What to see in Istanbul: the 30 must-sees

Istanbul is too rich to see everything: this ranking keeps the thirty places that come up in almost every successful trip, grouped by district so that you can plan your days without crossing the city back and forth. It starts with Sultanahmet, the Byzantine and Ottoman heart, then the bazaars and the Galata shore, the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the Asian side and the museums. Each entry gives a reason to go and links to the detailed page, where you will find hours, prices and access, checked in October 2026. If you are short of time, the first ten are enough for a successful first visit.

Sultanahmet: the heart of the old city

Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque seen from the Galata Tower, above the Golden Horn

Hagia Sophia: 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned mosque, with mosaics to see from the gallery.
Blue Mosque: its Iznik tiles and six minarets, free outside prayer times.
Topkapı Palace: residence of the sultans for nearly four centuries, with the harem and the treasury; closed on Tuesday.
Basilica Cistern: the Byzantine cistern with Medusa heads, cool in summer.
Hippodrome of Constantinople: the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, free to visit.
Hagia Irene: one of the oldest churches in the city, in the first courtyard of Topkapı.
Gülhane Park: the former palace garden, for a rest in the shade.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums: the Alexander Sarcophagus and the ancient collections.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: carpets and manuscripts in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha.

The bazaars and Süleymaniye hill

The Eminönü waterfront with the New Mosque and Süleymaniye on the hill

Grand Bazaar: the historic covered market; closed on Sunday.
Süleymaniye Mosque: Sinan's masterpiece, with the best terrace over the Golden Horn.
Spice Bazaar: spices, Turkish delight and dried fruit, in Eminönü.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: a small mosque covered in Iznik tiles.

Galata, Beyoğlu and the Bosphorus

Galata Tower: the 360° view over the city; at opening time or at sunset.
İstiklal Avenue: 1.4 km on foot between passages, churches and bookshops.
Dolmabahçe Palace: the 19th-century marble palace on the Bosphorus; closed on Monday.
Bosphorus cruise: the best way to see both shores.
Ortaköy Mosque: a small mosque under the Bosphorus bridge, very photogenic.
Rumeli Hisarı Fortress: built in 1452; see it from outside while the restoration lasts.
Beylerbeyi Palace: the summer palace on the Asian shore.
Yıldız Park: pavilions and lawns for a picnic.

The Golden Horn

The colourful houses of Balat on the shore of the Golden Horn

Chora Church: the finest Byzantine mosaics after Hagia Sophia.
Theodosian Walls: the ramparts of Constantinople.
Balat and Fener: colourful lanes, cafés and churches.
Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill: pilgrimage and sunset over the Golden Horn.

The Asian side and the islands

Üsküdar: a religious and peaceful district, facing the old city.
Maiden's Tower: the small tower on the water, to admire from Salacak.
Kadıköy: market, cafés and evenings out; see our guide.
Princes' Islands: a day by ferry without cars.

A modern museum

Istanbul Modern: Turkish contemporary art on the Bosphorus, in Karaköy. For another view of the city, the Museum of Innocence brings Orhan Pamuk's novel to life.