Istanbul - Things to do

Cruising the Bosphorus is one of the most iconic ways to experience Istanbul—offering sweeping views of both the European and Asian sides of the city. Glide past palaces, mosques, colorful waterfront homes, and the silhouette of minarets at sunset. Read our post.

Wander through the colorful backstreets of Fener and Balat, two of Istanbul’s most photogenic neighborhoods. Once home to Greek Orthodox and Jewish communities, these districts now blend crumbling architecture with bright facades, antique shops, and street art. Read our post.

Kadıköy’s Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood is a hub for Istanbul’s most vibrant street art. Stroll its quiet side streets and you’ll find murals spanning entire buildings, playful paste-ups, and unexpected splashes of color tucked between local cafés and secondhand bookstores. Read our post.

Kadıköy blends Istanbul’s creative energy with a distinctly alternative vibe. From indie bookstores and vintage shops to laid-back cafés and buzzing produce markets, the area offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s more touristed zones. Come for the food, stay for the culture. Read our post.

Once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapı Palace is a maze of opulent courtyards, tiled chambers, and royal relics. Wander its storied halls for a glimpse into centuries of imperial intrigue and design. Read our post.

Descend into the atmospheric depths of the Basilica Cistern, where stone columns rise from still, glowing water. This ancient underground reservoir offers a cool, cinematic break from the city’s bustle. Read our post.

A marvel of architecture and history, the Hagia Sophia has served as church, mosque, and museum across its 1,500-year life. Step inside to witness soaring domes, golden mosaics, and layers of sacred past. Read our post.

With its six minarets and cascading domes, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Step inside to see intricate blue İznik tiles, stained glass windows, and a still-active place of worship. Read our post.

A quintessential part of Turkish culture, a visit to a hammam is both cleansing and calming. Steam, scrub, soak, and unwind in beautiful, often historic, bathhouses across Istanbul—many with vegan-friendly exfoliation options.

Galata Tower offers some of the best panoramic views over Istanbul’s rooftops, Bosphorus, and minarets. Head up just before sunset to watch the sky shift over the city’s layered skyline—it’s one of the most iconic vantage points around.

We joined this one and loved the unexpected stops: the quiet corners of the Book Bazaar, a local shisha spot tucked away from tourist streets, and a peek into Istanbul University. It’s a great way to connect with the city’s layered personality beyond the main sites.

Tucked behind the Grand Bazaar, the Book Bazaar is a quieter, lesser-visited gem for literary lovers. Stalls brim with old maps, Ottoman calligraphy, and Turkish poetry collections—perfect for a slow afternoon wander.

Held weekly in Kadıköy, the Tuesday and Friday Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s best local markets. Browse piles of fresh produce, herbs, olives, textiles, and more—at prices far lower than most grocery stores. Read our post.

Wander through Istanbul’s vibrant Spice Bazaar, where the air is thick with the scent of saffron, sumac, and dried rose. One of the city’s oldest markets, it’s a feast for the senses—perfect for picking up Turkish delights, herbal teas, and spice blends to take home.