The Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul

Edited by Holly Stark

Surrounded by an oriental skyline of domes and enriched with a rich history and culture, you'll find plenty of great things to do in Istanbul. From wandering through its towering minarets, underground Byzantine cisterns and steamy bath houses to exploring quaint cobbled streets and glistening blue waters of the Sea of Marmara, to cobbled streets and vibrant emporiums, there’s always something stunning to see. Istanbul’s attractions are accessible on foot, by bus, by boat, by metro, which connects the two continents, and via a rail tunnel under the Bosphorus. Istanbul is built on seven hills like Rome and unique in its location between two sides of a majestic waterway; the meeting point of two continents; Europe and Asia. The charm of its setting lies in the intermingling of land and water, cobbled streets, ornate pavilions, pulsing entertainment districts, art galleries, ancient land walls and fusion food scene. Here’s your bespoke top 10 things to do in Istanbul guide to kickstart your trip, which takes into consideration the city’s turbulent history, great Istanbul beaches, the best places to sample traditional Turkish food and the best things to do in Istanbul at night.