Discover the 7 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

7 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, a fascinating city that perfectly blends history, culture and modernity! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you the top 7 things to do in Istanbul. From the iconic Galata Tower overlooking the Bosphorus, to the historical wonders of Hagia Sophia and the exquisite design of the Blue Mosque, each stop on this carefully selected itinerary will immerse you in Istanbul’s unique charm.

Enjoy a culinary experience, discover the colourful Istiklal Street and Eminonu Square and immerse yourself in the spiritual side of the city at the Kariye Church and Suleymaniye Mosque. For more historic charm, descend into the Basilica Cistern and explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace. This guide will be your compass as you plan your ideal trip to Istanbul, where past and present dance in harmony.

1- The Galata Tower

The Galata Tower has a rich past. The 14th-century stone tower gives an excellent vantage point from which to admire the city’s distinct blend of history and modernity. The view from the Galata Tower is just spectacular. Visitors to the top of the tower can take in panoramic views of Istanbul’s spectacular skyline, which includes the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the city’s ancient structures and landmarks. Moreover, there is a popular belief that whoever you climb up to this tower with, you will marry them. According to Evliya Çelebi’s travelogue, Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi performed the first intercontinental flight from Galata Tower, arriving in Üsküdar on the Asian side of the city.

2- The Hagia Sofia / Things to do in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia is a mosque and a significant cultural and historical site in Istanbul, Turkey. It was constructed in 537 AD under the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Since 1985, Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Areas of İstanbul, with other notable historic structures and monuments.

Here are some fascinating facts about the Hagia Sophia:

1. Hagia Sophia was completed in under six years.

2. Hagia Sophia was a church then mosque turned museum.

3. The massive dome symbolizes the realm of heaven and its glory.

4. Hagia Sophia combines Islamic and Christian ideas.

This building is one of the top things to do in Istanbul. You can visit it on this tour!

3- The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Ahmed I and is still a functioning mosque today. The mosque is famous for its six minarets, five main domes and eight secondary domes. The interior decoration is even more popular, you can read this blog post which is more detailed about the architectural structure.
Are you curious to learn more about the Blue Mosque? Check out this a¹rticle for a deep dive into the technical details of this magnificent structure! 
Visiting Tip: The mosque is open every day of the year, but closes for 90 minutes at prayer time.

4- Local Foods

Feeling hungry? If so, let us introduce you to some of Istanbul’s most delicious traditional dishes that will tantalize all five of your senses. Discover these culinary delights as part of the many wonderful things to do in Istanbul!

Embark on a culinary adventure in Istanbul, sampling delectable Turkish delights, kebabs, and baklava. The city’s diverse gastronomy is a journey in itself. Indulge in Turkish main dishes such as kebab, lahmacun, pide and İskender, or savour the flavours of Turkish street food such as midye, kokoreç, Turkish doner and fish and bread. Save room for desserts too, including lokum, baklava and kunefe! Don’t forget to try the rich taste of Turkish coffee. If you’re intrigued and would like to try your hand at brewing your own, take a private tour and we’ll give you the unique opportunity.

5- Thing to do in Istanbul- Istıklal Street and Eminonu Square

Istiklal Street and Eminonu Square are two of Istanbul’s most active neighborhoods. Istiklal Street is a pedestrianized street lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. Eminonu Square is a thriving hive of activity on the banks of the Golden Horn. It is home to the famous Spice Bazaar and provides breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you want to see Istanbul’s modern beauty or its historical origins, these buzzing centers are definitely worth a visit!

6- Spiritual Things to Do in Istanbul

Visit the Chora Church and the Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque to get a sense of Istanbul’s spiritual side.

1- Chore Church (Kariye Museum)
The Chora Church, also known as the Kariye Museum, is a historic Greek Orthodox church edifice located in Istanbul’s Edirnekapı district. It is most known for its stunning late Byzantine mosaics and paintings. The Chora Church is a must for anyone interested in Byzantine art and architecture.

2- Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque
The Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, also known as the Suleymaniye Mosque, is a magnificent hilltop structure built in the 16th century on the orders of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Fans of the Magnificent Century know Suleyman the Magnificent very well and will rush to visit this work, which he commissioned from Mimar Sinan. It is a must for anyone interested in Ottoman architecture and history.

7- More Historical Charms

Explore the Basilica Cistern, a historic underground reservoir located beneath Istanbul. Continue your historical journey to Topkapi Palace, where sumptuous Ottoman grandeur and breathtaking views await at every step.

1- Basilica Cistern
Visitors can enter the cistern, which takes them on a mysterious voyage through the Sunken Palace’s depths. Emperor Justinian 1 established the Basilica Cistern, an underground water system, in the sixth century. It is one of Istanbul’s largest underground reservoirs, with 336 columns with Medusa head bases.

2- Topkapı Palace
Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans and now a museum, is a stunning showcase of Ottoman architecture. This historic gem served as the administrative centre of the empire for 400 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in the mid-18th century. Highlights include the exquisite tiling in every room, the harem and a collection of artefacts ranging from jewellery to weapons. With its commanding views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, and its vibrant gardens in spring, Topkapi Palace encapsulates the grandeur of Ottoman history and the beauty of Istanbul.

Final Words

Discover the best of Istanbul with ResfeberTrips! From the iconic Galata Tower to the historical wonders of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, discover 7 must-do experiences. Indulge in culinary delights, explore vibrant streets, and immerse yourself in the spiritual side of the city. Let ResfeberTrips guide you through an unforgettable Istanbul adventure – a city where every moment is a treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Kantar, B. M. (2014). Turkish Neuro-Excursion Billur Mine KANTAR The Blue Interpretation of Art: The Blue Mosque. Turk Neurosurg, 24(4), 445–450. http://neurosurgery.dergisi.org/pdf.php?&id=1351 ↩︎