue Mosque complex. Inside, the carefully preserved mosaics date back to AD 450 and depict scenes of daily life, traditions, and mythology.
Housed in an ornate 19th-century building, the Pera Museum (Pera Müzesi) opened in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district in 2005. Its contemporary gallery spaces showcase an impressive permanent collection of Orientalist paintings—including Osman Hamdi Bey’s most famous artwork, The Tortoise Trainer—Anatolian weights and measures, and Kutahya tiles and ceramics.
Enter a world of creativity and experience an indoor LEGO® adventure at Istanbul’s LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. Located inside the Forum Istanbul Mall in Bayrampasa, this interactive LEGO-themed entertainment park includes rides, build and play zones, workshops, displays, a shop, café, and 4D cinema.
A historically Greek area located on the Golden Horn, the Fener District offers a peek into Istanbul of old. The neighborhood is home to Byzantine and Ottoman-era homes, churches, and other buildings, along with the Greek Patriarchate. Walk the side streets where you can't help but pass historic buildings and trendy cafes, stores, and galleries.
Opened in 2012 by Turkish author and Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, Istanbul’s Museum of Innocence (Masumiyet Müzesi) is designed to complement Pamuk’s novel of the same name. The exhibitions tell the story of his book through objects that Pamuk collected personally. It isn’t necessary to have read the book to enjoy the evocative collection.
Experience a traditional Turkish bath at one of Istanbul’s oldest bathhouses (hamams), Aga Hamami. Originally built in 1454 for Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, this historical hamam offers a Turkish bath experience—a must-do when visiting Istanbul—to men, women, and couples in a relaxed, mixed setting.
Constructed in the 16th century, Beyazit Mosque (Beyazit Camii) was the second imperial mosque built in Istanbul after the Ottomans conquered the city. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Beyazit II, whose tomb is located on the site. The interior of the mosque and its large central dome were based on the design of the Hagia Sophia.
The Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş Sütunu), located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, is a monumental landmark dating back to the 4th century. Built to celebrate the emperor's victory over his rival Maxentius, the column is one of the most significant surviving Roman landmarks in Istanbul and a popular pit stop for travelers visiting the Grand Bazaar.
The hypnotizing rituals of whirling dervishes are best seen in a Mevlevi lodge (tekke). The presence of these Sufi initiates at Istanbul’s Galata Mevlevi Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi) dates to the 15th century, though the building is an 18th-century restoration. It’s still the oldest Mevlevi monastery in Istanbul and today serves as a museum and performance space.
Istanbul’s Venezia Mega Outlet is a shopper’s paradise. This retail destination offers an extensive range of fashion brands, home decor, and electronics, all at discounted prices—so it’s a guaranteed hit with fashion enthusiasts and bargain hunters. A cinema and dozens of restaurants complete the shopping experience.
Opened in 2003 on the shores of the Golden Horn, Miniaturk (Miniatürk) is one of the largest miniature parks in the world. The exhibitions are divided into three sections: Istanbul, Anatolia, and Ottoman territories that today lie outside of Turkey. Through the miniature re-creations, it’s possible to experience all of the highlights of Turkey.
Eyup is a sacred district in Istanbul that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. A visit here offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of Istanbul and its cultural heritage. It’s home to the Eyup Sultan Mosque (arguably the holiest sight in the city), local markets, Pierre Loti Hill, and outstanding panoramic views of Istanbul.
