Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Best Ways to Make Your Trip Worthwhile (plus pros & cons)

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? From seeing UNESCO World Heritage sites, to learning about archaeology, to making friends with bookstore owners, to boat tours of the Bosphorus and everything in-between, Istanbul is absolutely worth visiting! Here are 25 ways to experience the best that the former Constantinople, now Istanbul, has to offer!

Map of Things To Do In Istanbul, Turkey

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting: What To Expect

Before we get into all the things, here’s a quick pros and cons list to help sum up what to expect in Istanbul:

Pros of Istanbul

✔️ Cheap and easy to get around

✔️ Amazing Coffee Culture

✔️ Friendly people

✔️ Amazing historical and cultural heritage

✔️ They care for their stray animals. A lot of places in the Middle East and elsewhere have a stray cat problem, and Istanbul is no exception. However, I was surprised to find a lot of big stray dogs here! They’re always laying on the ground sleeping or resting.

There is a program for these stray animals that is better than most countries. They’re protected by Turkish law and provided with food and water stations throughout the city, plus vaccines, spay and neuter services and emergency care. They’re treated like citizens free to live their animal lives.

Apparently I’m not the only one who was affected by this part of Istanbul – there’s a documentary about it, and Mark Twain talked about the street dogs in the 1800s, saying, “The dogs sleep in the streets, all over the city. … They would not move, though the Sultan himself passed by”.

Cons of Istanbul

✔️ It’s a city. This isn’t really a negative, as Istanbul is actually very safe for travelers. However, as in any city you’ll need to watch out for pickpockets and be careful if you’re out alone at night. Also, Istanbul may be a bit dirty in places, but much of the city, sites and parks are very clean.

✔️ Alcohol and electronics are more expensive.

✔️ Traffic is bad (only applies if you’re planning to rent a car).

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? 25 Ways to Make Your Trip Worthwhile

Read on for 25 ways to make a visit to Istanbul well worth your time (hint: it’s not hard to do at all)!!

1. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you take a boat ride on the Bosphorus

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve done boat tours in other countries as well and it always feels like an integral part of the trip. You get a different, more open and free perspective of the city with a guide telling you what you’re looking at – the unfamiliar becomes familiar in a short amount of time. Plus, there’s food and drinks included!

🚤 Book this Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour of İstanbul

What is travel for if not to feel free and exploratory? Wide open spaces, sun, water and adventure… that’s what the boat tour has to offer.

2. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go to the Küçüksu Pavilion (Küçüksu Kasrı or Milli Saraylar)

This Neo-Baroque style pavilion, also called Littlewater or Skywater Pavilion, is just a little summer home (not little at all, but small compared to the others) that was used by the Ottoman sultans for short excursions and hunting trips in the country. This ornate palace sits right on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.

3. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Ortaköy Mosque (Grand Mecidiye Mosque)

We stopped at this Mosque and got a tour before exploring the surrounding neighborhood on our own, stopping to get coffee. This mosque is open for people who need a place to stay. It has gone through a lot of damage and repairs, but remains popular despite its small size due to the location and beauty of the interior and exterior, plus Bosphorus views.

This mosque’s official name (translated from Turkish) is the Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid. It’s located in the Beşiktaş neighborhood, which is where we explored a bit afterwards.

4. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore Rumelihisarı (Rumeli Fortress)

Rumelihisarı, or Rumeli Fortress was a really fun place to explore! It’s a Medieval-era fortress that was built between 1451-52 by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. It was built in preparation for a siege planned for Constantinople, which was then a Byzantine city. The fortress was meant to help cut off their military relief from the Bosphorus Strait, which is why the fortress is also known as “Strait-cutter Castle”.

The Ottomans did capture Constantinople and made it their capital in 1453. This fortress, and another one on the opposite banks of the Bosphorus, were instrumental in the capture.

After the capture, Rumelihisarı became a customs checkpoint and sometimes prison, used until the end of the 19th century. Today, besides being open to tourists, it acts as an open-air venue for events and concerts.

5. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)

The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally the patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, and the largest church in the entire Byzantine Empire. It was built in 537 by Roman emperor Justinian I and designed by Greek architects who innovated the pendentive dome. It replaced previous church buildings which had been destroyed on the site, remaining the largest cathedral in the world for almost 1,000 years until the Seville Cathedral was built in 1520.

Justinian I supposedly said, “Glory to God that I have been judged worthy of such a work. Oh Solomon, I have outdone you!”

It was converted into a mosque after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453; made into a museum in 1935; then, in 2020 it was controversially re-converted to a mosque.

Update: As of January 15, 2024, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has reopened its upper gallery after closure since 2020, but with notable changes. Non-Muslim visitors over the age of 8 now face a €25 (850 TL) entrance fee, and most of the ground floor is off-limits. More changes include:

– There are now two distinct entrances catering to different demographics. The entrance on Sultanahmet Square is exclusively reserved for Turkish citizens, offering access to the worship area within the former narthex and nave. For individuals of “Other Nationalities,” a dedicated entrance at the northeast corner, denoted as the “Visiting Area,” has been established.

– Women visitors must now wear a headscarf, available for purchase near the worship area entrance for 30 TL.

– Professional guides are no longer allowed inside; you’ll need to scan a QR code on your phone for an audio-visual tour (headsets cost 100 TL/€3 but you can use your own).

Areas Now Off-Limits for Foreign Visitors at Hagia Sophia:

• Southwest Vestibule: Visitors must exit after viewing the 10th-century mosaic of emperors Justinian and Constantine presenting Hagia Sophia to Mary and the Christ child.
• The ornate oak-and-brass Imperial Door
• The intricate details of the rich marble-paneled walls are off-limits.
• Restricted access to the omphalion, where Byzantine emperors were historically crowned.

6. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and is an Ottoman mosque. The grounds include mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan. It was the largest mosque in the city for nearly 500 years, until 2019 when the Çamlıca Mosque was built. There is an excellent view of the city here, as well as beautiful interior design to marvel at.

Süleyman believed himself to be a “second Solomon” and the design of this mosque reflects that with references to the Dome of the Rock.

7. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you experience the Ice Cream Vendors!

Traditional ice cream in Turkey, called Maraş, is chewy and thick because of ingredients that create its elastic-type texture, salep and mastic. Luckily, these ingredients contribute to the ice cream not being as messy as what you might be used to – it won’t melt as quickly!

Maraş ice cream must be purchased from street vendors if you want the full experience. The ice cream vendors wear traditional costumes from Kahramanmaraş, which is where the ice cream originated. I promise that even if you don’t think you can be fooled, you most definitely will be! Watch the video above to understand what I’m talking about.

8. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

The Spice Bazaar is a must when in Istanbul! This one is a bit smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but better. It’s located in the Fatih district, in the Eminönü quarter and is part of the New Mosque complex.

The Bazaar has spices and tons of other souvenirs. I bought rose-flavored Turkish delight, eucalyptus, and rose water spray. Unlike markets in other countries I’ve been to, I didn’t feel harassed by selling!

9. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace tops my list (see what I did there?) of must-do experiences in Istanbul – it was one of the most fun to explore!

The palace, located in the Fatih district, served as residence and administrative center for the Ottoman sultans during the 15th-16th centuries. It was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1459. It was originally called the New Palace, and was given the name Topkapi which means “Cannon Gate” in the 19th century. The complex is huge – it expanded to its current size over time, including renovations following the earthquake in 1509 and a fire in 1665.

In 1856, Dolmabahçe Palace replaced Topkapi as the main court, while Topkapi retained use as the treasury, library and mint. It became a museum in 1923.

While a relatively small portion of the entire complex is open to the public as of 2020, there are a lot of artifacts to marvel at, in addition to the beautiful design of the walls and domes. You can see the Harem, treasury and much of the collection.

10. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you nerd out in the Archaeology Museums

The archaeology museums are three museums in one, and there’s enough to look at for weeks! There are over one million artifacts that anyone, from the archaeology nerd like me to someone who knows nothing about archaeology, can get giddy about! Artifacts include items from nearly all of the world civilizations in history.

The three museums are the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Museum of Islamic Art. It was started in the late 1860s because Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz wanted to emulate the museums in Paris.

For me on this trip, this was especially significant. I spent the whole year before my visit working on a Masters in archaeology, translating Hittite laws and documents, including the famous Kadesh peace treaty – the oldest known one in the world.

There were Egyptian and other artifacts that I recognized, plus pottery fragments from Israel from sites where I’ve excavated.

The museums aren’t far from Topkapi palace and Gülhane Park – I walked from Topkapi to the museums, then to Gülhane. The museums are located in the Eminönü quarter.

11. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you check out Galeri Kayseri Bookshop

The main owner of the shop was super friendly, not to mention a bit famous, and rightfully so – this bookstore was a major highlight of my trip, from talking to the owner to exploring the books. Books were my main souvenirs. I still have to finish reading them, but that’s another story…

Zoom in and read for yourself:

Clearly, Istanbul has no shortage of outlets for the imagination to run wild!

12. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit the Galata Tower and go Street Shopping

I didn’t go inside the tower, but it’s really cool to look at, especially at night when it’s lit up in juxtaposition with the more modern buildings.

The tower is officially known as the Galata Kulesi Museum and is located in the Beyoğlu district. It was originally a watchtower for the Galata walls. Today as a museum, it’s a main icon of Istanbul, plus is located near a lot of street shopping and restaurants, so it’s worth a visit!

13. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you take advantage of affordable 5-Star Hotels + Dinners + Nightlife

One of the best parts about visiting Istanbul is the affordable nature of the city for anyone from more expensive areas of the world! I came from Tel Aviv – literally the most expensive city in the world now – and the fanciest hotels, restaurants and more were so affordable that looking at my receipts was a relief compared to anything I was spending money on in TLV at the time!

Nardis Jazz Club – pictured above – an excellent place to grab a drink and wind down at the end of a long day that my cousin and I visited one night and thoroughly enjoyed.

Aheste Restaurant – the same night, before the club we went to dinner here. It’s a five-star restaurant and had the best wine I’ve ever tasted, plus incredible food.

14. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you prioritize Food & Coffee in general

UNESCO lists Istanbul’s coffee culture on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. If you haven’t experienced coffee from here before, you’re in for a life-changing view of the ancient drink!

As for food, the video above is a restaurant where we watched this dish be served – we didn’t order it, but the food we got was fantastic. I don’t even remember what I ordered at these places, I just remember loving the food.

🇹🇷 Check availability on this award-winning Taste of Two Continents Food Tour

Tip for eating in Istanbul: if you have a nut allergy, watch what you order. I’m allergic and was fine, but I asked questions and made sure to get things without nuts (go for ice cream instead of the baklava at all times!). I learned that nuts are grown here and people aren’t allergic – probably because they don’t use the same pesticides, per my own personal theory – but I was still able to fully enjoy the local cuisine here, regardless!

15. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park is a relatively easy walk from the archaeology museums, but it’s large – so make sure you’re prepared to walk when you go! I got tired of walking because it was my last day and I did Topkapi palace, the archaeology museums and this park – a lot of space in each site, so TONS of walking. It was worth it, though, and from here I went and found a restaurant where I could sit, relax and order food before heading back to the hotel to get ready to leave.

This is the oldest, and one of the most expansive parks in Istanbul. It’s located in the Eminönü district and is technically on the grounds of Topkapi Palace.

There are a lot of beautiful flowers to check out here, plus the gates. It’s home to the Istanbul tulip festival, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library and Museum of the History of Science & Technology in Islam.

16. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you stop by Taksim Square

Taksim Square was my first glimpse of the city. After coming in by bus from the airport, I got off here first.

It’s a lively square with street food, restaurants, shops, the Central Station and hotels. It’s the heart of the modern city and houses the Republic Monument. It was established by Sultan Mahmud I as the point where the water lines converged, and the name “Taksim” comes from an Ottoman-era stone reservoir here. Taksim Mosque is the big mosque closest to the square (pictured above).

17. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you see the Whirling Dervishes

This is a sema, a Sufi ceremony meant to help achieve nirvana. The practice was started by the famous poet Rumi who said, “There are many roads which lead to God. I have chosen the one of dance and music.” The dancers’ clothing contains symbolic meaning about the ego.

🇹🇷 Go on this Whirling Dervishes at Hodjapasha & Museum Experience

18. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit the Blue Mosque

I saw the mosque from the outside, but didn’t have time to tour. It’s right across Sultanahmet Arkeolojik Park (Sultan Ahmet Square) from the Hagia Sophia.

19. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go to the Basilica Cistern

Right before my trip I watched Inferno, which takes place in Istanbul, with a scene in the cistern.

This cistern isn’t the only one in Istanbul (there are hundreds), but it’s the largest and most popular. It isn’t far from the Hagia Sophia.

🇹🇷 Go on this small group tour that includes Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern and Hagia Sophia

20. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go to the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is bigger than the spice bazaar, but the Spice Bazaar is the one to see if you can only visit one.

21. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Dolmabahçe Palace

You’ll see the exterior of Dolmabahçe Palace from the Bosphorus cruise, but you can also go back for a tour of the inside, which is full of ornate decor, furnishings, art and much more. It’s the biggest palace in the entire country!

22. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Rüstem Paşa Mosque

There are a lot of mosques I could add to this list, but this one is known for its beautiful tiles more than anywhere else, which makes it an excellent addition.

23. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Yedikule Fortress

Also called “Dungeons of the Seven Towers” because it was used as a dungeon. Built in 1458 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, it encloses part of the walls of Constantinople. Tourists can walk along the walls and see the historic gardens.

24. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you Yes, if you go on a Day trip to Cappadocia for the hot air balloons

This is one of those things that pops up on Instagram so much, it almost makes me not want to go… but, I think it’s probably popular for a reason!

🇹🇷 Go on this Cappadocia Dream Tour – 2 Days Cappadocia Travel with Balloon Ride from/to Istanbul

25. Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Yes, if you like being able to get around easily

Istanbul has to be one of the easiest cities to navigate. I didn’t have a SIM card or International data plan – I just stopped by Starbucks to get the map using free WiFi… and exploring with a paper map, walking and taking public transportation was a breeze! It took me a minute when I first took the underground trains, but after the first time I had no problems whatsoever, and after just 3 days I felt like I knew my way around the city!

🇹🇷 Go on this Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Where to Stay In Istanbul On Any Budget

There are hotels listed earlier in this post for their locations and views – now, here are some listed by budget to make it easy if you’re looking for that first. Keep in mind that Istanbul is a cheaper country to visit if you’re from the US, so places will be more affordable here.

✅ Budget Option: Doruk Palas Hotel Istanbul

The Doruk Palas Hotel Istanbul has the highest reviews for a budget hotel, and boasts excellent views over the Bosphorus and Istanbul.

🛏️ Check Availability at the Doruk Palas Hotel Istanbul Here

If you’re looking for even cheaper, I use HostelWorld to find the best hostels and deals!

✅ Mid-Tier Option: Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul

The Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul is located right in the middle of all the main tourist spots. The rooftop terrace also has amazing views!

🛏️ Check Availability at the Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul Here

✅ Luxury Option: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus has the best views on the rooftop for photos over the Bosphorus, and it has all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel!

🛏️ Check Availability at The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus Here

Getting To And Around Istanbul

For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

👉 To rent a car in Istanbul, Discover Cars is a great tool to use.

🇹🇷 Check out this Istanbul Airport Private Transfer Here

👉 Get the Istanbul City Pass

The Istanbul Tourist Pass gives you access to over 75 of the city’s top attractions and services, plus a lot of savings. After getting the pass online, just download the app and you’ll find QR codes you can use at the sites!

👉 Use Istanbul Kart for Public Transport

Istanbul has an amazing, and easy-to-use, public transportation system that includes subway, tram and bus. Getting a pre-paid Istanbul Kart (Card) lets you get a major discount (50%+) on these trips around the city, so it’s definitely worth it. Also, one card can be used for up to 5 people.

You can pick up an Istanbul Kart at any of the major transit stations, including the airport, Sultanahmet, and Eminönü. Look for the Biletmatik, or ticket machines to purchase a card. There’s a fee to purchase the actual card, and then you can choose how much to load the card with. Make sure to get the anonymous (anonim) card, which doesn’t include a photo, for touring.

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

I experienced a lot in 3 days, but I definitely want to go back for more! Even 4 days or a week should be enough to see much of Istanbul, but it doesn’t mean you won’t want to return to experience the magic of the city.

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved my Istanbul experiences! It doesn’t take long to familiarize yourself and then it feels like a small city. The people are friendly, the sites are extensive and amazing, and nothing is too far away it seems. There’s so much history, you could spend a much longer time getting to know everything about this magical place. Plus, the food is amazing and everything is affordable. What more could you want?

👉 For even more Istanbul sites, check out the 56 best photography spots in Istanbul here!

You might also like:

👉 This guide to Tel Aviv, Israel
👉 This guide to Jerusalem, Israel
👉 This guide to Athens, Greece
👉 This guide to Cairo, Egypt (and this one)
👉 This London Travel Guide
👉 Check out more guides to countries outside of the US here!