We recently visited Istanbul, and overnight it became one of our all-time favourite cities. After full-time travelling the world for the past two years, we’ve experienced a lot—but Istanbul truly stands out. One of the reasons we fell in love with it is because there are just so many incredible things to do in Istanbul. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this city is packed with unforgettable experiences.
We’d go back to Istanbul in a heartbeat and honestly can’t recommend it enough. If you’re planning a trip (or even just thinking about it), definitely go. And when you do, here are our top 5 things to do in Istanbul that you won’t want to miss.
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1) Soak in the Stunning Architecture
Istanbul is easily one of the most iconic cities in the world. Its history runs deep—once the heart of the Byzantine Empire and later the powerful Ottoman Empire. That mix of cultures over the centuries has shaped the city into a unique blend of European and Asian influences, and you can feel it everywhere—from the architecture and food to the atmosphere in the streets.
You don’t have to go far in Istanbul to come across amazing architecture. You’ve probably already seen photos of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—like the Hagia Sophia (a former church turned mosque) and the stunning Blue Mosque. But seeing them in person is a whole different experience.
The Sultanahmet area is packed with beautiful buildings all in one spot. There’s the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace—making it perfect for wandering around, soaking up the old-world charm, and admiring the historic architecture.
But it’s not just Sultanahmet. You’ll also find gems like the New Mosque (Yeni Cami)—called “new” because it was built in 1665, which is practically new by Istanbul standards. Then there’s the Galata Tower, a Genoese landmark in a different part of the city, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
Most tourists tend to stay in the Sultanahmet area since it’s super close to all the major attractions. That’s exactly what we did, and if you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and want a budget-friendly private room (with a shared bathroom), we recommend staying here.
2) Experience an Istanbul Food Tour!
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is pretty much eating your way through the city. The best way to experience this is by joining a guided food tour, which takes you straight to the tastiest spots and hidden gems the city has to offer. Istanbul has so many amazing restaurants, street food vendors and tasty local dishes. If you’re a huge foodie like us then you’ll love Istanbul.
We tried everything—from Midye Dolma (stuffed mussels) to an authentic Turkish breakfast, which is an absolute must. You can even visit the original spot where Iskender kebab was invented, and honestly, words can’t do justice to how tasty that meal was. From rich baklava and sweet Turkish delight to hearty soups and mouthwatering kebabs, Istanbul genuinely has it all.
If you want to eat your way around Istanbul like we did then here’s which food tour we would recommend – Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour
3) Visit the Colourful Area of Balat!
Another top thing to do on your first trip to Istanbul is to explore the vibrant neighborhood of Balat. This area sits on the European side of the city (yes, Istanbul actually has two sides—but more on that later). Once a historic Jewish quarter, Balat is now a colorful mix of cultures. While it’s less touristy than Sultanahmet, it’s still well-known for its brightly painted houses and amazing cafe scene.
First up, you’ll want to check out those colourful houses. You’ll probably see plenty of people lining up to get photos—they really are Instagram-worthy. After that, take some time to wander through the many cafes that dot the streets just a few minutes’ walk away. We loved the peaceful vibe here and found a spot to relax with a coffee—often joined by one of Istanbul’s famous (and seemingly countless) street cats.
4) Visit Two Continents in One Day!
We mentioned earlier that Istanbul has two sides, and honestly, that’s what makes this city so fascinating. It literally sits on two continents: Europe and Asia. You can spend the day wandering around the incredible architecture on the European side, then hop across the Bosphorus to explore the Asian side—all in the same day.
In our experience, both sides have totally different vibes. The European side feels more polished and picturesque, while the Asian side is more authentic, lively, and a bit less touristy. Plus, it’s way cheaper—mainly because most tourists stick to the European side.
Getting between the two is easy and affordable, too. Public transport costs less than £1 to cross from one side to the other. We didn’t get the chance, but you can also take a Bosphorus cruise to see Istanbul’s main sights from the water, which we’ve heard is an amazing way to experience the city.
Klook.com5) Visit the Spice Market & Grand Bazaar
Finally, no trip to Istanbul is complete without visiting the lively Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. Luckily, our guided food tour included a visit to the Spice Market. That meant we got to experience it in the best way possible—free tastings with no pressure to buy. Perfect!
Istanbul became a major centre for spice trading thanks to its strategic location. Many of these spices arrived via the Silk Road—right along the route our journey is following. We’re actually setting off from Istanbul all the way to Central Asia and China. If you’ve not already, we’d love for you to join our community as we share stories from the road.
The Grand Bazaar is another must-visit. We expected it to be crazy busy, but surprisingly, it’s so big that you can explore without feeling overwhelmed. One thing that blew us away was the sheer amount of gold on display—it honestly felt like something out of a movie. You’ll also find small tea shops selling delicious fruit-flavoured teas. They’re perfect spots to sit, relax, and soak in the atmosphere.
If Istanbul isn’t already on your travel list, we’d definitely recommend adding it. We were surprised by how much we loved this city—and how many amazing things there are to do here. More stories from Turkey will be coming your way soon!
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