Istanbul Travel Bucket List

Date: November 26, 2024

Posted By: Ali AKPINAR

Istanbul travel bucket list, 100 epic things to do in Istanbul, one of the top travel destinations to visit in the world.

Top things to do in Istanbul are eating your way through the city with a food tour, getting acquainted with the contemporary art in Istanbul, going on a ferry ride between two continents, diving into the culture of the Asian Side of Istanbul, seeing a whirling dervish ceremony in Istanbul, heading to the Black Sea for a mini vacation, doing a photography tour of Istanbul ...

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Istanbul Travel Bucket List

View the video below about the 100 best things to do in Istanbul.

100 Epic Things To Do and Places To Go in Istanbul

Istanbul, a city bridging Europe and Asia, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. Here are 100 epic things to do and places to visit, grouped by category for convenience:

Historical Landmarks in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Explore the iconic structure that transitioned from church to mosque, then museum, and back to a mosque. Admire its massive dome and mosaics.
Topkapi Palace Walk through the grand palace of the Ottoman sultans, including the harem and treasury.
Basilica Cistern Discover the underground water reservoir with its eerie, atmospheric lighting and Medusa-head columns.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) Marvel at the mosque's stunning blue Iznik tiles and grand architecture.
Grand Bazaar Lose yourself in one of the world’s oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops.
Galata Tower Climb this medieval stone tower for panoramic views of Istanbul.
Dolmabahçe Palace Visit this European-style palace by the Bosphorus, known for its lavish interiors.
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) Admire the preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Rumeli Fortress Explore the fortress built to control the Bosphorus during the Ottoman conquest.
Theodosian Walls Walk along the remnants of the defensive walls of Constantinople.

Cultural Experiences in Istanbul

Turkish Bath (Hammam) Relax in historic hammams like the Çemberlitaş Hammam or Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hammam.
Whirling Dervishes Watch the mesmerizing Sufi dance at Hodjapasha Cultural Center.
Turkish Coffee Experience Learn how to brew traditional Turkish coffee.
Shadow Puppet Theatre Enjoy a traditional Karagöz and Hacivat puppet show.
Calligraphy Workshops Take a class in Ottoman-style calligraphy.
Ebru Art Try your hand at the ancient Turkish art of paper marbling.
Traditional Music Night Attend a live performance of Turkish folk music.
Cultural Heritage Museums Visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museum for ancient artifacts.
Bosphorus Villages Experience traditional life in Arnavutköy and Anadolu Kavağı.
Ottoman Kitchen Workshop Learn to cook classic Ottoman dishes.

Food & Drink

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Enjoy Turkish cuisine while cruising on the Bosphorus.
Karaköy’s Cafes Sip coffee at trendy cafes like Karabatak.
Fish Sandwich at Eminönü Try a fresh fish sandwich by the Galata Bridge.
Baklava Tasting Savor pistachio-filled baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu.
Kumkapı Restaurants Relish seafood in this vibrant dining district.
Balat Cafes Discover quirky cafes in the colorful Balat neighborhood.
Turkish Breakfast Feast on a traditional breakfast with simit, cheeses, olives, and tea.
Street Food Try döner, kokoreç, or midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
Spice Bazaar Sample and buy exotic spices, teas, and lokum (Turkish delight).
Rooftop Bars Enjoy cocktails with views of the city skyline at Mikla or 360 Istanbul.

Nature & Relaxation

Princes’ Islands Take a ferry to Büyükada or Heybeliada for a peaceful escape.
Emirgan Park Visit during tulip season for a riot of colors.
Yıldız Park Stroll in this serene Ottoman-era park.
Bosphorus Shores Walk along the waterfront at Bebek or Ortaköy.
Camlica Hill Watch the sunset from the highest point in Istanbul.
Pierre Loti Hill Enjoy panoramic views while sipping tea.
Belgrad Forest Go hiking or picnicking in this lush forest.
Moda Neighborhood Walk along the seaside promenade on the Asian side.
Mihrabat Grove Relax with stunning Bosphorus views.
Florya Beach Enjoy Istanbul’s coastline.

Modern Attractions in Istanbul

Istiklal Street Shop, dine, and explore this bustling pedestrian avenue.
Zorlu Center Discover luxury shopping and fine dining.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum Appreciate contemporary Turkish art.
Rahmi Koç Museum Explore vintage cars, trains, and industrial history.
Kadıköy Market Experience the vibrant Asian side with local produce and shops.
Vialand Theme Park Have fun with family-friendly rides and attractions.
Kanyon Mall Enjoy a modern shopping experience.
SantralIstanbul Visit this energy museum-turned-cultural complex.
City Tours on Trams Take nostalgic rides on the Taksim tram or Moda tram.
Kite Flying at Caddebostan Join locals on weekends at this coastal spot.

Unique Experiences in Istanbul

Underground Tunnels of Istanbul Explore hidden cisterns like the Theodosius Cistern.
Suleymaniye Mosque Visit the largest mosque in the city.
Fenari Isa Mosque Discover Istanbul’s lesser-known historical gems.
Istanbul Aquarium Marvel at aquatic life.
Bosphorus Villages Exploration Take a ferry to Sariyer and explore quaint fishing villages.
Ottoman Mansions Visit restored mansions like Küçüksu Pavilion.
Fener and Balat Walks Stroll through Istanbul’s historic Jewish and Greek quarters.
Night Photography Tours Capture the city’s magical ambiance.
Tulip Festival in Spring See vibrant blooms throughout the city.
Eminönü Sunset Views Watch the city’s iconic silhouette as the sun sets.

Spiritual Spots in Istanbul

Eyüp Sultan Mosque Visit the mosque and its serene surroundings.
Ortaköy Mosque Admire its waterfront beauty.
Little Hagia Sophia A quieter, smaller Byzantine gem.
Aya Triada Church Discover this Greek Orthodox church.
Saint Antoine Church A stunning Catholic church on Istiklal Street.
The Maiden’s Tower Legend-filled tower in the Bosphorus.
Yeni Cami (New Mosque) Visit this stunning Ottoman-era mosque.
Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque Appreciate the intricate tilework.
Valens Aqueduct Historical waterway near Fatih.
Kadiköy’s Old Churches Explore hidden Armenian and Greek churches.

Adventure & Outdoors

Paragliding in Istanbul’s Outskirts Try paragliding at Çatalca.
Hot Air Balloon Rides A lesser-known activity near Istanbul.
Sailing on the Bosphorus Rent a private boat for an adventure.
Helicopter Tours View the city from above.
Fishing on the Bosphorus Join locals for a serene fishing experience.
Cycling at Florya Rent a bike and enjoy the seafront path.
Horse Riding at Polonezköy Explore this green area on horseback.
Diving in Marmara Sea Discover underwater treasures near Istanbul.
Camping at Şile Escape the city for a weekend.
Street Art Walks Find murals and graffiti in Kadıköy.

Hidden Gems in Istanbul

Museum of Innocence Visit Orhan Pamuk’s museum based on his novel.
SALT Galata Explore this cultural hub and library.
Saint Benoit Church Hidden historical gem.
Bakırköy Flea Market A treasure trove of vintage finds.
Asitane Restaurant Taste historic Ottoman recipes.
The Red School in Fener Admire its architecture.
Sultanahmet Arasta Bazaar A quieter alternative to the Grand Bazaar.
Underground Mosque Visit this unique place of worship.
Çukurcuma Antiques Browse through eclectic antique shops.
Kuzguncuk Neighborhood Discover a quaint, multi-cultural area.

Seasonal Events in Istanbul

Istanbul Biennial Enjoy cutting-edge contemporary art (every two years).
Tulip Festival Celebrate Istanbul’s signature flower in April.
Ramadan Evenings at Sultanahmet Experience festive vibes.
Independence Day Festivities Join events on October 29.
New Year’s Celebrations Fireworks and festivities along the Bosphorus.
Film Festivals Watch indie films at Istanbul Film Festival.
Fashion Week Explore Turkish fashion in unique venues.
Marathon Across Continents Run from Asia to Europe in this iconic marathon.
International Jazz Festival Enjoy world-class performances in summer.
Street Festivals in Kadıköy Celebrate local art and culture.

Enjoy your trip to Istanbul!

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Istanbul Travel Bucket List