Things to Do In Istanbul

Nightlife in Istanbul

Istanbul has a nightlife that can put many cities to shame. Along the Bosphorus Strait, there are many open-air and in-house locations which are perfect to find fun things to do in Istanbul at night. You can find one of the rooftop bars, or a hookah joint or attend a party in a nightclub. Ortakoy and Babek are two localities with some happening nightlife scenes in the waterfront area.

Shopping in Istanbul

15 minutes walk away from Hagia Sophia is the Grand Bazar of Istanbul. Over 500 years old and spreading over a maze of 60 interconnected streets, this market is in true sense, the ‘grandest’ of all. A little far away is the famous Spice Bazar. For food stalls and fresh products, take a tour of the local markets – Yesilkoy, Kadikoy, Besiktas and others.

Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul.

1. Take a cruise in Bosphorus Strait

How often does one get the chance of stepping foot in two continents in one trip? Istanbul lets you do that and that too in style. Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul into two halves – the western part is in Europe and the eastern part is in Asia. The cruise can be pricey, but the views of the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, the ruins of a pre-Ottoman fortress and having a good lunch of Turkish cuisine are worth the hype.

2. Visit a Turkish bath –Hamam

Hamams were community baths during the Ottoman era, where people used to meet and socialise. Many say that it was the elite’s way of discussing sensitive matters without being overheard. Now they are like a Turkish counterpart of spa or Jacuzzi and one of the top things to do in Istanbul. It might feel unusual at first to get bathed and scrubbed by a stranger, but the steam and bubble will kick in the relaxation mode soon.

3. Taste Turkish flavours

Ever since the days it was known as Constantinople, this city has been popular for its vast array of flavours. Find a haunt to taste Turkish kebabs, which are some of the best in the world. Ask for local recommendation. Also try the commonest dish – pita bread and hummus, Lahmacun – the traditional Turkish pizza, and the rich, authentic blend of Turkish coffee, and the sweet treats of Turkish Delights.

4. Visit local markets

There is a reason why Turkish Bazars are part of the legend. These places have seen unimaginable amount of trade since the birth of the city. Some of the best local markets to visit are Fatih, Kadikoy, Ulus, Besiktas and Yesilkoy market. The noise and crowd might seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, the experience is amazing. Visiting the local markets is one of the best free things to do in Istanbul.

5. Take a ride in the streetcar

The tramline of Istanbul is quite historic. On an evening of leisure, the best thing to do in Istanbul at night is to hop on it and ride all the way to Taskim Square and view the monument of the republic – one of the finest things to see in Istanbul city. You can get off anywhere in between and finish the rest of the tour walking as well.