From Spectacular Cultural Sites to Tasty Spots Across the City

Sitting astride Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city where East meets West in a fascinating clash of cultures. Its food alone exemplifies this fusion, with ancient spice markets and contemporary waterfront restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Part of the joy of Istanbul lies in wandering its steps and side streets, following your nose to discover new sights and people. However, make time for these memorable experiences to fully immerse yourself in Istanbul’s soul and see this unique, many-layered city in its best light.

Get Steamed Up

For an authentic hammam experience, head to Çemberlitaş Hamamı. Bathers lie on a circular marble slab beneath a dome inset with glass stars, with rays of light piercing the steam. Afterwards, attendants scrub, press, and pummel you until you beg for mercy. For a more private, deluxe version, visit Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, whose new spa offers various hammam treatments in a restored stone house beside the Bosphorus.

Addresses:

• Çemberlitaş Hamamı, Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/İstanbul
• Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Merkez Mahallesi Meserburnu Caddesi, No: 5 Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450

Websites:

• cemberlitashamami.com
• sixsenses.com

 Must-See Mosques

Even those who find religious sights boring are inclined to visit Istanbul’s great mosques. The greatest of them all is the many-domed Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as The Blue Mosque for its hand-painted blue tiles. Right next door, the Hagia Sophia offers a radiant and golden interior, with light pouring through its high windows.

Addresses:

• The Blue Mosque, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
• Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Websites:

• sultanahmetcamii.org
• ayasofyacamii.gov.tr

And Modernity

Istanbul’s contemporary art scene is thriving. Take an art tour of Dolapdere, the city’s fast-emerging creative neighborhood. Two major galleries, Dirimart and Pilevneli, showcase lively exhibitions and large-scale installations by both international and Turkish artists. Arter, a contemporary art museum opened in 2019, houses Turkey’s first permanent collection of modern art alongside workshops, performances, and a café.

Addresses:

• Dirimart, Hacı Ahmet Mahallesi Irmak Caddesi DLP 1-9, 34440 Beyoğlu
• Pilevneli, Yenişehir, Irmak Cd. No:25, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
• Arter, Yenişehir, Irmak Cd. No:13, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Websites:

• dirimart.com
• pilevneli.com
• arter.org.tr

Set Sail at Sunset or Sunrise

Istanbul mornings start silvery, with sunlight dancing on the Bosphorus. Meanwhile, the setting sun paints the water gold and the skies fiery red. Watching the spectacle from the water is one of the most picturesque things to do in Istanbul. Charter a private boat, join a cruise, or simply hop on one of the public ferries plying the Bosphorus.

Head to a Bazaar

Shopping in Istanbul’s historic bazaars is a cultural experience. The Spice Bazaar is fragrant with heaps of bright spices, herbs, teas, and sweets. The Grand Bazaar, an ultimate Aladdin’s Cave, offers 3,600 shops with precious stones, silver, gold, stained-glass chandeliers, hand-knotted rugs, and handmade ceramics. Haggling is part of the experience, so do some research beforehand to get an idea of prices and leave room in your suitcase for your finds.

Addresses:

• The Spice Bazaar: Mısır Çarşısı, Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul
• The Grand Bazaar: Kapali Çarsi, Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul

Eat the Best Seafood

Turkish cuisine excels in seafood, despite its association with kebabs. Enjoy chargrilled octopus, buttery sea bass fillets, and fat prawns at Beyoğlu Fish Market. Low-key restaurants sit alongside fish stalls, while the nearby Art Nouveau arcade, Cicek Pasaji, offers a slicker seaside setting. Head to Galata Port and book a table at Sait for some of the city’s best seafood and fresh salads.

Addresses:

• Karakoy Fish House: Azapkapı, Fermeneciler Cd. No:35, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
• Sait: Kılıçali Paşa Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Sok. O1 Blok No:8 D:102 Galataport, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Website:

• sait.com.tr

Swim and Cycle on Trotsky’s Island Home

The offshore Princes’ Islands are a retreat for wealthy Istanbulites. Büyükada, the largest island, was home to Trotsky during his exile. The car-free island can be explored by renting a bike, with its forested interior and half-dozen beaches. Stay at the Splendid Palace Hotel, eye-catching in white and red.

Address:

• Splendid Palace Hotel, Büyükada-nizam, Yirmiüç Nisan Cd. No: 39, 34970 Adalar/İstanbul

Dance Like a Dervish

Whirling Dervish shows like those at Galata Tower cater to tourists. For a more authentic experience, head to Lucca in Bebek. By day, it’s a bistro and cocktail bar; by night, it transforms into a glam party destination with DJs and a packed crowd.

Address:

• Lucca, Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd. 51/A, 34342 Sarıyer/İstanbul

Website:

• luccastyle.com

Sleep in an Ottoman Palace

Ottoman sultans commissioned extraordinarily lavish residences. Many are now museums, like Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe, while others are hotels. The grandest is the 19th-century Ciragan Palace, a waterfront building in creamy marble. Now run by Kempinski, its Sultan Suite is one of the most luxurious and expensive in the world. For a more affordable taste of the empire, consider a two-bedroom restored Ottoman Mansion.

Address:

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No:32, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Sunday Rootling

On Sundays, visit the antique market in Feriköy, Sisli. This market offers unique treasures and proper bargains, with discarded ephemera from the Ottoman era, old paintings, musical instruments, aristocratic jewels, vintage rugs, and gold tea sets.

Address:

• Feriköy Antika Pazarı, Cumhuriyet, Semt Pazarı No:8, 34380 Şişli/İstanbul

Website:

• ferikoyantikapazari.com

Find Jesus

Istanbul, once Constantinople, has a vibrant Christian community and spectacular churches. Start at the Greek Patriarchate, the heart of the Greek Orthodox world. Nearby, visit the Bulgarian Church of St Stephen, made entirely of iron. In Beyoğlu, see St. Anthony of Padua on Istiklal Caddesi, popular at Christmas, and the Anglican Crimean Memorial Church with its evening bells.

Addresses:

• Greek Patriarchate: Sadrazam Ali Paşa Caddesi No: 35, Fatih/İstanbul
• Bulgarian Church of St Stephen: Mürselpaşa Caddesi. No: 10, Balat
• St. Anthony of Padua Church: İstiklal Caddesi No. 171, Beyoğlu
• Crimean Memorial Church: Serdar-i Ekrem Caddesi No. 52, Beyoğlu

Websites:

• patriarchate.org
• svetistephan.com
• sentantuan.com

Eat on the Street

Istanbul’s street food is delicious and safe. Start the day with a simit, a sesame-covered roll. For lunch, try balık ekmek, a fresh grilled fish fillet in crusty bread. For dinner, opt for kumpir, baked potatoes with dozens of toppings. Finally, for dessert, have a maraş dondurma, a chewy and stretchy Turkish ice cream.

Have an Asian Adventure

Cross continents to explore Istanbul’s Asian side. Take a ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy, or Beşiktaş, or cross one of the bridges or tunnels. In Kadıköy and Moda, visit Çiya for authentic Anatolian cuisine, then experience the vibrant nightlife.

Address:

• Çiya, Güneşlibahçe Sokak No 43, Kadıköy

Website:

• ciya.com.tr

Take a Walk on the Waterside

Karaköy’s shoreline has been transformed into an arts, culture, and entertainment zone. The passenger terminal is underground, while the walkway can be raised for massive liners. Enjoy high-end shopping, coffee at Baylan, lunch at Liman, and art at Istanbul Modern and Paket Postanesi. The Peninsula Istanbul will open this year, and the new Renzo Piano-designed Istanbul Modern opens in the autumn.

Addresses:

• Galataport, Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi No: 14, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
• The Peninsula Istanbul, Kemankeş Caddesi No. 34, Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Websites:

• galataport.com
• peninsula.com

Visit the Historic Peninsula

A stroll around Sultanahmet takes you to Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. Don’t miss the Basilica Cistern, an eerie and echoing underground site. Beyond the major landmarks, wander the small streets, sip coffee in pretty courtyards, and explore the colorful bazaar.

Addresses:

• Topkapı Palace: Cankurtaran, Fatih/İstanbul
• Hagia Sophia Sultan Ahmet: Ayasofya Meydanı No: 1, Fatih/İstanbul
• The Blue Mosque: Sultanahmet Camii, At Meydanı Caddesi No: 10, Fatih/İstanbul
• Basilica Cistern: Yerebatan Sarnıcı, Yerebatan Caddesi No: 1, Fatih/İstanbul

Websites:

• muze.gen.tr
• sultanahmetcami.org
• yerebatan.com