The 35 best things to do in Istanbul: from Belgrad Forest to the Bosphorus

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The 35 best things to do in Istanbul

Navigating a city as dense with interest as Istanbul can feel daunting, but this guide has you covered — from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Plan a hamam visit, go treasure hunting at antique markets, feast on incredible food and more in this vibrant metropolis.

1. Walk inside a wooded wonderland at Belgrad Forest

One of Istanbul's most cherished green spaces, Belgrad Forest is a wooded wonderland spanning more than 1,300 acres. A popular weekend spot, it has picnic areas and a 6.5 km track for joggers and walkers. Don't miss the nearby Atatürk Arboretum, a lesser-known but equally divine green space.

2. Put your bargaining hat on at the Grand Bazaar

Among the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar features thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets. Even without buying, the historic atmosphere is its true appeal — but if you do shop, bargain hard.

3. Admire the blooming tulips at Gülhane Park

Located next to Topkapı Palace on the tip of the historic peninsula, Gülhane Park is one of the city's biggest and most beautiful parks — a sanctuary in the crowded old city.

4. Take a tour of Büyükada

Büyükada is the biggest of the nine Princes' Islands off Istanbul's coast. Hop on a ferry from Kabataş or Bostancı, then rent a bicycle to explore Ottoman-era mansions and climb to Aya Yorgi Church for Marmara Sea views.

5. Get nostalgic at the Museum of Innocence

Inspired by Orhan Pamuk's novel, the Museum of Innocence sits in Çukurcuma, where much of the book unfolds. It's a must for anyone interested in Istanbul's cultural and material history.

6. Stroll through Çiçek Pasajı

Built in 1876, Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) is one of Istanbul's most beautiful arcades. Enjoy a beer with chips while soaking in its nostalgic ambience.

7. Brush up on ancient history at the Archaeology Museum

Turkey's first museum, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum is divided into Archaeology, Ancient Orient and Islamic Art sections, with artefacts from across the ancient world.

8. Shop for spices at the Spice Bazaar

Built in the 16th century, the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) sells spices, Turkish delight, teas and dried fruits in colourful pyramid-like mounds.

9. Get a full body scrub at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam

Built between 1578-1583 by Mimar Sinan and reopened in 2012, this architectural masterpiece is the best place for the unmissable hamam ritual. Women in the morning, men in the afternoon.

10. Marvel at contemporary art in Istanbul Modern

Founded in 2004, Istanbul Modern is Türkiye's first museum of modern and contemporary art, set on the Bosphorus waterfront with a postcard-worthy viewing terrace.

11. Witness a breathtaking performance at the AKM

The Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM) reopened in 2021, its crown jewel a 2,040-seat opera hall beneath a globe coated in 15,000 red ceramic tiles.

12. Treat yourself to a shopping spree in Nişantaşı

One of Istanbul's most affluent neighbourhoods, Nişantaşı is famed for high-end shopping, fine dining and a contemporary art scene, from Fey and Begüm Khan to Beymen and Vakko.

13. Dig for hidden treasures at the Feriköy Flea Market

Every weekend: Saturday's organic food market and Sunday's antique dealers selling vinyl, old books, magazines and film posters.

14. Order off a meze tray at Asmalı Cavit

An intimate meyhane in Beyoğlu, Asmalı Cavit pairs seafood classics like octopus salad and karides güveç with meaty delights like muska böreği and yaprak ciğer.

15. Vintage shopping on Serdar-ı Ekrem street

A cobblestone street in Galata lined with cafes and boutiques. Visit Baston Vintage, Public Vintage and Underground Vintage, ending with a dramatic view of Galata Tower.

16. Pause for reflection at St. Antoine Church

Istanbul's largest Catholic church, built 1906-1912 in Venetian Neo-Gothic style, offering masses in English, Turkish, Polish and Italian.

17. Listen to live jazz at Bova

Opened in 2017 on Beyoğlu's Mis street, Bova hosts a nightly lineup of exceptional jazz artists from around the country.

18. Dance the night away at Minimüzikhol

Founded in 2009 by local DJs, this hidden club in Cihangir transforms into a sonic refuge, with local and international DJs every Thursday to Saturday.

19. Grab a hot cup of joe at Petra Topağacı

One of Istanbul's leading coffee roasters, with a hidden branch in Nişantaşı serving single-origin coffees in a cosy 1930s-inspired interior.

20. See an amazing show with 8 legends

Legends of Istanbul is Turkey's first theatre show created for tourists — a 45-minute English-language performance at Abud Efendi Mansion, bringing figures like Medusa and Fatih Sultan Mehmet to life.

21. Travel back in time on the Tünel

Opened in 1875, the Tünel is the world's second-oldest underground railway, connecting Karaköy and Beyoğlu in a 90-second ride.

22. Scarf down a balık ekmek at Eminönü

Istanbul's most iconic street food, the fish sandwich is best enjoyed on the go along the Eminönü shore with Bosphorus views.

23. Eat out at the classic Karaköy Lokantası

One of Istanbul's most iconic restaurants, famed for hünkar beğendi — slow-cooked beef on creamy mashed eggplant — a remnant of Ottoman palace cuisine.

24. Catch a show at Frankhan

A Karaköy music venue with state-of-the-art sound and a 1,000-guest capacity, hosting artists from Kamaal Williams to Sudan Archives.

25. Have a night out at Bomontiada

Set in an old beer factory, Bomontiada houses the legendary Babylon venue, the Ara Güler Museum, Alt art space and five restaurants, plus free outdoor concerts in summer.

26. Gorge on a full Turkish breakfast at Emirgan Sütiş

One of the most coveted weekend breakfast spots on the Bosphorus, with fantastic egg dishes, pastries, sujuk, clotted cream with honey and simit.

27. Snack on classic candy at Altan Şekerleme

Opened in 1865 and still family-run, this classic candy shop makes the real deal in Turkish delight and homemade akide şekeri rock candy.

28. Be entranced by whirling dervishes at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge

Istanbul's oldest Mevlevi tekke, now a museum, hosts a weekly sema (whirling dervish) ceremony every Sunday at 17:00.

29. Wine and dine at Mikla

Helmed by chef Mehmet Gürs, Mikla atop the Marmara Pera Hotel is among the world's best restaurants, with sweeping Bosphorus views and creative Turkish-Scandinavian fine dining.

30. Tuck into a profiterole at İnci Pastanesi

Opened in 1944 on İstiklal Caddesi, İnci Pastanesi is famous for its profiteroles. Now in a nearby backstreet, it stays open until midnight.

31. Go to a concert at Salon IKSV

Run by the Istanbul Arts and Culture Foundation (İKSV), Salon in Beyoğlu features the city's best international bookings across jazz, rock, classical and world music.

32. Stuff your face with kumpir in Ortaköy

Turkey's answer to the jacket potato, kumpir is best devoured at the stands near Ortaköy pier with a view of the Bosphorus.

33. See an independent film at Kadıköy Sineması

Opened in 1967, this family-run cinema is one of Istanbul's oldest, retaining its original decor and ribbed auditorium ceiling.

34. Taste forgotten Anatolian recipes at Çiya Sofrası

In Kadıköy, Çiya serves Anatolian dishes made with ingredients from their native regions, from mualle to green plum stew.

35. Hang out with a cocktail at Arkaoda

On Kadife Sokak since 1999, Arkaoda is a cosy café by day and popular bar/club by night, a pioneer of Kadıköy's transformation into Istanbul's hippest neighbourhood.