For first-time visitors to Istanbul, there is much more to discover besides the main tourist attractions. Check out some top things to do in the large Turkish metropolis, whether it’s your first time on the Asian side or a Bosphorus tour.
Visit the major Sultanahmet sights.
Okay, apply for a turkey visa online first; if this is your first time visiting Istanbul, the major historical sites need to be at the top of your list. The city’s ancient district is home to numerous attractions, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Topkapi Palace, the Chora Church, the Grand Bazaar, and the Archeology Museums.
Explore lesser-known locations
After you’ve grown familiar with the famous tourist destinations, why not explore some less well-known but still stunning locations? Visit Yavuz Selim Mosque, the Pammakaristos Church, Beylerbeyi Palace, St. Stephen Church, or the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Balat, among other places.
Get out of Sultanahmet
Suppose you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time. In that case, you may have decided to book a hotel in the old city to be close to the tourist attractions, but make sure to venture outside of Sultanahmet and explore the city’s other neighbourhoods. To learn about local culture, we advise you to cross the Galata Bridge and explore Karaköy, Ukurcuma, and Galata.
Take a Bosphorus tour.
Without seeing Istanbul from the ocean, a trip there is not complete. The city’s public transportation ferry leaves every day from the Eminönü station, and you can either reserve a private Bosphorus tour or take advantage of the long tour. Check out our Bosphorus tour guide right away.
Visit the islands
You’ll quickly discover why Istanbul’s islands are the most well-liked weekend escape. Since no cars are allowed on the islands, everyone commutes on foot or by bicycle, and the stunning houses from the Ottoman era are harmonious with the surrounding natural environment. There are many beach clubs where you may swim throughout the summer, or you can go to one of the several seafood restaurants to eat delectable meals by the water.
Check out the nightlife in Arnavutköy.
In addition to being well known for its fish restaurants, the wealthy neighbourhood of Arnavutköy is also well known for its cocktail rooftop bars. Visit one of the many bars on Arnavutköy Bebek Caddesi to watch how the people celebrate.
Visit a hamam
The greatest way to unwind in Istanbul after all that walking, travelling, and sightseeing is with a genuine Turkish bath experience. You’ll want nothing more than to nap in your hotel room after visiting Kiliç Ali Paşa Hamam where you may let yourself be washed and massaged in a cloud of soap bubbles.
Explore Turkish cuisine
Make sure you thoroughly introduce Turkish cuisine as there is much more to it than just kebabs and döners. Make appointments at some of the city’s greatest Turkish restaurants to taste various dishes from many regions in the country. Don’t forget to eat fresh fish along the Bosphorus while you’re there.
Go to the Asian side.
Try to get a ship that will take you to Kadiköy since many first-time visitors miss Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll hardly ever meet tourists in the Moda neighbourhood, so we advise exploring it and taking in the local culture.
Visit a meyhane.
A true meyhane (tavern), where sipping raki, eating meze, and participating in long discussions are essential, must be visited in Istanbul, especially if you have a turkey e visa. Some of Istanbul’s top meyhanes have been in business for a long time and offer delicious, regular menus.
