10 Things To Do in Istanbul in 2023

Are you visiting Turkey in 2023? With so many sites to see in Istanbul it can be hard knowing where to start, that’s why I’ve written this guide on 10 things to do in Istanbul in 2023

10 Things to Do in Istanbul in 2023

One of the oldest cities in the world, Istanbul is a mega-city with a rich and unique cultural heritage.

Ancient architecture mixes with a fascinating history, trendy neighborhoods, and modern culture to create a truly remarkable city.

Istanbul makes you fall in love.

After 5 years of living here, these are the sites that I keep going back to.

Whether you are here for a day, or a week, you cannot miss these historical marvels! It will leave you in daydream of how truly ancient and incredible this cosmopolitan city is. So here is a list of 10 Things to do in Istanbul in 2023!

1. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

If I could choose one mosque that captures the essence of Istanbul, it would be the Hagia Sophia. Built by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, this mosque was first a church, until the Ottoman Empire took over almost 1,000 years later and converted it into a mosque. This changing cultural landscape is what makes Istanbul, and the Hagia Sophia, so special.

Only in this ancient sight can you see Christian murals of gold overlooking Islamic prayer rugs. The fusion of the ancient Christian and Islamic relics make this place a spectacular journey through time.

Entry to Hagia Sophia: This mosque is open all day, except for prayer times. Open: 8:30am-11:30am, 1pm-2:30pm, and 3:30pm-4:45pm. Careful, prayer times are subject to change. Mosques have a dress code. To learn more about how to dress appropriately check this link:

2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Looking across the promenade of the Hagia Sophia, is the Blue Mosque. The blue tiles covering the ceiling gives this mosque it’s name.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built over the foundations of the Byzantine Emperor’s palace, to rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia.

Entry to Blue Mosque: This mosque is open all day, except for prayer times. Open: 8:30am-11:30am, 1pm-2:30pm, and 3:30pm-4:45pm. Careful, prayer times are subject to change. Mosques have a dress code. To learn more about how to dress appropriately check this link:

3. Grand Bazaar

You ready to test out your bargaining skills at one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world?

The Grand Bazaar is grand indeed, covering 61 streets with over 4,000 shops. You’re destined to find something worth buying; whether it’s Turkish lamps, spices, textiles, or fake yeezys. Come prepared to bargain. These sellers are true hustlers, that’ve seen the likes of you over and over again. They know the perfect phrase to catch you, so watch out. Your best bet? Whatever price they give you, split that in half and start from there. These guys love making a fool out of tourists, which is all the fun of going to the Grand Bazaar. It’s buzzing with energy.

You can’t miss out on this haggling adventure full of life and history.

4. Topkapi Palace

Another cultural heritage piece, Topkapi palace was built over the ruins of the Acropolis of the Caesars to cement the Ottoman victory over Constantinople.

Now the palace is a museum. The exhibits capture the life of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, and contains relics of the Islamic religion. Walk around the palace, soak in the history, then sit for a cay with an epic view of the Bosphorus.

5. Basilica Cistern

Dark, eerie, mysterious, and one of my favorite cultural sites in Istanbul.

Entering Basilica Cistern, you walk into a great subterranean layer. The atmosphere changes and creepiness of an ancient 1700 year old chamber sets in. Built in the 5th century, over 7,000 slaves built the cistern, and this is only one of several hundred others under Istanbul.

Don’t miss the famous Medusa heads located in the back of the cistern, with one flipped upside down and one on it’s head. Many cultures have speculated why they were set with that orientation, but till today the mystery remains unsolved.

6. Istiklal Street

This famous historical avenue runs from Galata at Tunel Square all the way to Taksim Square, and comprises shops, historic buildings, churches restaurants, malls, and art galleries.

This iconic street draws around 3 million people a day on weekends!

Start in Taksim Square, a symbolic and historic site for Turks as it is often a rendevue point for demonstrations and protests. Then, make your way down the avenue to Galata area, where you can rest your feet sipping Cay under the Galata Tower.

Don’t miss out on exploring the many hidden passageways and side streets like: Hazzopulo Passage and Suriye Passage.

7. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the most iconic buildings filing the Istanbul skyline.

It was built in 1267 as a watchtower for the Genoese people who walled themselves into the Galata area. After the Turkish conquest of Constantinople, the Ottomans tore the wall down but allowed the watchtower to stay, turning it into a prison.

Now it’s an exhibition space and a museum. You can buy a ticket and walk the winding stairs up to the top of the watchtower, where you can take pictures and look on the same view the Genoese did in 1267, now with a bit more buildings lining the skyline.

8. Eat Street Food in Eminonu

I say street food, but what I really mean is Fish Bread(Ekmek Balik).

It’s a tourist trap, but oh is it so much fun. And what’s wrong with being a tourist anyway?

And the piers of Eminonu floats the iconic Fish Bread boats. Order a sandwich and watch them grill it right in front of you from fish caught right off the side of the boat, we hope. Order a pickle juice as a drink, and have yourself some real Turkish street food.

9. Camlica

On the other side of the Bosphorus, the Asian side, there’s a lesser known mosque with arguably the best view of Istanbul. Go to Uskudar by ferry and take a taksi up the hill to Camlica Mosque. Here you’ll find cay shops and restaurants with lots of space to sit in the grass and soak in the incredible view.

10. Sit Down for a Real Turkish Breakfast

I have yet to find the same enthusiasm about breakfast in any other place on the planet.

For Turkish people breakfast is a party. This is not a grab and go type situation. Prepare to sit down with an endless array of cheeses, meats, olives, jams, pastries, and of course, cay.