istanbul travel guide

• Bosphorus Cruises
• Princes’ Islands
• Places of Worship
• Dinner Cruises
• Whirling Dervish Show
• Turkish Bath
• Audio Guides
• Best City Pass
• Istanbul Airport
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Nightlife Guide
• Public Transport
• Best Restaurants
• Shopping Guide
• Taksim Area
• 5-Star Hotels
• With Bosphorus View
• For Honeymoon
• 4-Star Hotels
• Convention and Meeting
• For Weddings
• 3-Star Hotels
• Airport Hotels
• Port Hotels
• Group Hotels
• M.I.C.E. Services
• Wedding Offers
• Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
• Medical Check-Ups
• IVF – İn Vitro Fertilisation
• Orthopedic Treatments
• Cancer Treatments
• Wrinkle Treatment
• Injectable Dermal Fillers
• Plasma Therapy
• Mesotherapy
• Skin Renewal
• Non Surgery Operations
• Wellness & SPA
• Care Facilities
• Tours & Tickets

3 Days in Istanbul: The Ultimate Tourist Guide with Must-See Attractions & Tips

If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Istanbul , get ready for an amazing adventure. This city is full of history, culture, and exciting places to see. Our 3 day Istanbul itinerary will help you make the most of your trip. We’ll cover all the must-see attractions and some cool spots you might not know about. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been here before, this guide will help you explore the best of Istanbul . 

Did you know? Istanbul is home to over 15 million people and attracts 13 million tourists every year. With this 3 days in Istanbul guide, you’ll see the city like a pro and enjoy its rich culture, amazing history, and modern charm.

Day 1: Discovering Istanbul’s Historic Places

Morning - walking around sultanahmet.

• Hagia Sophia Start your 3 days in Istanbul with a visit to one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Hagia Sophia. It was built as a cathedral in 537 AD, then became a mosque, and today it’s a museum. The Hagia Sophia is a mix of different styles and is famous for its huge dome and beautiful mosaics. When you go inside, you’ll be amazed by the huge space and the beautiful designs. The central dome is a masterpiece, and the mosaics are stunning. It’s best to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds. 
• Blue Mosque Next, walk over to the Blue Mosque ( Sultan Ahmed Mosque ), which is another must-see in your Istanbul itinerary. Built in the early 1600s, this mosque is known for its six tall minarets and the blue tiles that decorate its inside . The mosque is still used for prayers, so remember to dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering. Inside, you’ll see large, colorful carpets and a big central dome. The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so try to visit when there are no prayers happening. Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Hippodrome, which was once used for chariot races. Click here to attend Blue Mosque Tours !

Evening - Farewell Dinner and Final Reflections

• Dinner with a View As your 3 days in Istanbul come to an end, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Bosphorus. There are many great options on both the European and Asian sides of the city, where you can enjoy delicious Turkish food while taking in the beautiful views. Think back on your time in Istanbul and all the amazing things you’ve seen and done. Whether it’s the grand Hagia Sophia, the tasty treats at the Spice Bazaar, or the peaceful Bosphorus, your trip to Istanbul will leave you with wonderful memories.

Essential Tips for 3 Days in Istanbul

• The best times to visit Istanbul are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is nice and there are fewer tourists.
• Use public transportation like trams, buses, ferries, and the metro to get around the city easily.
• Get an Istanbulkart to pay for all public transport quickly and cheaply. 
• Be extra careful in crowded places like markets, public transport, and tourist attractions. Keep your belongings close .
• Know the emergency numbers— 155 for police and 112 for an ambulance .
• There’s also a special tourist police service you can reach at 0212 527 4503 . They speak different languages and can assist tourists.
• When visiting mosques or religious sites, dress modestly . This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women may cover their heads with a scarf.
• Make your journey safe and comfortable with Istanbul Welcome Card . This card includes museum entrance tickets, guided tours, transportation card and more. 

This 3 days in Istanbul itinerary gives you a complete guide to the city’s history, culture, and modern life. We hope this guide helps you enjoy your 3 days in Istanbul and that you leave with amazing memories of this incredible city.

Is 3 days enough to see Istanbul?

Yes, 3 days in Istanbul is enough to see the major attractions if you plan your itinerary carefully. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time and cover all the essential sights.

Can I visit both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in 3 days?

Yes. Bosphorus ferry makes it easy to cross between the two. 

What’s the best way to get around Istanbul?

The best way to get around Istanbul is by using public transportation. Trams, buses, and ferries are all efficient and cost-effective.

Is it safe to explore Istanbul on my own?

Yes, Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. Like any big city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure.

How much money should I budget for 3 days in Istanbul?

It depends on the travel style. You can contact us to design your holiday at lower costs and unforgattable memories. You should spend 3 days in Istanbul!

What should I wear when visiting mosques in Istanbul?

Women should cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Men also should cover shoulders and avoid wearing shorts. Most mosques provide scarves and skirts at the entrance.

Can I cover all the major attractions in just 3 days?

Yes. Istanbul Welcome Card helps you. You can buy tickets for top attractions and combine them for your needs.

Plan your trip to Istanbul with experts

Let us help you design your trip to Istanbul according to your unique situation and desires. With our experience of 25 years and our network, we will get you the best prices for hotels and activities .

• Discover Istanbul
• Food & Drink
• Transportation in Istanbul
• Plan Your Trip
• Where to Stay
• Things to do
• My Istanbul
• Where to Go
• Transfers & Public Transportation
• Attractions & Tickets
• Guided Museum Tours
• Museum Entrance
• Day Trips from Istanbul
• Services & Benefits
• Family and Kids
• Best City Tours
• Istanbul Tours
• Experiences
• Open a Business
• Start-up Business
• Work Remotely
• Why Invest in Istanbul
• Real Estate
• Healthcare System
• Find an Expert
• Life in Istanbul for Students
• Education System
• Application Guide
• Find a University
• Work With Us
• Become a Writer
• Become a Host
• Add or Claim Your Listing

Most Popular Tous & Attractions

Istanbul's best tours, attractions, and activities are here for you to transform your ıstanbul trip into an extraordinary experience!

Plan ahead for Istanbul! Before visiting Istanbul, it is crucial that you have an understanding of what to do when you arrive in the city.

Getting Around Istanbul

Istanbul has a very central location as just the meeting point of Asia and Europe, and because of that, it is also in the middle of transportation lines.

Airport Transfers

Traveling to a foreign country can be stressful especially if it is your first time there. But don’t worry Istanbul, especially when you're unsure how to get to your hotel.

Public Transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul is an amazing city and it is huge! Most of the time it is the best option to use public transportation while you are traveling around the city.

Where to Stay Master Guide

Istanbul is a must-visit city for one's lifetime with its incredible beauty and historical value. If you are planning to come and looking for a place to stay in Istanbul, we are here to help! Here is our master guide for you to plan your accommodation by your needs and have a great trip in Istanbul. 

by Star Rating

While planning your trip to Istanbul, choosing your hotel can be the key to a comfortable stay. If you value the star ratings of hotels, then you are at the right place! 

by Interests

Istanbul hosts many different accommodation possibilities for anyone who wants to visit.  If you are a traveler with certain interest areas and expectations from a trip, then this section is just right for you. 

​​​​​​​In a city with endless possibilities of things to do or places to see, you can feel a bit confused about where to start. Here we gathered and categorized the best places to go in Istanbul for you.

Istanbul is heaven for museum lovers. From the museums with historical artifacts to contemporary art museums, the museum culture of ıstanbul is nearly as rich as its cuisine. Here you can find the most recent information about Istanbul’s great museums and start to plan your trips to them.

Palaces & Mansion

For ages, Istanbul was home to different empires. The deep history of Istanbul left its traces in great historical buildings like amazing palaces and mansions in different parts of the city.

Imagery & Monuments Tower

Istanbul has a rich historical heritage coming from different eras of the city’s history. The towers like Galata Tower and Maiden’s Tower witnessed different empires come and go, witnessed a new republic arise.

Must-see attractions in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Sultanahmet

Right in the heart of İstanbul’s historic center, this sacred Byzantine building remains an important symbol of power.

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful…

Kariye Mosque

İstanbul has more than its fair share of Byzantine monuments, but few are as drop-dead gorgeous as this mosaic- and fresco-laden church. Nestled in the…

Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye crowns one of İstanbul's seven hills and dominates the Golden Horn, providing a landmark for the entire city. Though it's not the largest…

Basilica Cistern

This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul, it was…

Blue Mosque

İstanbul's most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site facing…

Grand Bazaar

The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is the heart of İstanbul's Old City and has been so for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse)…

Pera Museum

There's plenty to see at this impressive museum, but its major draw is undoubtedly the 2nd-floor exhibition of paintings featuring Turkish Orientalist…

İstanbul Archaeology Museums

The city's foremost archaeological museum is housed in three buildings close to Topkapı Palace. There are many highlights, but the sarcophagi from the…

Kadıköy Produce Market

An aromatic, colourful and alluring showcase of the best fresh produce in the city, the Kadıköy Pazarı is foodie central for locals and is becoming an…

Museum of Innocence

The painstaking attention to detail in this fascinating museum/piece of conceptual art will certainly provide every amateur psychologist with a theory or…

Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts

This Ottoman palace was built in 1524 for İbrahim Paşa, childhood friend, brother-in-law and grand vizier of Süleyman the Magnificent. It now houses a…

Rahmi M Koç Museum

This splendid museum is dedicated to the history of transport, industry and communications in Turkey. Founded by the head of the Koç industrial group, one…

Spice Bazaar

Vividly coloured spices are displayed alongside jewel-like lokum (Turkish delight) at this Ottoman-era marketplace, providing eye candy for the thousands…

İstanbul Modern

This lavishly funded and innovative museum has an extensive collection of Turkish art and also stages a constantly changing and uniformly excellent…

İstiklal Caddesi

Once called the Grand Rue de Pera but renamed İstiklal (Independence) in the early years of the Republic, Beyoğlu's premier boulevard is a perfect…

The Byzantine emperors loved nothing more than an afternoon at the chariot races, and this rectangular arena alongside Sultanahmet Park was their venue of…

Patriarchal Church of St George

Dating from 1836, this church is part of the Greek Patriarchate compound. Inside the church are artefacts including Byzantine mosaics, religious relics…

Aya Sofya Tombs

Part of the Aya Sofya complex but entered via Babıhümayun Caddesi, these tombs are the final resting places of five 16th- and 17th-century sultans –…

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

This important complex marks the supposed burial place of Ebu Eyüp el-Ensari, a friend of the Prophet who fell in battle outside the walls of…

Rüstem Paşa Mosque

Nestled in the middle of the busy Tahtakale shopping district, this diminutive mosque is a gem. Dating from 1560, it was designed by Sinan for Rüstem Paşa…

Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque

The sultan to whom this mosque was dedicated (Süleyman the Magnificent's father, Selim I, known as 'the Grim') is famous for having killed two of his…

Little Aya Sofya

Justinian and his wife Theodora built this little church sometime between 527 and 536, just before Justinian built Aya Sofya. You can still see their…

Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park was once part of the grounds of Topkapı Palace, accessible only to the royal court. These days crowds of locals come here to picnic under the…

Museum of Great Palace Mosaics

When archaeologists from the University of Ankara and Scotland's University of St Andrews excavated around the nearby Arasta Bazaar in the 1930s and 1950s…

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

The great Sinan put his stamp on the entire city and this mosque, constructed in the 1560s next to the Edirnekapı section of the historic land walls, is…

Museum of Turkish Jews

Housed in a building attached to the Neve Shalom synagogue near the Galata Tower, this museum was established in 2001 to commemorate the 500th anniversary…

Spiral Column

Coming up out of a hole in the ground, this strange column was once much taller and was topped by three serpents' heads. Originally cast to commemorate a…

Hünkâr Kasrı

Built over a grand archway attached to the New Mosque, this small kasrı (pavilion) or mahfili (loge) dates from the same period and functioned as a…

Opened to great fanfare in September 2019, the new home of the Koç Foundation's collection of contemporary art – one of the most impressive in Turkey –…

Obelisk of Theodosius

In the centre of the Hippodrome, this immaculately preserved pink granite obelisk was carved in Egypt during the reign of Thutmose III (r 1549–1503 BC)…

Kaiser Wilhelm's Fountain

Near the northern end of the Hippodrome, this little gazebo with beautiful stonework was presented to the sultan and his people as a token of friendship…

Arasta Bazaar

This historic arcade of shops was once part of the külliye (mosque complex) of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii). Mosques built by the great and…

Rough-Stone Obelisk

After sacking Aya Sofya in 1204, the soldiers of the Fourth Crusade tore all the plates from this obelisk, at the Hippodrome's southern end, in the…

The only remaining built section of the Hippodrome hints at how monumental the arena was. The level of galleries that once topped this section was damaged…

Galata Bridge

To experience İstanbul at its most magical, walk across the Galata Bridge at sunset. At this time, the historic Galata Tower is surrounded by shrieking…

Atik Valide Mosque

This is one of the two great İstanbul mosque complexes designed by Mimar Sinan. Though not as spectacular as the Süleymaniye, it was designed to a similar…

Atatürk Arboretum

With serene lakes and nearly 2000 different kinds of trees and plants from all over the world, this 730-acre oasis of green in the north of the city is a…

Only in İstanbul would a 400-year-old mosque be called 'new'. Constructed between 1597 and 1665 and closed at the time of research as it undergoes a long…

Galata Mevlevi House Museum

The semahane (whirling-dervish hall) at the centre of this tekke (dervish lodge) was erected in 1491 and renovated in 1608 and 2009. It's part of a…

More destinations you need to see

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

From historic squares to the Grand Bazaar, there's much to do in the Turkish metropolis.

Kateryna Kolesnyk/Getty Images

Surely there has never been a dull moment in Istanbul . An imperial capital for 1,700 years, the metropolis has long stood as a gateway between the East and West, and that has made it a hub for crossing cultures, religions, ideologies, and cuisine. And the legacy of the city — formerly Constantinople — has withstood the test of time. "It is a city with an incredible depth of culture, and history like no other," says Liam Dunch, product manager of Abercrombie & Kent, Europe. "Discovery through the stratification and the layers will be constant and unending. Observing the way that people of the city blend together the notions of the East and those of the West is an incredible experience."

Mina Agnos, president of Travelive and a Travel and Leisure A-List Advisor , agrees that the bustling city is a quintessential destination for anyone aiming to understand Turkey. "Every visit to Turkey either starts or ends with Istanbul," she adds. "It is a uniquely diverse city with so many unforgettable sites to discover." Read on to learn what these experts name as the best things to do in Istanbul.

Related : Travel + Leisure Readers' 3 Favorite Hotels in Istanbul of 2023

Experience Taksim Square.

Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

Taksim Square is in the heart of modern Istanbul, perched at the end of the famous pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi. Past meets present here; at one end you have the grand Taksim Mosque, and at the other is the modern Ataturk Cultural Center . This is where the hum of Istanbul’s activity vibrates at its highest level.

Stroll down Istiklal Caddesi.

damircudic/Getty Images

Speaking of Istiklal Caddesi, this pedestrian-only walking street is the place to soak in the vibe of Istanbul. It is one of the most famous thoroughfares in the country today and is flanked by both Ottoman-era buildings and Art Nouveau and Art Deco structures. The buildings house everything from boutiques and art galleries to cafes, theaters, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Sample Turkish kebab.

Unal Cam/Xinhua via Getty Images

Turkish cuisine includes a dizzying array of grilled meats, seafood, salads, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices, rich desserts, coffee, and tea. When visiting Istanbul, you will want to try as many of the above as possible, but perhaps Turkish kebab especially. Made of marinated lamb or beef, the kebab is cooked on skewers and served alongside vegetables or wrapped up in lavash bread.

Visit the Galata Tower.

Raul C/Getty Images

Rising from the historic streets of Istanbul's Beyoglu district, Galata Tower was originally constructed as a watchtower during the Byzantine era. The structure that stands today, however, dates back to the 13th century and serves as a gallery and museum. A primary feature of the tower is a 360-degree observation deck that overlooks Istanbul.

Shop and party in Beyoglu.

Gabriel Mello/Getty Images

"The European side of Istanbul is home to the main historic district," says Agnos. "This side of the city is considered more 'Western' and it includes nightlife spots and more cosmopolitan districts such as Beyoglu and Karakoy. Beyoglu is famous for its vibrant atmosphere; this area offers wonderful stops for shopping, dining, and nightlife." It's likely you will spend a lot of time in Beyoglu should you travel to Istanbul. Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the neighborhood is the beating heart of modern Istanbul on the European side of the city.

Grab a drink at Grand Hotel de Londres.

A grande dame of Istanbul, Grand Hotel de Londres is a beautifully preserved building from the 1800s. It's all about opulence here, from the rich color palette and glittering chandeliers to plush wall-to-wall carpeting. The terrace bar is a favorite hangout for tourists and locals; there's often live music here, plus beautiful sunset views over the Golden Horn. "This is a good suggestion for travelers that have been to Istanbul," says Agnos. "It's an off-the-beaten-path suggestion for visitors to really feel the vibe of the city."

Explore Karakoy.

Marina Cavusoglu/Getty Images

"Karakoy, the modern name for the old Galata, is part of the Beyoglu district," says Agnos. "It is known as one of the hippest and oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul, home to arty cafes, local boutiques, cocktail bars open late into the night, and art galleries. There is a growing local fashion and art scene in this area."

Marvel at the Blue Mosque.

Nate Hovee/Getty Images

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a beacon in the city skyline. It is known for its gorgeous domes and six soaring minaret towers. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is still a functioning mosque today.

Visit Hagia Sophia.

Not far from the Blue Mosque is the equally impressive Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church where rulers of the empire were crowned, it was later converted to a mosque. Today it serves as a museum dedicated to Turkey, and it remains one of the most important monuments for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Roam the Hippodrome.

Anton Petrus/Getty Images

Back when Istanbul was the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was known for its horse and chariot racing, and the Hippodrome was where these exciting, adrenaline-pumping races took place. While the original venue is no longer around, what stands in its place is Sultanahmet Square, where several monuments serve as reminders of the area's millennia-old past.

Explore the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is a revolutionary museum for Turkey, being the first in the country to showcase Turkish and Islamic artwork together. Opened in 1914, it was the last museum to open during the Ottoman Empire period. The museum has 1,700 pieces of art, and its carpet collection is among the most impressive in the world.

Journey underground at the Basilica Cistern.

sergeyborozentsev/Getty Images

Istanbul's skyline soars with some of the world's most beautiful and historic monuments, and the beauty continues underneath the pavement, too, thanks to masterpieces of engineering and infrastructure. The primary water reservoir for Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern is cathedral-esque and a sight to see. Built during the 4th century, it is supported by 336 columns and can hold up to 17.5 million gallons of water.

Visit Topkapi Palace.

RuslanKaln/Getty Images

This 15th-century palace was once the administrative headquarters for the Ottoman Empire. Now a museum, the venue is full of treasures, from walls festooned with gorgeous paintings to rooms that give way to sumptuous courtyards — you can even explore the opulent former harem. It's one of the best places in Istanbul to learn about the former grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Check out the Süleymaniye Mosque.

Salvator Barki/Getty Images

Istanbul is not short on impressive mosques, and Süleymaniye Mosque is certainly one of its most beautiful. Considered the masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque was built in the 16th century to honor Sultan Süleyman, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The central dome stands at a staggering 154 feet tall and the interior is beautifully decorated with colors of gold, green, red, and blue.

Ferry to Istanbul’s Asian side.

Ayzenstayn/Getty Images

Istanbul stands as an important crossroads between Europe and Asia, and the city itself is divided between the two continents by the Bosphorus Strait. Be sure to immerse yourself in both sides of this rich city in order to best understand its history. There are more than 20 ferry routes across the Bosphorus, and the crossing takes only 15 minutes.

Admire Beylerbeyi Palace.

Across the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century estate built as a summer palace for royalty. It was also used as a residence for visiting heads of state. The now-museum is a gorgeous example of interior design and architecture, with nods to both Ottoman and Neo-Baroque styles. The stunning gardens that surround the palace are equally impressive.

Shop around Kadikoy Market.

elxeneize/Getty Images

Kadikoy Market is part of a buzzy bazaar on Istanbul's Asian side. Overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the market is a historic one, home to more than 4,000 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to carpets, pottery, textiles, and paintings. It is also one of the best spots in the city to sample Turkish street food and Turkish delights, a jelly candy made with rosewater.

Walk the Kuzguncuk neighborhood.

resulmuslu/Getty Images

Sandwiched between Uskudar and Beylerbeyi, Kuzguncuk is one of the most lively and vibrant neighborhoods in Istanbul's Asian side, and it has always been a melting pot of religions and cultures. You'll see mosques, churches, and synagogues here, plus the neighborhood's funky mishmash of coffee shops, restaurants, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and brightly colored historic homes.

Bargain at the Grand Bazaar.

Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs/Getty Images

Prepare to feast your eyes on the granddaddy of all covered markets. One of the world's oldest and largest venues of its kind, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul contains a maze of streets and thousands of shops. Vendors sell everything you could possibly think of, so if you're a professional at haggling, this will be like your Super Bowl.

Get a serious scrubbing at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı.

Wellness has been "on trend" in Turkey for hundreds of years, and visitors can step back into the old ways of wellness with a visit to the iconic Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. The building dates back to the 16th century and serves as one of the top spots in the city for a classic hamam ritual today. Remember to book accordingly — the hamam is open to women in the morning and men in the afternoon.

Visit the Monastery of Zoodochos Pege.

This early Byzantine monastery has a history of miracles and legends tied to it, thanks to a spring that is believed to have magical powers. It's also set on a hilltop, making it a great place to take in city views.

Connect with the local community.

If you like to step into the shoes of a local when you travel, you can do that in Turkey. Agnos recommends visiting the island village of Bozcaada in August to harvest and sell tomatoes with the local community. Or, if you're in Bodrum, join the olive harvest that occurs between September 15 and December 25.

Enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

Istanbul may be a cosmopolitan city, but it is surrounded by nature at every turn, with coastal views, island-style living, forests, and parks. "There are many seaside promenades where locals walk, run, or socialize and hang out," says Dunch. "From early June to the end of September, public beaches on the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara are open." Dunch also recommends enjoying open-air concerts in the summer, or visiting Belgrad Forest, north of the city. "Around Prince's Island," he adds, "sailing and water sports are popular."

Discover your favorite ‘esnaf lokantası’.

Istanbul has some of the top restaurants in Europe, but local, homestyle street food cafes are where the city really shows its heart. "I recommend eating at a craftsmen's eatery," said Dunch. "They are referred to as 'esnaf lokantası,' frequented by shopkeepers and craftsmen in commercially vibrant areas, such as the markets, and they offer underrated and extremely tasty home-style cooking. This is as close as a visitor can get to the heart of Turkish cuisine."

Be entertained at Bomontiada.

The impressive Bomontiada complex is a center for the arts. There's the Ara Güler Museum, restaurants, and a calendar of outdoor concerts and movie screenings, making this the place to go for all forms of entertainment. It also happens to be housed within the once-abandoned Bomonti beer factory, and it was integral to helping redefine this formerly desolate part of the city.

Related Articles