Quick Summary:

  • Istanbul, the cultural and historical center of Turkey, is an ancient city where East meets West.
  • The former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul’s transcontinental mystique attracts visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at the art and architecture, relax in the Turkish baths, visit the city’s bazaars and modern shopping centers, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and eat the local cuisine.
  • Home to Turkey’s largest seaport, Istanbul is a popular port of call for cruise ships carrying almost half a million passengers annually.
  • Its rich and fascinating history makes Istanbul a “must-see” tourist destination.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bosphorus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bosphorus | What to See in Istanbul
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2. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of Sondem - Fotolia.com

3. Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of muratart - Fotolia.com

4. Egyptian Bazaar

Egyptian Bazaar | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of di_ryan - Fotolia.com

5. Flower Passage

Flower Passage | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of EvrenKalinbacak - Fotolia.com

6. Golden Horn

Golden Horn | What to See in Istanbul
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7. Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar | What to See in Istanbul
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8. Haghia Eirene

Haghia Eirene | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of muratart - Fotolia.com

9. Harem of Topkapi Palace

Harem of Topkapi Palace | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of Toniflap - Fotolia.com

10. Hippodrome of Constantinople

Hippodrome of Constantinople | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of Serg Zastavkin - Fotolia.com

11. Istanbul Archaeology Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Istanbul Archaeology Museum | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of stdemiriz - Fotolia.com

12. Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Istanbul Modern Art Museum | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of Can - Fotolia.com

13. Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern | What to See in Istanbul
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14. Istiklal Caddesi

Istiklal Caddesi | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of Dmitry V. Petrenko - Fotolia.com

15. Maiden’s Tower

Maiden’s Tower | What to See in Istanbul
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16. Miniaturk

Miniaturk | What to See in Istanbul
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17. New Mosque

New Mosque | What to See in Istanbul
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18. Obelisk of Theodosius

Obelisk of Theodosius | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of Sergii Figurnyi - Fotolia.com

19. Orient Express Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Orient Express Museum | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of dudlajzov - Fotolia.com

20. Panorama 1453 Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Panorama 1453 Museum | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of imagIN photography - Fotolia.com

21. Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of sforzza - Fotolia.com

22. Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Sultan Ahmed Mosque | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of monticellllo - Fotolia.com

23. Tombs of the Sultans

Tombs of the Sultans | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of hypnocreative - Fotolia.com

24. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace | What to See in Istanbul
© Courtesy of muratart - Fotolia.com

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