Top 10 Istanbul Attractions
Istanbul has attractions from several different periods of its history, from Byzantine churches and underground cisterns to Ottoman palaces, mosques, markets and waterfront landmarks.
Many of the most famous Istanbul attractions are concentrated around Sultanahmet and can be visited on foot. Other major sights are found around Galata, the Bosphorus, Beşiktaş and the Golden Horn.
Top Attractions in Istanbul
These are the places most first-time visitors include in an Istanbul itinerary.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia has stood at the center of Istanbul for almost 1,500 years. Built during the Byzantine period, it later became an Ottoman mosque, a museum and today functions again as a mosque.
Topkapi Palace
The former residence of Ottoman sultans overlooks the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Topkapi Palace guide → 03Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of Istanbul's best-known landmarks and remains an active place of worship in Sultanahmet.
Blue Mosque guide →Basilica Cistern
This large Byzantine underground reservoir sits only a short walk from Hagia Sophia and is known for its rows of columns and Medusa head bases.
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul's historic covered market contains thousands of shops spread across a network of streets and passages.
Grand Bazaar guide → 06Bosphorus
The strait dividing Europe and Asia is both part of daily life in Istanbul and one of the best ways to see the city.
Bosphorus cruise guide →Dolmabahçe Palace
Located directly beside the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe became the main administrative palace of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century.
Galata Tower
The medieval tower rises above Galata and offers panoramic views across the historic peninsula, Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
Attractions by Area
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern are all within a compact historic area.
Galata Tower, Istiklal Avenue, Galataport and Istanbul Modern are located around this side of the Golden Horn.
Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy, waterfront neighborhoods, palaces and bridges stretch along both shores.
More Istanbul Sights
An important Ottoman mosque complex overlooking the Golden Horn.
A historic market in Eminönü known for spices, sweets, tea and food products.
A major museum complex located beside Topkapi Palace and Gülhane Park.
One of Istanbul's most recognizable Bosphorus landmarks, located just offshore from Üsküdar.
Known for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the historic Edirnekapı district.
A group of islands in the Sea of Marmara reached by ferry from central Istanbul.
How Many Istanbul Attractions Can You Visit in One Day?
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are close together in Sultanahmet, but trying to visit every major attraction in one day can feel rushed. Two or three days gives most first-time visitors a better balance between historical sights, neighborhoods and the Bosphorus.
