Top 10 Best Things to Do in Istanbul for First-Timers
Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world that I plan to come back again and again.
I first went on a 3-day layover with Turkish Airlines (they have a great tourist layover program), and the city amazed me beyond my expectations.
Since then, I’ve visited multiple times and spent over two months there in total, so I know the city decently well.
While I have plenty of unique, less touristy things in the city to share, I’m starting with the top 10 best things to do in Istanbul for first-timers. Because enough people are DMing me on Instagram about what to do in Istanbul, so now I can just send them this post, haha.
Before we get into the must-do things in Istanbul, I’ll also cover the best areas to stay, with hotel suggestions and tips to make your trip easier.
Disclosure: Some links to products and recommendations are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).
Hotel Suggestions & Areas to Stay in Istanbul
Istanbul has a pretty efficient public transport system and is quite walkable, but it helps to stay in the right area.
Since this is a first-timer’s guide to Istanbul, here are the two areas I would stay in and some hotel suggestions.
Beyoglu (Taksim/Galata)
Beyoglu is on Istanbul’s northern side, with the two most popular tourist areas being Taksim and Galata.
Best Hotels in Taksim near the Metro & Airport Bus
I recommend the Taksim area for first-timers, especially if you want to save money by catching the airport bus. Plus, the metro is easy to access.
Taksim Antique Hotel ($) Cozy & cute private rooms, some with balconies
Revia Square Hotel ($$) Includes Breakfast, has a gym + pool
Marion’s Suite ($$) Spacious rooms and artistic interior
Pro tip: Along Taksim is Tarlabaşı Avenue; I suggest you stay on the lower side of the avenue (in Taksim). You can stay on the upper side, but it’s VERY hilly and may not feel as safe.
Best Hotels in Galata
Galata is a beautiful area about a 10-20 minute walk from Taksim but not as well connected. It’s also hilly, so stay close to Karaköy Pier or the Şişhane Metro for easier access.
Galatower Hotel ($) Close to Galata Tower with Ottoman decor
Ganbaru Flats ($$) Full apartments, ideal for groups & families
Casa Foscolo ($$$) Luxury hotel with beautiful room interior & balconies
Fatih
Fatih is a district on the South side of Istanbul with the most famous attractions, including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
I’ve only visited, but staying here makes it easy to explore the best things to do in Istanbul.
There is also an airport bus in this area if you’d rather not pay for a taxi.
Best Hotels to Stay in Fatih (near Sultanahmet)
Zeyn Hotel ($) Highly rated budget hotel with breakfast included
Yusufpasa Konagi ($) More spacious rooms with breakfast
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel ($$) Beautiful Ottoman-style rooms with sea and mosque views
Tips for Exploring the Best Things to Do in Istanbul
I’ll keep this section quick, but here’s what you need to know to make exploring Istanbul easier.
- Dress appropriately if you’re visiting mosques: no bare knees or shoulders, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.
- Get yourself an Istanbulkart for public transit. You can use a credit card on most public transit, but it will cost a bit more. Plus, you can keep the Istanbulkart as a souvenir!
- For a smoother entrance to the main attractions, get your ticket ahead of time.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but if you do need cash, try Halkbank ATM’s as they don’t add fees on foreign cards (as of 2026 — double-check just in case!)
- Combine your attraction tickets: you can get a discount on bundles, or join combined group tours to see multiple places at once.
Top 10 Best Things To Do in Istanbul
This list of the best things to do in Istanbul for first-timers is the perfect starting point for your trip.
To do everything in this list, you’d ideally want at least 3 days in Istanbul.
Some of these attractions can be expensive, so depending on your budget, you can prioritize what you want to do.
Among the most expensive things to do in Istanbul, I’d at least make sure to visit Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Cistern, and a Hammam.
Now let’s get into the top 10 things to do in Istanbul, with booking links included to make it easy for you to save them!
Hagia Sophia
Of all the things to do in Istanbul for first-timers, the Hagia Sofia should be at the top of the list.
The Hagia Sofia was originally a church during the Byzantine period, but the Ottomans converted it into a mosque in the 1400s.
I took a combined tour of the Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace, which I recommend because the guide shared so much information that I appreciated the sights even more.
Plus, it made it easier to see these top attractions in one go rather than scheduling them separately.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul, served as the Ottoman Empire’s central administration site for over 400 years.
You can spend at least 3 hours visiting, so give yourself plenty of time and not pack too much around it.
You can buy separate tickets, but a guided tour is also a great idea for the best experience.
There’s also the Harem, where the sultans lived with their wives, mothers, concubines, and children, which costs extra.
On the combined group tour, the Harem was included in my ticket and, to say the least, it’s pretty stunning. The entire palace is stunning though, so if you want to go but save time and money, you can skip the Harem.
Sunset Cruise or Ferry from Karaköy/Eminönü Pier
Spend at least one evening in Istanbul exploring Karaköy, where you can find must-eat fish wraps everywhere.
You can also catch ferries here (or from nearby Eminönü or Kabataş).
You can enjoy an evening on the water in two ways: on an organized cruise or on the public ferry.
If you prefer the public ferry, check the schedule here. I suggest taking the ferry from Karaköy to Kadiköy, about a 25-minute ride.
There are also longer cruises, like this 2-hour cruise trip that passes the top sights along the Bosphorus.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the best things to do in Istanbul for first-timers if you have extra time.
Dolmabahçe replaced Topkapi Palace in the 19th century and is another destination where you can spend a few hours. Since it’s in Beşiktaş, you can pair it with this guided sunset cruise afterward or explore Beşiktaş for some dinner and live music.
Architecturally, it’s more modern than Topkapi, with stronger European influences, including Baroque and Neoclassical design, blended with Ottoman elements.
Turkish Breakfast
I love a good Turkish breakfast, whether it’s a spread of cheeses, olives, honey, meat, and bread, or a simple menemen.
My pro tip for Turkish breakfast: some places are very expensive, but Turkish breakfast doesn’t have to be. So look around for options if you want to save some money but still indulge.
One of my favorite places was Walton’s in Galata. Another great place with incredible prices and an amazing view over the Bosphorus is the İBB Cihangir Sosyal Tesis.
Basilica Cistern
Another one of the top 10 things to do in Istanbul is to visit the Basilica Cistern. I’d say it’s one of the best things to do for first-timers as it’s an impressive sight that carries so much history.
This 6th-century Byzantine water reservoir is one of hundreds more beneath the city, and it’s the largest at almost 10,000 square meters.
Plus, it takes only about 45 minutes to visit and is near other attractions like the Hagia Sofia, so it fits easily into any Istanbul itinerary.
Creative Workshop (Perfume Making, Sand Coffee, and Lantern Making)
Istanbul offers plenty of fun creative activities, so be sure to include at least one in your itinerary! Here are a few ideas.
Perfume Making Workshop: Turkey loves their perfumes, and I’ve even spotted single-spritz machines on the Istanbul metros for smelling good on the go! So making your own perfume in Istanbul, where they are so passionate about it, is a great idea.
Sand Coffee Workshop + Coffee Fortune Telling: If you love coffee, then a sand-brewing coffee workshop is a must-do. Coffee grounds fortune-telling is also popular in Turkey, and this workshop combines the two.
Mosaic Lantern Making: If you’re artsy and want a souvenir to grace your home for years to come, the mosaic lantern workshop is the perfect activity to add to your trip to Istanbul.
Klook.comHammam
A hammam experience is an absolute must-do in Istanbul. Hammam experiences vary, from basic to very luxurious.
My local friend took me to one far outside the center, so I can’t recommend it (I don’t even remember the name).
If I were to choose any Hammam experience in Istanbul, start with the Hızırbey Hamamı as you can book entrance only and add things on later when you arrive.
I suggest this because some of the other Hammams you can book online are incredibly expensive from the get-go.
For any Hammam experience, I 100% recommend getting the scrub; it removes all your dead skin and leaves you feeling shimmering!
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque was built in the early 1600’s and has over 20,000 blue ceramic pieces lining its inside walls, hence the name.
The Blue Mosque is one of the best free things to do in Istanbul, though you can also take a tour for in-depth history.
Grand Bazaar (or another market)
It wouldn’t be a list of the best things to do in Istanbul for first -timers without a market visit.
The Grand Bazaar is a must-visit, and it’s worth it even though it’s aimed specifically at… yep, tourists.
If you’re interested in visiting other markets, the Egyptian Market is another option a local friend suggested to me.
More Istanbul Travel Articles
Want to explore more about visiting Istanbul? Check out more of my guides:
