Istanbul is the city where most trips to Türkiye (Turkey) begin. For more than 1,500 years it was the capital of empires, first as Byzantine Constantinople and then as the seat of the Ottoman sultans, and it is still the country's largest and liveliest city.
The historic peninsula of Sultanahmet holds the headline sights within walking distance of each other. Across the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus you find a modern city of cafés, food markets and neighborhoods on two continents.
Top things to see in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Completed in 537 under Emperor Justinian, its vast dome was the largest in the world for nearly a thousand years. Today it is an active mosque that visitors can enter outside prayer times.
The Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in the early 1600s, takes its nickname from the blue İznik tiles that line its interior. Its six minarets face Hagia Sophia across a garden square.
Topkapı Palace
Home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, the Harem, the Treasury and views over the Bosphorus.
Basilica Cistern
A 6th-century underground water reservoir with a forest of columns and two carved Medusa heads.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
One of the oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, lamps and jewelry, plus the fragrant Spice Bazaar by the water.
A Bosphorus cruise
The strait that separates Europe and Asia, lined with palaces, mansions and fortresses. Best seen from the water.
Süleymaniye Mosque
The masterpiece of the architect Mimar Sinan, on a hilltop with one of the best views in the city.
Kadıköy and the Asian side
A short ferry ride away: food markets, street food and local life.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Istanbul?
Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit. Two days covers the Old City highlights in a rush; four days lets you add the Asian side and a slower pace.
Do I need a guide in Istanbul?
You don't need one, but a licensed guide saves time in queues and brings Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and the Old City to life. Most of our travelers book a guide for one or two days and explore on their own the rest of the time.
What should I wear to visit mosques?
Cover shoulders and knees. Women should bring a light scarf to cover their hair. Shoes come off at the entrance.
