Discover the perfect İstanbul getaway with our guide to the city’s top attractions, from historic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods to world-class cuisine and shopping
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With its millennia-spanning heritage and wide array of cultural offerings, culinary jewels and breathtaking vistas that straddle both Europe and Asia, İstanbul is a sublimely beautiful destination – one that’s sure to inspire visitors from all walks of life. Whether you’re a culture and history buff or a nature lover, a foodie or an avid shopper, here are our top suggestions on how to experience the city like a true local during a long weekend in the city.
For history buffs
The historic peninsula where İstanbul was born is a true treasure trove, offering a wealth of exceptional landmarks to be explored during a delightful day’s stroll starting from Sultanahmet Square.
Discover archaeological masterpieces and Ottoman palaces
Visit the recently renovated İstanbul Archaeological Museums to explore masterpieces of antiquity, including an impressive collection of sarcophagi depicting mythological scenes as well as the world’s first known love poem carved on terracotta and dating back 4,000 years to the time of the Sumerians.
Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, gives visitors the chance to discover the splendour of the empire’s court and the beautifully tiled harem –the private chambers where the sovereign lived with his family. The palace is a unique maze of courtyards, pavilions, kiosks and chambers now used as exhibition halls displaying iconic pieces from the renowned collection.
Visit İstanbul’s timeless monuments
Feel an enveloping peace under the cascading domes of the Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye and Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosques. Visit the recently inaugurated Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum to learn the unique story of this awe-inspiring monument. Discover the distinct aquatic heritage of the city, including the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel adorned with columns brought from ancient temples.
For culture enthusiasts
To feel a part of the vibrant city culture, one should venture deeper into the neighbourhoods of İstanbul, each a microcosm in its own right. Here is a quick itinerary, from the heart of Beyoğlu to the shores of Kadıköy.
Eat and shop your way through İstiklal Street
İstiklal Street, the city’s famous 2-km pedestrian thoroughfare, has been the centre of food, arts and entertainment for more than a century. Start your adventurous walk from Taksim Square. This celebrated urban nexus is the city’s cultural heartbeat once again, thanks to the renovated Atatürk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi), a vanguard palace for the performance arts.
Explore the well-heeled Galata neighbourhood and more
After making its way past several architectural jewels —the alluring 19th-century townhouses and imposing St. Antuan Church Spring to mind – İstiklal Street makes its way to the Galata neighbourhood. Here you’ll quickly be swept into the city’s buzzing contemporary life, with its wide array of fashion and design studios, art galleries, coffee houses, fine-dining restaurants and scenic terrace lounges all lining the cobbled streets that culminate in the 14th-century Galata Tower.
Next, take a nostalgic ride on the 19th-century underground funicular line, the Tünel, connecting Galata to Karaköy. A short distance away, the Tophane neighbourhood awaits those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s contemporary art scene.
Cross the Bosphorous and explore Kadıköy
After exploring İstanbul Modern, the city’s newly reopened modern art destination, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, continue to see the full expanse of Galataport. This unique 1.5-km waterfront complex boasting the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal also offers exclusive fashion stores, art spaces and a fine selection of food and cocktail purveyors on the Bosphorus (İstanbul Strait). And here, hop on a ferry from Karaköy or Beşiktaş for a scenic ride to Kadıköy on the city’s Asian side. Time permitting, enjoy the sunset over the historic peninsula or turn your attention to the shimmering lights of the recently renovated Maiden’s Tower as you near the other continent.
As a thriving art and cultural district, Kadıköy has an undeniably youthful vibe and lively street energy. Explore the Kadıköy Market as well as Moda Street, the latter of which will connect you to the wonderful coastal parks that are among the most popular weekend hangout spots for locals and newcomers alike.
For foodies
From Ottoman palace cuisine and fresh fish from the Bosphorus coast to unique gourmet experiences provided by restaurants making the lists of the world’s best, there’s so much to explore for dedicated gourmands in this city of never-ending flavours.
Tuck into delicious Turkish breakfast and street food
Starting your day with a classical Turkish breakfast is a must when you are in İstanbul. Prepare for an expansive feast and its plethora of salty and sweet delectables, including the regional egg dish, menemen, cured meats, local cheese and olive varieties, jams, fruits and nuts, and local bread types (the sesame seed-crusted simit is a favourite), as well as a brimming pot of Turkish black tea, of course!
Street food stalls and vendors are plentiful throughout the city. Delicious options include simit, kestane kebap (grilled chestnuts) and közde mısır (roasted corn), as well as sandwiches of fried fish or mussels, midye dolma (mussels stuffed with aromatic rice), kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines served in sandwich bread), lahmacun (paper thin flatbread with minced meat on top) and döner kebap.
Savour baklavas
The Karaköy neighbourhood has some of the city’s best baklava shops, where you can explore a huge selection of flaky phyllo sheets that are filled with pistachios, walnuts or almonds before being soaked in syrup ―a perfect way to replenish your energy for the remainder of your day ahead.
Have a feast in a traditional meyhane, where a rich selection of mezes (cold and hot appetizers) is accompanied by glasses of rakı (the region’s famed anise liqueur) – a terrific setting for long chats among friends and the occasional street musician. Indulge in the imaginative tasting menus of a new generation of restaurants with MICHELIN Star, celebrating and expounding on Anatolia’s rich tradition of recipes and ingredients. These bites are well-paired with local wines, selected from Türkiye’s burgeoning boutique vineyards.
For style hunters
If you’re on the lookout for something to take home, İstanbul has many choices for every interest and budget. The Grand Bazaar is an assault on the senses, with its endless stalls selling everything from jewellery to textiles. For spices, sweets, and Turkish coffee, the Spice Bazaar is your spot. And there are more options.
Pick up trinkets at its bazaars
Visit the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) for classics like hamam accessories (olive oil soaps and pesthemals) and jewellery, as well as exquisite textiles and kilims. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), on the other hand, has been flourishing since its opening in 1664 with its iconic mounds of spices in a full spectrum of colours and traditional sweets, dried fruits and nuts, as well as freshly roasted Turkish coffee.
The neighbourhood of Çukurcuma is a hidden gem for antique lovers. This network of unassuming streets is nestled with cosy shops selling everything from vintage toys to coffee cups, Ottoman-style accessories and furniture.
Galataport and the adjacent Post Office Fashion Galleria should be on your itinerary for seeking the best in local fashions and designs. With their charming boutiques and flagship stores of local and international brands, Nişantaşı and Bağdat Street for a full day of shopping indulgence
For nature lovers
İstanbul has ample waterways, an aquatic culture, islands and beaches, and adjoining forests galore! For those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle, the beauty of nature is just a stone’s throw away.
Enjoy a sunset onboard a ferry
No İstanbul visit would be complete without a trip along Bosphorus – the impressive 30-km natural waterway bringing Europe and Asia continents together. You can hop on a commuter or tourist ferry departing from Eminönü. Or perhaps book a private yacht at sunset and enjoy the refreshing breezes and verdant shores. The small coastal neighbourhoods of Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme and Bebek await as well.
Finally, a pleasant hourlong ferry ride will take you to the Princes’ Islands, long admired by residents as a wistful escape from city life. The islands are renowned for their acclaimed fish restaurants, pristine hotels and guesthouses. This cluster of nine small islands offers car-free cobblestone streets framed by historic mansions, many festooned with mimosas, bougainvillea, and other colourful flowers.
For more information, please visit https://goturkiye.com/
Meanwhile…
İstanbul’s dynamic food scene invites an unforgettable journey through a diverse range of flavours, appealing to the discerning tastes of dedicated food lovers. Enhancing İstanbul’s culinary landscape, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul showcases the city’s dining excellence.
Presenting a carefully curated selection of 77 recommended restaurants celebrated for their exceptional quality, 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul applauds the nation’s refined palate.
Recognising excellence, it highlights one restaurant honoured with One MICHELIN Star (TURK Fatih Tutak) and signifies the city’s top-tier culinary offering with Two MICHELIN Stars (Arkestra, Sankai by Nagaya, Araka, Nicole, Mikla and Neolokal). Additionally, it commends 18 Bib Gourmand spots known for their high-quality meals at exceptional value, alongside 52 selected restaurants.
Circle by Vertical and Neolokal are two eco-responsible restaurants honoured with the MICHELIN Green Star. Tuğra Restaurant has been awarded with a MICHELIN Service Award while The Red Balloon received a MICHELIN Young Chef Award.
