Top 10 Best Free Things To Do in Istanbul

10 tips by 1 local

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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.

SALT Galata

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By Senem

Exhibition space, library & restaurant

SALT Galata

Locals adore this place. Set in the former Imperial Ottoman Bank headquarters in Karaköy, it offers top-notch art exhibitions and superb views. It also houses a specialised public library and archive, research spaces and a conference hall. Read more ›

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Ortaköy Square

11 2

By Senem

Water pipes, backgammon & baked potatoes

Ortaköy Square

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Grand Bazaar

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World’s oldest & biggest covered market

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is a great place to shop for gold, silver and souvenirs. If you’re good at bargaining, you can get authentic leather items, carpets, jewellery, scarves and souvenirs at very reasonable prices. Read more ›

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Mısır Çarşısı

9 2

By Senem

Istanbul's beloved spice bazaar

Mısır Çarşısı

Although it’s smaller than the Grand Bazaar, many locals prefer to shop at Mısır Çarşısı as it’s located close to Eminönü port. They come here to purchase top-quality spices, sweets, dried fruit, nuts and a range of other edible items. Read more ›

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Yıldız Park

7 1

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Enjoy a picnic in an old royal park

Yıldız Park

This lovely park is located in Beşiktaş right in the heart of Istanbul. With old Ottoman houses, scenic paths, flowers, duck ponds and tree-covered hills, it’s a picturesque place for a relaxing picnic. Read more ›

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Bomonti Flea Market

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Second-hand goodness

Bomonti Flea Market

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than rummaging through all manner of weird and wonderful paraphernalia at a local flea market? With around 200 stalls selling everything from old cameras, vinyls and books to clothing, toys and watches, this place is a veritable treasure trove. Read more ›

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Zeyrek Camii

3 1

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Historic Byzantine church

Zeyrek Camii

Located on a hillside overlooking the Golden Horn (“Haliç”) in the Fatih district, Zeyrek Mosque is the second largest religious structure built by the Byzantines still standing in Istanbul, the biggest being Hagia Sophia. Read more ›

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Jewish Museum of Turkey

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Zülfaris Synagogue

Jewish Museum of Turkey

This place is relatively unknown, even amongst locals. Zülfaris Synagogue dates back to 1671, but was closed in 1985 due to lack of community support. These days it functions as a Jewish museum. Read more ›

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Doğançay Museum

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Modern art & afternoon tea

Doğançay Museum

Burhan Dogançay is one of Turkey’s most prominent artists. He was largely inspired by urban walls and graffiti. Set in the bustling Beyoğlu district, this 150-year-old building houses a small part of his oeuvre along with a room showcasing his father’s work. Read more ›

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Elgiz Museum

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Turkey’s first contemporary art museum

Elgiz Museum

The Elgiz family opened this museum in 2001 to promote contemporary art in Turkey and provide a space for emerging artists to exhibit their work. It’s open to the public and free of charge. Read more ›

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Top 10 Best Free Things To Do in Istanbul

SALT Galata

Exhibition space, library & restaurant

SALT Galata

Ortaköy Square

Water pipes, backgammon & baked potatoes

Ortaköy Square

Grand Bazaar

World’s oldest & biggest covered market

Grand Bazaar

Mısır Çarşısı

Istanbul's beloved spice bazaar

Mısır Çarşısı

Yıldız Park

Enjoy a picnic in an old royal park

Yıldız Park

Bomonti Flea Market

Second-hand goodness

Bomonti Flea Market

Zeyrek Camii

Historic Byzantine church

Zeyrek Camii

Jewish Museum of Turkey

Zülfaris Synagogue

Jewish Museum of Turkey

Doğançay Museum

Modern art & afternoon tea

Doğançay Museum

Elgiz Museum

Turkey’s first contemporary art museum

Elgiz Museum

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Top 10 Best Free Things To Do in Istanbul

SALT Galata

Ortaköy Square

Grand Bazaar

Mısır Çarşısı

Yıldız Park

Bomonti Flea Market

Zeyrek Camii

Jewish Museum of Turkey

Doğançay Museum

Elgiz Museum

Become an influencer!

About

Community

Partnerships

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