18 Of The Best Things To Do In Istanbul

Though Istanbul cannot be bound by one singular term, it surely brings more colors to a visitor’s mind. Without breaking the bank, a plethora of new experiences can open perspectives that are ready to embrace multiculturalism. Understand the city’s unique beauty that sings to the melange of Europe and Asia. There’s no other destination like it in the world, just as there are very few cities in the world that, literally and technically, encompass two continents.

Every time, I look forward to an exciting return. And for good reason. I’ve always been a lover of the Middle East region, I’ve always been curious of complex and sordid lands. Here are some of my highly recommended – THE BEST – things to do in Istanbul. May this city full of life bring you equal joy and wonderment as it always does for me.

Granite finishings, marble staircase, sky blue velvet couches culminate a bustling ambiance of extravagance that winks at the drama of an Ottoman spirit. Comprised of 385 rooms and suites, CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul was constructed in 2013 as the modern, luxurious replacement of the previous Park Hotel. The Ottoman-inspired interior décor pays tribute to tradition as each floor is named after one of the Queen mothers of Ottoman Sultans, who were remarkable leaders during one of the most powerful and prosperous empires in history. Throughout the hotel’s shiny lobby, there are beautiful replicas of their prestigious clothing from the past that symbolize the richness of this era’s design and style. Read more: Inside The Modern Luxury Of CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul.

What makes Istanbul so special is its unique location as the intersect between Europe and Asia. The most scenic way to cross between continents is by taking the ferry, tickets cost less than USD $0.30 (₺5.) Services run every 15-20 minutes, between the Karaköy (Europe) station and Kadiköy (Asia) station. The last ferry is at midnight and each ride is about 25 minutes long, with juice and beverage options available. You can purchase tickets at the station through machines, no need to buy them in advance.

One cannot visit Kadiköy without pulsing to the heartbeat of the Asian side of Istanbul: the market. From fisherman catching their fish, colorful and fragrant spices, glistening olives in every shade of green and brown; the market is full of life and tastes. If you’re craving to bring home some fresh Turkish ground coffee or a jar of century-old pickles, this would be the most ideal souvenir stop for any foodie.

As the heartbeat of Istanbul, Hagia Sofia was originally built as a Christian cathedral by the Romans and designed by Greek geometers during the 4th century. At the time, it was groundbreaking as it became the ultimate standard of Byzantine architecture by creating the world’s largest interior space as well as having the world’s first pendentive dome.

During the Ottoman Empire’s Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, however, the former cultural symbol of the Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox became the leading mosque in Istanbul. Many elements in the mosque were converted from Byzantine elements to Islamic design. Iconographies of Jesus, Mary and saints were plastered over, and replaced with four minarets, ornate minbar and mihrab which faces the direction of Mecca.

Hagia Sophia continued as a mosque until 1931 when the Republic of Turkey was established as a secular nation, and altered the mosque into a museum open to the public as a tourist attraction in 1935.

In July 2020 – despite criticisms from Pope Francis and international powers including France and Russia – President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reopened Hagia Sophia as a mosque. According to Daily Sabah, the monument has attracted 6.5 million visitors per year since the reinstatement.

Just a few footsteps away from Hagia Sophia is the famous Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, constructed in 1609. It’s also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and renowned for its hand-painted 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles that adorn the interior the mosque, they’re turquoise in color, each symbolize Ottoman floral patterns: tulips, lilies, carnations and many more. Just like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is also free to enter, open every day except for prayer times when it’s closed for 90 minutes.

Rustem Pasha Mosque instantly became my personal favorite mosque for two reasons: it’s much smaller in size with less crowds so the entire experience was far more holy and spiritual. Not to mention, the wow-factor upon entering its wooden doors as I gasped at the sight of 2,300 artistic Iznik tiles arranged in 80 different patterns. In addition, the mosque sits on top of a market, permitting the sapphire experience extremely local and somewhat hidden.

Hoca Tahsin is where you’ll find the vibrant umbrella street in Karaköy, lined with funky cafés, charming restaurants and shops. There are quite a few umbrella streets in the world, but the one in Istanbul is so unique due to the surrounding neighborhood that oozes artistic and creative inspiration.

Çiya Kebap deserves all the stars. For the best kebap, especially on the Asia (Kadiköy) part of Istanbul, this legendary eatery does not kid around. With three different restaurants all within close proximity to the fish markets, Çiya Sofrası began in 1987, famous for its kebap, lahmacun (flat bread wrap with meat) and pita. The owners of this family-business wanted their restaurants to combine flavors from various cultures, including: Azerbaijani, Georgian, Turkish, Arabian, Armenian, Ottoman, Syrian, Seldjukian and Jewish. On the menu, you’ll revel in a wide range of pita, lahmacun and kepab. Don’t miss out on the eggplants, they’re worth every bite!

The Karaköy neighborhood in Istanbul is arguably the most happening areas in Istanbul today, full of artistic cafés, charming restaurants and vibrant clubs at night. Without lack of options for dining, stop by Kapi for a lovely array of traditional dishes: lamb shashlik cooked to perfection over sizzling coals, juicy chicken kebabs, paired with chilled Turkish Pilsner. Often viewed as a hidden gem in Karaköy not only because the restaurant itself is tucked in an almost clandestine alley, but you’ll most likely see jovial locals – rather than curious tourists – hanging out on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace.

For a top favorite among the trendy crowd, check out Aheste which means “slowsly” in Farsi. Situated in the heart of the historical Pera, or Beyoğlu, neighborhood; Aheste oozes a romantic ambiance via dimmed lights and cave-like interior. The mezes pay homage to meyhane or Turkish taverns. Opt for the tasting menu like we did, so you can truly devour all the flavors, from savory to sweet, in one cohesive sitting. Noteworthy mezes include: dudi (Persian rice,) hummus, calamaraki, grilled home-style meatballs with mashed haricot beans, grilled octopus…just to name a few. Reservation is needed, and prepare to spend a few hours to fully enjoy the experience.

If you’re hungry before or after visiting the Blue Mosque, head over to Sultanahmet Fish House where you can indulge in aromatic dishes in an unassuming edifice. The service is top-notch, and fish stew in saffron sauce is to-die-for, as well as the octopus. Most of the time, the most sparkling jewels exist in the most unpretentious places. Here’s a prime example. Sultanahmet’s owner will also offer an incredibly fragrant Turkish tea after the meal, what a bonus treat!

The truth is, Geyik (meaning: “deer” in Turkish) has two faces. By day, it’s a coffee roastery featuring beans from Kenya to Peru. By night, it transforms into a hip hotspot, serving the city’s best Whiskey Sour. The intimate and cozy vibe is casual and cool, if the bar becomes too cramped, head across the street for more nightlife options.

It’s clear that Flekk caters to an international crowd, one can’t help but meet traveling foreigners or expats at this delicious cocktail bar. At the turn of two tapered alleys, Flekk is known for its syrup-free concoctions. The ambiance is lively with DJs, if the bar runs out of interior sitting room, it’s not abnormal to spot the crowd gathering outside, sipping on tasty drinks.

After visiting the Sulemaniye Mosque, you’ll want to find somewhere to rest your feet and enjoy the city’s sparkling skyline from atop. Giriftar Cafe is the perfect place to sip on lovely Turkish tea, indulge in hookah or shisha on a posh outdoor terrace that overlooks the marvelous Bosphorus.

Insider tip: alcohol isn’t served in restaurants, bars or cafes within close proximity of mosques.

Hence, Giriftar doesn’t feature alcoholic drinks on its menu.

Back in the day, the idea of markets was to help financially support the maintenance of nearby mosques, schools, hospitals and public baths. In 1664, the Spice Bazaar was built for the exact same reason with spices brought from Egypt via annual Cairo caravan. Today, this is where you can find all kinds of ambrosial spices and herbs, nuts and honeycomb, cheese, caviar, smoked or dried meats. It is one of the most vibrant places to be in Istanbul, what a scented experience!