Things to do in Istanbul
Bosphorus Tours6 optionsHagia Sophia Tickets115 optionsIstanbul Cruise103 optionsIstanbul Airport Transfer27 optionsBasilica Cistern Tickets70 optionsMuseums39 optionsDay Trips from Istanbul31 optionsIstanbul City Tour Package18 optionsIstanbul Walking Tour126 optionsDolmabahce Palace Tickets87 optionsBlue Mosque Tours105 optionsIstanbul Layover6 options
The unmissables
Most booked
Istanbul: Private Guided Tour Top Sights & Bosphorus Cruise★ 4.96 (10,180) · 7h–21h
Top rated
Istanbul food tour: Spice Market, Kadıköy & ferry crossing★ 4.96 (3,612) · 5h 30m
Best value
Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Drinks★ 4.93 (5,466) · 2h 15m
Recommended (7)
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table and Show★ 4.63 (3,204) · 3hUS$ 30View ›
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise & Ottoman Palaces★ 4.94 (2,497) · 2hUS$ 35View ›
Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Drinks & Pickup★ 4.88 (2,389) · 2h 30mUS$ 47View ›
Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: Asian Side, Kanlica & Palaces★ 4.97 (2,380) · 2h 30mUS$ 59View ›
Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Sunset Views★ 4.84 (2,168) · 2h 15mUS$ 35View ›
Istanbul Pub Crawl: Party Bus, VIP Club Entry & Free Shots★ 4.95 (2,154) · 7hUS$ 30View ›
Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise & Beylerbeyi Stop★ 4.93 (2,031) · 2hUS$ 11.71View ›Top rated (10)
Private Istanbul Food Tour: Karakoy & Kadikoy, All-InclusiveA private, all-inclusive food tour of Istanbul lasting 5–6 hours, starting in Karakoy with traditional Turkish breakfast and moving through Tophane before ferrying to Kadikoy on the Asian side. The guide covers all tastings, non-alcoholic beverages, and the ferry ticket; the itinerary adapts for vegetarians and food allergies, and concludes at Kadikoy ferry station so you can return to your hotel independently.Is it for me?Your guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary and the stories behind each dish without translation delays. This works well if you want to understand what you're eating and why locals choose these neighborhoods, rather than moving through stops in silence or with a group guide splitting attention across multiple languages.
Istanbul: Private Photoshoot Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & GalataYou’ll wander Istanbul’s most iconic spots—Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Galata Bridge—with a local photographer guiding you through real moments and laughter. Expect candid shots as well as classic portraits, plus tips on timing and light from someone who knows every corner. Same-day delivery means you’ll relive those memories almost instantly—and maybe see yourself (and Istanbul) differently afterward.
Istanbul Beyoğlu: Food Tour & Turkish Coffee with TastingsYou walk through Beyoğlu's side streets and fish market, tasting regional Turkish specialties from a pickle-maker, street vendors, grill joints and a hidden Armenian church. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee and tea are included, so you're eating constantly without stopping to pay. The tour takes around four hours and moves at a pace that lets you absorb the neighborhood's history through its food, not a guidebook.Is it for me?Book this if you want to eat your way through Istanbul's most layered neighborhood without arranging stops yourself or carrying cash between vendors — the guide knows where to go and what to taste, which is what turns a walk into a story.
Istanbul: Private Photoshoot Tour with Local PhotographerYou’ll wander Istanbul’s iconic streets with a local photographer who knows every angle—and every story behind them. Expect candid shots by Galata Tower, laughter on Istiklal Street with its famous tram, and quiet moments at the New Mosque. You’ll get your edited photos fast—plus a few memories you probably didn’t expect to keep thinking about.
Istanbul: Home Cooking Class & Market Walk in City CenterYou’ll wander through Kurtuluş market with your host, picking out fresh ingredients before heading back to cook classic Turkish dishes together in her home kitchen. Expect laughter over chopped herbs, stories passed down through generations, and a shared meal that feels more like family than class—a taste of true Istanbul warmth you’ll carry home.
Istanbul Basilica Cistern: Private Guide & Skip-the-Line EntryYou skip the entry queue with your private guide, who purchases tickets on-site while you begin exploring. Descend into a 6th-century underground chamber, see the Medusa statues, and learn how Justinian engineered water storage beneath an entire city. The private format means no group pace, no waiting, and the flexibility to spend as long as you want in the dark.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the Basilica Cistern without standing in an entry queue and prefer moving through at your own pace rather than with a large group — the private guide and skip-the-line access are what make both possible.
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Private Tour & Skip-the-Line EntryYou’ll step into Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia with a private guide who shares stories behind centuries-old mosaics and shifting faiths. Pay your entrance fee directly at the door, cover up as required (scarves available), and climb steep stairs to the upper gallery for views you might keep replaying later. The tour feels personal — more like being shown around by someone who really knows their way inside those walls.
Istanbul Airport Transfer: Private Minivan & 70-Min WaitYou arrive at IST, meet your driver at arrivals, and ride directly to your Istanbul hotel in a private minivan with no other passengers. Flight tracking means the driver knows if you're delayed. The 70-minute free wait covers customs and baggage claim, so you're not rushed. Fixed price, professional driver, and a smooth handoff to your accommodation — the kind of transfer that removes one entire decision from your arrival day.Is it for me?Right for travelers landing at IST without a car rental or local contact, since the driver waits at arrivals and the price is fixed before you land — a late arrival or flight delay stops being a problem at the curb. The 70-minute free wait means you're not rushed through customs and baggage claim.
Istanbul: Private Shore Excursion with Skip-the-Line & BazaarYou’ll step right into Istanbul’s living history—skip lines at Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, wander Sultanahmet Square with a local guide who knows every shortcut, sip apple tea in the Grand Bazaar, and still make it back to your ship on time. Every moment feels woven into the city itself.
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Blue Mosque Private TourYou walk with a local guide through Istanbul's four major empires—Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern—hitting Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar without waiting in line. The itinerary adapts to your interests, includes local food tastings, and uses public transport or walking to move through the city the way residents do. Choose 1, 2, or 3 days depending on how deep you want to go.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Istanbul's main landmarks—Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar—without arranging entry tickets, transport, or timing yourself; the private guide and skip-the-line access remove the logistics, and the customizable route means you spend time on what matters to you.
Lowest price (10)
Istanbul: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop with Tea & ArtisansYou’ll settle into a cozy Istanbul workshop surrounded by colored glass and laughter as local artisans guide you through creating your own Turkish mosaic lamp. Sip sweet tea while learning the old stories behind each design. No experience needed — just curiosity and maybe a steady hand (or not). You’ll leave with your own unique lamp and a memory that feels handmade too.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise 1 & 2-Hour Options with Audio GuideYou board a cruise boat and spend one or two hours on the Bosphorus, moving between the European and Asian shores while a multilingual audio guide (or live guide) explains the palaces, mosques, bridges and fortresses you pass. Free tea and WiFi are included, and a five-minute pause at the Maiden's Tower gives you time to photograph it properly. You're back on land by early afternoon or late morning, depending on which duration you choose.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want Istanbul's major waterfront landmarks without arranging separate transport or timing themselves — the boat's route and pace handle both, and the audio guide works in your language so you understand what you're seeing instead of just passing it.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Palaces & Audio GuideYou board a mega yacht at Viaport Marina and spend your chosen time—daytime or sunset—sailing the Bosphorus Strait past nine Ottoman palaces, two suspension bridges, and a medieval fortress. A mobile audio guide in nine languages narrates each landmark; soft drinks, water, coffee and tea are included. Dinner and alcoholic drinks are optional add-ons. No walking, no transfers between sites, no schedule to manage yourself.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want Istanbul's major Bosphorus landmarks without walking between sites or arranging their own transport. Plan for two to three hours on the water depending on your chosen time slot—that's what fits all nine palaces, fortresses and bridges into a single cruise.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: 1 & 2-Hour Options with Audio GuideYou board at Galata and choose your length: 1 hour to the First Bridge and back, or 2 hours that covers both European and Asian shores. An audio guide in your own language narrates the palaces, fortresses, and waterfront architecture as you pass them. Tea and WiFi are included, and you're back on solid ground in time for dinner.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Istanbul's palaces, bridges, and waterfront architecture from the water without arranging separate transport or walking between sites — the audio guide handles the history while you stand still and look.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: Asian Side Stop & Iconic LandmarksYou’ll sail both sides of the Bosphorus with a local guide, sipping tea as Istanbul’s landmarks glide by—Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress—and pause for an hour on the Asian shore at Beylerbeyi. Expect laughter over cookies, stories you might only half believe, and moments where city noise fades into water and light.
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Iconic Landmarks & ComfortYou’ll board right by central Istanbul for a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, gliding under two bridges as palaces and mosques light up around you. With local stories from your guide and plenty of time to relax on deck, you’ll see both European and Asian shores in golden hour glow—and return feeling quietly changed by it all.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise 2-3 Hours & Optional Asia StopYou board in central Istanbul and spend 2-3 hours on the water passing 15+ landmarks—palaces, mosques, fortresses, bridges—from a perspective you can't get from land. If you add the Asia stop, you get an hour ashore in Beylerbeyi with a fixed-menu meal included. The boat has WiFi and air conditioning, your guide speaks English, and the pace is slow enough that you're not rushing between photo spots. Book the morning or early afternoon departures if you want the optional meal stop; evening cruises run without it.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Istanbul's major landmarks from the water without arranging separate transport or timing yourself between sites—the fixed schedule and included guide handle both, and the slow pace means you're actually looking instead of rushing.
Istanbul: Grand Bazaar Mosaic Lamp Workshop & TeaYou’ll sit elbow-to-elbow with locals and travelers inside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, piecing together your own mosaic lamp while sipping endless Turkish tea. Friendly artisans guide you through every step—even if your fingers get messy—and you’ll leave with new skills, stories, and maybe a colorful lamp to light up your home (just remember there’s a small fee for that part).
Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Boat Tour 2 HoursYou board a guided boat in Istanbul and spend two hours cruising the Golden Horn and Bosphorus with an English-speaking guide. You pass Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace, see both the European and Asian shores, and move through the strait that splits the city in half. Entry fees and local taxes are included, and the boat accommodates strollers and all fitness levels.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Istanbul's two continents and its major palaces from the water without arranging transport or timing yourself — the fixed 2-hour route does the navigation for you.
Istanbul Walking Tour: Sultanahmet, Blue Mosque & HippodromeA guided walking tour of Istanbul's Sultanahmet district covers the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, German Fountain and surrounding landmarks in 90 minutes. The tour runs in English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages, and you can book it as a private tour or a shared group. Wheelchair accessibility is available; moderate fitness is needed for the walking.Is it for me?Choose a private tour if you want to set the language and move at your own pace through the square; pick a shared tour if you prefer the company of other travelers and a fixed English-language schedule. Either way, 90 minutes is enough to see all four landmarks without rushing, but not so long that the walk becomes tiring.
Just added (7)
Topkapi Palace Istanbul: Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio GuideYou arrive at a set time, meet your host, and walk into Topkapi Palace without waiting in the ticket line. The self-guided audio tour plays on your phone — offline, so it works anywhere in the palace — and you move through the Imperial Treasury, courtyards, and royal chambers at your own speed. Security screening still applies, but your timed entry means you're not standing in the ticketing queue for an hour first.Is it for me?Pick this if you want to see Topkapi Palace without spending your morning in the ticket line — the timed entry and pre-booked access handle the logistics, leaving you free to explore the palace on your own schedule.
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Skip-the-Line & Harem AccessYou skip the main ticket queue and enter Topkapi Palace with fast-track access to both the palace grounds and the restricted Harem quarters. A guide orients you to the layout, the hidden relics, and the best views before releasing you to explore independently at your own pace for the rest of the day. No group, no rushing, no time wasted in line.Is it for me?This works best if you're visiting Istanbul for a day or two and want to see Topkapi's highlights without losing an hour to queues—the skip-the-line tickets and Harem access are what make a full palace visit possible in a single morning.
Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia with Museum TicketYou'll walk through the Blue Mosque's tile-covered interior and the Hagia Sophia's ancient dome with a licensed guide who explains the architecture and history as you go. Your Hagia Sophia entry ticket is included, so you don't buy it separately at the gate. The group stays under ten people, which means you're not shuffling through in a crowd of fifty. Plan for a few hours in the morning or early afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Istanbul's two most famous landmarks with someone who knows their history, without arranging separate tickets or navigating a large tour group—the small size is what makes it possible to actually hear your guide and spend time looking instead of just passing through.
Basilica Cistern Istanbul: Skip-the-Line & Audio GuideYou skip the ticket queue and enter the Basilica Cistern with a mobile ticket, then explore its 336 columns, Medusa heads and Column of Tears using a multilingual audio guide at your own pace. The ticket includes an Istanbul City Guide PDF and a 3-Day Itinerary PDF to help you plan the rest of your stay. No guide, no group, no fixed schedule—just you, the cistern and your phone.Is it for me?Right for anyone visiting Istanbul who wants to see the Basilica Cistern without losing an hour to the ticket queue, and who'd rather explore on their own schedule than follow a group. The audio guide and planning PDFs mean you walk in knowing what you're looking at and what comes next.
Galata Tower Istanbul: Entry Ticket & Audio Guide 25 LanguagesYou enter with a local host, receive an audio guide in your language, and climb at your own pace to the top of a 14th-century tower for panoramic views across Istanbul's skyline. The guide covers the tower's history from Genoese watchtower to Ottoman landmark, and you control the pace and timing of your visit. Bring your passport and plan around the 18:00–19:00 closure window.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Istanbul from one of its oldest vantage points without a guide narrating the whole climb — the audio guide lets you learn what interests you, and the self-paced format means you're not waiting for a group or rushing through the views.
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Skip-the-Line Audio GuideYou enter Hagia Sophia without waiting in line, then move through 1,500 years of Istanbul's religious architecture with an audio guide narrating the dome's engineering, the transition from Christian to Islamic symbols, and the stories behind the Blue Mosque's tiles and minarets. The pace is yours alone, and entry to both landmarks is included.Is it for me?Choose this if you want to see Istanbul's two most important landmarks without waiting in entry lines or following a group schedule—the audio guide handles the storytelling, and you move through each space at whatever pace feels right.
Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace Fast Track & Audio GuideYou skip the entry queue at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace and explore the Harem, Selamlik, and gardens at your own pace with a 15-language audio guide narrating Ottoman history. The all-day ticket lets you leave and return, so you're not rushed through six sultans' former home in a single afternoon.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to see the palace's interior and gardens without losing hours to entry queues, and who prefer exploring at their own pace over following a tour group schedule.
