Discover Istanbul: Tours & Tickets for Top Attractions

Insider Tips from Travel Blogger Aybuke Durukan,
From bustling bazaars to quiet rooftop views, Istanbul has it all. I’ve explored this city more times than I can count, and here’s everything you need to know if you're planning a trip in 2025.

🕌 Must-Do Activities for Your First Istanbul Visit

If it’s your first time in Istanbul, don’t miss the classics. Start your day at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, then head to the Basilica Cistern for an underground surprise. Explore the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for centuries. Top it off with a Bosphorus cruise at sunset. These are the core things to do in Istanbul for any traveler.

⏳ How Many Days Should You Spend in Istanbul?

To truly absorb the vibe, I recommend 3 to 4 full days. With this time, you can take an Istanbul city tour, enjoy a hammam, shop in the Grand Bazaar, and even join an Asian Side walking tour for a more local perspective. Rushing this city would be a mistake.

🍽️ Famous Foods of Istanbul

Start with menemen and simit for breakfast. For lunch, go with kuru fasulye near Süleymaniye. And for dinner, book a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus or try midye dolma and balık ekmek by the water. Turkish cuisine is simple, fresh, and unforgettable.

🚋 Getting Around Istanbul

Public transport is your best friend — trams, ferries, and the metro get you almost everywhere. To make your trip easier, we recommend getting an Istanbul City Pass, which includes access to public transport with an Istanbulkart and covers many major attractions as well.

📅 Best Months to Visit Istanbul

April–May and September–October are my favorites. The weather is mild, crowds are lighter, and prices are better. If you're booking Istanbul tours during summer, plan early — June to August is peak season.

🏘️ Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Istanbul

• Sultanahmet: for history lovers
• Karaköy: for art and cafés
• Moda (Asian side): for laid-back locals
• Balat: for colorful streets and photo ops

🛍️ Best Neighborhoods for Shopping in Istanbul

For souvenirs, head to Grand Bazaar. For fashion, try Nişantaşı or Istiklal Street. For unique finds, explore local artisan shops in Kadıköy. These areas combine culture and commerce — top picks for things to do in Istanbul beyond sightseeing.

🛏️ Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Istanbul

• Sultanahmet: walk to every major site
• Beyoğlu: nightlife and cafes
• Besiktas: local vibe with Bosphorus views
• Galata: Instagram-worthy and central 

🚫 What to Avoid in Istanbul

Skip tourist trap restaurants near Sultanahmet that show photos on the menu. Avoid taxis without meters. And don’t plan everything in one day — Istanbul rewards slow exploration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Activities for Families in Istanbul

Try the Miniatürk park, Vialand Theme Park, or a relaxing Bosphorus cruise with dinner. Many Istanbul tickets include family-friendly options and skip-the-line access for kids.

📸 Best Photography Spots in Istanbul

• Rooftop cafés in Galata
• Ortaköy Mosque with the Bosphorus Bridge
• Süleymaniye at sunset
• Hidden corners of Balat

💸 Budget-Friendly Recommendations in Istanbul

Use public ferries instead of tourist boats. Eat where locals do. Many museums are free or discounted with an Istanbul Museum Pass. Walking tours are a great way to explore for less without sacrificing experience.

🧭Istanbul for Solo Travelers

It’s one of the safest big cities I’ve traveled solo in. Join a city tour to meet people, or book group excursions. Neighborhoods like Karaköy and Kadıköy are perfect for café hopping and people-watching alone.