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Istanbul

This magical meeting place straddling two continents has more top-notch attractions than it has minarets (and that's a lot).

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Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Sultanahmet
Right in the heart of İstanbul’s historic center, this sacred Byzantine building remains an important symbol of power.
Topkapı Palace
Sultanahmet
Topkapı is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful…
Kariye Mosque
Istanbul
İstanbul has more than its fair share of Byzantine monuments, but few are as drop-dead gorgeous as this mosaic- and fresco-laden church. Nestled in the…
Süleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul
The Süleymaniye crowns one of İstanbul's seven hills and dominates the Golden Horn, providing a landmark for the entire city. Though it's not the largest…
Basilica Cistern
Sultanahmet
This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul, it was…
Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet
İstanbul's most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site facing…
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul
The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is the heart of İstanbul's Old City and has been so for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse)…
Pera Museum
Beyoğlu
There's plenty to see at this impressive museum, but its major draw is undoubtedly the 2nd-floor exhibition of paintings featuring Turkish Orientalist…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Neighborhoods

Explore the distinct neighborhoods of Istanbul with this guide to what to expect in each one.

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Day Trips

Tear yourself away from vibrant Istanbul and discover wonderful countryside and charming towns. Here are our 15 favorite day trips from Istanbul.

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Transportation

Istanbul's scale and traffic jams can be daunting to travelers but the city's compact center and transport options make it a breeze if you're in the know.

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Free Things to Do

From mosques and markets to art galleries and monuments, some of Istanbul's best sites don't cost a thing.

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