The Ultimate Istanbul Bucket List

Cassie’s Compass contains affiliate links and is also an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Privacy Policy for more information.

Istanbul is a stunning city of stark contrasts and beautiful fusions. The only city spanning two continents, you’ll find that Eurasian and European influences blend while modern and ancient architecture collide. When it comes to deciding what to add to your Istanbul bucket list, the options are endless. However, there are a few tried and true musts when visiting this city for the first time. This guide will also be perfect if you are looking for the best way to spend a long layover in Istanbul, as I fit all of this in only a two-day visit! I’m sharing my picks for the ultimate Istanbul bucket list experience.

---

How to Get Around Istanbul

Before you can knock out anything on your Istanbul bucket list, you will need to know a few things about getting around the city. In my research, I read numerous stories warning never to take a taxi in Istanbul. I previously faced a taxi scammer in Costa Rica, so I did not take any chances. The Istanbul International Airport is an hour’s drive from the waterfront, where many of the main attractions are. I organized an airport transfer with Tranigo and would use them again. Upon booking, they messaged me via WhatsApp with a confirmation, and it felt effortless to communicate. Plus, at 60 euros roundtrip, it was cheaper than if I had booked an airport transfer via my hotel. The private pickup van was clean and spacious, and they were right on time both ways.

Once you are in Istanbul, I don’t think a rental car or taxi is necessary. Most sites are walkable, and navigating the metro and ferry for longer distances was easy. To use public transportation in Istanbul, you will need an IstanbulKart card. There are two types of cards, the cheaper one involves syncing a code to activate it, and the other is a more straightforward ticket. I used the simpler option as I mostly walked and only used the metro a few times. It is important to note there is only one passenger per card, so each traveler needs their own card. You can purchase the IstanbulKart at any (large) metro station and you can use it for both the metro and the ferry.

Read Next: How to Get Around Greece

---

The Istanbul Bucket List

Get a Massage at a Turkish Bath

My number one recommendation for things to do in Istanbul is to get a massage at a hammam, or Turkish bath. I loved the experience at Çemberlitas Hamam so much that we went there twice during our short visit. Although men and women are separated, I should forewarn that visiting a hamam might not be for everyone. Overall I felt very comfortable and would encourage anyone to be open to the cultural experience. And at 50 euros, be sure to splurge on this one. There were way cheaper hammams, but this isn’t an activity where I would pinch pennies.

Marvel at the Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine church, turned into a mosque, turned into a museum, turned back into a mosque. In the heart of Sultanahmet Square, the Hagia Sophia sits across from the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and is mere steps from Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. It is completely free to enter. However, some areas are roped off from the public as areas of Muslim worship. Women must cover their heads, and shoes must be left at a cubby station before entry. Because of its many transitions, the Hagia Sophia doesn’t look like your typical mosque. I was especially surprised at how much Christian imagery was still visible, including a large fresco of Mary with an infant Jesus.

• 

• 

Dance for Your Turkish Ice Cream

Another must when visiting Istanbul is getting ice cream from a street vendor. You know you are about to tick one off the bucket list by the vendor’s red vest and fez. There are red mobile ice cream carts in Sultanahmet Square, or you can easily find a stand between the shops and restaurants on any busy street. This ice cream is special because it is made with orchid sap that makes it stretchy and resistant to melting. More than that, getting the ice cream is an experience in itself. It is traditional for the vendors to mess with customers by using sleight of hand with the cones, tricking you into grabbing the ice cream, dancing, and having a fun and interactive time. I captured it all on my Instagram!

Visit Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is the former home of Ottoman Empire sultans and is now a museum with two entrance fee options. For 200 Turkish lira, you can explore the four different courtyards and a few living quarters with Islamic artifacts on display. For 100 Turkish lira more, you get access to the harem where the sultan’s mother and wives resided. I did find the harem to be the most interesting of all the buildings to explore, so I think it is worth paying extra. Plus, it was less crowded due to that extra cost.

Shop at the Bazaars

There are two well-known bazaars in Istanbul. The biggest, aptly known as the Grand Bazaar, is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. You will get lost in a maze of shops organized into sectors ranging from leather goods, to spices, books, clothing, and more. The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, has a similar vibe except you will find infinitely more mounds of colorful treats and spices. Before my visit, I had pictured a bustling, loud, marketplace where you would have to shuffle through the crowd. However, I think that the bazaars had not recovered fully from the pandemic when I visited. Sadly, many stalls were closed and there were hardly any crowds at all.

Get Coffee Beneath Galata Tower

Istanbul has thirty-nine different districts. Most of the things on my Istanbul bucket list are in the Fatih district on the southeastern tip of the Catalca peninsula. But to get to Galata Tower, you will have to cross the Golden Horn estuary into the Beyoglu district. I took the metro to the Spice Bazaar, then walked across the pedestrian Galata Bridge which has fisherman lined above and restaurants and cafes below. It’s a winding, uphill walk to Galata Tower, but keep your eyes peeled because it appears out of nowhere as soon as you make the final turn. There is a restaurant in the top of the tower, but I chose to enjoy the view from below. There are several sidewalk cafes with a stunning view along Büyük Hendek street.

Ferry to Asia for Lunch

If crossing into another district excites you, try crossing into another continent. From Galata Tower, I took the ferry across the Bosphorous River to the Uskudar district in Asia. The ferry is a cheap way to cross and you will be accompanied by many locals on their commutes. As soon as you have used your IstanbulKart to get into the port, the rest of the system is first-come-first-serve as people rush onto the boat as soon as the hatch opens. Once you make it past the rush, there is plenty of space to sit or stand, and there is even a cafe on board for refreshments. The ride took about twenty minutes and it was beautiful to see Istanbul from the sea. Once we set foot in Asia, we found a restaurant along the waterfront to enjoy lunch and tea, then we ferried back across to Fatih.

Other Things to do in Istanbul

There are a few things that I did not get to experience, but are worth considering. The Blue Mosque is one that tops many people’s Istanbul bucket list. I got to marvel at it from the outside, but the interior was covered for renovations on my visit. Normally, it is free to enter and explore similar to the Hagia Sophia. The Basilica Cistern was also closed due to the pandemic. If wandering underground and finding a giant stone Medusa head intrigues you, add it to the list. One more thing I considered but opted not to do due to time was a Bosphorous River cruise. There are many options from sunset dinners to hop-on-hop-off guided exploration. Taking the ferry across ticked that box for me.

Read Next: The Ultimate Maui Bucket List

---

Where to Stay in Istanbul

I loved my hotel in Istanbul so much that I will absolutely plan my next visit around its availability. Aren Suites is a boutique hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet with a sea view and a rooftop terrace beneath the Blue Mosque. Just a ten-minute walk from Sultanahmet Square, the convenience was unbeatable. At the same time, it felt relaxing because it was tucked away enough from the busy main roads. A convenience store, shops and, restaurants right across the street helped us feel very safe, even walking home after dark. The staff was so friendly, and Turkish rugs and paintings of the Bosphorus adorned the rooms. The best part of staying at Aren Suites was the included breakfast on the rooftop terrace. It was bliss starting every day off with breakfast beneath the Blue Mosque.

---

What to Eat in Istanbul

Istanbul has so many fantastic food options, whether from a streetside vendor or a rooftop restaurant with an incredible view. It has so many options that it would be impossible to list them all in one post. Instead, I picked out my favorite types of food unique to Turkey that create a memorable experience by tasting them in Istanbul.

• Baklava– A delicious honey-soaked filo pastry treat. Try all the flavors! Walnut, pistachio and chocolate pistachio were a few of my favorites.
• Turkish Delight– I would describe it as a firm chewy marshmallow. Again, try all the flavors! In my mind, nothing beats pomegranate.
• Turkish Coffee – Admittedly this wasn’t my favorite way to take my coffee, but if you love strong coffee it is a must try.
• Fresh squeezed pomegranate juice– There are endless street vendors to choose from. They squeeze nearly three whole pomegranates into each cup!
• Turkish Ice Cream– I mentioned the experience of getting turkish ice cream. But if you want to really taste its unique ingredients try the maras dondurmasi flavor.
• Kebabs– My meal of choice in Istanbul. If there are enough in your party you might even get a grill on your table to share.
• Turkish Tea– A sweet black tea served in small curved glasses. I never turned it down!

If you are looking for that classic rooftop view, I loved Di Istanbul above the Lady Diana Hotel. The food was delicious but more than that the staff was so friendly and they were very proud and excited to share the rooftop view. The top floor indoor restaurant also has a stunning view if the rooftop experience is too chilly as it was for us.

Preview my trip on my Istanbul Instagram Highlights for video footage! And if you ever have a question, you can always DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below. If you’ve visited Istanbul, I’d love to know what you would add to your Istanbul bucket list in the comments. 

---

Pin This Istanbul Bucket List

• 

•