Historic landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Hagia Sophia | A mosque and landmark about 1,500 years old. | €25 for foreign visitors on a separate route; free for prayer |
| The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) | Facing Hagia Sophia, with six minarets and blue tiles. | Free; closed to visitors at prayer times |
| Topkapi Palace | The Ottoman sultans' palace on the Bosphorus point, home to the Sacred Relics. | Ticketed, including the Harem |
| Galata Tower | Views over the Golden Horn and the old city. | Ticketed |
| Bosphorus cruise | A boat ride between Asia and Europe, past palaces and bridges. | From Eminönü or Kabataş |
Bazaars and streets
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Bazaar | One of the world's oldest covered markets: gold, carpets and antiques. | Closed on Sundays and religious holidays |
| The Spice Bazaar | Spices, Turkish sweets and nuts. | Eminönü |
| Istiklal Avenue | A long pedestrian street for shopping and dining, ending at Taksim Square. | Taksim |
Istanbul malls
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Cevahir Mall | One of Europe's biggest malls: over 300 shops and 12 cinema screens. | Şişli, next to the metro |
| Istinye Park | Luxury brands, a food market and open-air restaurants. | European side, near the Bosphorus |
| Zorlu Center | Istanbul's luxury shopping capital. | Beşiktaş |
| Emaar Square Mall | An aquarium, an underwater zoo and a cinema. | Asian side |
Theme parks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Isfanbul (formerly Vialand) | Istanbul's best-known theme park, with roller coasters and rides for children, plus a mall and hotel. | Eyüpsultan, European side |
| Miniatürk | Turkey's landmarks as miniature models in one park. | European side |
Tips before you go
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so plan it for another day.
- Get an Istanbulkart for the metro, trams and ferries.
- Mosques close to visitors at prayer times, so allow for that in your plans.
Hotels in Istanbul
Flights to Istanbul
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Istanbul?
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower and a Bosphorus cruise, plus the Grand Bazaar and Istiklal Avenue.
Is Hagia Sophia free to enter?
Entry for prayer is free; foreign visitors enter on a separate route for €25.
What are the best malls in Istanbul?
Cevahir, Istinye Park, Zorlu Center and Emaar Square Mall.
What is Istanbul's best-known theme park?
Isfanbul (formerly Vialand), on the European side.
Planning your trip to Turkey? Read Travel to Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.