Istanbul
to Discover
The Complete Guide

Used as a church for 476 years and as a mosque for 916 years, this massive structure is one of the world's most important architectural works. Its golden mosaics, giant dome and remarkable acoustics will captivate you.

The palace complex where Ottoman sultans lived for centuries. The Harem section, the treasury and some of the world's most valuable jewels are displayed here.

With its six minarets, an icon of the Istanbul skyline, the Sultanahmet Mosque's interior is adorned with 20,000 Iznik tiles and colorful stained glass windows, offering breathtaking beauty.

Built by the Genoese in 1348, this historic tower is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. From its terrace, you'll see a 360° view of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula.

Built in 1455 with over 4,000 shops, this is one of the world's largest and oldest covered bazaars, a paradise of jewelry, carpets, spices, leather, ceramics and souvenirs.

Considered the masterpiece of architect Sinan, this 16th-century mosque is among Istanbul's largest. Combined with its view of the Golden Horn, it creates a unique sight.

Built in the 19th century on the shore of the Bosphorus, this palace reflects the late period splendor of the Ottoman Empire, 285 rooms, 46 halls and 68 toilets...

Built in just 4 months in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, this fortress sits at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. With its stunning view and green gardens, it's a photographer's paradise.

Home to some of the world's most important Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, this 4th-century structure takes you on a journey into the depths of history. The mosaics are preserved with extraordinary detail and color.

Famous for its frothy Turkish coffee made with the same recipe since 1967, this small shop is one of Istanbul's most iconic coffee houses. Crowded, but worth it.

Brewing coffee at the same spot with the same recipe since 1923, this legendary venue is one of Kadıköy's most recognized landmarks. Be sure to try the stone ground dibek coffee too.

Located inside a 16th-century Ottoman bathhouse, this unique café lets you sip Turkish coffee amid history. Drinking coffee under the dome, between the columns, is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime.

Turkish coffee and rice pudding enjoyed with a Bosphorus view at this historic wooden pavilion inside Emirgan Park offer one of Istanbul's most delightful moments. A must see especially during tulip season (April).

Named after the French writer Pierre Loti, this historic café, reached by cable car up the hill, is the place to drink Turkish coffee overlooking the Golden Horn. The sunset in the late afternoon is especially mesmerizing.

Take a shopping break at the historic coffee houses inside the Grand Bazaar and sip Turkish coffee while watching the bustling bazaar life around you. A true Istanbul experience.

One of Istanbul's most prestigious shopping malls, home to luxury brands.

A massive lifestyle complex combining shopping, an art center and a performance hall.

One of Turkey's largest shopping malls, featuring an aquarium and extensive entertainment areas.

One of the world's largest covered bazaars. In addition to jewelry, carpets, leather, ceramics, spices and souvenirs, you can also find traditional handcrafted goods. Open since 1455!

Open since 1664, this historic bazaar offers hundreds of types of spices, dried fruits, Turkish delight, Turkish tea, olive oil and natural soaps. A photographer's paradise with its colorful display.

On this 1.4 km pedestrian street, international brands, Turkish designers, bookshops, cafés and music stores all mix together. You can ride the historic tram from one end to the other.

Istanbul's most luxurious shopping district. In this neighborhood, where international fashion brands, Turkish designers and gourmet restaurants come together, you'll be mingling with the city's elite.

In this neighborhood at the heart of Beyoğlu, hundreds of antique shops, vintage collections and art galleries take you into a different world. Pieces dating back to the Ottoman era are true treasures.

This small historic bazaar right next to the Sultanahmet Mosque sells handmade Turkish products, ceramic plates, Turkish carpets, copperware and traditional textiles.

Istanbul's new waterfront complex, a modern port district full of museums, shops and restaurants.

One of Istanbul's tallest structures, with a 360-degree observation deck over the city.

A legendary tower rising in the middle of the Bosphorus, open as a restaurant and small museum.

One of the Bosphorus's chicest neighborhoods, known for its seaside cafés, restaurants and promenades.

One of Istanbul's most photogenic neighborhoods, with colorful historic houses and authentic streets.

From Istanbul's highest hill, you can see the entire city. The Bosphorus bridges, the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands and the whole Istanbul skyline in a single view. The sunset is especially mesmerizing.

From the top of this medieval tower, you'll experience a 360° panorama of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. Since there are queues during the day, it's recommended to go early morning or at night.

This square, with the historic Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus bridge as a backdrop, is one of Istanbul's most photographed spots. Small cafés and stalls famous for their waffles await you along the shore.

A mysterious Byzantine underground water cistern, famous for its carved Medusa heads.

A lesser known but striking Byzantine cistern, notable for its modern lighting design.

Another impressive Byzantine underground cistern with hundreds of columns.

The Ottoman sultans' summer palace on the Bosphorus, famous for its elegant gardens and views.

A magnificent Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus, now serving as a luxury hotel.

One of Islam's sacred sites, with a peaceful complex overlooking the Golden Horn.

One of the rare Byzantine churches built even before Hagia Sophia.

A historic hotel built for Orient Express travelers, where Agatha Christie once stayed.

A unique history museum bringing the Conquest of Istanbul to life with a panoramic painting.

A historic hilltop church on the island, visited by thousands each year to make a wish.

A historic and spiritually significant church belonging to the Greek Orthodox community in Fatih.

A magnificent building on İstiklal Street, Turkey's largest Catholic church.

In service since 1741, one of the finest examples of classic Ottoman bathhouse architecture.

A historic bathhouse built by architect Mimar Sinan in 1584, keeping centuries of tradition alive.

An open air museum displaying miniature models of Turkey's and the Ottoman Empire's most important landmarks.

Turkey's first major private museum dedicated to industry, transport and technology history.

One of Europe's largest themed aquariums, showcasing seas from around the world.

An interactive museum telling the history and making of chocolate in a fun way.

A show center where families can enjoy dolphin and seal performances together.

Clubs in Sarıyer's green valleys offering riding lessons and horseback tours close to nature.

A historic park next to Topkapı Palace, famous for its tulip gardens and shaded paths.

A legendary viewpoint and café overlooking the Golden Horn, reachable by cable car.

A vast green space on the Bosphorus, famous for its Tulip Festival especially in April.

A peaceful forest park away from the city noise, home to thousands of plant and tree species.

The Mevlevi Sema ceremony (whirling dervish performance), held weekly at various venues, connects you with Istanbul's spiritual side.