An enigmatic mixture of European and Asian traditions awaits in Istanbul on holiday. The combination of these two very different lifestyles makes the city a unique destination, with attractions to suit every type of traveller. The old part of the town reflects the influences of the various empires that have ruled Istanbul. Here you’ll find Egyptian obelisks, ruins of a Romanesque Hippodrome, Byzantine buildings like famous Hagia Sofia and Ottoman palaces, including Topkapi.    

Things to do in Istanbul 

• Visit a Turkish bath or hammam and enjoy a massage.  
• See the Spoonmaker’s Diamond in Topkapi Palace, the fourth-largest diamond of its kind in the world.  
• Sample traditional Turkish coffee.  
• Cruise on the Bosphorus River to see this magnificent city from a different perspective.  
• Shop for spices in the Egyptian Bazaar, before heading for the massive nearby Grand Bazaar.  
• Climb to the top of the Galata Tower for breathtaking views of the city.  
• Discover Haga Sofia, an Ottoman mosque with an ornate interior.  
• Watch a dance performance of Whirling Dervishes.  
• Go underground to see the Basilica Cistern that once brought water from Bulgaria to Istanbul.  
• See classical antiquities at the three Archaeology Museums, home to some of the world’s richest collections.  
• Be mesmerised by the mosaics inside the Blue Mosque.  

There is no definitive guide to all the things to do in Istanbul. The city is so diverse and offers so many activities and thrills that it’s hard to know which you should see or do. We can help you plan an Istanbul holiday that reveals the city’s treasure trove of experiences and delights. Book your Istanbul holiday package with Thompsons Holidays.