Where to Visit in Istanbul? - Must see places

Istanbul is a dream city for many travelers around the world with its historical and cultural riches, breathtaking views and unique atmosphere. This fascinating city, with its unique geography extending to both Asian and European continents, bears the traces of many civilizations from past to present.
Places to visit in Istanbul; It is full of historical buildings, museums, bazaars and natural beauties, each telling its own story. In this article, we will discover the most important and unforgettable points of Istanbul, it is an introduction that will excite you before exploring this magnificent city.

List of Places to Visit in Istanbul, Anatolia and Europe

It is just the beginning of discovering Istanbul. It is a great opportunity to get to know this fascinating city better and be caught up in its magic. We said that Istanbul is full of historical riches, now let's take a closer look at some special places to visit and see in this unique city.

Free Places to Visit in Istanbul

There are important places that you can visit for free with your friends and family, by car or public transportation. You can easily visit and see these places because they are open to the public. I definitely recommend you to visit these places.

Nakkaş Halı Nakilbent Cistern

Nakkaş Halı Nakilbent Cistern is an underground cistern located in Sultanahmet, Fatih district of Istanbul. The cistern, which is estimated to have been built in the 5th century, is thought to have been built during the reign of Justinian I. The cistern is located under Nakkaş Halıcılık and is open to visitors by the carpet shop.

The cistern is 120 meters long, 40 meters wide and 15 meters high. The cistern has 128 columns and there are fresco ruins from the Byzantine period on the columns. The cistern is preferred by visitors to cool off, especially in the summer months.
You can get directions to Nakkaş Halı Nakilbent Cistern with this map .

Aşiyan Museum

Aşiyan Museum is a museum located on the ridge of Aşiyan, in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. The museum is the house where poet Tevfik Fikret lived between 1906 and 1915 and where his wife and children lived after his death.

The museum was donated to the Istanbul Municipality in 1945 by Tevfik Fikret's wife, Nazime Hanım. The museum, which was opened in 1945 as the Literature-ı Cedide Museum, was named Aşiyan Museum in 1961 when Tevfik Fikret's body was transferred to the garden.
You can get directions to Aşiyan Museum with this map .

Feneryolu Bird Observation Tower

Feneryolu Bird Observation Tower is a bird observation tower located in Garipçe, Sarıyer district of Istanbul. The tower is located within the 15 July Martyrs Memorial Forest and has a height of 30 meters.

The tower was built by the General Directorate of Forestry in 2015. Climbing the tower is free and offers visitors the opportunity to observe birds on one of Istanbul's important migration routes.
You can get directions to the Bird Watching Tower with this map .

Salt Galata

Salt Galata is a cultural center located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, next to the Galata Tower. Opened in 2016, the center hosts events focused on contemporary art, design and culture.

Salt Galata is located in a building built in the 19th century. The building was restored and transformed into a modern cultural center. The center has exhibition halls, a library, a cafe and a restaurant.
You can get directions to Salt Galata with this map .

Ataturk City Forest

Atatürk Urban Forest is a forest area and park located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. Covering more than 1,000 acres, the forest has three ponds and hiking trails.

The forest was organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2020 and reopened under the name Atatürk City Forest. Activities such as picnics, walking, cycling, barbecuing and hiking can be done in the forest.
You can get directions to Atatürk City Forest with this map .

Museum of Painting and Sculpture

The Museum of Painting and Sculpture is an art museum located in the Tophane district of Istanbul. Founded in 1937, the museum is Turkey's first fine arts museum. The museum is located in Beyoğlu.

The museum has a collection of major works of 19th century Ottoman painting and sculpture and the Republican period. The collection includes works by important artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, İbrahim Çallı, Nazmi Ziya, Fikret Mualla, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Abidin Dino, Avni Arbaş.
You can get directions to the Painting and Sculpture Museum with this map .

Küçük Çamlıca Grove

Küçük Çamlıca Grove is a forest area and park located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. Covering an area of 130 hectares, the grove is one of the most important green areas of the city.

The grove is home to three historical buildings: Sofa Mansion, Cihannüma Mansion and Topkapı Mansion, built in the 19th century. The grove also includes walking tracks, ponds, children's playgrounds and picnic areas.
You can get directions to Küçük Çamlıca Grove with this map .

İşbank Museum

İşbank Museum is a corporate history museum where information and memories regarding the economic, social and institutional development of Türkiye İş Bankası from its establishment to the present day are brought together, preserved and shared with the public.

The museum is located in the historical building that was built as a post office building in 1890. The building was transferred to Türkiye İş Bankası in 1927 and was used as a bank branch until 2004. It was converted into a museum in 2005 and opened to the public on 14 November 2007.
You can get directions to İş Bankası Museum with this map .

Nakkaştepe National Garden

Nakkaştepe National Garden is a national garden located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. Covering an area of 90 thousand square meters, the garden is in a position overlooking the Bosphorus.

In the garden, there are picnic areas, sports fields, tennis court, biological pond, indoor and outdoor children's playground, nature explorer workshop, adventure track, flying path and landscape viewing terrace.
You can get directions to Nakkaştepe National Garden with this map .

Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Center

Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Center is a cultural center located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Founded in 1995, the center hosts events in fields such as contemporary art, design, cinema, music and literature.

The center is located in the former headquarters building of Yapı Kredi Bank. The building is an Art Deco structure built in the 1920s. The center has exhibition halls, a cinema hall, a library, a cafe and a restaurant.
You can get directions to Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Center with this map .

Places to Visit in Istanbul in Winter

Istanbul is a city that offers a different beauty to its visitors in every season. In winter, the historical and cultural riches of the city come to the fore. Here is a list of trips that will help you deeply feel the texture of this wonderful city in winter.

Taksim, Istiklal, Galata Tower

Taksim, Istiklal and Galata Tower are one of the most important touristic and cultural centers of Istanbul. For an accelerated Istanbul tour, this close trio of important regions will make you feel the smell of Istanbul deeply.

In these 3 important regions where you can find important cultures and tastes, you can visit Istiklal Street, taste famous delicacies in Taksim Square and spend unforgettable moments with the unique cultural views of the Galata Tower.
You can get directions to Galata Tower with this map .

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace built in the 19th century, located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. The palace is the largest palace in Turkey with 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets and 6 baths.

Dolmabahçe Palace was built by Sultan Abdülmecid. The construction of the palace started in 1843 and was completed in 1856. The palace was built in a style that blends European and Ottoman architecture.
You can get directions to Dolmabahçe Palace with this map .

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The bazaar was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1456.

The Grand Bazaar consists of a series of closed labyrinth streets, passages and corridors with 64 streets, 4,000 shops, 22 entrance gates and 25,000 employees. Textiles, jewellery, leather, carpets, spices, souvenirs and many other products are sold in the bazaar.
You can get directions to the Grand Bazaar with this map .

Topkapi palace

Topkapı Palace is a palace located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, used as the administrative center and residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1460.

Topkapi Palace is built on an area of 700,000 square meters. The palace consists of four courtyards and a harem section.
You can get directions to Topkapi Palace with this map .

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in the world, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The mosque was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537.

Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the largest basilicas in the world. The mosque is famous for its 55-meter-high dome and 40-meter-wide windows. Hagia Sophia Mosque was converted into a mosque with the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. The mosque is still open for worship today.
You can get directions to Hagia Sophia Mosque with this map .

Besiktas Ortakoy

Beşiktaş Ortaköy is a district located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, on the shores of the Bosphorus. The district is famous for its historical mosques, luxury restaurants and lively nightlife.

Ortaköy was built around the Ortaköy Mosque, built in the 16th century. The mosque has one of the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus. Among the main famous places in Ortaköy are places such as Ortaköy Mosque, Çırağan Palace, Kuruçeşme, Bebek.
You can get directions to Beşiktaş Ortaköy with this map .

Eyüpsultan Mosque and Pierre Loti

Eyüpsultan Mosque was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1458. The mosque is one of the most important mosques in Istanbul and welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Pierre Loti Hill can be climbed by cable car next to the Eyüpsultan Mosque. The hill took its name from Julien Viaud, a French writer and orientalist who lived in Istanbul in the 19th century. Viaud would often come to a coffee house on this hill and watch the view of the Golden Horn. Pierre Loti is a great place where you can drink salep while looking down at the snow view, especially in winter. You can enjoy winter to the fullest in authentic cafes and in front of the fireplace.
You can get directions to Pierre Loti with this map .

Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress is an Ottoman castle built in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. The Citadel was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1452, before the conquest of Istanbul, in order to prevent attacks that could come from the Bosphorus.

Rumeli Fortress consists of 5 bastions and 2 towers. Fatih Tower, the highest point of the fortress, has a height of 28 meters. The fort is visited as a museum today.
You can get directions to Rumeli Fortress with this map .

Yedikule Dungeons

Yedikule Dungeons is a dungeon and prison used in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. The dungeons were built by Byzantine Emperor II in 413. It was built by Theodosius.

The name of the dungeon comes from its seven towers. Dungeons, Young Osman, Armory, III. It consists of seven towers named Ahmet, Treasury, Dungeon, Cannon and Flag. The dungeons are visited as museums today. Artifacts and photographs are exhibited in the dungeons showing the conditions in which the prisoners lived.
You can get directions to Yedikule Dungeons with this map .

Gulhane Park

Gülhane Park is a park located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, at the foot of the Topkapı Palace. The park covers 163 acres and was opened to the public in 1912.

Gülhane Park is one of the oldest parks in Istanbul. The park was used as the outer garden of Topkapi Palace during the Ottoman Empire. Gülhane Park has both historical and natural beauties. There are various artifacts and structures in the park from the Ottoman period. Additionally, there are various trees, flowers and birds in the park.
You can get directions to Gülhane Park with this map .

Places to Visit with Family in Istanbul

Istanbul has a rich cultural and historical heritage that appeals to visitors of all ages. The city also stands out with its natural beauties and entertainment options. Therefore, Istanbul is an ideal destination for family attractions.

WOX Toy Museum

WOX Toy Museum is a museum full of toys produced from the 1950s to the present day, teaching its visitors the history and culture of toys in an entertaining way.

Unlike the Istanbul Toy Museum, it focuses on more modern toys. In addition to toys produced from the 1950s to the present, toys produced today are also exhibited in the museum. In this way, visitors can see toys from different periods together.
You can get directions to WOX Toy Museum with this map .

Museum of Illusion

The Illusion Museum is a museum located in Beyoğlu that exhibits illusions based on vision, perception and physiology. The museum was established in 2015. The museum features various illusions that blur the boundaries between reality and illusion.

These illusions enable visitors to question their perceptions and thought processes. The Museum of Illusion is an entertaining and educational museum that appeals to visitors of all ages. Different types of illusions are exhibited in the museum and various events related to illusions are organized.
You can get directions to the Museum of Illusion with this map .

Emaar Aquarium

Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an aquarium located in Istanbul, housing over 200 species and 20,000 creatures. The aquarium opened in 2020.

The aquarium brings together marine creatures from all over the world. The aquarium includes tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, penguins and many other types of sea creatures.
You can get directions to Emaar Aquarium with this map .

Panorama History Museum

Panorama 1453 History Museum is a museum located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, built on a hemisphere with a diameter of 38 meters and portraying the Conquest of Istanbul, which took place on May 29, 1453, in a panoramic way. The museum was opened in 2009.

In the museum, the process from the moment Mehmet the Conqueror entered the city on the morning of May 29, 1453 is portrayed from different angles and in detail. The museum has more than 250 figures, more than 10,000 objects and an area of 10,000 square meters.
You can get directions to Panorama History Museum with this map .

Vialand Theme Park

Vialand Theme Park is a theme park located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul, established on an area of 120 thousand square meters, appealing to visitors of all ages. The park opened in 2013.

There are more than 15 entertainment units in Vialand Theme Park. These units include roller coasters, water slides, family entertainment and children's games.
You can get directions to Vialand Theme Park with this map .

miniaturk

Miniatürk is a miniature park located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, where 1/25 scale models of Turkey's most important historical and cultural structures are exhibited. The park was opened in 2003.

Miniatürk has models of more than 105 buildings from all over Turkey. Among these structures, there are Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Ephesus Ancient City, Pamukkale Travertines and many other important structures.
You can get directions to Miniatürk with this map .

Sea Life Aquarium

Sea Life Aquarium is an aquarium located in the Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul, built on an area of 8 thousand square meters and hosting more than 10,000 marine creatures. The aquarium was opened in 2009.

The aquarium offers its visitors the opportunity to get to know the underwater world closely. The aquarium has more than 40 themed tanks. These tanks contain sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, colorful tropical fish and many other types of sea creatures.
You can get directions to Sea Life Aquarium with this map .

Legoland

Legoland is a chain of theme parks that appeal to visitors of all ages, founded by the world's largest Lego toy manufacturer, Lego Group. The parks feature various entertainment units, exhibits and activities built using Lego bricks.

Legoland offers its visitors the opportunity to meet the world of Lego and express their creativity with Lego bricks. The parks also offer a fun and exciting experience to their visitors.
You can get directions to Legoland with this map .

Hababam Class Museum

The Hababam Class Museum is a museum located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, inspired by the Hababam Class movie series shot between 1975 and 1978. The museum was opened in 2014.

The museum exhibits exact replicas of the costumes, props and sets used in the film. The museum also has a video screening containing clips from the films and actor interviews.
You can get directions to the Hababam Class Museum with this map .

Pirate Island

Pirate Island is a theme park located in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, hosting 28 different entertainment units. The park opened in 2013. Pirate Island offers its visitors a pirate-themed adventure. There are pirate ships, treasures and mysterious caves in the park.

Pirate Island offers a fun and exciting experience that appeals to visitors of all ages. The park features roller coasters, water slides, family entertainment and children's games.
You can get directions to Pirate Island with this map .

Romantic Places to Visit in Istanbul in the Evening

In the evening, it takes on a different atmosphere with the city lights. Especially in famous areas, there are places where you can have a very romantic and pleasant time in the evenings. Here is the list of places you can go to in the evenings in Istanbul. You can use this list in your list of places to visit with your lover.

Bosphorus Tour

Istanbul Bosphorus Tour is one of the most popular tourist activities in Istanbul. The tour offers the opportunity to explore the Bosphorus, which connects the two sides of Istanbul and is one of the most important symbols of the city.

Bosphorus Tour usually takes 2-3 hours. During the tour, you can enjoy historical and cultural buildings such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress and the unique view of the Bosphorus.
You can get directions to the Bosphorus Tour starting pier with this map .

Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower is a tower built on a small islet located off the coast of Salacak, in the Bosphorus close to the Marmara Sea. The tower has a history of approximately 2 thousand years and is one of the most important symbols of Istanbul.

Maiden's Tower was built as a lighthouse during the Byzantine Empire. The tower was also used during the Ottoman Empire and served as a quarantine station for a while.
You can get directions to the Maiden's Tower with this map .

Galata bridge

Galata Bridge is a bridge located on the Golden Horn in Istanbul, connecting Karaköy and Eminönü. The first version of the bridge was built in 1845, and its current version was built in 1912.

Galata Bridge is 490 meters long and 42 meters wide. There is a section in the middle of the bridge that opens and closes for the passage of ships.
You can get directions to Galata Bridge with this map .

Ataturk Arboretum

Atatürk Arboretum is a botanical garden located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, spread over an area of 296 hectares. The arboretum, planned by Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry in 1949, was opened in 1982.

Atatürk Arboretum is home to approximately 2000 different tree and plant species brought from all over the world. In addition to local tree species such as pine, cedar, oak, beech and hornbeam, there are also exotic tree species such as palm, spruce, thuja and juniper in the arboretum.
You can get directions to Atatürk Arboretum with this map .

Star Park

Yıldız Park is a park located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, spread over an area of 287 hectares. The park was built as part of Yıldız Palace and is open to the public today.

Yıldız Park is one of the largest parks in Istanbul. There are trees, flowers, ponds and historical mansions in the park.
You can get directions to Yıldız Park with this map .

Islands

Istanbul Islands is an archipelago located in the northeastern part of the Marmara Sea, off the southern coast of the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. The islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul.

Istanbul Islands consists of nine islands. These islands are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, Sedefadası, Yassıada, Sivriada, Kaşık Island and Tavşan Island. Istanbul Islands are famous for their natural beauty and historical buildings. There are historical churches, mosques, monasteries and mansions on the islands. You can spend wonderful evenings with the sea view.
With this map, the Islands can be viewed and you can get directions to the island you want.

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern is a water cistern located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, 140 meters long, 70 meters wide and 50 meters deep. The construction of the cistern was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 526-527.

Basilica Cistern was built to meet the water needs of the city. There are 336 columns inside the cistern. Some of the columns are ancient columns brought from Rome by the order of Emperor Justinian.
You can get directions to Basilica Cistern with this map .

Balat and Kuzguncuk

Balat is located in Fatih district. The district is famous for its colorful houses, historical buildings and fish restaurants. There are important historical buildings in Balat such as Fener Greek High School, Kariye Museum and Balat Art House.

Kuzguncuk is located in Üsküdar district. The district is famous for its historical houses, green streets and cafes. There are important historical and cultural buildings in Kuzguncuk, such as Kuzguncuk Mosque, Kuzguncuk Park and Kuzguncuk Bazaar. Kuzguncuk is the place where the TV series Bread Boat, one of the nostalgic TV series, was shot.
You can get directions to Balat with this map and to Kuzguncuk with this map .

Museum of Modern Art

Istanbul Modern Art Museum is Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum. The museum, opened in the Karaköy district of Istanbul in 2004, hosts modern and contemporary works of art from around the world.

Works from different branches of art such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, performance and installation are exhibited in the museum. The museum's collection includes works by important artists of Turkey as well as international artists.
You can get directions to the Museum of Modern Art with this map .

Hidden Lake

For those who want to get away from the noise and crowds of Istanbul and spend time in touch with nature, Saklı Lake is like a paradise. Located in Şile, Saklı Lake stands out with its lush nature, picnic areas, restaurants and lake view.

Saklı Lake is a dam lake located on the Karamandere Stream. The lake attracts attention because it is surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The nature around the lake is ideal for hiking, cycling and camping.
You can get directions to Saklı Lake with this map .