Istanbul Attractions And Experiences: Magic Between Two Continents

We’ve all heard the beautiful description of Istanbul as the bridge between Asia and Europe, the melting pot of eastern and western culture that has coexisted for centuries – but nothing can quite prepare you for how intricately diverse this city is. The attractions and experiences in Istanbul are like nothing I’ve seen before.

I did not expect to step out ready to admire large market squares and suddenly turn the corner to crowded streets and tall buildings. The feeling that you are constantly swapping between the atmospheres of a European city versus an Asian city is surreal, making this destination a mass of fascinating contradictions. 

Istanbul has the ability to feel so familiar, yet totally original and that is the reason why whenever someone asks me what it was like to explore the buzzing Turkish metropolis, I am at a loss for words. However, if I could attempt to sum it up in a few sentences, I would say that Istanbul is an ancient gem blessed with dramatic architecture, incredible cuisine, and shopaholic charm around the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait. It is a city incomparable to anywhere else on the planet that sweeps its visitors into a tornado of astounding history and attractions.

Travel and Accommodation In Istanbul 

Istanbul is the literal definition of a travel hub, with the newly constructed Istanbul Airport receiving over 600 flights per day and serving over 25 million international passengers annually. All this is to say that you can visit Turkey from virtually anywhere in the world.

Istanbul is also a massive city divided into 39 districts, therefore, choosing a hotel really depends on the location you prefer. The Asian side or the European side? Near the Dolmabahçe Palace or Topkapi Palace? I would recommend staying in and around the Sultanhamet neighbourhood (perhaps at Raddison Blue Sultanhamet) for excellent transport links, lively nightlife, and easy access to most of the city’s major tourist attractions. It doesn’t hurt that this is one of the best parts of the city to enjoy a wide range of rooftop bars and restaurants. 

Interestingly, this Bosphorus-front region was formerly the capital of the historic Byzantine and Ottoman empires. 

Eleven Amazing Attractions and Experiences In Istanbul  

The Hagia Sophia

Completed in the 6th century on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia was once the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a millennium until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520. It was converted into a mosque in the 15th century and remains among Istanbul’s most iconic historic sites. While queues to enter the mosque are long, they move quickly, and it is worth marvelling at the transcendent dome and Byzantine-era mosaics that grace the internal walls. 

Entrance: free

The Blue Mosque

Also known by its official name the Sultan Ahmed Camii, the Blue Mosque faces the Hagia Sophia and tops every ‘attractions and experiences in Istanbul’ list because of its gorgeous Ottoman-era architecture and blue-tiled interior. Its beauty is further highlighted by stained-glass windows, precious silk carpets from the palaces’ own weaving mills and crystal oil lamps.

Aside from its staggering size and exquisite beauty, one of the most distinctive elements of this mosque is its six minarets, which vary from the usual two or four. Legend claims this happened because of a misunderstanding – when the Sultan decreed there should be altın minaret (gold minarets) the architect heard altı minaret (six minarets).

Entrance: free

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is without a doubt, one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul. Among the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, it features thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets and is the perfect place to escape the heat and test your haggling skills. I can only describe it as an area of organised chaos that keeps lots of vanishing professions alive and wandering through can feel mysterious because it really is its own little world within Istanbul.

Shopping in the Grand Bazaar is a grand experience, but if you are looking to buy more than a few items and stock up on Turkish Delight, shop on the streets for cheaper prices.  

Galata Tower 

The Galata Tower naturally provides epic views of the city, Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, but even if you don’t want to climb it, you will be captivated by its beautiful, dominating style. The ancient monument is also located in one of the most buzzing parts of the city – perfect for a stroll and desert dates.

Topkapi Palace 

Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for more than four centuries. Today, it is a royal attraction beloved for its colourful style and fascinating objects, including the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and is considered to be one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. Dominating the European coast of the Bosporus Strait, it is a must-see site while exploring the attractions and experiences of Istanbul because its regal architecture mirrors that of royal European residences as Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical periods have been combined with the typical Ottoman style. This is due to the growing impact European styles and norms had on Ottoman culture and decor during the Tanzimat era. 

Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul is the only city in the world to span two continents and you cannot miss out on the unique and memorable opportunity to cruise down the famous natural strait that is not only a fascinating continental boundary, but also a strategic waterway. Get onboard a yacht or ferry and appreciate all that is on offer – from grand architecture to lush greenery. You can witness all the attractions mentioned above from a whole new perspective!

You can find yachts to hire here:

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Balat Neighbourhood

Escape the hustle and bustle of Sultanhamet for the colourful, quiet streets of Balat. Known for being one of the the oldest and most spectacular districts of Istanbul and traditionally been home to minorities in the city, from Jewish to Greek Orthodox families, you’ll see tons of churches and even a synagogue here. When it comes to the top attractions and experiences in Istanbul, Balat is a hidden gem but is a wonderful spot for lunch and naturally, an Instagrammer’s paradise. 

Soak In A Hammam

These 16^th-century, world-famous baths allow you to soak up (literally) history, culture, architecture and warmth all in one place. Now I’d be lying if I said that the idea of someone scrubbing me is appealing, but for those who are open to it, the hammam treatments are a once-in-a-lifetime experience offering an intimate insight into the customs of Ottoman society.

The Walls of Constantinople 

Built in the 5^th century, the Walls of Constantinople stretch 3.5 miles from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn. The walls were only breached twice, and walking along them gives you an interesting perspective of the Fener and Balat. 

The Whirling Dervishes

Dating back over 700 years as part of Sufism and the Mevlevi Order, the whirling dervish is a mystical ceremony, a form of physically active meditation, that holds great religious and cultural importance in Turkey. In saying this, there was a time after World War I and the fall of the Ottoman empire that Sufi organizations were declared illegal. However, as of the 90s, they play a huge role in Turkey’s tourism industry, and the ceremony is entrancing to watch. 

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Average Cost For Four Days In Istanbul Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £400

Accommodation: £120 (£240 per double)

Attractions: £320

Food and amenities: £100

Keep In Mind

Make sure to dress modestly when visiting the mosques (women must cover their heads as well).

Always have enough spare change when using the trams/trains because you cannot use card to top up the Istanbul travel card or buy single tickets. The station staff will not help you make change. 

Practical Information About Istanbul

Location: Türkiye, Southern Europe / Western Asia

National Languages: Turkish

Currency: Turkish Lira

Neighbouring Countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Cyprus, Iran, Georgia, Syria and Iraq