Things to do

Istanbul government suggest you do not leave Istanbul without:

• Seeing the Mosques of Süleymaniye and Sultan Ahmet (also known as the Blue Mosque);
• Visiting the Ayasofya and Chora Museums;
• Visiting the Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces and the Rumeli Fortress;
• Taking the ferry up the Bosphorus and to the Princes’ Islands;
• Watching the panorama of the city from the Galata Tower and the Pierre Loti;
• Enjoying the cultural and artistic activities;
• Joining the life of entertainment which is lively both night and day;
• Visiting the Ortaköy market;
• Riding the phaeton in Büyükada (island);
• Eating fish at a restaurant on the Bosphorus, at Kumkapı or Flower Passage; eating yoghurt at Kanlıca and profiterol at Beyoğlu;
• Visiting the historic shopping areas such as: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar