Istanbul Attractions - The Top 10 Most Popular Attractions

Welcome to the colorful city of Istanbul! Here, oriental history meets modern globalization.

Around Sultanahmet Square, with its namesake mosque, tourists from all over the world line up to catch a glimpse of the impressive buildings.

Meanwhile, visitors stroll through the Grand Bazaar, surrounded by strong aromas. Street vendors offer sesame rings and freshly grilled corn on the cob. If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of this city of 14 million residents, you can find it on one of the many Vapurs that cross the Bosphorus every minute.

Our travel experts have searched for the most beautiful attractions in Istanbul for you. Here is our Top 10 for your city trip to Istanbul. Enjoy your exploration!

A masterpiece of late antiquity

Our number 1 of Istanbul attractions is regarded by tourists and locals alike as a popular destination: the Hagia Sophia.

Built in the 6th century, it served as a church for a long time, providing insight into the history of the city. This is why the Hagia Sophia is considered the last great work of late antiquity and an important part of Byzantine craftsmanship.

The mosque today

Since 1934, the Hagia Sophia has officially been a museum - and even one of the most famous in the Bosporus metropolis. This monument of Turkish history in the European part of Istanbul, specifically in Eminönü, can therefore be visited.

Did you know? After the conquest of what was then Constantinople by the Ottomans, the interior furnishings and bells of the Hagia Sophia were dismantled, plastered over, and the former Christian house of worship was transformed into the main mosque of the Ottomans.

Ubiquitous in Istanbul is the Bosphorus. The lifeblood of the metropolis defines the city's landscape like no other of the Istanbul attractions.

Divided or connected?

The 30 km long and up to 3,300 m wide river divides the city into two continents: Europe and Asia. Stroll along the river, watch the anglers on the Galata Bridge, or relax on a ferry (Vapur).

Since you have the best view of Istanbul from the Bosphorus, a multi-hour Bosphorus tour along the most beautiful Istanbul attractions is a must for every traveler.

Tip: Istanbul is the city of Manzara, the beautiful view. You can also enjoy breathtaking views over Istanbul from the bridges, the Galata Tower, or a bar terrace.

In the early morning hours, numerous tourists gather here to discover the history of Istanbul.

The district is named after Sultan Ahmed I, who ruled over the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617. Since 1985, this historically significant district has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Blue Mosque

The heart of the square is the Blue Mosque, which surpasses all other mosques in the city in beauty. In 1609, Sultan Ahmed commissioned the construction of this magnificent house of worship. Blue-and-white Iznik tiles adorn the walls, giving the mosque its nickname. The interior of the mosque is also impressive.

Tip: For visitors, cloths and clothing to cover the hair are provided before the mosque.

History flows from every corner of Istanbul. In some places, the long and eventful past of the city is even more apparent.

Especially the Old Town of the Eminönü district, not far from the heavily visited attractions, impresses with historical buildings and timeless beauty.

The peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn, is located in the south of Istanbul.

Attractions of the historical old town

Also part of this Istanbul attraction is the Grand Bazaar. A bit further towards the Galata Bridge lies the small Egyptian market. With oriental spices and exotic fruits, it invites you to indulge and enjoy.

Additionally, you can get from here to Karaköy and the central Taksim Square. Or you can relax in Gülhane Park, by the way, our number 9 on the list of the 10 most beautiful Istanbul attractions.

Our next Istanbul attraction takes you underground in the city. Yerebatan Sarnıcı, also known as the Sunken Palace or Basilica Cistern, offers a glimpse into ancient Istanbul.

Water for the King

The 140 m long underground cistern was built in the 6th century as a water reservoir for the Great Palace of Emperor Justinian. The basilica that once stood above the reservoir is unfortunately no longer present.

The clear water is interrupted by several columns. Spotlights provide some light in the darkness of the cistern. In a corner, there are two heads of Medusa that served as column foundations.

The cistern is located in Sultanahmet, just a few minutes' walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Tip: Want to go out and experience the real Istanbul? This is best done in Beyoğlu. The district is especially popular among young students.

The Topkapi Palace served as the residence and governing seat of the Ottoman sultans for many years. Covering an area of 69 hectares and housing up to 5,000 inhabitants, the palace was considered its own little city.

Today it attracts thousands of visitors and is one of the most popular museums in the city. Consisting of several buildings and flower-filled gardens, the palace is considered an architectural masterpiece. It also provides an interesting insight into the life of the sultans.

Inside the palace

In the four courtyards you will find exquisite building materials, armories, and Islamic relics. But the former harem of the sultan is also worth a visit. In 300 rooms, up to 2,000 harem women lived at the same time.

The many ornaments, colorful tiles, and decorations impress numerous visitors every year. Additionally, you get a unique view of the Bosphorus from here.

There are many mosques in the Bosphorus metropolis. Besides the Blue Mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque is also worth a visit.

Named after Sultan Suleiman, who commissioned its construction, it has served as a place of worship since 1557. The architect of the Suleymaniye Mosque was Sinan, one of the most significant Ottoman architects.

The UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul

The mosque and courtyard sit atop the third hill of Istanbul's old town. Both can be seen from the Bosphorus. The mosque courtyard also includes a cemetery and some Islamic mausoleums.

Inside, an oversized chandelier impresses, reaching almost to the ground. With a height of 50 m and a diameter of 27 m, the mosque is the second largest in Istanbul. Discover our number 7 of the most popular Istanbul attractions.

Rule for a mosque visit: 1. Legs and shoulders should be covered 2. Shoes are removed at the entrance (take a plastic bag with you to carry your shoes during the visit) 3. Women should wear a headscarf.

A visit to the Grand Bazaar is a must and the highlight of any Istanbul vacation.

Upon entering the large halls, you're immediately surrounded by thousands of aromas, various languages, and countless shops. If you bothered to count them, you would find a total of 3,300. Plus, there are 20,000 merchants and half a million visitors daily.

Oriental delicacies and souvenirs

Besides tourist souvenirs, you can find artistic copper plates and porcelain bowls in the classic Iznik style here. You will also find colorful scarves and, of course, the obligatory tea houses.

Numerous fresh and dried fruits, coffee specialties, and Turkish delight provide gourmet moments. For centuries, the bazaar has served as a gathering place and trading center. It's no wonder Mehmet II had the bazaar built close to the palace.

Between mosque visits and after exciting sightseeing, green spaces provide relaxation.

Be sure to visit Gülhane Park. It is located in the Fatih district, just a few minutes' walk from Topkapi Palace.

Formerly the King's Garden

Once, Gülhane Park was a non-public part of the palace. Today, it is considered a green public park, where walkers and tourists mingle. Relax in the tea gardens or listen to one of the live concerts in summer: Gülhane Park offers visitors a wide range of leisure activities.

In the northern part of the park stands the 15 m high Gotthard Column, which was erected here to commemorate the victory of Ostrom over the Goths.

Tip: Also near the park is the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, which was inaugurated in 2008. Be sure to check it out!

Another green oasis amid the heavily visited city is our number 10 of the Istanbul attractions.

You can reach the idyllic Prince Islands by one of the Vapurs that run along the Bosphorus hourly. The island group is located about 20 kilometers southeast of the Bosphorus in the Sea of Marmara.

The holiday islands

In total, the Prince Islands comprise nine islands. The largest is called Büyükada. Historically, the islands served the residents of Istanbul as a relaxing holiday or weekend destination. A plus: Here, you can enjoy not only the tranquility of the green oasis but also take a leisurely swim in the Sea of Marmara.

Of course, the large, elaborately designed mosques and the Bosphorus are among the most popular attractions in Istanbul. But hidden gems like the Sunken Palace and the bustling bazaars also embody the spirit of the city.

Have you been to Istanbul yet?