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Istanbul Attractions
Your guide to the essential places to visit in Istanbul, Turkey.
Things to do in Istanbul – top Istanbul must-see attractions
Istanbul is where empires left their mark, and every landmark tells a story stretching back centuries. The city's skyline shifts from domed mosques and Byzantine basilicas to grand Ottoman palaces and bustling modern streets. You can marvel at the ancient mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia, explore the vast Topkapi Palace Museum, or cruise along the Bosphorus Strait where two continents meet. Check out this list of the top places to visit in Istanbul, Turkey, and start planning your trip.
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Hagia Sophia
Why visit?
- Byzantine-era mosaics
- Iconic dome architecture
- Mosque and museum history
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Why visit?
- Six slender minarets
- Intricate Iznik tile work
- 17th-century construction
Basilica Cistern
Why visit?
- 336 ancient columns
- Underground water reservoir
- 542 A.D. Roman origins
Topkapi Palace Museum
Why visit?
- Imperial treasury collection
- Ottoman sultan quarters
- Golden Horn panorama
Dolmabahçe Palace
Why visit?
- 285-room ornate interiors
- Ceremonial Hall chandelier
- Bosphorus waterfront setting
Süleymaniye Mosque
Why visit?
- 16th-century Ottoman design
- Hilltop Golden Horn views
- Courtyard and library
Maiden's Tower
Why visit?
- Bosphorus water tower
- Byzantine-era origins
- Panoramic city views
Shoppers
Istiklal Avenue
Why visit?
- 1.4 km pedestrian street
- 19th-century architecture
- Shops, cafes, galleries
Bosphorus Strait
Why visit?
- Europe-Asia waterway divide
- Bosphorus boat tours
- Strategic historic strait
15 July Martyrs Bridge
Why visit?
- 1.6 km suspension span
- Two-continent crossing
- Iconic skyline backdrop