Istanbul is a unique fusion of history, culture, and modernity, and it's a terrific destination for travelers!

Spanning both Europe and Asia and separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this city provides a unique opportunity to experience two very different vibes and cultures. The European side is comprised of the "Old City" (containing most of the historical sites) and the "New City" ( the more modern part). Be sure to spend time in both. It's also worth a trip to the Asian side for a complete Istanbul experience.

Below are what we believe to be the 12 best things to see in Istanbul...made even more fun by tasty cuisine (beyond kabobs) and friendly people.

Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom)

The Hagia Sophia (pronounced HAH-yuh soh-FEE-uh) was built in 537 A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I after the Roman Empire relocated their capital from Rome to Constantinople. It was an engineering and architectural marvel, and stood as the worlds largest cathedral for almost a thousand years! It is a beautiful combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Following the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, it was converted to a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II, and minarets were added. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is still a functioning mosque today. While easily doable with an audio guide, we recommend hiring a local guide to enhance the pure history with a local perspective.

Blue Mosque

Known locally as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque was completed in 1617 and remains a functioning mosque today. It’s considered an iconic monument to Ottoman architecture and is stunningly beautiful inside. It gets its nickname from the 20,000+ handmade Iznik tiles that adorn the interior in beautiful blue hues and floral patterns. The Blue Mosque has six minarets which is unusual and a symbol of prestige, and its grand domes are visible from many vantage points around Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is a marvel of Byzantine engineering that once supplied water to Constantinople’s Great Palace. It’s the most famous and largest of the ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul. James Bond fans will recognize the scene in “From Russia with Love” where Sean Connery rows through this cistern. This place is awesome and a must see!

Sultan Mehmed Mosque (Fatih Mosque)

The Sultan Mehmed Mosque is the third of the large mosques in central Istanbul. Completed in 1470, the mosque complex originally included schools, libraries, and a hospital, making it a significant religious and cultural center. It is located on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, and its elevated position gives it commanding views of the surrounding area. This was well worth the hike up the hill!

Topkapi Palace

Built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 1460s, Topkapi Palace served as the royal residence and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until the 1850s, and offers a glimpse into royal life and the empire's cultural and political past. Although audio guides are available, Topkapi is massive, so having a local guide is very helpful. After the tour, take time to walk the grounds and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Be sure to visit the rear courtyard - the views of the Bosphorus Strait are spectacular!

Dolmabahçe Palace

Completed in 1856, Dolmabahçe Palace served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until Türkiye became an independent republic in 1924. Take the self-guided audio tour. It provides a great summary of the functionality of the rooms and beautiful artwork within. Situated on the banks of the Bosphorus, the grounds are certainly worth a stroll and will guarantee some great pictures.

Galata Tower

Surrounded today by a vibrant neighborhood of shops, bars and restaurants, the Galata Tower is a 14th century surveillance tower built to protect Istanbul from invaders. Today, the top floor houses a restaurant and provides terrific views of the city. It recently reopened and tickets are required to enter and climb the steps - be sure to book well in advance!

Galataport

Galataport is a unique waterfront complex on the European side of Istanbul, combining an upscale blend of boutique shopping and lively restaurants. It offers an opportunity to stroll along the beautiful Bosphorus enjoying great views of the Asian side across the strait. Can’t go wrong spending an evening here for dinner and a stroll along the waters edge.

Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar)

As soon as you enter this market, you’ll instantly pick up the powerful scent from hundreds of spices on sale. In addition to a plethora of spices, you’ll find nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, Turkish delight and assortments of Turkish cheeses and smoked or dried meats. Outside, you’ll find coffee shops and additional stalls selling fresh foods.

Grand Bazaar

This is one of those places you should go just to experience it. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 streets and ~4000 shops! It’s a bit of a labyrinth, and you can easily get lost if you are not paying attention. This is definitely worth a visit…and you may find a treasure or two. Haggling is expected at the Grand Bazaar, and paying in cash helps too!

Visit the Asian Side of Istanbul

Travel like a local and take the ferry from Eminonu station to Kadikoy station. While the key historical sites and main commercial activity are on the European side, the majority of Istanbul’s population lives on the Asian side and commutes back and forth. Here you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods that are distinctly different from each other in terms of culture, markets, cafes, shops, restaurants and nightlife. You’ll also notice everything is less expensive on the Asian side. Simply wander, explore and enjoy, or try a food tour to taste some of the local treats.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Lastly, don’t leave Istanbul without taking a sunset cruise up and down the Bosphorus Strait. Complete with a knowledgeable guide, they mainly depart near the Galataport and provide a relaxing perspective of both sides of Istanbul. The cruise takes about two hours, with snacks and Turkish tea included. Wine is usually available for purchase. The sun setting behind the Galata neighborhood is not to be missed!

Istanbul showcases its unique mix of cultures and histories and invites you to explore its enchanting past and its vibrant present. This city promises a journey of cultural immersion and vacation memories at every step. I hope you were inspired to add Istanbul to your travel bucket list so you can experience these 12 best things for yourself!

Keep dreaming, keep exploring,

and keep making memories.

All my best,

Deb

Deb Pentek is the Owner / Travel Agent of Vacation Memories by Deb, LLC. She is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Born and raised on the east coast, she relocated to the Chicago area with her family. She and her husband have enjoyed traveling with their two (now adult) children, from Disney to Europe, South America, Africa and Japan. She and her husband now travel together to check off their never-ending bucket list. Deb's extensive travel has taught her much, and she loves sharing travel tips and booking exciting trips for her clients. She strives to create amazing vacation memories to last a lifetime.