Must-See Places in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, the Bosphorus and More
With two or three days, see Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace in the Old City, walk through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, visit Süleymaniye Mosque, cross to Galata, and take a Bosphorus boat trip. Topkapı is closed on Tuesdays, Dolmabahçe on Mondays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays.
The Old City (Sultanahmet)
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): built in 537 under Emperor Justinian, a church for nearly 900 years, then a mosque, a museum from 1934 and a mosque again since 2020. Foreign visitors use a separate entrance to the upper gallery with a paid ticket. Allow 1 hour.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): completed in 1616, famous for its six minarets and blue İznik tiles. Free; closed to visitors during prayers. 30–45 minutes.
- Basilica Cistern: a 6th-century underground water reservoir with 336 columns and two Medusa-head column bases. 45 minutes.
- Topkapı Palace: home of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years, with the treasury, the Harem and terraces over the Bosphorus. Closed on Tuesdays. Allow 2–3 hours.
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums: next to Topkapı; the Alexander Sarcophagus is a highlight.
Bazaars and Süleymaniye
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with more than 60 streets. Closed on Sundays.
- Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit and tea near the ferry piers at Eminönü.
- Süleymaniye Mosque: the masterpiece of the architect Mimar Sinan (1550s), with a garden view over the Golden Horn. Often quieter than the Blue Mosque.
Galata and the Bosphorus
- Galata Tower: built by the Genoese in 1348; the top gallery has a 360° view of the city.
- İstiklal Avenue and Taksim: walk the pedestrian avenue with the nostalgic tram.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: the 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus where Atatürk died in 1938. Closed on Mondays; visits are by guided route.
- Bosphorus boat trip: public ferries and tour boats leave from Eminönü and Kabataş; you pass palaces, fortresses and the waterfront mansions (yalı).
On the Asian side
Take the ferry to Kadıköy or Üsküdar (about 20 minutes) for the food market, the Maiden's Tower and sunset over the European skyline.
Tips
Go early in the morning to beat queues, check opening days before you set off, and keep a scarf with you for the mosques. Ticket prices change often, so check the official websites. If you want to see a lot in one day, our Daily Tours give you a private car and driver for the route you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which day is Topkapı Palace closed?
Tuesday. Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Monday and the Grand Bazaar on Sunday.
Is the Blue Mosque free to visit?
Yes. Entry is free, but visitors cannot enter during the daily prayers, and modest clothing is required.
How many days do I need for Istanbul's main sights?
Two to three days covers the Old City, the bazaars, Galata and a Bosphorus boat trip at a comfortable pace.