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Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, with neighborhoods on both the European and Asian shores. Founded as Byzantium and later renamed Constantinople, it served as the capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman empires for more than fifteen centuries combined. Few cities layer so much history into one skyline of domes and minarets, and modern Istanbul is a vast, energetic metropolis that is the country's commercial and cultural center.
The historic peninsula holds the greatest concentration of landmarks. Hagia Sophia, built as a church in the sixth century, stands across a square from the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and blue-tiled interior. Topkapi Palace, the old seat of the sultans, overlooks the meeting of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, and the Basilica Cistern lies underground nearby. The covered lanes of the Grand Bazaar and the aromatic Spice Bazaar are classic stops, with the tiled Rustem Pasha Mosque tucked beside the latter and the Suleymaniye Mosque crowning a hill above.
Across the Galata Bridge, Galata Tower and Karakoy lead up to Istiklal Avenue and Taksim, the busy heart of the modern city. Balat and Fener, with their colorful houses, suit an unhurried walk. A ferry ride on the Bosphorus is an easy, scenic way to see both continents. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant.
WiserMap travel guideIstanbul Turkiye Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus FerriesPlan Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Galata, a Bosphorus ferry and Kadikoy, plus food tips.Read the guide
Sixth-century Byzantine church that became a mosque, then a museum, and is a mosque again today, with a vast dome, marble columns and Christian mosaics. Visitors use the upper gallery entrance with a ticket, while the ground floor is reserved for worship. Dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Lavish nineteenth-century palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus, where the late Ottoman sultans moved from Topkapi. Guided visits show crystal staircases, the huge chandeliered Ceremonial Hall and the room where Ataturk died. It is closed on Mondays, and photos are restricted inside the rooms.
Early seventeenth-century imperial mosque facing Hagia Sophia, with six minarets and an interior covered in thousands of blue Iznik tiles. Entry is free for visitors outside prayer times. Women should cover their hair, legs and shoulders, and shoes are carried in bags. Go early in the morning for fewer crowds.
Grand mosque built by the architect Sinan for Suleyman the Magnificent on one of the old city's hills, with a calm interior, a garden cemetery holding the sultan's tomb and terraces overlooking the Golden Horn. It is often less crowded than the Blue Mosque. Eat beans at the old restaurants nearby.
Main residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years, laid out around courtyards with the Imperial Treasury, the Harem, the Sacred Relics and views over the Bosphorus. Allow at least half a day. Buy the ticket with the Harem included, and arrive at opening time to beat the tour groups.
Underground Byzantine water reservoir from the sixth century, a forest of 336 marble columns rising from shallow water, softly lit. Two columns rest on carved Medusa head bases. Art installations are often displayed inside. Lines can be long, so visit early or buy a ticket online; evening visits cost more.
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with around 4,000 shops along vaulted streets selling carpets, lamps, ceramics, jewelry, leather and textiles. Bargaining is expected. It is closed on Sundays. Explore the quieter hans (inner courtyards) and stop for tea or Turkish coffee.
The Spice Bazaar near Eminonu is an L-shaped covered market with stalls of spices, Turkish delight, nuts, dried fruits and tea. A short walk away, the small Rustem Pasha Mosque, designed by Sinan, is covered inside in some of the finest Iznik tiles. Climb the steps to the mosque terrace above the shops.
Historic quarters along the Golden Horn with steep cobbled streets, colorful wooden houses, antique shops and cafes. Sights include the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church made of cast iron and the red Phanar Greek school. Wear good shoes for the hills and visit on a weekday morning.
Long pedestrian avenue in Beyoglu running from Taksim Square toward Galata, lined with shops, cinemas, churches, passages and side streets full of bars and meyhanes. The historic red tram runs along it. It is busiest in the evening. Duck into Cicek Pasaji and the side streets of Asmalimescit for dinner.
Public ferries cross the Bosphorus from Eminonu or Karakoy to Kadikoy on the Asian side for the price of a transit fare, with fine views of the skyline. Kadikoy has a lively market area full of fishmongers, delis, cafes and bars. Use an Istanbulkart and sit on the open deck for views.
Medieval Genoese stone tower above Karakoy with a panoramic balcony over the Golden Horn, the old city and the Bosphorus. Below, Karakoy is a lively waterfront area of cafes, galleries and the Istanbul Modern museum. Lines for the tower are long in the afternoon, so go at opening time.
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