If you travel to Türkiye by plane, chances are high you’ll have a layover in Istanbul before heading to other popular destinations like Side, Antalya or Cappadocia. If so, I highly recommend to visit Istanbul for at least 2 days. There are numerous things to see and visit. Keep reading for the best things to do in Istanbul.
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1. Visit Grand Bazaar
When in Istanbul, you need to visit at least one of the Bazaars. Grand Bazaar is the most known in the city and is actually one of the largest and oldest Bazaars in the world.
You can buy so much here, from clothing and jewellery to home decor, spices and many more. Even if you don’t want to buy something, it’s an experience to wander around the many shops that never seem to end. Do note that it can get super busy in Grand Bazaar and people try to sell you something every 5 seconds. It’s hard to watch at the products in the stores due to the eager salesmen which can be a bit overwhelming.
Note that Grand Bazaar is closed every Sunday.
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2. Wander around the colourful district of Balat
The district of Balat is a colourful area with many narrow cobblestoned streets, cute bars & restaurants and, if you’re into that, many cool photo spots.
Also read: the best photo spots in Istanbul
Balat is definitely a must-visit and different from any other area in Istanbul. You can easily spend a few hours here: stroll around the streets, have lunch, do some shopping.
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3. Enjoy the views from a rooftop terrace
Istanbul is a large city located at the seaside. The combination of this location and the stunning mosques in the city centre leads to some incredible views. You can admire these beautiful surroundings from many places in the city.
I was fortunate enough to visit 2 restaurants that offer some mesmerising views:
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Other recommended spot:
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4. Try a Turkish specialty: Lokum
Lokum is a traditional Turkish dessert and a real treat if you have a sweet taste. These colourful shops can be found all over the city. If you go inside chances are high that a taster will be offered. I’m sure you’ll leave the shop with a delicious snack afterwards.
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5. Admire the Galata tower
One of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul is the Galata Tower. You can spot this beauty from different parts in Istanbul. The best street to admire the Galata tower is Büyük Hendek Cd (picture below). Note that this street can get very crowded during the day as it’s a touristic spot with many restaurants and bars.
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6. Visit Haga Sophia (free entrance)
Hagia Sophia is open for visitors and must be admired from both the outside and inside. During your visit, do make sure to dress appropriate: shoulders and knees must be covered and women must cover their head hair as well.
Entrance is free of charge. Before entering the mosque, you’ll need to take off your shoes and place them in a shoe rack.
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7. Wander around Ortakoy Square
Ortakoy Square is a popular spot that attracts many tourists, mainly because of its location on the water and the stunning Ortakoy Mosque. The mosque is open for visitors. I did not go inside myself, but from what I’ve read and pictures I’ve seen, it’s totally worth your time.
Aside from the stunning mosque you can find a few bars and restaurants on this square that offer some amazing views over the water. Note that this spot is also a port for (cruise) boats, which adds to its popularity and crowds.
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8. Check out Süleymaniye Mosque
Keeping the most impressive mosque for last: Süleymaniye Mosque. This was one of my favourite places in Istanbul. At the large square in front of the mosque, you can admire the impressive architecture from many different viewpoints. Even though this place is well-known in Istanbul, it wasn’t so crowded in comparison to other famous mosques such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
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Also read: The best photo spots in Istanbul
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