10 Things Not to Miss in Istanbul
It’s hard to narrow in on our favorite things from Istanbul—because honestly, there were so many and its one of our favorite cities! The city is layered with history, buzzing with energy, and filled with unexpected moments that make you fall in love with it. Check out our full guide here!
But if we had to pick our top 10 experiences not to miss, this is our list:
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
This may be the most beautiful building we’ve ever stepped into. Known officially as the Sultanahmet Mosque, but called the Blue Mosque because of the thousands of handmade blue tiles covering the walls and ceiling, it is a true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
When you walk inside, your eyes are immediately drawn upward—the domes, and patterns are so intricate. And the stained glass is stunning.
We recommend slowing down here. Take off your shoes, sit on the carpets, and just be present. Listen to the quiet hum of people whispering, watch the details in the tilework, enjoy being in one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll ever see. We were lucky enough to see it right after some construction finished up, and we got the full view of the beautiful ceiling. Note that here, as well as Hagia Sophia do require modest dress. For me – I brought a scarf to cover my hair and wore a long dress.
Hagia Sophia
Just across the square from the Blue Mosque is one of the most important buildings in the world: Hagia Sophia.
Originally built in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral, it stood as the largest church in Christendom for nearly 1,000 years. When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque, and in 1935, it became a museum. Recently, it has been converted back into a mosque, but it remains open to visitors.
The sheer scale of Hagia Sophia is awe-inspiring—the dome feels impossibly large, like it’s suspended by air rather than stone. Inside, you’ll see layers of history in every corner: Christian mosaics of saints and angels tucked alongside Islamic calligraphy and mihrabs. It’s one of those places that makes you pause and realize just how many civilizations have passed through this city. We enjoyed the contrast of these two important buildings – as both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are incredibly different.
Visit the Asian Side of Istanbul
One of the best things we did in Istanbul wasn’t in the guidebooks at all: a private tour we booked through Airbnb Experiences.
Our guide took us to the Asian side of the city, an area that feels far less touristy and more like everyday Istanbul. We wandered through quiet neighborhoods, tasted street food, and learned about the history of the local communities. It was such a refreshing change of pace from the busier Old Town.
If you want a truly unique experience, we highly recommend something similar. And while you’re on the Asian side, make sure to stay into the evening—because you can catch a sunset ferry back across the Bosphorus for less than $1. Watching the sun dip below the skyline of mosques and minarets while seagulls glide overhead is pure magic.
Rooftop Dinner at Sunset
There are countless rooftop restaurants in Istanbul, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with most of them. For us, these dinners were about more than food – they were about atmosphere.
Picture this: the sun setting behind Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the call to prayer echoing from all directions, the smell of fresh-grilled kebabs wafting through the air. The staff at all of the restaurants we ate at are warm and welcoming, and they’ll often share local tips or family stories. One particularly memorable evening was when we finished up dinner at a restaurant, paid, and as we started to leave, the wait staff came back with tea and baklava for us and told us we should stay and enjoy the sunset. It was so incredibly kind!
This is a must-do experience!
The Book Bazaar
Hidden behind the chaos of the Grand Bazaar is a much smaller and more peaceful market: the Book Bazaar.
This charming little space is lined with stalls selling old books, rare manuscripts, maps, and calligraphy. Some shops have been there for generations. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to browse and soak in the atmosphere.
For book lovers or anyone who likes quiet corners of a busy city, this bazaar is a hidden gem. There were quite a few cats running around in this area, and we were able to purchase some books for the kids written in Turkish, which was a fun souvenir!
Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge connects two lively parts of the city. Walking across it is an experience in itself.
During the day, the bridge is filled with fishermen lined shoulder to shoulder, their rods dangling into the water. Beneath the bridge are restaurants where you can stop for tea or grilled fish sandwiches. And from the middle, you’ll get great views of the Galata Tower on one side and the mosques of Sultanahmet on the other. You can walk up the Galata Tower as well, for a fee and get some wonderful city views.
It’s a slice of everyday life in Istanbul—part working-class fishing pier, part social hangout, part postcard view. We really enjoyed just taking in the atmosphere in this area.
Basilica Cistern
This might be one of the most unique places in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, designed to store water for the city. It’s a massive underground chamber with hundreds of marble columns rising out of the water.
Walking down the staircase feels like entering another world. The dim lighting, the echoes of dripping water, and the forest of columns create an almost mystical atmosphere. Don’t miss the famous Medusa head columns tucked into a corner—they’re mysterious, and no one knows exactly why they were placed there.
It’s mind-blowing to think this was built 1,500 years ago, hidden beneath the bustling streets above.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace was once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, home to sultans, their families, and their court. Today, it’s a sprawling museum complex where you can easily spend a full day.
The palace has beautiful gardens overlooking the Bosphorus, intricate tilework in every hall, and collections of treasures (including jewel-encrusted swords and thrones). Some of the most fascinating parts are the Harem rooms, where the sultan’s family lived.
Beyond the history, the palace also gives some of the best panoramic views of Istanbul and has amazing gardens.
The Grand Bazaar
No trip to Istanbul is complete without stepping inside the Grand Bazaar. It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, dating back to the 15th century.
With over 4,000 shops, it’s a maze of colors, sounds, and smells. You’ll find everything from handwoven carpets and lanterns to jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.
Yes, it’s chaotic and touristy—but that’s part of the charm. Bargaining is expected, getting lost is guaranteed, and the sensory overload is unforgettable.
Arasta Bazaar
Compared to the Grand Bazaar, the Arasta Bazaar is small and manageable. Located just behind the Blue Mosque, it’s often overlooked, but we loved it.
It was one of our first stops in Istanbul, and it set the tone for the trip. The bazaar is filled with shops selling traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics, but it feels calmer and friendlier than the Grand Bazaar. You can actually take your time browsing, chat with the shopkeepers, and enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds. We got dinner at Mesale Restaurant right next to it where we watched Dervish dancers and had an amazing meal, knowing that we had just found a new favorite city.
For us, this little market felt like the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s blend of history, hospitality, and beauty.
Final Thoughts
Istanbul is a city where East meets West, where empires have risen and fallen, and where daily life unfolds in the shadows of some of the most incredible architecture in the world.
Our top 10 list barely scratches the surface, but if you’re planning a trip, these are the places and experiences we wouldn’t miss. From world-famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia to quiet gems like the Book Bazaar, each one gave us a deeper appreciation for this amazing city.
And the best part? Istanbul is a place you can return to again and again, always discovering something new.
