Istanbul Travelers Recommend

A fairytale landscape carved into the plains of central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a top destination in Turkey. Whether to marvel at the fairy chimney rock formations, watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon, or discover the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum—here are your options for Cappadocia tours from Istanbul. 

Full-Day Tours

With limited time, it’s possible to take in the highlights of Cappadocia on a day trip, and opting for a small-group tour means you’ll enjoy extra attention from your tour guide. To maximize your time, most tours include airport transfers, flight tickets, and lunch, as well as visits to spots such as Kaymakli Underground City, Cavusin, Uchisar Castle, Rose Valley, and Pigeon Valley. 

Multi-Day Tours

There’s so much to see in Cappadocia, a 2-, 3-, or 4-day tour means you’ll have time to experience the magnificent landscapes of Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), enjoy panoramic views of the fairy chimneys on an early-morning hot air balloon ride, or spend a night in an atmospheric cave hotel. Cappadocia is also a popular inclusion on multi-day Turkey tours, so you could combine your trip with popular destinations such as Ephesus, Gallipoli, Ankara, and Pamukkale.

Things to Know

• Cappadocia is located in central Anatolia, about 469 miles (755 kilometers) southeast of Istanbul.

• Regular domestic flights run from Istanbul airport to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport in Cappadocia. The flight is about 75 minutes.

• Full-day tours from Istanbul typically last about 15 hours, so be prepared for a long day trip.

• Multi-day tours often include a round-trip domestic flight, accommodation, meals, entrance fees and transfers.

• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to navigate Cappadocia’s uneven landscapes and archeological sites.

Situated on the border of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city of two halves. While the European side is home to attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Dolmabahce Palace, the Asian side offers lively neighborhoods, a scenic waterfront, shopping, and more. Here are our top picks. 

Kadikoy

Ferries run directly to Kadikoy, and the lively neighborhood makes a good starting point for exploring Istanbul’s Asian side. Browse the stalls at the famous fish market or weekly Kadikoy market; take a ride on the nostalgic tram, which runs between Kadikoy and Moda; or eat at one of the many traditional cafes, bakeries, and Turkish restaurants. Guided tours explore various aspects of the area, including a food walking tour and a small-group highlights tour. 

Haydarpasa Railway Station

If your ferry docks at Kadikoy, you can’t miss the gigantic Haydarpasa railway station, which towers over the pier. Built between 1906 and 1908, the striking neoclassical building was a gift to the Ottoman Sultan from Kaiser Wilhelm II and was the starting point of the Istanbul-Baghdad and Istanbul-Damascus-Medina railway during the 20th century. Although it’s currently not used as a train terminal, it remains one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks. 

Bağdat Caddesi

Bağdat Caddesi (Bagdat Avenue) is the most famous street on the Asian side of Istanbul, running for almost four miles (6.4 kilometers) between the Bostanci and Kiziltoprak neighborhoods. The busiest section lies between the Suadiye and Erenkoy districts, and it’s renowned for its designer shops, department stores, and chic restaurants. 

Uskudar

The historic heart of Asian Istanbul, Uskudar began as a Greek colony in the 7th century BC. Heavily populated by Turks during the Ottoman Empire, it was one of the most prominent communities outside the city walls of Byzantine Constantinople. Traces of its past can be seen in its many beautiful mosques, fountains, waterside mansions and palaces, among them Beylerbeyi Palace, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Mosque. 

The Maiden Tower

Taking a Bosphorus cruise along Istanbul’s scenic waterfront offers the best views of the picturesque Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi), which guards the southern end of the Bosphorus strait. The tower dates back to Istanbul’s medieval Byzantine period and sits on a tiny islet just off the coast of Uskudar. Boats run to the Maiden Tower from Uskudar-Salacak, or from Ortakoy and Kabatas on the European side.

There are few sights as mesmerizing as Turkey’s inimitable whirling dervishes—troupes of performers from the Mevlevi order dressed in striking white robes, twirling in a meditative trance. Here’s where to see whirling dervish shows in Istanbul. 

What is a Whirling Dervish?

Whirling dervishes are followers of the Mevlevi order and the teachings of Sufi mystic Rumi. The whirling dervish ceremony—also known as a sema ceremony—is a spiritual practice that dates back to the 10th century. The whirling dance serves as a dhikr, a prayer or meditation carried out in devotion and worship of God. The ancient rituals are so integral to Turkey’s spiritual history that they’ve been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage of Humanity list.

Night Shows

Watching a performance of the whirling dervishes can be both a moving and entertaining experience for visitors to Istanbul. It’s possible to see whirling dervishes perform in a number of venues in Istanbul, including some bars and restaurants, but one of the best places to attend an authentic mevlevi sema ceremony is at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, where the captivating choreography is accompanied by Persian chanting, live music, and 360-degree video special effects.

Dinner Cruises

For a taste of the Sufi whirling dervishes without attending a full show, opt for a scenic dinner cruise along the Bosphorus, with on-board entertainment. Admire the illuminated Istanbul skyline from the water as you glide along the Bosphorus Strait, tuck into delicious mezes and Turkish cuisine, and enjoy live entertainment including traditional Turkish dances and a whirling dance accompanied by traditional Sufi music.

Istanbul boasts four key historic areas on the UNESCO World Heritage List, owing largely to the city’s rich history as a major global crossroads for more than two millennia. See below for the four zones, and what not to miss in each.

Archaeological Park (Sultanahmet) Istanbul’s Archaeological Park area is home to the city’s most impressive historical buildings, including the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome of Constantine, and grandiose Topkapi Palace. Make the most of your visit and learn about the sites’ interconnected history on a guided walking tour.   Suleymaniye Quarter This area houses prominent examples of 16th-century Ottoman architecture, including its star attraction—the Suleymaniye Mosque—as well as bazaars and other points of interest. Many city tours stop at the mosque, and guides can be helpful if you are unfamiliar with religious etiquette.   Zeyrek Quarter The highlight of this neighborhood is Zeyrek Mosque, standing on the site of the 12th-century Church of the Pantocrator. This example of Byzantine architecture has been undergoing renovations and may not be fully open to the public.   The Theodosian Land Walls (Walls of Constantinople) A series of defensive stone walls that once protected the Roman Empire’s capital city, the Theodosian land walls are located in northwestern Istanbul. This area once housed the Palace of Blachernae, though much of that Byzantine residence has been built over and only some portions of the original Theodosian walls remain. Other points of interest include the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, now a secular museum notable for its medieval frescoes and mosaics, and a popular stop on religious tours of the city. The area around the museum is also celebrated for its old wooden homes.

With three days in Istanbul, there’s time to check off all the must-see sights and to venture a little farther afield. Cruise along the Bosphorus, delve into Turkey’s ancient history, see magnificent monuments, savor the city’s delicious cuisine, shop at the bazaars, and experience local culture. Here’s how to maximize 72 hours in Istanbul.

Day 1: Mosques and Museums

Start day one getting your bearings, perhaps with a full-day guided tour for a comprehensive overview of the city or a private tour to take in the sights at your own pace. For independent travelers, a hop-on hop-off bus tour or Istanbul Sightseeing Pass is a great way to get around, offering the convenience of a guided tour while leaving you free to decide where to go and how to long to stay at each stop. 

No matter your method, begin today visiting Istanbul’s headline acts, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). In the afternoon, hop over to the Asian side to explore the Kadikoy neighborhood, then set sail along the Bosphorus for a scenic dinner cruise.

Day 2: Sites of Ancient Turkey

Many of Turkey’s top attractions can be visited on a day trip from Istanbul either by bus or by plane. (Prepare for a long day as some tours can last up to 14 hours, and for the best value look for a tour that includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and lunch.) Perhaps visit the UNESCO World Heritage–listed archaeological site of Troy and discover the legend of that ancient city, or tour the WWI battlefields at Gallipoli and follow in the footsteps of the Allied and Turkish troops. You can even fly out to central Anatolia to discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus, another UNESCO-recognized site, or marvel at the fairy chimneys on an epic day trip to Cappadocia. 

If you prefer to stay closer to home, you could also spend a full day cruising along the Bosphorus, stopping at the beach resorts and coastal towns along the Black Sea coast. 

Day 3: Bites and Bazaars

Spend your final morning in Istanbul shopping for souvenirs. Visit Taksim Square and stroll down the shopping street of Istiklal Avenue, then continue to the famous Grand Bazaar. Practice your haggling skills as you shop for everything from handicrafts to clothing to carpets, then head to the nearby Egyptian Spice Bazaar to marvel at the rainbow of spices, nuts, dried fruits, and lokum (Turkish Delight).

In the afternoon, set out on a mission to sample as much of Turkey’s delicious cuisine as you can. A food-tasting tour is a brilliant way to discover the many types of kebabs and mezes on offer, sample street-food specialties such as simit, and learn how to make traditional Turkish coffee. You could even opt to enjoy dinner in a local family home and experience the renowned Turkish hospitality for yourself.

From the world-famous Grand Bazaar to the lively street markets around Ortakoy, Taksim, and Besiktas, the markets of Istanbul offer a vibrant introduction to local life. There are some 200 markets held on both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul—here are some of the most popular. 

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) first opened its doors in 1461, and remains one of the city’s most visited attractions. Located at the heart of Sultanahmet, it’s home to more than 3,000 shops specializing in leather goods, gold jewelry, silverware, antiques, copperware, and carpets, among innumerable other goods. This is one of the best markets to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs, but you’ll need to haggle to get a good price. Opt for a private or small-group walking tour for an insider’s look at the market.

Egyptian Spice Market

A short walk from the Grand Bazaar, the spice bazaar is a feast for the senses, with brightly colored spices and dried fruits piled high, and Turkish delight (lokum) in every flavor imaginable. Be sure to bring your camera. For an in-depth tour of the spice market, opt for a street food tour or take a combo tour that includes a visit with other area highlights.

Kadikoy Market

Many visitors crossing the Bosphorus to Istanbul’s Asian side head straight to Kadikoy, and the bustling neighborhood is best known for its traditional market. A smaller fresh produce market is held daily, but the main market takes place on Tuesday and Friday, when visitors can soak up the atmosphere and tuck into typical Turkish street food like tasty gozleme (stuffed flatbread). 

Carsamba Bazaar

One of the biggest Istanbul markets and a local favorite, the Carsamba Pazari (Wednesday market) in Fatih has thousands of stalls and vendors. A short walk from Fatih Mosque, the gigantic flea markets sprawl through the streets, selling everything from clothes and accessories, to electronics and household goods, as well as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Head here to bag a bargain and to get a more local experience.

Every visitor to Istanbul should experience a traditional Turkish bath house at least once, as it’s an ideal way to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. Here’s what you need to know about Istanbul’s hammams, or hamams.

What is a Turkish Bath?

The Turkish Bath, or hammam, rose to prominence in the Ottoman Empire, and it remains a popular tradition—considered a social event as much as it is a spa treatment—to this day. A typical hamam features separate areas for men and women, with a steam room, washroom with heated marble slabs, and plunge pool. The standard treatment is a scrub and soap massage to slough off dead skin, but many baths offer extras such as oil massages, facemasks, and hair treatments.

Highlights

• Treat yourself to a full Turkish bath experience, including a sauna, foam bath, and body scrub, followed by a rejuvenating oil massage.

• Enjoy a luxurious hammam at the Cagaloglu Hamami, an 18th-century bath house, lavishly decorated with high-domed ceilings, white marble fountains, and tulip tiles.

• Marvel at the 16th-century Cemberlitas hamam, the masterwork of Ottoman architect Sinan.

• Choose an all-inclusive tour with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

So vast that it spans two continents, Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, and every bit as diverse and cosmopolitan as you would imagine. With just one day to visit Turkey’s cultural capital, it’s best to stick to the highlights—of which there are many. Here are our suggestions for a memorable 24 hours in Istanbul.

Morning: Explore UNESCO-Listed Sights

Whether you choose to go at it alone on a hop-on hop-off bus, join a group walking tour, or hire a private guide, your sightseeing tour of Istanbul must begin in Sultanahmet. Istanbul’s historic center is full of UNESCO World Heritage–protected, must-see monuments. Step inside the magnificent Blue Mosque, so-called for the dazzling blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interiors. Walk through the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople and its towering obelisk on the way to the stunning Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), then tour Topkapi Palace, the lavish former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Prebooking skip-the-line tickets is a good idea to save time.

Afternoon: Practice Your Haggling Skills

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is world famous and with more than 4,000 stores, you could easily spend the entire afternoon browsing. Head there in time to enjoy lunch from one of the street food vendors—a classic Turkish kebab or dolma (stuffed eggplant) are top picks—before putting your haggling skills to the test. Continue to the nearby Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where stalls are heaped with a rainbow of dried fruits, spices, and lokum (Turkish Delight) in every flavor imaginable. Then cross the Galata Bridge and climb to the top of the Galata Tower for stunning sunset views along the Golden Horn.

Night: Take a Cross-Continental Cruise

Istanbul is even more magical by night, and an evening sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus affords a prime view as you glide between the city’s European and Asian shores. Opt for a dinner cruise and feast on a 3-course meal of Turkish cuisine with traditional belly dancing entertainment as you float along the water. Along the way, spot landmarks including the Dolmabahce Palace and Ciragan Palace on the European shore, and Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden’s Palace, and Anadolu Fortress on the Asian side.

Istanbul serves up a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and food lovers will find a dish to tempt their every craving. Whether you want to discover traditional Turkish dishes, sample Anatolian specialties, or feast on street food snacks—here’s our pick of the best foods and food experiences in Istanbul.

Must-Try Dishes

It’s hard to visit Turkey without tucking into a kebab, and there are plenty of varieties from which to choose, including skewered shish kebabs, wrapped doner kebabs, and spicy Adana kebabs. Other regional specialties include kofte (meatballs), Anatolian dishes like manti (Turkish dumpling), pide (Turkish pizza), and karniyarik (stuffed eggplant).

While you’re waiting for your main course, tuck into an array of mezes or tapas-style appetizers, including dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and borek (savory pastry), or try street food favorites such as midye (mussels), gozleme (stuffed flatbread), simit (pretzel-like bread ring), and hamsi (anchovy). Finish it all off with an indulgent slice of baklava or Turkish tea, accompanied by a sugary fruit-flavored lokum (Turkish delight). 

Must-Do Experiences

• Enjoy an authentic introduction to Turkish cuisine with a 3-course home-cooked dinner at a local family home.

• Start the day with a traditional Turkish breakfast and sip a Turkish coffee during a food tasting walking tour of Kadıköy Market.

• Soak up the atmosphere of Istanbul by night on an evening food tour.

• Visit the Spice Bazaar, ride the ferry across the Bosphorus, and explore the Asian district of Üsküdar on a street food tour of Istanbul. 

• Take a private tour for an itinerary that suits your exact tastes.

In 1915 Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops stormed a quiet Aegean beach to battle Turkish soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Today, memorials and cemeteries mark the fight and honor those who lost their lives. Here’s how to explore World War I history on Gallipoli tours from Istanbul.

Full-Day Tours

On a full-day tour from Istanbul to Gallipoli, take in key sites of interest including ANZAC Cove, the Ari Burnu cemetery, the Nek, and the battle sites of Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine. Explore Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula, see the scars left from WWI, and perhaps pay tribute to the ANZAC and Turkish troops who laid down their lives in battle. Along the way, gain insight into the history behind the Battle of Gallipoli—otherwise known as the Battle of Canakkale.

Alternatively, there are full-day tours from Istanbul that take in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy—a city once almost forgotten in the sands of time. It was here, in the 12th-century days of classical antiquity, that the Trojans and the Greeks clashed in the Trojan War.

Multi-Day Tours

It’s about a 4-hour drive from Istanbul to Gallipoli, so Gallipoli day trips can make for long excursions. If you have more time at your disposal, multi-day tours offer more time on the Gallipoli Peninsula and take in other historic locales such as Ankara, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamon, and Troy. Explore the infamous battlegrounds where Turkish troops stood off against the ANZAC, and admire the memorials at Brighton Beach and Chunuk Bair.

Things to Know

• The drive from Istanbul to Gallipoli, about 165 miles (266 kilometers), takes a little under four hours. 

• Full-day tours from Istanbul to Gallipoli last between 14 and 18 hours. Multi-day tours range from two to seven days.

• Full-day tours usually include a guide, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, and lunch.

• Multi-day tours typically include the same as day tours, plus accommodation in 4- or 5-star hotels and meals as per each tour’s itinerary.

Two days in Istanbul let you explore beyond the must-see attractions and discover the city’s European and Asian sides. Split your time between continents, experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage highlights in and near Sultanahmet, and then spend day two navigating the sights and tastes on the eastern side of the Bosphorus. Here’s how to do Istanbul in 48 hours.

Day 1: Sightsee in the City

Morning: Maximize your time with an early morning tour of Topkapi Palace and take a peek at the lavish former residence of the Ottoman’s sultans, including the Harem Apartments. Stop to take photos of Sultanahmet Square, the former Hippodrome of Constantinople, before visiting two more of Istanbul’s architectural highlights—Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) and the Blue Mosque.

Afternoon: Browse the stalls at the gigantic Grand Bazaar, where you’ll find everything from handicrafts to clothing to carpets—be sure to haggle if you want a bargain. Continue to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where the colorful spices make for stunning photographs and you can taste lokum (Turkish Delight) in every flavor imaginable.

Night: Stroll over the Galata Bridge at sunset to watch the local fishermen casting their lines along the Golden Horn—another great photo opportunity. Galata is an atmospheric spot for dinner and drinks, but for evening entertainment, you could also attend a Whirling Dervish performance or a traditional belly dancing show.

Day 2: Journey to Asia

Morning: Ride the ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadikoy on Istanbul’s Asian side and spend the morning exploring the neighborhood. Ride the historic tram and visit the famous fish market, then continue north into Uskudar to admire landmarks including Beylerbeyi Palace, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Mosque.

Afternoon: Set sail on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus and admire views of both sides of the city. Keep your camera handy as you pass landmarks including the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace and Ciragan Palace on the European shore, and Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden’s Palace, and Anadolu Fortress on the Asian side.

Night: This is your last chance to sample Istanbul’s delicious cuisine, so spend your final evening on a Turkish food tour. Relish tasty street-food favorites like simit bagels, tuck into freshly grilled kebabs, and indulge in sweet baklava accompanied by a glass of traditional raki and a classic Turkish coffee.

Set at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is known for its architecture, markets, and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. While the city can be overwhelming to explore on your own, these private experiences single out Istanbul's best cultural offerings.

Highlights

• Learn why Istanbul is Turkey's spiritual melting pot as you visit sacred buildings such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

• Cruise across the Bosphorus strait and explore vibrant neighborhoods such as Kadikoy on Istanbul's Asian side.

• Sip a cup of Turkish coffee at a local cafe and learn how to read your future from the coffee grounds.

• Experience Istanbul by night and admire views of the illuminated city as you stroll across Galata Bridge.

• Tuck into delicious Turkish cuisine and sample local specialties like pide pizza, durum wraps, and sweet baklava accompanied by traditional raki, an aniseed-flavored spirit.

• Escape the crowds of the Grand Bazaar and enjoy a more local shopping experience while you visit historic arcades, bazaars, and artisan shops away from the tourist trail.

• Travel in the comfort of a private vehicle and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide.