1. Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)

Built in 537 under Emperor Justinian I; for over 900 years the main Byzantine cathedral, and since 1453 a mosque. Today it’s a must-see for visitors worldwide.

Access & tickets: paid entry — about €25 (July 2025; concessions for children/seniors; Muslims enter free for prayer). Buy online in season to avoid queues.

2. Topkapı Palace

Commissioned in the 15th century by Mehmed II; for nearly four centuries it served as the sultans’ residence. Today it’s a museum with rich collections and the famous Harem quarters.

Ticket ballpark: ~€50 (July 2025) — access to main palace areas and select rooms. Book ahead in busy months.

3. Süleymaniye Mosque

Designed by Sinan in the 16th century for Suleiman the Magnificent. Free entry; observe dress code (shoulders/knees covered, headscarf for women). Spectacular Bosphorus views — a photo favorite.

From here it’s easy to descend to the waterfront for a Bosphorus cruise; you can pay with the Istanbulkart, the city’s universal transport card.

4. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)

Early 17th century; famed blue tiles give the mosque its name. Rare six minarets and a vast courtyard. Free entry with dress code.

5. Galata Tower & Galata Bridge

A 14th-century tower with sweeping views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The bridge hums with fish restaurants, buskers, and anglers — classic city atmosphere.

6. Taksim Square & İstiklal Avenue

Urban epicenter. İstiklal’s ~1.5 km pedestrian stretch runs from here: shops, cafés, galleries, and the vintage red tram. The area comes alive at night. Note the high alcohol taxes — drink prices can be steep.

7. Basilica Cistern

A 6th-century underground reservoir held up by 336 columns. Cool air and evocative lighting — perfect on hot days. Day ticket: ~€25–30; evening (after 19:30): ~€35–40 (July 2025). Istanbul E-pass includes entry and a guided tour.

8. Palaces & Museums of Istanbul

The city is packed with places where East meets West. A Museum Pass saves time and money. Check weekly closures (often Monday/Tuesday).

Dolmabahçe — Ottoman splendor + European elegance; don’t miss the crystal staircase and the giant chandelier.

Beylerbeyi — summer residence on the Asian shore; shaded gardens. Combine with Çamlıca Hill.

Archaeology Museum — major collection incl. the “Alexander Sarcophagus”.

Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts — carpets, calligraphy, ceramics, period objects.

Istanbul Modern — the city’s hub for contemporary art.

Logistics tip: take an audio guide or go with a guide — context makes the difference.

9. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)

A romantic silhouette on a tiny islet off Üsküdar. Its history reaches back to the 4th century: watchtower, fortress, lighthouse, quarantine station. The “princess” legend gives it the name.

Today you’ll find a viewing terrace over the Old City and the Bosphorus, plus a café. Small boats depart from Eminönü or Üsküdar.

10. Princes’ Islands (esp. Heybeliada)

An archipelago in the Sea of Marmara — open to visitors: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada. Heybeliada is loved for calm streets and green hills.

Island panoramic tour by electric vehicle (the only motorized transport allowed) starts at ~€5–7 (July 2025). Or rent a bike — or just walk.

Ferries leave from Karaköy/Kabataş (reach Kabataş by funicular from Taksim). 60–90 minutes; pay with Istanbulkart.

11. Gardens & Parks of Istanbul

Green oases of everyday life. Picks:

• Gülhane — beside Topkapı; roses, orange trees, ancient plane trees.
• Yıldız — between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy; ponds, pavilions, hilly paths.
• Emirgan — famed for tulip festivals; Bosphorus slopes.
• Moda (Kadıköy) — seafront sunsets toward the Princes’ Islands.

In the evenings, families bring blankets and tea; kids on the grass, adults chatting — the city at its most authentic.

12. Shopping in Istanbul: bazaars, malls & outlets

Grand Bazaar & Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar — spices, carpets, jewelry, textiles. Haggling is part of the ritual.

Local weekly markets pop up in most districts: fruit, fish, textiles, friendly neighborhood vibes.

İstinye Park

Zorlu Center

Mall of İstanbul

Viaport Asia Outlet (Pendik) — 180+ stores, cinema, leisure zones; one of the largest.

Olivium Outlet Center (Zeytinburnu) — value-friendly (Levi’s, Boyner, Mudo).

Good souvenirs: baklava & lokum, Mehmet Efendi coffee, apple tea, quality cotton (towels/robes), ceramics, spices, copperware, olive-oil soaps, jewelry, leather.

13. Street food & Istanbul cuisine

Try these: Gözleme, Pide, Lahmacun, Balık ekmek (by Galata — check freshness), Midye dolma, Kokoreç (for the bold), Simit, Güllaç, Trileçe, roasted seeds.

Drinks: Turkish coffee, ayran, black tea, fresh orange juice, rakı.

*Tip: check menus and hygiene; prices should be posted at the entrance, but not everyone follows the rule.

14. Medical centers & pharmacies

Medical tourism is booming (dentistry, rehabilitation, plastic surgery, hair transplantation). Modern hospitals, often lower costs than in the US/EU. In 2022, around 1 million people came for hair transplants.

Pharmacies (eczane): numerous and reliable; counterfeits are strictly punished. Visitors often buy vitamins and popular local products.

15. Getting around Istanbul

Extensive network: metro, metrobuses, buses, trams, funiculars, ferries. Istanbulkart works almost everywhere (not in taxis).

Metro — fast and clear; well-marked stations and clean trains. Google Maps routes are accurate.

Surface transport — buses, metrobuses on dedicated lanes, trams; pay with Istanbulkart (no cash).

Ferries — romantic and efficient between Europe and Asia (Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Eminönü, Üsküdar). ~15–25 TRY/ride (July 2025) via Istanbulkart.

Airport (IST) → city: Havaist buses 24/7 every 30–60 min (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beşiktaş). Pay by Istanbulkart or card; from ~90 TRY (July 2025).

Taxis: use apps — Uber works with foreign numbers. BiTaksi needs a Turkish number. Avoid flagging random cabs (overcharging risk).

*Route planning: set start/end in Google Maps and choose “public transport” — you’ll get lines, transfers, and reliable travel times.