10 TOP Things to Do in Istanbul July 2025

Istanbul featuring a sunset, landscape views and general coastal views

Istanbul featuring religious elements, heritage architecture and a mosque

Topkapi Palace featuring a city, a bay or harbour and a river or creek

Galata Bridge which includes a bay or harbour, heritage architecture and central business district

Most fun & popular experiences in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

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Private & custom tours

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Daily Trip to House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Basilica of St...

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis Ancient City, Laodicea Ancient City

Classes & workshops

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Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

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What to do in Istanbul

Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Taksim Square

4.5/5(211 reviews)

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Blue Mosque

4.5/5(259 reviews)

The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(250 reviews)

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Grand Bazaar

4.5/5(268 reviews)

Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.

Galata Tower

4.5/5(148 reviews)

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Topkapi Palace

4.5/5(187 reviews)

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Bosphorus

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus during your travels in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus Bridge

4.5/5(186 reviews)

Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

Sultanahmet Square

4.5/5(127 reviews)

Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

Explore areas of Istanbul

Blue Mosque showing a pond, a mosque and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Taksim

4/5(131 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Kadıköy

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Istanbul City Center

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Beşiktaş

4/5(28 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Agva

Agva is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agva Beach and Aglayan Kayalar Park.

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