Things to Visit in Istanbul: Where East Meets West

Built as a cathedral in 537 AD, converted to a mosque, then a museum, and back to a mosque in 2020. Entry is free but expect long queues — arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM. Women must cover their heads inside; scarves are available at the entrance. Closed to tourists during the 5 daily prayer times (each closure lasts about 90 minutes).

Named for the 20,000+ blue İznik tiles covering its interior walls. Free entry. Remove shoes at the entrance and dress modestly (coverings provided if needed). The courtyard with its cascading domes is best photographed from the Hippodrome side.

An underground water reservoir from 532 AD with 336 marble columns and atmospheric lighting. Two Medusa head column bases are in the far corner — nobody knows why they're there. The recent restoration added a modern art component among the columns.

The Ottoman sultans' residence for 400 years. The Harem section requires a separate ticket and is the highlight — intricate tile work and the sultan's private quarters. Allow 3 hours. The palace grounds have stunning views of the Bosphorus from the fourth courtyard.

Once a chariot racing track seating 100,000 spectators. Three monuments remain: the Obelisk of Theodosius (3,500 years old, from Egypt), the Serpentine Column (from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi), and the Constantine Column.

One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets — 4,000+ shops across 60+ streets. Haggling is expected; start at 50% of the asking price and work toward 60-70%. The jewelry, leather, and ceramics sections have the best quality. Closed on Sundays.

Smaller and more manageable than the Grand Bazaar. Piles of colorful spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and teas. Prices are lower outside the main hall — shops in the streets behind offer the same goods for 30-40% less.

A quiet, tourist-friendly row of shops behind the Blue Mosque. Higher quality goods and less aggressive selling than the Grand Bazaar. Prices are slightly higher but the relaxed atmosphere makes browsing enjoyable. Good for ceramics and textiles.

A 1.4 km pedestrian boulevard with a historic red tram running through the middle. Lined with shops, restaurants, consulates, and art galleries. Turns into a lively nightlife scene after 9 PM. The Galata Tower is a 5-minute walk south.

A 20-minute ferry ride from Eminönü — the crossing itself is a highlight, with views of the skyline and the Bosphorus Bridge. Kadıköy's market streets have the best food in Istanbul at local prices. The moda waterfront is great for an evening walk.

A historic Jewish-Greek neighborhood with rainbow-painted wooden houses and antique shops. Less touristy than Sultanahmet. The Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars is built entirely from prefabricated cast iron — one of the only metal churches in the world.

The public ferry runs a 6-hour round trip up the strait to Anadolu Kavağı for a fraction of private tour boat prices. A shorter 90-minute round-trip cruise departs hourly from Eminönü. Sit on the left side heading north for the best palace and fortress views.

Döner is just one of 20+ kebab varieties. Try Adana kebab (spicy minced lamb on a skewer), İskender kebab (sliced döner over bread with tomato sauce and yogurt), or pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Restaurants near the Grand Bazaar charge tourist prices — walk 10 minutes to Fatih for local rates.

A spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, kaymak (clotted cream), eggs, and unlimited tea. Sharing a 'serpme kahvaltı' (full spread) for 2 people costs 200-400 TL at a good restaurant. Weekend breakfast is a social event — plan for 2 hours.

Grilled mackerel in bread served from boats bobbing on the water at Eminönü. Costs about 100-150 TL. Squeeze lemon, add onions and lettuce, and eat it waterside. The restaurants under the bridge are tourist traps — eat from the boats instead.

The best baklava is from southeastern Turkey (Gaziantep style) — layers of thin phyllo with bright green pistachios and light syrup. Look for shops that specialize in baklava rather than general dessert stores. Buy by weight, about 300-500 TL per kilo.

Tea is the social fabric of Turkey — offered everywhere, all day. Served in small tulip-shaped glasses with sugar cubes on the side. A glass costs 10-25 TL at a café, often free if offered by a shopkeeper. Turkish coffee is thicker, grittier, and served in tiny cups with the grounds left in.

The traditional bath experience involves a steam room, a hot marble slab, and a vigorous scrub-down by an attendant. Historic hamams from the 1500s still operate. A full treatment (wash, scrub, massage) runs 400-800 TL at a historic hamam.

A spiritual Sufi practice, not a performance. The ceremony at the Galata Mevlevi Museum (the original lodge) is the most authentic — held on select evenings. Free or low-cost. Sit quietly; clapping is discouraged.

The largest Ottoman mosque in Istanbul sits on a hilltop with sweeping Golden Horn views. Less visited than the Blue Mosque but architecturally grander. The garden terrace behind the mosque is the best sunset viewpoint in the old city.