Things to do in Istanbul
A city on two continents
Istanbul spans both banks of the Bosphorus, between Europe and Asia. It has centuries-old mosques and palaces, covered bazaars and cafés on the water, and every neighbourhood has its own character.
Open Istanbul on the map
Places worth visiting
Hagia Sophia
One of the city's most famous and historic landmarks.
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, with its domes and six minarets.
Topkapı Palace
Home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, overlooking the Bosphorus.
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Galata Tower
A stone tower with panoramic views of the city.
The Bosphorus
A boat trip between the city's two shores.
Best time to visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October): mild weather and fewer crowds than summer.
Questions people ask
How should I plan one day in Istanbul?
Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque) in the morning, the Grand Bazaar at midday, and a Bosphorus cruise before sunset.
How do I get around Istanbul?
Trams, the metro and ferries cover most places, and GoDanio can order your stops by distance.