Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Istanbul

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Istanbul

The amazing and fabulous Istanbul is a bridge between two continents, a meeting place of Western and Eastern cultures and an invaluable historical heritage of all mankind. The location of the city is so fortunate that human settlements flourished here long before our era. Antique Byzantium, pompous Constantinople and brilliant Istanbul are all names of one city lying on the picturesque banks of the Bosphorus.

In the city a tourist can see the treasures of two cultures at once – Byzantine and Ottoman. The incomparable Aya Sofia rivals the Blue Mosque in beauty, the centuries-old secrets of the Topkana Palace are safely kept behind strong walls, and the city’s oriental bazaars add colour to the busy streets. This is Istanbul: bustling, diverse and incomparable.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

 4.8/5

125514 reviews

This unique historical monument is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the flowering of Christianity and a witness to the demise of the Byzantine Empire. The cathedral was laid during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. For 14 centuries of its existence it was destroyed and ruined several times. After the conquest of Constantinople, the temple was converted into a mosque, destroying many Christian values. In the early 20th century, the Turkish authorities decided to give Aya Sofia the status of a museum.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Blue Mosque

 4.7/5

89860 reviews

A Muslim temple built under Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century. Rare and precious breeds of marble were used in the construction. The architecture of the Blue Mosque is a harmonious combination of Ottoman and Byzantine style, a brilliant project of Hodja Mimar Sinan Agi, who was deservedly nicknamed “the jeweller”. The building is decorated with a large number of sky-coloured Iznik ceramic tiles, which is why it was named the Blue Mosque.

Open time

Suleymaniye Mosque

 4.9/5

50543 reviews

Another masterpiece of architect Sinan, which became a symbol of the power of the Ottoman Empire. After its completion, the master predicted that the temple would stand forever. So far, his prophecy is true – for four centuries, the building has survived several dozen serious earthquakes and has stood firm. Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest temple in Istanbul. It is a whole complex consisting of a madrasah, baths, library, observatory, prayer rooms.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 AM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM

Golden Horn

 4.7/5

1140 reviews

A strait on the Mediterranean Sea, where a small Greek settlement was formed as early as the 7th century BC. Over time, it developed into the city of Byzantium and later Constantinople. The bay got its name due to its shape, similar to an animal’s horn, and the incredible beauty of the coastal scenery. The writings of ancient Greek scholars also mention the name “Horn of Byzantium”. In past centuries, the bay was considered an important strategic object.

Bosphorus

 4.8/5

4849 reviews

The Bosphorus Strait is the maritime boundary between the Asian and European parts of Turkey and is often referred to as the “soul of Istanbul”. There are several picturesque bridges across the strait, with magnificent sultan palaces, fortresses and ancient neighbourhoods on its shores. Istanbul cannot be imagined without the Bosphorus. This narrow strip of water has repeatedly become the subject of dispute between states and the scene of military clashes.

Galata Tower

 4.7/5

166356 reviews

The prototype of the modern stone tower was a sixth-century wooden Byzantine structure built under Emperor Justinian. After the Turks conquered Byzantium in the 15th century, the tower was used as a lighthouse, fire tower and prison. The structure is located on a hill, so it is clearly visible from the streets of Istanbul. From the observation deck of the tower you can admire the picturesque architecture of the city.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Maiden's Tower Boat Station

 3/5

1 reviews

The Maiden Tower (Kiz Kulesi) was built in the waters of the Bosphorus Strait on a small rocky island. It is believed that fortifications on this tiny piece of land appeared as early as 400 BC during the war between Athens and Sparta. Under Ottoman rule, a lighthouse was built on the island. The Maiden Tower served as a prison, an isolation centre, a household for the military and sailors, and an exhibition gallery. Since the end of the 20th century, it has been used as a viewing platform and a restaurant.

Open time

Dolmabahçe Palace

 4.7/5

73782 reviews

The palace complex built during the reign of Sultan Abdul-Mejid I. The ruler wanted to surpass the European rulers in luxury and size, so the palace turned out to be really huge: its walls stretch for 600 metres along the Bosphorus Strait, the total area – 45 thousand m². After the formation of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk settled in Dolmabahce on the wreckage of the Ottoman Empire. After his death, the palace became a museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Topkapi Palace Museum

 4.7/5

92728 reviews

Istanbul’s most famous and illustrious palace. It was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans until the middle of the 19th century. The complex was erected on the ruins of the palace of Byzantine emperors by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in the XV century. Topkany is divided into four parts. Separate entrances lead to each of them: The Gate of the Overlord (offices and official rooms), the Gate of Greetings (chancery and treasury, divan meeting hall), and the Gate of Bliss (inner chambers and harem).

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Beylerbeyi Palace

 4.7/5

13932 reviews

Baroque palace in the Asian part of Istanbul, built in the mid-19th century. The building was used as a summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. The interior decoration of the palace premises uses a mix of Eastern and European tradition, which makes the interiors quite original. The layout is in the typical Turkish style – courtyards, a separate pavilion for the harem and the hammam rooms.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Rumeli Fortress

 4.5/5

12211 reviews

A powerful fort on the picturesque shore of the Bosphorus, built in the 15th century under Sultan Mehmed II Fatih. The fort’s defensive walls were erected in just a few months. Rumelihisar was built specifically for the storming of Constantinople to cut the city off from the strait. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the fortress was used as a customs point. Restoration was carried out in the middle of the 20th century.

Open time

Yıldız

 0/5

A picturesque palace and park complex on the coast of the Sea of Marmara. At first, a villa for the mother of Sultan Selim III was built on the site of the modern palace. Yıldız is a construction that embodies several architectural styles: European classical, baroque and oriental. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent flowering park. Since 1994, a museum has been located on its territory.

Sultanahmet Square

 4.7/5

30318 reviews

The place where horse races were organised 2,000 years ago in Roman times. During the Ottoman Empire, the amphitheatre on the square was dismantled and many of its fragments were used to build the Blue Mosque, the jewel of Istanbul. There are obelisks of Byzantine emperors Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Theodosius, as well as an ancient Greek serpentine column on the square.

Open time

Taksim Square

 0/5

The central square of the historic Beyoğlu district. It separates Istanbul’s old neighbourhoods from the new and serves as an important transport hub for the city. In the centre of the square is a monument erected to commemorate the establishment of the Turkish Republic. It consists of sculptures of military leaders Kemal Ataturk, Fevzi Çakmak, Mustafa, Ismet İnönü and other revolutionaries who contributed to the fall of the monarchy.

İstiklal Caddesi

 4.6/5

3232 reviews

A pedestrian street connecting Taksim Square and the Galat neighbourhood. This alley was once the central avenue of Constantinople. The name “Istiklal” translates from Turkish as “independence”. The street really has a spirit of freedom and independence. It is flooded with strolling tourists, nightclubs, restaurants and inexpensive eateries. There are temples and street performers within a metre of each other, and modern bars next to traditional Turkish shops.

Hagia Irene

 4.2/5

1923 reviews

An ancient temple in the Sultanahmet district, located in the historical centre of Istanbul. It is believed that the church was built on the ruins of an ancient temple of Aphrodite in the 4th century AD, thus, this temple is older than Aya Sofia. Before the appearance of St Sophia Cathedral, the Church of St Irene was the main temple of Constantinople, where the Second Ecumenical Council under the leadership of Emperor Theodosius I met.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Kariye Mosque

 4.4/5

6137 reviews

Byzantine Church of Christ the Saviour, also known as the Monastery of Chora. The temple was founded in the 4th century AD, at that time it was outside the city wall of Constantinople. Inside the building, the original Byzantine mosaics and frescoes from the 11th century have been preserved, which are of great cultural value. The Karie Museum is located in an ordinary residential neighbourhood away from the main attractions.

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Istanbul Archaeological Museums

 4.6/5

16913 reviews

A museum that houses unique archaeological finds that tell the story of the development of mankind. Many exhibits were preserved thanks to the ban on the export of historical monuments from the Ottoman Empire, which was introduced in 1884. The museum holds the very first peace treaty recorded in history. The complex includes three large buildings housing more than 1 million exhibits.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

 4.4/5

6926 reviews

Istanbul can’t afford to lag behind European capitals, and so, like many of them, has its own contemporary art museum. The gallery was opened in 2004. All kinds of exhibitions, author’s meetings and honouring of contemporary artists take place in this place. The room is equipped with the latest technology, so it is not uncommon to see fashionable installations here.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Miniaturk

 4.6/5

32223 reviews

The park is located on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay. On its territory there are models of Turkish and world landmarks made in the ratio of 1:25. In total, there are more than a hundred different figures in the Miniature Park, including the Blue Mosque of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the Greek Temple of Artemis, and the Topkana Palace. There is also a miniature railway, airport and seaport in the park.

Open time

The Aqueduct of Valens

 4.6/5

788 reviews

A preserved part of the ancient water supply system of Constantinople. The approximate date of construction of the aqueduct is 375 A.D. The total length of the stone aqueduct was more than 550 km., the aqueduct of Valentus is a small section of 1.5 km., connecting two neighbouring city hills. The structure was repaired in the 7th and 8th centuries. The aqueduct worked successfully until the 12th century, after which it was abandoned. Under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was repaired again and used to deliver water to Topkapi.

Open time

Basilica Cistern

 4.6/5

64116 reviews

An underground reservoir in the historical centre of Istanbul, equipped in the early 4th century. The cistern served as the city’s water reservoir. Water was brought here from the Belgrade Forest through a system of aqueducts. The ceiling of the reservoir is supported by rows of marble columns, formerly part of ancient temples. During the Ottoman rule, the cistern was not used; in 1987, it was cleaned and a museum was opened on the site.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The Walls of Constantinople

 4.5/5

1188 reviews

The defence system of the Byzantine capital, which has survived since the 5th century A.D. It was erected to protect the city from the raids of barbarian tribes. The walls have survived in good condition thanks largely to the Ottoman conquerors. After the conquest of Constantinople, they restored all the buildings. In the first half of the XX century the walls began to be dismantled, but in the 80s it was decided to restore them.

Open time

Galata Bridge

 4.6/5

32887 reviews

Bridge over the Golden Horn Bay. The structure was built in the middle of the XIX century under the ruler Abdul-Medzhid I. Another common name for the structure is “Valide’s Bridge”, as the sultan’s mother was actively involved in the construction. The bridge has undergone five reconstructions, and in 2005 tram tracks were laid across it.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge

 4.6/5

10102 reviews

A modern suspension bridge over the Bosphorus, inaugurated in 1973 in the presence of the President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. The structure is supported by two metal towers that are approximately 1 kilometre apart. The total length of the bridge is 1560 metres. In the evening, multicoloured lights are switched on, painting the bridge in bright colours. During the busiest hours, the structure sags by 90 cm.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Haydarpasa Train Station

 4.6/5

958 reviews

A grandiose project by German architects of the early 20th century. The station was supposed to become a major railway hub connecting the Ottoman Empire with Damascus, Cairo, Jerusalem and Medina. But history has ordered otherwise – the empire fell and Haydarpash was destined for a more modest role. Now the station serves the internal eastern routes to the borders with Iran, Armenia and Syria.

Open time

Gülhane Park

 4.7/5

58990 reviews

A city park designed for strolling and taking a break from the summer heat of Istanbul. It is famous for its large number of rose beds, which have been preserved since the Sultan’s time. Gulhane was once part of the palace complex, and only the ruler and courtiers had the right to walk in the park. At the end of the XIX century it was opened for all comers. There is a large playground, a café, a small zoo and an aquarium on the territory.

Open time

İstanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall

 4.2/5

73921 reviews

The best place for shopping and the sixth largest shopping centre in the world. On 6 floors there are about 400 shops, dozens of cafes and restaurants. As in the leading European capitals, here you can find products of all the most famous and promoted world brands, from democratic brands to designer houses. In the underground part of the building there is an amusement park.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Egyptian Bazaar

 4.5/5

161274 reviews

A traditional oriental bazaar where sellers can communicate with customers in many languages. It used to sell goods brought from the East: spices, herbs and medicines. Nowadays the bazaar is more oriented to tourists, so a significant part of its area is occupied by souvenir shops. You can also buy interesting jewellery, dishes, fabrics and carpets, oriental sweets.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Grand Bazaar

 4.4/5

141079 reviews

The largest covered market in the world, covering an area of 3,700 m². It is a whole “city within a city” with its own way of life, rhythm and laws. The bazaar consists of 66 streets and 4 thousand shops and shops. There are mosques, a school, a bathhouse, cafes, currency exchange offices and numerous warehouses. Every day the bazaar is visited by several tens of thousands of people. The trading platform appeared in the XV century immediately after the capture of Constantinople on the site of the old Byzantine market.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed