From shopping to art, from history to nature and from religious sites to the daily life of locals, you will see all the different faces of Istanbul.
Ortaköy Square
41
12
Stop by Ortaköy Square to soak up the atmosphere and mingle with the hip young couples spilling out of the cafés. There’s also a beautiful baroque mosque perched on the waterfront – it’s one of the finest examples of work by the famous Balyan family of architects. This recently renovated masterpiece is definitely worth seeing.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
SALT Galata
41
14
If you enjoy feeding your mind with creative exhibitions, losing yourself in libraries, admiring spectacular views and relishing delicious food, chances are SALT Galata will turn out to be your favourite spot in the city!
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Grand Bazaar
39
9
Although the Grand Bazaar is notorious for its persistent shopkeepers, it’s still an enjoyable place to explore for its unique atmosphere. Built in the 15th century, the building spans almost 55,000 square metres and houses over 3000 shops and stalls.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Mısır Çarşısı
34
9
If you don’t have the time or patience to visit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Mısır Çarşısı is a well-located alternative. Stallholders are happy to share their wares, so stop by and sample, sniff and admire the myriad of delicacies on offer! They also sell leather products and souvenirs.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Bomonti Flea Market
31
3
What else awaits you at Bomonti? Leather jackets, shoes and boots, sunglasses, jewellery, record players and gramophones, snakeskin handbags… The list is endless!
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Yıldız Park
16
5
Bring a rug, grab some food and enjoy a picnic under the trees. Locals flock to the city’s green spaces on sunny days, so arrive early to get a good spot. You can also eat and drink at the pavilions – the restaurants are pleasant and they boast pretty Bosphorus views.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Zeyrek Camii
9
2
It comprises three buildings: two former Eastern Orthodox churches and a chapel. There’s a very nice restaurant nearby called Zeyrekhane where you can have something to eat or drink after your visit.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Doğançay Museum
7
2
Burhan Dogançay and his father Adil Dogançay are two of Turkey’s most important painters. Don't miss the opportunity to see their incredible art! Note that the Museum’s façade is very narrow, so keep an eye out for the entrance.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Jewish Museum of Turkey
6
1
Come here to learn about the history and life of the Sephardi Jews who, in 1492, were expelled from Spain by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, and welcomed into Ottoman Empire territories by Sultan Bayezid II.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Elgiz Museum
6
2
It houses the Elgiz family collection, which includes many important works by acclaimed Turkish and foreign artists such as Ömer Uluç, Fahrelnissa Zeid, Abdurrahman Öztoprak, Tracey Emin, Jan Fabre, Barbara Kruger, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, Sol LeWitt, Peter Halley, Paul McCarthy, Robert Rauschenberg and Doug Aitken.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list: