Istanbul Attractions
12 places · narrow by district and visit style
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Grand Bazaar
This is the massive, centuries-old covered market at the heart of the old city. It's a labyrinth of streets under a single roof, packed with thousands of shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a monumental building that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. Its massive dome and layered history make it a central landmark in Istanbul.
Ataköy
A planned coastal neighborhood in Bakırköy with a marina, art galleries, and a long seaside promenade.
Galataport Istanbul
A massive 1.2 km waterfront development in Karaköy, combining a cruise terminal with shops, restaurants, the Istanbul Modern museum, and a hotel. It's a modern promenade right on the Bosphorus.
Gazhane (Müze Gazhane)
A former gasworks turned into a sprawling cultural center in Kadıköy. It's a great place to see contemporary art, attend workshops, or just wander the industrial grounds.
Arter
A Vehbi Koç Foundation contemporary art museum in Dolapdere with rotating exhibitions, striking architecture, and a well-curated bookshop.
Çamlıca Tower
A modern telecommunications tower on Little Çamlıca Hill with 360-degree views of Istanbul, plus a restaurant and café for a longer break.
Istanbul Military Museum
A vast collection of military artefacts from the 13th century to today, still run by the Turkish army. The real pull is the occasional outdoor Mehter (Janissary band) show.
Istanbul Naval Museum
A museum dedicated to Turkey's maritime history, located in Beşiktaş. It houses a collection of historical boats, naval artifacts, and Ottoman-era caiques.
Miniaturk
An open-air park of 1:25 scale models covering Turkey's landmarks, from Hagia Sophia to Mount Nemrut. Kids love it; adults use it as a cheat sheet for the rest of the country.
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