Istanbul Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Tips

Last Update: September 2026

Straddling Europe and Asia on either side of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities we’ve visited. It’s chaotic, colourful and incredibly photogenic, with magnificent mosques and palaces sitting alongside bustling bazaars, neighbourhood cafés and ferries criss-crossing the water.

We spent three full days exploring Istanbul on our first visit and packed a huge amount into them. From wandering through the spectacular Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to getting lost in the Grand Bazaar, cruising the Bosphorus and crossing over to the Asian side, there was never a shortage of things to see and do. In fact, our biggest regret was not staying longer.

If you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time, this guide covers the best things to do, how many days you need, where to stay, how to get around and a few useful tips we picked up along the way.

What to do in Istanbul?

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia (also known as the Ayasofya) is the most iconic building in Istanbul. Built between 532 and 537 as the principal church of the Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia was then converted to a mosque in 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. In 1934, the Turkish government converted the Hagia Sophia to a museum but in 2020 they converted it back to a working mosque.

Because of its unique history, the Hagia Sophia is one of those rare structures in the world that blends the architectural styles of both a church and a mosque. Its 31m diameter domeis the structure’s most striking element.

Visiting the Hagia Sophia can take some time. There is often a long queue to enter. However, as bad as it looks, the queue normally moves quite quickly, so it is worth the wait. The Hagia Sophia is open every day but being a working mosque, it does close during prayer times and on Friday mornings. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.

Entry fee: As of September 2026, tourist admission to the upper gallery costs €25 per person. Prices and visiting arrangements can change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Tip: Hagia Sophia is still an active mosque, so dress respectfully. Women should cover their hair and both men and women should have their shoulders and knees covered.

Blue Mosque

Right across from the Hagia Sophia, you will find an equally imposing mosque, the Blue Mosque. The Hagia Sophia is breathtaking, but the Blue Mosque (locally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is even more striking. With its many domes and its six towering minarets, it’s an incredible sight. The outside of the Blue Mosque isn’t blue; instead, its name comes from the thousands of blue Iznik tiles that line its interior.

As with the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is closed for prayers at various times of the day and on Friday mornings.

NOTE: When visiting a Mosque, please be respectful and dress appropriately. Your shoulders and legs must be covered. Remember to also remove your shoes at the entrance.

Entry fee: Free

Topkapi Palace

Once the main residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s most fascinating historical sights. The sprawling palace complex is made up of beautiful courtyards, ornate rooms, gardens and pavilions, with some fantastic views across the Bosphorus.

One of the most interesting parts of the palace is the Harem, the private living quarters of the sultan and his family. With its colourful tiled walls, elaborate decoration and maze of rooms and passageways, it was one of our favourite parts of our visit and shouldn’t be missed.

Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the palace properly, and longer if you enjoy history and want to take your time. It is a large complex with plenty to see, so don’t try to squeeze it into an already packed morning.

Entry fee: The ticketing system has changed since our visit. Foreign visitors now purchase a combined ticket, which includes admission to Topkapi Palace, the Harem and Hagia Irene. As of September 2026, the combined ticket costs 2,750 TL per person.

Tip: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Ticket prices in Turkey change frequently, so check the official website for the latest admission price before your visit.

The Basilica Cistern

Another incredibly busy attraction in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving ancient Roman cistern. Lying beneath the city, it can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water and contains 336 marble columns, each 9 meters tall. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Today, there is very little water kept in the cistern because it is only used as a tourist attraction.

Entrance fee: Ticket prices have increased significantly since our visit. Check the official Basilica Cistern website for the latest admission price before visiting. As of September 2026, daytime admission for foreign visitors is 2,500 TL.

Take a cruise on the Bosphorous

The Bosphorous Strait cuts through the city of Istanbul and there is no better way to enjoy Istanbul’s gorgeous architecture than from the water. Numerous tour boats cruise the Bosphorous daily and their prices range from 4 Euros for a one-hour cruise to 35 Euros or more for those that include lunch or dinner onboard. They depart regularly throughout the day. There are also sunset and evening cruises to enjoy the city at night.

Visit the Grand Bazaar

No visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the city’s oldest and largest market. In the Grand Bazaar you can find just about anything you need. It’s the best place in town for tourists to look for souvenirs, carpets, pottery, and Turkish lamps. You could spend hours there but be sure to haggle, since prices are inflated for tourists.

Entry fee: Free – Closed on Sunday

And the Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) is smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but we found it even more enjoyable. It’s so colourful, it smells incredible and there are lots of yummy treats to buy!

The Spice Bazaar is home to shop after shop selling colourful and aromatic assortments of spices, teas, nuts, dried fruit, Baklavas and Turkish delights. There’s also a scattering of shops selling souvenirs.

Entry fee: Free

Tip: Right next to the Spice Bazaar is the Rustem Pasha Mosque. This mosque is a hidden gem that some describe as a miniature Blue Mosque, without the crowds. I found the tile work just as incredible as the Blue Mosque’s, just on a much smaller scale. There was barely anyone there when we visited, and it is also free to enter.

Go up the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is another iconic landmark of Istanbul. Built in 1348, it served as a watchtower, a prison, and a naval depot. It stood for centuries as the tallest structure in Istanbul. There is an elevator to go up the tower and the views from the observation deck are spectacular. Visit early in the morning for the best lights and to avoid the crowds.

Entry fee: €30 for foreign visitors (September 2026). Ticket prices can change, so check the official website before visiting.

Buy Turkish delights and Baklavas

I don’t know about you, but I am a huge fan of Turkish Delights and Baklava. The great news is that you can find these delicious Turkish sweets everywhere in Istanbul. Both the Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar sell them by the thousands. There are also shops all over town that sell them. We loved the Hafiz Mustafa 1864 bakery. You can buy the sweets by the kilo if you’re hungry or if you’re planning on bringing some home with you. Alternatively, you can buy a few grams to eat right away (don’t think about the calories, you’re not in Turkey every day!).

Head to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street

If you’re keen to do some more shopping, head to Taksim Square and Istiklal street. There you’ll find an array of high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs, cafés, and more.

You’ll also find buskers, bands, street entertainers, food stalls, and much more to keep you entertained.

If you don’t fancy walking the length of the street, the iconic red Heritage tram runs down Istiklal Street from Taksim Square.

Walk across the Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn and connects the historic city centre with modern Istanbul. The bridge is two-storeys high, consisting of an upper level where the traffic flows and a bottom level that is home to numerous restaurants. These are perfect for a long lunch taking in the views.

The Galata Bridge is a great place to watch the many fishermen who gather along it hoping to hook something. The views of the city from the bridge are also spectacular. On one side you have Sultanahmet, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. The other side has the New Mosque and Galata Tower.

Take a ferry to Asia!

You can take a ferry across to the Asian bank of Istanbul from the European side. There are ferries to Kadiköy and Üsküdar. You can also take a train to Üsküdar. We only had time to visit Üsküdar but we heard that Kadiköy is very nice too.

In Üsküdar, we walked along the Bosphorous, enjoying the riverside scenery. We took the short boat trip to the newly reopened Maiden Tower for more amazing views of the city and the Bosphorous.

The Maiden Tower is an Ottoman age tower on a small island in the Bosphorus. It has recently been completely restored. This landmark of modern Istanbul has spectacular panoramic views of the city. Due to its strategic location near the entrance of the Bosphorus, the tower has had a very varied history and is now open as a small museum. It also has a café onsite.

Watch a Whirling Dervishes show

Watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to “perfection” through mind and love—a truly unmissable and astonishing experience. You can find Whirling Dervishes shows in a few spots around town. We watched it at the Kizlaragasi Medrese in the old town and it was a great experience.

Entry fee: 1,900 TL per adult for the standard evening performance (September 2026). Prices can change, so check the official website before booking.

Enjoy some Turkish food.

Turkish food has so much variety. Different regions have their own specialities and trying everything will be hard. However, the ones you really must try are:

• Mezzes (especially the acili ezme – Spicy Turkish salsa) 
• Shish Kebabs
• Gozleme
• Pide (Turkish Pizza)
• Testi Kebab (Kebab in Pottery)
• Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes)
• Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
• And of course… Turkish Delights and Baklavas. 

How to get around Istanbul?

Walking is the best way to experience the city. You can easily walk around the main tourist areas of the city. A lot of the sights are very close to each other, especially in Sultanahmet.

If you are short on time, it’s worth getting in an Istanbulkart to use around the city. An Istanbulkart can be purchased from every station and is a type of debit card that can be topped up. It allows you to travel around the city by bus, boat, metro, tram, or train. You can also use it to pay for the public toilets which can be handy when you don’t have small change.

Best Time to Visit Istanbul

The best times to visit Istanbul are generally spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). Temperatures are usually comfortable for sightseeing, which is important in a city where you’ll likely spend a lot of time walking.

Spring is particularly beautiful, with tulips blooming across the city in April, while autumn brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for exploring Istanbul’s neighbourhoods and outdoor attractions.

Summer can be hot, humid and busy, particularly during July and August. If you don’t mind the heat, the long daylight hours are great for sightseeing and enjoying evenings along the Bosphorus. Winter is quieter and generally cheaper, but expect colder temperatures, rain and occasionally even snow.

We visited in October and found it a great time to explore Istanbul. The weather was comfortable for walking around all day without the intense heat of summer.

How long should you stay in Istanbul?

We recommend spending at least three full days in Istanbul, especially on your first visit. Three days gives you enough time to see many of the major sights, explore a couple of different neighbourhoods and take a trip along the Bosphorus without rushing constantly.

However, if you have the time, four or five days would be even better. We spent three full days in Istanbul and wished we’d had another couple of days to explore more of the city.

Are you heading to Cappadocia next? Click here for the best things to do while in Cappadocia.

 Where to stay in Istanbul?

There are many neighbourhoods in Istanbul. Most tourists stay in Sultanahmet (the old town), Taksim Square and Istiklal Street or near Galata or Karakoy. As a first-time visitor, we would recommend staying in Sultanahmet so that you have most of the main attractions on your doorstep.

However, if you are young or if you fancy more nightlife, staying across the Golden Horn near Istiklal/Taksim Square, or Karakoy would be a better option.

In Sultanahmet

Hotel Sultania

We stayed at Hotel Sultania and really couldn’t fault it. The location was perfect, within a walking distance to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Gulhane Park and Basilica Cistern. The rooms in Hotel Sultania feature a combination of modern lifestyle with traditional Ottoman touch. Check their prices here.

Saruhan Hotel

Located in the heart of the Old City, just 600 metres from the Blue Mosque. The hotel is close to Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Istanbul. The Saruhan Hotel offers views from its rooftop terrace and free Wi-Fi. Check their prices here.

Henna Hotel

Henna Hotel Istanbul has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace, and restaurant in Istanbul. Popular points of interest nearby include the Topkapi Palace, the Column of Constantine and the Spice Bazaar. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. Check their prices here.

In Taksim Square/Istiklal

Plat Inn Hotel Taksim

Boasting a terrace, Plat Inn Hotel Taksim is in the centre of Istanbul, 400 metres from Taksim Square. Popular points of interest near it include Istiklal Street, Taksim Metro Station and Dolmabahce Clock Tower. Check their prices here.

Novus Pera Hotel

Featuring a garden, a shared lounge, and a bar, Novus Pera Hotel is in the centre of Istanbul, 700 metres from the Galata Tower. The property is 1.9 km from the Spice Bazaar, 2.8 km from the Istanbul Congress Center and 2.9 km from the Dolmabahce Clock Tower. The hotel includes a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. Check their prices here.

Magnova Studios

Magnova Studios is located on Istiklal Avenue, just a few steps from St. Anthony of Padua Church. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property. Check their prices here.

Istanbul FAQs

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Absolutely. Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities we’ve visited, with an incredible mix of history, architecture, food and culture. Where else can you start your morning exploring centuries-old mosques, wander through a bustling bazaar in the afternoon and cross from Europe to Asia by ferry before dinner?

Even if you’re visiting Turkey mainly for places such as Cappadocia or the coast, Istanbul deserves a few days of its own.

Is Istanbul walkable?

Yes and no! Many of Istanbul’s major attractions are close enough to explore on foot, particularly around Sultanahmet, and walking is one of the best ways to experience the city.

However, Istanbul is enormous and quite hilly, so you won’t want to walk everywhere. Thankfully, the city has an extensive public transport network of trams, metros, buses and ferries, making it relatively easy to travel between different areas.

Do you need an Istanbulkart?

If you plan on using public transport regularly, an Istanbulkart makes getting around much easier. It can be used across much of Istanbul’s public transport network, including buses, trams and other services.

Even if you enjoy walking, Istanbul is far too large to explore entirely on foot, so you’ll almost certainly use public transport at some point during your stay.

Is the European or Asian side of Istanbul better for first-time visitors?

Most of Istanbul’s famous historical attractions are on the European side, so this is where most first-time visitors spend the majority of their time.

However, don’t completely ignore the Asian side. Taking a ferry across the Bosphorus is part of the Istanbul experience, and areas such as Kadıköy offer a different, more local feel away from the major historical sights. We really enjoyed spending some time there during our visit.

What should you wear when visiting mosques in Istanbul?

Visitors should dress respectfully when entering Istanbul’s mosques. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women will also need to cover their hair. It’s handy to carry a lightweight scarf with you while sightseeing.

Remember that places such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are active places of worship rather than simply tourist attractions, so be respectful and avoid visiting during prayer times where visitor access is restricted.

Do you need cash in Istanbul?

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and many shops, but it’s still useful to carry some Turkish lira. Cash can come in handy for smaller purchases, markets, street food and places that don’t accept cards.

You don’t need to carry large amounts of cash around with you, just enough for smaller day-to-day expenses.

Is Istanbul expensive to visit?

Istanbul can suit a wide range of budgets, but major tourist attractions have become considerably more expensive in recent years. Entrance fees for sights such as Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower are significantly higher than they were when we visited.

Food, accommodation and transport vary widely depending on where you stay and eat, so Istanbul can still be enjoyed without spending a fortune. However, if you’re planning to visit several of the major paid attractions, make sure you factor entrance fees into your budget.

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