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4
WHAT TO DO
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
ACCOMMODATION
USEFUL INFO
WHAT TO DO
Landmarks, museums and other fun things to do while in Istanbul? You can find my favourites here, with my tips included.
You can easily book your tickets by clicking on the link I attached to each recommendation.
Topkapi Palace is a museum complex, with its main attraction being the Harem and other buildings presenting the Sultan's residence and his everyday life. The Palace has a rich and beautiful collection showing interesting parts of history - definitely...
Topkapi Palace
Today this beautiful building operates as museum presenting the residence and everyday life of Ottoman Sultans in the 19th and early 20th century. It's also a great spot for gorgeous pictures - especially the gates overlooking the sea.
My tip: book ...
Dolmabahce Palace
It was the Sultan's summer residence, today it's a museum. A good idea for your visit of the Asian side of the city.
My tip: book your ticket in advance to avoid/minimise queueing.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Go up to the top of the tower for a beautiful, panoramic view of Istanbul. There is also a restaurant at the top.
Galata Tower
Spectacular museum showing the largest underground cistern under the city of Istanbul, from ancient times.
My tip: book your ticket in advance online to avoid/minimise queueing.
Basilica Cistern
It's a historically very intersting mosque, and probably the most famous one in Istanbul. You can't travel to Istanbul without visiting this mosque. You can buy a combined ticket to enter the Hagia Sophia Museum as well.
My tip: buy your ticket in a...
Hagia Sophia Mosque
A must-see mosque in Istanbul. It's beautiful and impressive in the inside and the outside. There is also a mini exhibition outside that tells you about history and islam, it's very interesting. You can enter the mosque free of charge.
My tip: make ...
The Blue Mosque
A particularly beautiful mosque in the old town. I definitely recommend you to stop by if you are in the area. You can enter for free.
My tip: make sure you go when it's not pray time. You can enter for free, but only when it's not pray time, as it'...
Yeni Mosque / New Mosque
You can't visit this city without having the Grand Bazaar experience. There are several bazaars in Istanbul but this is the one that stands out. Firstly, it's huge; secondly, you can find many very interesting items (though I recommend you to watch o...
Grand Bazaar
An indoor bazaar in the oldtown where they mainly sell spice, tea and sweets. Be prepared to receive a lot of tea and sweets to try :)
My tip: Turkish bazaar prices, even though they sell very similar products and are located in the same area, may d...
Spice Bazaar / Egyptian Bazaar
A relatively small but neat bazaar close to the Blue Mosque. It's worth to check out if you are nearby, they mostly have spices, sweets, carpets and ceramics.
My tip: Turkish bazaar prices, even though they sell very similar products and are located...
Arasta Bazaar
Crossing this bridge is part of the Istanbul starter pack. It's one of the city's famous bridges and an iconic place that when you visit it, you'll certainly say: it's a vibe. On the lower part of the bridge there are many restaurants and bars, while...
Galata Bridge
Taksim Square and its neighbourhood is the heart of Istanbul's nightlife. Shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, it's full of life day and night! It's also famous for its cute little red trams.
Taksim Square
It's a colourful, aesthetic neighbourhood with great photo spots and lots of cute cafés and shops. It's worth to check out if you are in the mood for a walk.
Balat Neighbourhood
Visiting the "hamam" was one of my favourite experiences in Istanbul, and I'm glad we opted for this place to try it. It's the spa of a hotel but you can book without being accommodated there.
My tip: make your reservation online, in advance. You ca...
Sultan Mehmed Hammam
There is a wide range of affordable sightseeing boat tours in Istanbul. We picked a 2 hour long trip with snacks and soft drinks included and had a great time.
Istanbul Sightseeing Cruise & Boat Trips
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Visiting Istanbul is a gastronomical adventure. Here are some restaurants and bars you must try during your stay here.
Turkish people are very generous and kind-hearted, you'll definitely get some treats as a gift or small portions to try. Most plac...
When in Turkey, the famous Turkish Breakfast is a must try - and if you're looking for a place to try it in the old town, Sultanahmet Palace Hotel's restaurant is the perfect place.
They give you a very generous portion for an affordable price. Swee...
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
We went there three times during our stay, their sweet treats are irresistible. Their baklava is the best I've ever tried in my life! They have other Turkish sweets too, which I recommend you to try. These places also have shops, so if you want to st...
Hafiz Mustafa 1864
If you visit the Asian side of Istanbul, I definitely recommend you to stop by at this cute café. The people working there are exceptionally friendly, warm and welcoming - nothing is better than that. It's a bonus that food and drinks are delicious, ...
Lalloli Café
San Sebastian cheescake on your Istanbul to-do list? You'll find many places that sell it, I've tried it here and they didn't disapoint. It was super delicious and the place also had good coffee.
Raweste Coffee
A great place to grab a drink and enjoy spectacular views of the sea. The place definitely doesn't lack good vibes and nice staff, the cocktails are perfect and the cats extra cute.
Marbella Restaurant & Bar
One more meal that you must try in Istanbul is kebab - and this restaurant makes it very well.
Sehzade Kebap Restaurant
ACCOMMODATION
Istanbul is a huge city and it's impossible to explore everything during one holiday. If it's your first time visiting, I recommend you to book an accommodation in Sultanahmet, the old town. The main attractions are either here or can be easily reach...
A small, peaceful hotel in the oldtown of Istanbul. It's located in a pleasant area, close to the sea, with the Blue Mosque being less than ten minutes walk from it. The rooms are clean, neat and equipped with everything you need. Breakfast was delic...
Sultanahmet Inn Hotel
USEFUL INFO
Everything else you need to know for your perfect stay in Istanbul.
Turkey's currency is Turkish lira. Most places accept card payment, so for me the easiest was to have some lira on my Revolut account. Revolut is simple and user-friendly, it's my go-to payment app when traveling. You can opt to pay virtually with NF...
Revolut
Istanbul is a huge city where you'll definitely need to rely on some kind of transportation. Public transport works well and is very affordable. I recommend you to buy the Istanbul public transport card right at the airport and top it up with some mo...
Istanbul Public Transportation Card
Do not drink tap water in Turkey! Buy bottled mineral water from supermarkets or drink from water stations that have mineral water.
Drinking water in Turkey?
