🕌 8 Amazing Things to Do in Istanbul
Wander between continents, cultures, and centuries in Turkey’s most mesmerizing city.
From the haunting call to prayer echoing over rooftops to the clinking of tea glasses in shadowed bazaars — Istanbul is a city of stories. Born as Byzantium, transformed into Constantinople, and reimagined as Istanbul, few places carry so many identities in one soul. Whether you’re here for a few cruise hours or a full week, let these seven experiences anchor your memory of the city.
At Studio Kambotelli, we’re artists — but we’re also travelers.
We create, but we also explore — and here on the blog, we share the best travel tips for a smooth, inspiring journey.
Some experiences you can explore on your own. Others are even better with a local guide — that’s why we’ve partnered with Viator, a trusted platform for top-rated tours around the world.
Many cruise ship guests use Viator as a smart alternative to ship excursions — often more affordable, with more availability, and just a short walk from the pier.
🧭 Click the links to discover curated experiences that bring each destination to life.
1. Hagia Sophia
The soul of the city. Originally a Byzantine cathedral, then an Ottoman mosque, Hagia Sophia is now a working mosque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mix of Islamic calligraphy and Christian mosaics feels truly one-of-a-kind.
Tips:
• 🧣 Dress modestly (headscarf for women, long pants for all) or you won’t be allowed in
• Arrive early to avoid lines — cruise mornings get especially busy
• Stay quiet inside — this is an active place of worship
2. Blue Mosque
Facing Hagia Sophia across a small park, this 17th-century marvel is known for its blue İznik tiles, stained glass, and six minarets. The courtyard view is worth the visit alone.
Tips:
• 👕 Same dress code as above — no exceptions
• Free entry, but closed during prayer times
• Be respectful and move quietly through the space
3. The Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world — 4,000+ shops in a maze of vaulted corridors. Even if you’re not shopping, the energy here is worth experiencing.
Tips:
• Practice your bargaining skills — it’s expected
• Look beyond souvenirs — textiles and ceramics are local treasures
• Go deeper inside for calmer, less touristy shops
4. Galata Tower
A panoramic view of old and new Istanbul. Climb the tower or take the elevator and look across the Bosphorus to Asia. On a clear day, you’ll see the city’s entire story laid out.
Tips:
• Sunset is the best time to go — the light is golden
• Book a skip-the-line Viator tour if you're tight on time
• Explore the surrounding cafes and artsy streets of Galata
5. Topkapi Palace
Step into Ottoman royal life. With views over the Bosphorus, this palace was home to generations of sultans, concubines, and intrigue.
Tips:
• Don’t skip the Harem section — it's the most ornate
• The sacred relics room is quieter and atmospheric
• Grab a guide (or Viator tour) to understand the layout
6. Taksim Square & Istiklal Street
This is Istanbul’s modern heartbeat. Street musicians, historic trams, rooftop bars, bookstores — all walkable from the central square.
Tips:
• Take the red tram all the way through Istiklal for a scenic ride
• Step into the passages for vintage shops and bakeries
• Visit at night for lights and local energy
7. Spice Bazaar
Smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but bursting with color and smell. Here you’ll find Turkish delights, saffron, and dried fruits piled high.
Tips:
• Taste before buying — vendors expect it
• Great place to pick up last-minute gifts
• Visit with a local tour to find the freshest stalls
8. Step inside the opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace is where Ottoman grandeur meets European elegance. Built in the mid-1800s on the Bosphorus shore, it replaced Topkapi as the empire’s administrative center — and no expense was spared. Think crystal chandeliers, gold leaf ceilings, and ceremonial staircases fit for sultans and presidents.
Walking through its halls, you’ll feel a shift from the mystic air of Old Istanbul to the Westernized ambitions of a modernizing empire.
Tips:
- Come early — entry is timed and tickets sometimes sell out midday.
- Dress comfortably — it’s a long walk through gilded rooms and vast gardens.
- No interior photos allowed, but the waterfront façade is perfect for postcards.
✨ Ready to explore Istanbul your way?
Whether you're arriving on a cruise ship or planning a full itinerary, we hope these highlights help you feel the magic of Istanbul before you even arrive.
🧭 Curious to experience it all with ease? Browse top-rated Istanbul tours on Viator — and let local experts turn your time ashore into something unforgettable.
From all of us at Studio Kambotelli — happy travels, and see you on the next port. 🌍🖼️