Istanbul attractions

Built in 1421 to serve as a mausoleum for Sultan Mehmed I Celebi, the Green Tomb (Yesil Türbe) sits above the larger Green Mosque complex in Bursa, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). The striking exterior of the tomb is decorated with blue-green tiles, most of which replaced the original tiles after an earthquake damaged the tomb in 1855.

Commissioned in the 15th century by Sultan Bayezid II in Bursa, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), the Koza Han served as a caravanserai that provided income for the sultan’s mosque in Istanbul. Due to its strategic location at the end of the Silk Road, Koza Han—aka the Cocoon Inn—became a popular place for merchants to unload the last of their silk.

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.

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.

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.

Commissioned in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent for his daughter, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Mihrimah Sultan Camii) in Edirnekapi was designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is dappled with windows that let sunlight into the space and is topped by a monumental dome. Unlike most imperial mosques, it only has one minaret.

Look across the Bosphorus at Asian Istanbul, and the first thing you’ll notice is the Camlica Mosque (Çamlıca Camii). As the largest mosque in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), it has a capacity for 63,000 worshipers beneath its 70 domes. (Compare that to the Blue Mosque’s nine domes and 10,000–person capacity.) Though often overlooked by tourists, it’s worth a visit.

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.

Built in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian I as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Kücük Ayasofya Camii), it later took its name Little Hagia Sophia from its resemblance to the larger Hagia Sophia, which was built nearby a few years earlier. After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the church was converted into a mosque.

Make a detour to the Sakip Sabanci Museum, a little off the main tourist trail in Istanbul’s affluent Emirgan neighborhood. Housed in a grand 1920s mansion and run by Sabanci University, the fine arts museum boasts a collection of calligraphy and paintings that once belonged to the Sabanci family.

Founded in the 15th century as an imperial palace school, Galatasaray High School (Galatasaray Lisesi) continues to be Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) most prestigious school. The curriculum is drawn from the French lycée model, and classes are taught in both Turkish and French. The ornate gate at the center of Istiklal Street is a popular meeting spot.

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.

Out in Istanbul’s Eyup neighborhood is Isfanbul (formerly named Vialand), a massive theme park complex replete with roller coasters, adventure rides, interactive activities, and more. Vialand also contains a luxury hotel, shopping malls with more than 250 stores, myriad restaurants, a cinema, a games center, and an open-air performance venue.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fall of Constantinople at the Panorama 1453 History Museum in Istanbul. Using 360-degree panorama paintings, 3D objects, and sound effects, the museum simulates significant historical events that occurred during the Ottoman empire. There’s even a helicopter simulation that transports you through ancient Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye).

Marking the end of Istanbul’s long Walls of Constantinople, Yedikule Fortress (Yedikule Hisari Müzesi) was built in the fifth century and was expanded during the Ottoman conquest of what today is Istanbul. The fortified structure, also known as the Fortress of Seven Towers, historically contained an infamous dungeon as well as a treasury and an armory.

Istinye Park shopping center is one of Istanbul's premier destinations for luxury shopping, with nearly 300 stores in 2,906,260 square feet (270,000 square meters). Visitors can enjoy an array of dining options, from quick bites to high-end restaurants, as well as a range of entertainment activities.

Experience the bustle and energy of Istanbul market life in the Kadikoy Market (Kallavi Kadikoy). Stretched down a long pedestrian street in the eponymous Asian-side neighborhood and encompassing shops selling fresh fish, olives, cheese, meze, and more, Kadikoy Market attracts locals and visitors who want the freshest, high-quality food.

Istanbul’s state-of-the-art cruise terminal, Galataport, opened in 2021 to much fanfare. Stretching for almost a mile (1.2 kilometers) along the Bosphorus Strait, the modern port sits where Europe and Asia meet, and it features the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal, a shopping and cultural complex, and room for mega-ships.

Conjure an image of a classic Turkish bath and you probably think of something like Istanbul’s Cemberlitas Hamami. Built in 1584, the bathhouse is still pampering patrons today, and its structure sets it apart; lying on a heated marble slab looking up at the pinholes of light filtering from the dome above must be one of Istanbul’s top experiences.

Designed by renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century, Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque (Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Camii)—close to the historical Sultanahmet neighborhood—was constructed on a steep slope and features a unique two-story courtyard. The interior is notable for its vibrant and extensive use of colorful Iznik tiles and marble details.

Located along the Sea of Marmara coast in Tuzla, a district on the Asian side of Istanbul, this massive complex contains mooring space for boats and yachts, an outdoor shopping mall with over 200 restaurants and chain stores, and waterfront event spaces. Viaport Marina is also home to ViaSea Aquarium and ViaLand Theme Park, which boasts roller coasters and other thrill-seeker rides.

Once known as the Pantokrator Monastery, the Zeyrek Mosque is a must-see for any visitor with an eye for architecture. Built in the 12th century and renovated in the 21st, it remains one of the largest Byzantine structures in Istanbul, while its adjacent streets and cafés offer views right over the Golden Horn.

Boasting the largest stage in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), plus a few other cutting–edge venues, Istanbul’s Zorlu Performing Arts Center (Zorlu PSM) offers over 1,200 performances annually. The lineup ranges from top Turkish comedians like Cem Yilmaz to musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, world–famous DJs, and operas.

For almost 200 years, Cukurcuma Hamami has brought Turkish-style wellness to Istanbul’s elite, counting esteemed guests such as the great poet Constantinos Kavafis of Alexandria among its patrons. After a lavish 10-year renovation, the hamam reopened in 2018, providing a tranquil spot to relax and unwind at the heart of the busy Beyoğlu neighborhood.

One of Istanbul’s most vibrant areas, Besiktas is also among the city’s oldest districts—it has roots dating back to Byzantine times. Located on the European side of Istanbul, the Besiktas district boasts a mix of scenic residential streets, cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and transport hubs (including for ferries across the Bosphorus). Highlights include Dolmabahce Palace, the lively Bebek neighborhood, and many luxury hotels.

Once part of the Hippodrome chariot racing track in the days of the Byzantine Empire (traces still remain today), Sultanahmet Square is now the heart of Istanbul’s main historical district. From here it is a short stroll to the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the 17th-century Blue Mosque, 6th-century Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.

The Bosphorus Strait is a legendary waterway dividing the European and Asian sides of Istanbul; it brims with history and scenic beauty. Serving as a vital trade route for centuries and a crossing place for commuters, it's now a hot spot for visitors seeking both culture and spectacular views.

Housed in a historic wooden mansion on the Asian side of Istanbul, this expansive collection of antique toys (some of which date back to the early 1800s) is spread over four floors of the restored Ottoman-era villa. There are a total of 4,000 artifacts, each grouped by theme and arranged by a professional stage designer—space toys feature cosmic decor, while toy trains are exhibited in a salvaged train compartment. The Istanbul Toy Museum is great for kids, but it also appeals to the inner child of all travelers.

Located on the shores of Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait—within the captivating Perili Kosk, known as the Haunted Mansion—Borusan Contemporary is a vibrant art museum. Often overlooked by international tourists, it presents cutting-edge exhibitions and thought-provoking installations by established and emerging artists.

Forum Istanbul is one of the city’s premier locations for shoppers seeking everything from designer shoes to the latest in electronics. Beyond its many retail stores, you’ll find a range of entertainment activities, including a bowling alley, arcade, and aquarium, making it an ideal destination for the entire family.