Seven Hills Restaurant
RecommendedTurkish seafood terrace
Panoramic terrace dining overlooking Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, serving fresh Turkish seafood and mezes in Sultanahmet.
Best Things To Do
Istanbul's must-see sites combine imperial mosques, palaces, and markets with living neighborhood mosques that welcome visitors outside prayer times.
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City guide section
Top picks in Istanbul
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Section guidance
The Blue Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque stand as architectural peaks open to non-worshippers during designated hours, with separate visitor entrances and modest dress required. Both offer ablution facilities visitors may use respectfully.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque now functions fully as a mosque while preserving its layered history; visitors enter through the main gate and follow posted prayer schedules. Arrive early or late to avoid peak tour groups.
The Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace provide insight into Ottoman court life, with audio guides available in Arabic. Pair visits with nearby mosques for seamless prayer access during long days of sightseeing.
Eyüp
Istanbul
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Top pick
Religious Site
One of Istanbul’s holiest sites, the mosque and adjacent tomb draw pilgrims and visitors seeking quiet reflection amid Ottoman architecture and golden-horn views.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Top pick
religious-site
Former Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman imperial mosque, now a working mosque with layered history visible in every corner.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Top pick
religious-site
Ottoman imperial mosque famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets, still an active place of worship.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Topkapı Palace
Top pick
palace
Ottoman imperial residence and administrative center for nearly 400 years, now a museum complex with treasury and harem sections.
eminonu-and-sirkeci
Istanbul
Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Top pick
market
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, spices, jewelry, and textiles.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Basilica Cistern
Top pick
historic-site
Subterranean Byzantine reservoir with 336 marble columns and Medusa-head capitals, offering a cool, atmospheric contrast to Istanbul’s sunlit monuments.
fatih
Istanbul
Süleymaniye Mosque
Top pick
Prayer
Ottoman imperial mosque complex by Mimar Sinan, offering sweeping views over the Golden Horn and a quieter prayer experience than the Blue Mosque.
besiktas-and-ortakoy
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Palace
Top pick
palace
19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus, last residence of the sultans, featuring crystal chandeliers and lavish European-style interiors.
eminonu-and-sirkeci
Istanbul
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Top pick
market
L-shaped Ottoman market hall specializing in spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, and souvenirs, located beside the New Mosque in Eminönü.
Ortaköy
Istanbul
Ortaköy Mosque
Recommended
Religious Site
Striking waterfront mosque at the base of the Bosphorus Bridge, offering elegant Ottoman architecture and direct views of passing ferries and the Asian shore.
Sarıyer
Istanbul
Rumeli Fortress
Recommended
Historic Fortress
Imposing 15th-century Ottoman fortress on the European shore of the Bosphorus, built to control the strait and offering sweeping river views and rampart walks.
Bosphorus
Istanbul
Maiden's Tower
Recommended
Historic Landmark
Iconic lighthouse tower on a tiny Bosphorus islet, restored and reopened with a museum, café, and panoramic 360-degree views of both shores.
Üsküdar
Istanbul
Beylerbeyi Palace
Recommended
Historic Palace
19th-century Ottoman imperial summer palace on the Asian shore, featuring lavish interiors, formal gardens, and a quiet contrast to the busier European-side palaces.
galata-and-cihangir
Istanbul
Galata Tower
Recommended
tower
Medieval Genoese tower offering panoramic 360-degree views over the historic peninsula, Bosphorus, and modern city.
fatih
Istanbul
Kariye Mosque (Chora Church)
Recommended
Former Byzantine church turned mosque, renowned for its glittering 14th-century mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Recommended
museum
Three-museum complex housing 1.5 million artifacts spanning Ottoman, Byzantine, and ancient Near Eastern civilizations, steps from Topkapı Palace.
fatih
Istanbul
Valens Aqueduct
Recommended
historic-site
Striking 4th-century Roman aqueduct slicing through the Fatih district, offering a tangible link to Byzantine water engineering amid everyday city life.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Recommended
An 18th-century Ottoman mosque marking the shift to Baroque influences, located at the edge of the Grand Bazaar with excellent prayer access and views over the old city.
eminonu-and-sirkeci
Istanbul
Yeni Cami (New Mosque)
Recommended
Waterfront
A 17th-century Ottoman mosque dominating Eminönü waterfront with intricate Iznik tiles and commanding views over the Golden Horn.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
Hagia Irene
Recommended
historic-site
A 6th-century Byzantine church turned Ottoman armory and now a museum and concert venue inside Topkapı Palace grounds, offering rare surviving frescoes and a quiet counterpoint to busier neighbors.
bosphorus-north-shore
Istanbul
Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Recommended
museum
A riverside museum in Emirgan showcasing Ottoman calligraphy, painting, and rotating international exhibitions in a restored mansion with Bosphorus views.
fatih
Istanbul
Beyazıt Tower
Recommended
historic-site
A 19th-century Ottoman fire-watch tower offering panoramic views over the historic peninsula, located inside Istanbul University grounds.
fatih
Istanbul
Laleli Mosque
Recommended
An 18th-century Baroque-style mosque near the Aksaray transport hub, offering a quieter prayer space with strong Ottoman tilework and easy access from the European side metro and tram lines.
sultanahmet
Istanbul
The Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)
Recommended
historic-square
Ancient chariot-racing arena now an open square featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column, steps from the Blue Mosque.
Keep exploring Istanbul
More restaurants in Istanbul
Keep exploring Istanbul and add more stops to your plan.
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine
RecommendedOttoman fine dining
Historic Ottoman recipes served in earthenware in the heart of Sultanahmet, ideal for cultural dining near major mosques.
Neolokal
Recommendedmodern Turkish tasting
Modern Turkish tasting menus in a historic bank building in Karaköy, suited for upscale yet halal-conscious dining near Galata.
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi
Recommendedsoutheastern Turkish
Regional southeastern Turkish specialties in a welcoming setting near Taksim, popular with locals and families for generous shared platters.
Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Eminönü)
Recommendedhistoric patisserie
Historic patisserie and light-meal spot famous for Turkish delight, baklava, and savory pastries steps from the Spice Bazaar.
uskudarKanaat Lokantası
RecommendedTraditional Turkish lokanta
Traditional Üsküdar lokanta serving reliable home-style Turkish dishes in a spacious, no-frills setting ideal for families and quick halal meals between ferry rides.
Pandeli Restaurant
RecommendedHistoric Ottoman restaurant
Historic restaurant perched above the Spice Bazaar serving refined Ottoman-Turkish classics with Bosphorus views, suited for special meals near Eminönü ferry terminals.
Hamdi Restaurant
RecommendedFamily-friendly
Kebab specialist with Golden Horn views, convenient for Eminönü exploration and prayer breaks.
Forno Balat
RecommendedTurkish / Pide & Lahmacun
Wood-fired pide and lahmacun specialist in the heart of historic Balat, drawing locals and visitors for fresh, affordable Anatolian flatbreads.
Çiya Sofrası
RecommendedTurkish regional
Anatolian regional specialties in Kadıköy, ideal for extended Asian-side exploration with family groups.
More hotels in Istanbul
Keep exploring Istanbul and add more stops to your plan.
sultanahmetFour Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Top pickLuxury Hotels
Converted neoclassical former prison turned intimate luxury hotel steps from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, ideal for first-time visitors prioritizing location and heritage access.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Top pickLuxury Hotels
Converted 19th-century Ottoman palace on the European Bosphorus shore in Beşiktaş, offering 170 rooms with direct waterfront access and palace gardens.
besiktas-and-ortakoyÇırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Top pickLuxury Hotels
A restored 19th-century Ottoman palace turned luxury hotel on the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, offering imperial scale, waterfront gardens, and direct access to Ortaköy Mosque for Muslim travelers seeking heritage with modern comfort.
nisantasiThe St. Regis Istanbul
RecommendedLuxury Hotels
Art Deco-inspired 5-star property in upscale Nişantaşı with 118 rooms and signature St. Regis butler service.
Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet
RecommendedLuxury Hotels
Boutique five-star property in the historic peninsula offering sea views and explicit Muslim-friendly policies including no-alcohol minibars and gender-separated spa hours.
Seven Hills Hotel
RecommendedModerate Hotels
Boutique hotel in Sultanahmet delivering panoramic views of the historic peninsula from a compact, technology-equipped property popular with photographers and repeat visitors.
JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
RecommendedLuxury Hotels
130-room 5-star hotel in historic Karaköy building beside Galataport with Bosphorus views and eight dining concepts.
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
RecommendedLuxury Hotels
Large modern five-star hotel on the European Bosphorus shore with extensive spa, halal dining options, and convenient access to both historic sites and contemporary districts.
The Stay Nişantaşı
RecommendedLuxury Hotels
Boutique residential-style hotel in trendy Nişantaşı with 60 rooms, local art collection, and Autoban-designed interiors.
Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul
RecommendedLuxury Hotels
Intimate five-star hotel in Beşiktaş between Dolmabahçe Palace and the Naval Museum, delivering refined Bosphorus views and polished service ideal for couples or families prioritizing waterfront access.
More shopping spots in Istanbul
Keep exploring Istanbul and add more stops to your plan.
eminonu-and-sirkeciGrand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
Top pickhistoric covered market
One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and textiles.
eminonu-and-sirkeciSpice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Top pickhistoric covered market
Historic covered market beside the New Mosque specializing in spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, and teas.
beyoglu-and-karakoyİstiklal Avenue
Top pickpedestrian shopping street
1.4 km pedestrian boulevard in Beyoğlu lined with boutiques, historic passages, modern malls, and street life.
Zorlu Center
Recommendedluxury mall
Upscale mixed-use complex in Beşiktaş offering over 200 luxury and international stores plus an Apple flagship in a modern waterfront-adjacent setting.
Bağdat Avenue
Recommendedshopping street
14-kilometre upscale outdoor shopping street on the Asian side lined with boutiques, department stores, and cafés popular with locals and visitors alike.
Nişantaşı
Recommendedluxury shopping district
Upscale shopping district featuring luxury boutiques, designer stores, and high-end department stores in a refined residential neighborhood.
Arasta Bazaar
Recommendedhistoric covered market
Smaller, upscale covered bazaar adjacent to the Blue Mosque offering carpets, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs with less pressure than larger markets.
Zeruj Port
RecommendedModest fashion mall
Istanbul’s dedicated modest-fashion mall offers over 130 boutiques focused on hijabs, abayas, dresses and accessories tailored for conservative Muslim women.
Sahaflar Çarşısı (Old Book Bazaar)
Recommendedhistoric market
Sahaflar Çarşısı (Old Book Bazaar) is a shopping in Eminönü for Istanbul travellers who want a clearer plan around location, timing, Muslim-friendly practicalities and nearby route pairings.
Kanyon Shopping Mall
Recommendedmodern mall
Kanyon Shopping Mall is a shopping in Levent for Istanbul travellers who want a clearer plan around location, timing, Muslim-friendly practicalities and nearby route pairings.