Istanbul Bucket List: 100 Must-Have Experiences in Istanbul

1. Picture The Galata

Go to Galata where a different world awaits you. Galata Tower is one of the must-see places in Istanbul. From here you can look out over the fascinating views of Istanbul. You can read some clues to spot the best angle to picture in our daily itineraries.

2. Eat Kumpir in Ortakoy

 

3. Walk Around Taksim Square

Today Taksim Square is the main transportation hub and a major destination for tourists and locals in Istanbul. Pedestrians shop on Istiklal Street and in the long streets that lead to the square. While you are around Taksim Square, you may want to visit some hidden gems of Istanbul that our trip designers recommended in their itineraries.

4. Capture The Colorful Streets of Karakoy

There are art galleries and numerous cafes here. There are buildings in Karaköy that have survived to the present day without deteriorating its historical texture. If you are looking for an excellent background for your next IG post, our local trip designers could point you in the right direction.

Check out most loved Istanbul attractions by HeyTripster readers:

5. Eat Islak Hamburger (Steamed Burger) in Taksim

The best food to end a crazy night is a steamed burger. Later in the night, you will see a crowd of people, especially in front of the small restaurants selling doner in Taksim. Would you like to know how to eat Islak Hamburger right way? You can always ask our local trip designers.

6. Drink Coffee in Beyoğlu

If you’re curious about the poetic Beyoğlu street culture of Istanbul, we strongly suggest you walk around these streets and stop for a coffee or a dessert. And don’t forget that you can find the most in coffee shops in our itineraries. Check out our website for more!

7. Drink Pickle Juice

This beverage, which is not very suitable for the night, is one of the most preferred street delicacies of Istanbul. With the help of our local trip designers, our daily itineraries lead your way to the tastiest pickle juice in Istanbul. Check out our website for more!

8. Discover The Hidden Streets of Balat

Balat is famous for its streets and its cats. The streets are full of antique stores where you’ll find all sorts of delightful treasures – maybe even an old lamp to take you back to your childhood. They have a significant amount of experience with these antique shops.

9. Eat Balik Ekmek (Grilled Fish Sandwich) in Eminonu

Grilled fish is placed between bread and served with onions and greens. Your journey of magnificent flavor begins at the first bite of balik ekmek. Locals know the best-grilled fish place to eat, and you can access their itineraries contains this kind of info and more through HeyTripster. Check out our website for more!

10. Eat Cig Kofte (Steak Tartar a La Turca)

Bulgur, onions, garlic, tomato and pepper paste, oil, salt and pepper are used in this delicious food, raw minced meat is also used. Raw ground beef is not cooked on the fire, cooked with the effect of bitter spices and kneading. Our local trip designers know where to eat the best cig kofte in Istanbul, you may want their recommendations.

11. Drink Tea in Front of The Pierre Loti View

Pierre Loti Hill is the most beautiful point from which to enjoy views of the Golden Horn. The region is called Pierre Loti Hill in memory of French writer Julien Viaud (his pseudonym was Pierre Loti), who adopted Istanbul as his second home. Information like this and more would be available for you in our itineraries designed by local trip designers. Check out our website for more!

12. Eat Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels) at Midyeci Ahmet

You can see every street, a person sells a lot of stuffed mussels inside a large metal tray. One, one more, and surprise! you’ll notice that you’ve eaten 20 at a time. Don’t forget to ream a lemon in it.

13. The Breakfast Street of Besiktas

Besiktas is one of Istanbul’s most important areas and is found on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus. Besiktas city centre is located between the Kabatas region and the famous Ortakoy region – considered the second centre of Istanbul after Taksim. It’s one of the most popular places to serve traditional Turkish breakfasts, which you’ll find on every corner and down every alley.

14. Taste The Famous Vefa Boza

We recommend you walk from the Blue Mosque to Vefa where you can taste the famous Vefa boza, a traditional, lightly fermented beverage made using millet semolina, water and sugar.

15. Eat Kokorec in Çengelköy

This delicious food is made with special meat: small intestine of sheep. This meat is cleaned by a special process. Then it is cooked on the grill. Don’t ask for intestines, first order a quarter of bread. Add tomatoes and salt and thyme as spices.

16. Have Breakfast in Emirgan

Imagine a park so full of colorful tulips that your eyes are bathed in pleasure. Well, that park is Emirgan Grove! Here you can enjoy a picnic with the view of Bosphorus, or have breakfast, dinner or some tea or coffee in one of the three pavilions.

17. Walk Around The Yıldız Park

A green and quiet environment, this park is just perfect. It has more than 120 kinds of exotic trees and bushes and also hosts three pavilions so you can enjoy the view with a cup of tea or a beautiful dinner.

18. Rest in The Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park is considered an important place, especially for its historic features. The park is located in the centre of Fatih and is easy to reach using public transport. Time spent in this historic urban park is always a pleasure.

19. Go on a Ferry Ride Between Two Continents

Istanbul is the city where Asia and Europe meet and travelling from one continent to another takes just 15 minutes. Don’t forget to buy simit (bagels) to throw to the seagulls that will follow the ferry.

20. Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

There is a very mysterious place in Sultanahmet, the heart of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern. The Cistern was also used as a venue in many movies and series. Did you watch Inferno, the movie starring Tom Hanks? It was shot in 2016, adopted by Dan Brown’s book. One of the main venues of that movie was Basilica. Basilica Cistern Istanbul or Basilica Palace is one of the most important structures in the history of Istanbul. The features of the columns inside, and the Medusa head, which is especially inverted, attract a lot of attention. There was a basilica where this cistern was built. For this reason, the cistern is called the Cisterna Basilica.

21. Climb to The Hagia Yorgi Church in Büyükada

Built in 1751 as a small church, this has an important place in the Orthodox faith. According to the belief of the Orthodox, it is a half pilgrimage to walk to the church from April 23 to September 24. Are you looking for a great place to blow some steam after the walk? They all designed by locals who know the perfect place for every occasion.

22. Take a Bosphorus Tour

The Bosphorus Strait, which separates Asia and Europe, is worth a cruise to enjoy the beauty of Istanbul. The banks of the Strait combine historical monuments with the beauty of nature and modern buildings.

23. Climb to The Çamlıca Hill

Çamlıca Hill is the ideal place for a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea. You can visit the Küçük Çamlıca Grove, Sofa, Cihannüma and Topkapı Pavilion on the Küçük Çamlıca Hill, 229 metres above sea level.

24. Enjoy Yourself in a Turkish Hammam

Hammams are an experience that should be experienced not only by visitors to Istanbul but also for those who live in the city. If you’re wondering which Turkish baths to visit when you’re in Istanbul then we’ve produced this guide to help you.

25. Eat Ice Cream at Dondurmacı Ali Usta

When you’re enjoying a walk along the seafront, you may want to have a huge ice cream cone with plenty of portions. You may also want tasty ice cream that contains plenty of real fruit. Here in this boutique ice cream shop in Istanbul, you’ll discover delicious ice creams which are homemade using the freshest fruit. Portion sizes are generous and there is a huge range of flavors, many of which you won’t find anywhere other than Dondurmacı Ali Usta’s place!

26. Hike and Picnic in Belgrade Forest!

Belgrade Forest is a stunning place to visit and very popular with people living in Istanbul, especially at weekends. For a quiet time in the Belgrade Forest, we suggest visiting on weekdays. It’s a beautiful place for long nature walks and offers many tranquil places to enjoy a picnic.

27. Visit The Historical Cumhuriyet Tavern. (Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi)

Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi is one of the oldest buildings on Istiklal Street. There is the most interesting table of the meyhane which was reserved for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the country, and nobody sits there. Historic Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi is preferred by some people because of this table. The meyhane, which has several stories, also has live music on certain days. You’ll see many important scientists, historians and writers here. The starters and main dishes are very tasty.

28. Drink Turkish Coffee in Mandabatmaz

Mandabatmaz was established in 1967 and has taken part in many gourmet programmes. The baristas at Mandabatmaz pay attention to every detail of their coffee, from the freshness of the beans to the temperature of the water. Although it’s only a small shop, it’s very busy and popular with tourists and locals. For a true taste of Türkiye, you can’t go wrong here.

29. Taste Turkish Delight

Have you seen or read the “Chronicles of Narnia”? If your answer is “yes”, you will remember Turkish Delight. Lokum, called as “Turkish Delight”, can be plain, double roasted, with peanut, with hazelnut, with rose and many other types. If you tell them that you will take lokum to your country when purchasing, you can have them packed accordingly. Since some sealed packages may be aged, taste and have packed the product you want. You will lose yourself while tasting the lokum.

30. Walk Around at Kadiköy

Kadikoy; mighty and full of adventure! On the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, aside from its historical background Kadikoy has so much more to offer visitors. It has chill vibes and a modern tone with its small streets and trendy coffee shops, and it’s home to the striking beauties of the Caddebostan Seashore – the most famous place in the district. There are also many places to drink and have fun with friends or by yourself. The drinks are mostly cheap and hotels in Kadikoy are reasonably priced too, especially the ones between the bars or coffee shops. Of course, this wonderful place has an artistic side with the deluxe Sureyya Opera House which has hosted many choir festivals, musicals, and operas. And more to explore along the way. You can explore them with our trip designers‘ recommendations.

31. Eat Delicious Cheesecakes at The Market Bosphorus!

The Market Bosphorus is one of the best and most luxurious restaurants in Istanbul. You can enjoy breakfast with a charming view over the Bosphorus. The restaurant also offers oriental cuisine and delicious steak meals accompanied by excellent service and a charming atmosphere. If you are looking for an alternative to this place, you can always ask our local trip designers.

32. Eat At Villa Bosphorus

One of the most important features of Istanbul is that it’s a metropolis connecting two continents. Would you like to gaze across at the impressive Bosphorus Bridge connecting the two continents while you savour high-quality food and listen to the sounds of waves lapping at the shore?
Villa Bosphorus is known for its great seafood dishes and has an excellent menu with something to complement every meal. They also do a fabulous breakfast.

33. Eat Fish At Lacivert Restaurant

Lacivert Restaurant combines the flavours of Mediterranean cuisine with the organic products of the Anatolian region. Offering a unique view of the Bosphorus, Lacivert is sure to provide a great dining experience at any time of the day, and if you’re a late riser you’ll find they do a splendid brunch.

34. Eat Baklava At Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Baklava is prepared by the master, baked in the oven and then served. The oven is located in the baklava store so you’re guaranteed freshness – and there has only been one branch of this place since its opening so it’s also unique. Güllüoğlu also produces gluten-free baklava. Its masters have unique methods which give the baklava its special flavour. Güllüoğlu delivers gift packages with special notes to addresses in Türkiye and around the world. It’s located on Mumhane Street in Karaköy, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul. You must come here to eat baklava in Karaköy Güllüoğlu – the only branch  in the world. It’s modestly decorated and prices are average. Karaköy Güllüoğlu, which is given 5 stars by each visitor and is a great place to enjoy traditional baklava.

35. Eat Asuman Dessert in Cikolata Dukkani

If you get the unmistakable aroma of chocolate while walking on the street in Kadıköy, Moda, you’re probably close to the “chocolate shop”. The intimate and small atmosphere of the shop combines the pleasures of chocolate, friendship and sincerity. You’ll see various names such as “Asuman”, “Neriman”, “Mualla” on the menu as the chocolates take traditional women’s names used in Türkiye. The shop is almost always crowded and so not well suited to sit and chat. If the weather is nice, there are tables outside the shop. Order an “Asuman” and enjoy yourself.

36. Have Breakfast in the Bebek Coast

Set in the impressive garden of the historic French Orphanage in the middle of the Arnavutköy and Etiler districts, this venue offers a pleasant setting for a drink and a snack. Diners can taste a real Turkish breakfast in a stunning location.

37. Walk Around at The Kuzguncuk Streets and Take a Photo

Kuzguncuk is one of the most important regions in Istanbul. The colorful streets full of historical houses are fascinating and there are many boutique cafes and shops among them. Spending time strolling around here will transport you to another world.

38. Big Chefs-Eat in The Middle Of The Sea at Tarabya

This restaurant is located in the Tarabya area overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. It has branches in several cities, but this is the most beautiful. It serves fresh local cuisine and many options so you can taste breakfasts from different regions. If you’re looking for a traditional Turkish breakfast this is a must.

39. Connect with the Arter

The building has a total closed area of ​​18,000 square meters and has exhibition halls, performance halls, learning and activity spaces, library, conservation laboratory, a bookstore focusing on art publications and eating / drinking areas.

40. Wonder around in the Istanbul Modern

It is the first modern art museum in Türkiye which has a perfect view of the Bosphorus. Established in one of the most prestigious and busiest areas of Istanbul, this art gallery and museum in Istanbul, commonly known as the Istanbul Modern, will introduce you to impressive artworks. And as you expect, this is not the only place to view great artwork Istanbul has to offer.

41. Visit Pera Museum

The museum has many exhibitions on at the same time thanks to its multi-storey structure. The art gallery, which works diligently to exhibit the work of a new generation of modern artists, exhibits different art installations in many languages. While you’re at Pera, you should visit the coolest and trendiest places offered by our local trip designers in their daily itineraries. Check out our website for more!

42. Get Satisfied with the Art in Borusan Contemporary

Borusan Contemporary, a private organization boasting a rich collection of art. These collections are exhibited with great care in the museum part of the gallery. After visiting this part, you can go to the halls where temporary exhibitions are held.

43. See the Istanbul Archeology Museum

Istanbul Archeology Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. It contains many historical structures and allows visitors to enter a different world. More than a million works are exhibited at the same time.

44. Remember Your Childhood in the Toy Museum

Are you ready to bring back your childhood memories?! Then, this museum is the place for you. Set in a former toy-shop, the Istanbul Toy Museum showcases old-fashioned toys and miniatures dating back 200 years, which will fill you with nostalgia and bring out your inner child.

45. Visit the Sakıp Sabancı Museum

A great place for a peaceful day out. The paintings along with the rest of the art are unique and celebrate the beauty of the natural landscape. The building is known as “The Equestrian Villa” and often hosts concerts, seminars and conferences.

46. Experience the Dialogue in the Dark

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be blind? This interactive museum will help you to understand what it’s like to trust people based only on speech and touch. You’ll learn empathy as well as gaining a bit more faith in your own senses.

47. Meet the Architecture of Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia became a mosque again in 2020 with the Presidential decree. On 24th of July, 2020, Friday prayers were performed again after 86 years. Visitors wish to see the Hagia Sophia can enter without an entrance fee from now on. Please keep in mind that there are five prayer times for a day, you might want to visit the Hagia Sophia besides these times. Don’t forget that know it’s a mosque again women and men have to wear according to Islamic rules. For men and women, legs and arms need to be covered, no shorts or skirts above the ankle. Also, your clothes should not be tight fitting. And women have to cover their heads.

48. Experience a Different Kind of Blue in the Blue Mosque

Built between 1609 and 1616 the Blue Mosque, is a building of huge historical significance. To this day it serves as an active house of worship.

49. Visit the Fener Greek Patriarchate

Fener Greek Patriarchate is one of the top places of worship in Istanbul that is important for Christians. The Fener Greek Patriarchate, or the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, is located in the Fener district of Istanbul.

50. You Can Take a Photo with Atatürk in Madame Tussauds Museum

The name may look familiar as Madame Tussauds has a branch in every metropolitan area you can imagine. This superb attraction is a real crowd-puller due to its incredibly lifelike wax celebrities! Located in Beyoglu, it’s split into different sections; famous singers, athletes, actors/actresses, and scientists. Children between 0 – 12 years can enter for free, and for over 12’s there are different ticket options: Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Istanbul, Single Entry Ticket, or Family Package. And if you are looking for some fun things to do with your kids in Istanbul, you may ask our local trip designers who have lots to offer to you in their often updated itineraries. Check out our website for more!

51. Spend Time in Rahmi M. Koc Museum

For those who are interested in branches such as industry, transportation, and communication, Rahmi M. Koç Museum is a temple with its rich collection. The fact that it contains a lot of content for adults and children is shown as the biggest factor that makes it an indispensable part of the list of places to visit in Istanbul. If you are interested in the historical development of technical branches, I recommend you to spend time in the museum on the shores of Istanbul Golden Horn.

52. Visit Miniatürk

A beautiful outdoor museum exhibiting 120 models of Modern Türkiye and Ottoman works; 57 from Istanbul, 51 from Anatolia and 12 from outside the borders of Ottoman Türkiye.

53. Visit Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum

There are many museums to visit in Istanbul but a lot of them charge an entrance fee. Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is one you can visit for free. This museum is the former house of the famous Turkish storyteller Sait Faik Abasıyanık which was converted into a museum some time ago. Here you can learn all about the life of the famous author.

54. Visit SALT Galata

SALT Galata is another prestigious venue among the modern art galleries in Istanbul. Located in the centre of the city, is involved in art history research projects and forms an archive with them. You can visit this archive online, where documents and information can be found in different languages. All events that take place here can be viewed on the calendar on the official website. The art gallery has a rich archive, especially in terms of photography and painting exhibitions. Moreover, the gallery has a blog page, which is actively used and is full of information and culture.

55. IMOGA Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts

Serving also as a museum, this institution focuses especially on the exhibition of works of graphic arts and is used both as an art gallery and a large workshop at the same time. The most important feature of this institution is that it enables foreign tourists to produce artworks in workshops and display them. Therefore, the modern artworks you can see here may have a more original structure than you would see in other museums.

56. Discover Akbank Sanat

Akbank Sanat’s mission is: The Place Has Never Ended. Indeed, change is never exhausted at Akbank Sanat. More than 700 events are held annually.

57. Shop in Nişantaşı

Home to many high-end designer stores from Gucci to Armani, Louis Vuitton to Prada or Cartier, Nişantaşı is a great choice for any shopaholic.

58. Buy Freshly Ground Coffee from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi

You can buy freshly ground coffee from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi and take it to your friends and continue the joy of having Turkish coffee with your friends at home.

59. Wonder Around Bağdat Street

One of Istanbul’s most famous streets. It is located in Kadikoy which is on the Asian side of Istanbul. This street is about 14 km. Shops, restaurants and cafés are located along this street, working day and night.

60. Buy a Souvenir from Grand Bazaar

If you’re in the mood for a place with a bit more history behind it, then you should try the Grand Bazaar. With its exotic colours, unique atmosphere and over 4000 shops, the Grand Bazaar, located in the neighborhood of Kapalıçarşı, is the world’s oldest covered bazaar. If you’re looking for a specific souvenir and don’t know how to find it, you could ask our local trip designers. They would like to help the travellers exploring Istanbul with their itineraries. Check out our website for more!

61. Shop in the Spice Bazaar

A popular stop in Eminönü is the Spice Bazaar, with its many fragrant spices, different kinds of Turkish delights, dried herbs, honey, nuts, dried fruits, and even caviar. Built in 1664, it’s referred to as the Egyptian Market (Mısır Çarşısı) by locals as it was built with the revenue from what, at the time, was the Ottoman state of Egypt.

62. Walk Around the Galataport

Istanbul’s new shopping and food heaven Galataport features 250 food & beverage and retail stores. There is also one exhibition where you can witness the modern artworks created by Mimar Sinan University Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture students and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Also, Galataport -featuring a hatch system which is the first of its kind in the world- is positioned as a homeport where the cruise ships come by. You can visit an enormous number of stores of all kinds and eat both local food and world cuisine.

63. Shop Antiques in Çukurcuma

How can you explore the history and culture of a region? By visiting its antique shops. Antique shops are a great way to see and feel the tradition, culture and history of a region. The Cihangir and Çukurcuma regions in Beyoğlu are full of antique shops and a walk through the streets is highly recommended. And there are plenty of coffee shops where you can take the weight off your feet and grab a drink.

64. Discover The Terkos Passage

You can buy cheap products. You don’t even need to enter any store for shopping, people can find you for sale.

65. Go Shopping  in Turkish Designer Ipek Kiramer’s Shop

Colour, romance, sports and charm are the signatures of İpek Kıramer. In addition to her Haute Couture designs, Kıramer, who draws attention with her underwear designs in New York, comes to the fore with her IK Young Body brand. With her Young Body designs, Kıramer promotes dynamism and comfort as she believes that life makes more sense when combined with happiness. You can buy the clothes designed by İpek Kıramer from her store in Etiler, Istanbul.

66. Buy Outlet Products – Optimum Outlet

Optimum Outlet, Beymen, Cacharel Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, Yargici, Zen Diamond Optimum Outlet await you with outlet deals all year round.

67. Shop in Zorlu Center

Zorlu, one of the most beautiful shopping centers in Istanbul, offers art and shopping intertwined. One of the most interesting among the stores here is Apple. Apple’s first store in Türkiye was opened in Zorlu shopping mall keeping the concept of the original iconic cube store concept in New York. Also; Bvlgari, Tiffany&Co., Balmain, Brooks Brothers, Costa, Pomellato, Stella McCartney and Superdry opened their own stores for the first time in Türkiye’s Zorlu Center. Dolce&Gabbana; Elie Saab; Valentino; 3,000 m² with the largest H&M in Türkiye, Oscar Mayer, Zara, Beymen Club, GAP, Pinko, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Network, Silk, Abdullah Kiğılı, Mango, Yargici also took place in the Zorlu Center.

68. Buy Glass and Mosaic Lighting Products As A Gift

When you see the rich options in the Grand Bazaar, you will lose your head, we may say. Each of the colorful lamps bearing the mystical spirit of Türkiye is unique and has its own specific characters. When these lamps are made, workers add their own art. Perhaps the most exotic gift you will bring from Istanbul will be a lamp.

69. Enjoy the Luxury in the İstinye Park

There are 147 clothing stores and 41 new brands entering the Turkish market for the first time. In Istinye Park, it is possible to find a variety of international restaurants.

70. Fish at Galata Bridge

At Galata Bridge, you’ll see lots of people fishing. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to while away time and anyone is welcome to fish here. You may find the answers to your questions about fishing equipment from our local trip designers. They are always planning their itineraries to help you end to end all day long. Check out our website for more!

71. Join Istanbul Movie Festival

Istanbul Film Festival started in 1983 under the name of “Cinema Days”. Cinema Days was a weekly film screening event. The Istanbul Film Festival, which is organised every year in April under the umbrella of an institutional structure such as the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), has been held regularly for almost 30 years. Short and long film screenings and biennials take place during the festival. Istanbul Film Festival is Türkiye’s oldest and most influential international film festival. To date, it’s shown 5759 films from 110 countries and reached over 4.2 million viewers. The festival has screenings in major cinemas across Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Zincirlikuyu, Tepebaşı, and Nişantaşı. Ticket prices vary. You can buy tickets online or on the door. Visit the website for the programme and detailed information.

72. Dance in The Sortie

Located on the Bosphorus, Kurucesme, Sortie is a popular and sophisticated club that combines clubbing and dining. It boasts 7 restaurants offering a vast array of different cuisines and has capacity for 1000 people during the summer months.

73. Have “Meyhane” Experience in a Turkish Tavern

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll find plenty of restaurants or bars. But if you’re in Türkiye and want to sample the meyhane experience, then we strongly suggest that you find a traditional “meyhane” (Turkish Tavern).

74. Have Fun in the Asmalı Mescit

It is one of the most important nightlife sites in Beyoglu since early 2000. The area features unlimited restaurants and bars appealing for all kinds of tastes.

75. Join the Tulip Festival in the Emirgan Grove

During the International Istanbul Tulip Festival, organized under the leadership of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, you can see tulips all across the city. The festival is especially celebrated with events in some special places such as Emirgan Grove.

76. See the Magnificent Istanbul View in 360 Istanbul

At 360 Istanbul, which has many international awards, a breathtaking 360-degree view of Istanbul welcomes you on the top floor of this historical and ancient Egyptian Apartment. It serves food from around the world along with modern Turkish cuisine and has an outstanding menu.

77. Have Fun As You Like in the Klein

Located in Harbiye, Şişli, Klein is another location popular with clubbers. With its large dance floor, lively atmosphere and banging audio system, it’s considered one of the best clubs in Istanbul.

78. Enjoy the View in the Ruby

Ruby is a high-quality nightclub located in Ortaköy. With its excellent view of the Bosphorus and superb food as well as music, you’ll find it has all the ingredients for a great night out.

79. Join a Variety of Events in Babylon

Classy yet funky, Babylon hosts international and national artists and offers all guests perfect hospitality. For up to date information about what’s happening follow them on Instagram or other social media platforms.

80. See the Bosphorus View in Alexandra

This tiny bar is warm and friendly with soul-touching music and great menu. Arnavutköy is popular with its bars and coffee shops. Alexandra is a trendy, lively place to enjoy an evening while enjoying a gourmet snack and the Bosphorus view.

81. Join Istanbul Jazz Festival

Another international festival organized by İKSV is the Istanbul Jazz Festival. The festival runs from the end of June to the middle of July, during which time the city is full of jazz. Thousands of jazz lovers from all over attend every year without fail to enjoy some of the more than 30 concerts. Concerts are held at various historical locations in Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia Eirene Museum, Esma Sultan Mansion, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, and also at dreamy outdoor venues and courtyards of some of the city’s landmark buildings. The International Jazz Festivals Organisations (IJFO), made up of the six most prestigious jazz festivals in the world such as Montreux, Umbria, Montreal, and London, consider Istanbul Jazz Festival to be one of the leading jazz festivals in Europe. Ticket prices vary according to events. Find the best venues for your Jazz Night Out in Istanbul.

82. Join Istanbul Coffee Festival

Seminars, events, workshops, and competitions are organized at the Istanbul Coffee Festival, which is held every year in the last week of September. In the festival held in Küçükçiftlik Park, there are sessions in the morning, at midday and in the evening. Ticket prices vary according to these sessions. Tickets allow you to enter 2 sessions on the selected day, before and after the midday. You can visit the website for detailed information, or you can buy tickets for the daily or the whole festival.

83. Take a Boat Tour on New Year’s Eve

We are full of happiness even when we are thinking of watching the magnificent Bosphorus view over the boat on New Year’s Eve. On boat trips, everything is almost unique to you. You travel on a boat slowly going over the Bosphorus waters, and then the boat anchors somewhere. Appetizers, hot snacks, desserts, and all other treats are served in the specially prepared menu for the New Year celebration. Later in the night, you go out on the track and dance as you wish, and then countdown comes: ten, nine, …. three, two, one! Suddenly the scene darkens and a belly dancer starts playing.

84. Swimming at Moda Sea Club

The pool at Moda Sea Club in Kadikoy Moda is 550 square meters in size. After a swim in the pool all day long, you can enjoy watching the sunset at Snack Cafe in the evening. There are family packages with and without children for membership. Non-club members cannot become members of the pool. Non-club members cannot access the pool daily and cannot benefit from their subscription.

85. Join Güli Ceramic Workshop

This workshop has been active in Istanbul for almost 10 years. You can participate in a ceramic workshop here as an individual or as part of a group. By participating in group training organised under the name of company activities, you can create a new generation business model. A Venetian Mask Making Workshop, Tile Painting Workshop, Pottery Workshop and many more are available here.

86. Meet Different Fish in Istanbul Aquarium

For aquariums, Istanbul Aquarium is the best option in the city. You’ll see many different sea creatures, including some of the rarest. Are you ready to journey through 17 underwater themes and a rainforest extending from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean?
Along this unique interactive experience, you’ll feed and touch fish. There’s even the opportunity to take a diving course where you’ll spend 30 minutes swimming with five thousand underwater creatures.
The themed areas include cultural, geographical, historical and architectural features, decorative elements, interactive games, films, and visual graphics with detailed information about the different areas. The sound and lighting systems for each themed area have been designed to complement the theme and immerse you in the underwater experience. Istanbul Aquarium is located in Aqua Florya Mall. Tickets are reasonably priced and you can save money by purchasing your ticket online before visiting.

87. Play Backgammon in a Local Tea Shop

Backgammon is a pleasant game that promotes friendship and community. It’s one of the oldest games in the world and is popular in Istanbul with people of all ages. If you prefer, you can just sit and watch old people playing backgammon. If one of them turns their backgammon board to you, they’re inviting you to play. But beware, they might ‘Mars’ you. ‘Mars’ means to convincingly beat you.

88. Walk Along the Coastline Route Between Arnavutköy and Bebek!

Istanbul connects Asia and Europe via the strait bridges. There are currently 3 major Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul and you can enjoy beautiful views of the city by taking long walks on the hiking routes close to the beach. One of the most popular hikes is the Arnavutköy – Bebek walking route.

89. Watch The Maiden’s Tower

For Maiden’s Tower, no clear information about when it was built. However, some historical sources show that it was built in 341 BC.

90. Pray at The Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque was built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan at the request of Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most famous and important sultans of the Ottoman Empire. It’s impossible not to feel the glory of this fantastic historic building. There are more historical buildings standing for centuries in Istanbul.

91. Visit Topkapı Palace

Topkapi Palace, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, was the place where the Ottoman sultans lived and ruled from, and where education took place. Built in 1460 – 1478, with further parts, added later, this is where the sultanate treasury, Holy Relics and imperial archives are kept. To hear the magnificent stories behind these doors, you can always get one of our itineraries by local trip designers who share them for you. Check out our website for more!

92. Enter The Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace, built by Sultan Abdülaziz between 1863 and 1865, was used by the Ottoman sultans as a summer residence. In later periods, it was registered to the imperial registers as the guest house where state guests were entertained.

93. See the Çırağan Palace

You can spend an enjoyable holiday staying in the suites of an Ottoman Palace, tasting Ottoman and Turkish dishes next to the Bosphorus, and swimming in the infinity pool with its stunning Bosphorus view.

94. Learn The Seven Hills of Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic city also known as the City of Seven Hills. If you only have one day in Istanbul and want to see it all then you could easily find yourself disappointed. Because Istanbul consists of seven hills and each has its own story.

95. Visit Yıldız Palace

P.S: It is closed to visitors due to restoration work.

After the conquest of Istanbul, in the grove that was renamed as “Kazancı Garden”, Selim the Third built a mansion called “Yıldız” for his mother, Mihrişah Valide Sultan. Each of the sultans added a summer palace and a pavilion, and the Yıldız Palace was thus revealed. The pavilion, which is a part of Yıldız Palace and named as “Yıldız Şale” originating from the French word “chalet”, is one of the most interesting structures of Ottoman architectural art. Apart from the traditional Ottoman housing structure, there are no “haremlik” (a part of the palace reserved for women) and “selamlık” (a part of the palace reserved for men) in Yıldız Palace. While visiting the building, be sure to visit the ceremony hall. Here you’ll be captivated by the Hereke carpet of 406 m² from wall to wall and the splendor of the gold-plated ceilings. You can visit the website for detailed information or find it here.

96.Visit Küçüksu Pavilion

The history of the region where the Küçüksu Pavilion, which was built during the reign of Sultan Mahmut The First and completed in 1857, dates back to the Byzantine Empire. There are fireplaces made by various artists in each room of Küçüksu Pavilion, which sultans used for activities such as resting and entertaining. It is an art museum with European-style decoration, carpets, and paintings. Küçüksu Pavilion, which reflects the traditional Turkish style, is located on the Bosphorus between Küçüksu and Göksu Rivers. There are also various restaurants and cafeterias in the area. You can visit the website for detailed information.

97. Ihlamur Pavilion

Ihlamur Pavilion, located between Beşiktaş, Yıldız, and Nişantaşı, belonged to Hacı Hüseyin Ağa in the 18th century and was known as “Hacı Hüseyin Vineyards”. During the reign of Sultan Ahmet the Third, these vineyards were turned into “Hasbahçe”. When Sultan Abdülmecid inherited the throne in the 19th century, the building of Ihlamur Pavilion begun. The main building, the ceremony house, is particularly striking. The baroque-style staircase has a stunning design with interesting and vibrant reliefs. The ceremony house is open to visitors as a museum and palace. The “Maiyet Pavilion” on the other side is decorated with more modest decoration. The Maiyet Pavilion, a traditional style building, includes a structure serving as the winter cafeteria. Cafeteria services are also available in the garden of the pavilion. Here you can sit and drink your coffee amongst the beauty of the mansion and garden. For more information please visit the website. You can find other pieces of information from here.

98. Visit Hidiv Pavilion

The Hidiv Pavilion, built-in 1907, is located in the Çubuklu region of Beykoz. It was built by Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the last Ottoman governor of Egypt. Afterwards, a magnificent tower with a view of the Bosphorus was built along with the mansion, which was restored in accordance with the art nouveau style. Abbas Hilmi Pasha, who ended his duty as the Ottoman Governor after the British occupation of Egypt, was reportedly deported to Switzerland, but his family remained in the Hidiv Pavilion until 1937, when it was sold to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In the Hidiv Pavilion, which is open at all hours of the day, wedding ceremonies and various meetings take place. For more information, please visit the Turkish website. You can find other pieces of information from here.

99. Climb Up to The Galata Tower

Located in the centre of the city, this tower will provide you with an excellent panoramic view of Istanbul. It’s very popular with photographers who come to Istanbul for the Bosphorus view, and its ancient streets and buildings.

100. See Taksim Republic Monument

Located in Taksim Square, one of the most famous squares in Istanbul, this monument was built by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica with the help of Hadi Bey and Sabiha Hanim.
The monument was completed in 1928 and represents the layout of modern Türkiye, which has important meaning to Turks. The two opposite sides of the monument represent different periods. One side of the monument symbolizes the Independence Period, the other the Republican Period, established after the War of Independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, members of the Assembly, people and students are represented in the monument.