Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a dazzling blend of old and new, East and West, where ancient mosques sit beside trendy rooftop cafés and centuries of history foster the exchange of ideas, art, fashion and religion. You’ll sip Turkish coffee overlooking the Bosphorus one minute, then wander through the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar the next.

Whether you’re drawn to Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces, or the scent of freshly baked simit wafting down cobblestone streets, Istanbul is a must-visit destination. When you visit with Princess during a European cruise, you’ll get to wander through a magical city and to the best spots in the area. Read on to learn about the absolute best things to do in Istanbul.

Key takeaways

Istanbul blends ancient history, vibrant markets and modern city life.

Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, cruise the Bosphorus and sample Turkish food.

Excursions make it easy to experience highlights across Europe and Asia in one visit.

Why Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities

Istanbul is a bridge in the most literal sense. Because the city sits between two continents, you get the best of both worlds, right on the Mediterranean (a perfect stop on your Mediterranean cruise). One minute you’re exploring a chic European café in Beyoğlu with a cappuccino in hand before finding yourself sipping çay (Turkish tea) on the Asian shore as ferries drift by.

Istanbul is also a city of rich history and culture. It’s like a living museum where Roman walls meet Byzantine mosaics and grand Ottoman domes. Stand inside Hagia Sophia and you’ll see centuries of art and architecture layered together — church, mosque and now a breathtaking symbol of the city’s storied past.

Istanbul’s historic heart is surprisingly walkable, which means you can go from ancient mosques to bustling bazaars quickly. Wander through Sultanahmet, lose track of time in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar and then catch a breeze along the shimmering Bosphorus waterfront. Whether you’re watching ferries glide under the Galata Bridge at sunset or sipping fresh seafood by the water’s edge, Istanbul’s mix of walkable streets and expansive views makes every stroll an experience.

The best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a dream destination, and to make it a stress-free visit, here are the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey when you visit on your Princess cruise.

1. Visit Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia rising above lush gardens in Istanbul, with its massive central dome, slender minarets and seagulls soaring against a bright sky filled with billowing clouds.
Marvel at Hagia Sophia where centuries of history meet the sky.

If there’s one place that perfectly captures Istanbul’s layered past, it’s Hagia Sophia. This iconic structure has worn many hats — originally built as a church in the 6th century, later converted into a mosque, then a museum and most recently a mosque again — and every era has left its mark on the building’s soul.

The massive central dome seems to float above you, an architectural marvel that has inspired awe for centuries. Glittering Byzantine mosaics, some hidden for generations and rediscovered in modern times, peek out from the walls, offering glimpses into the artistic splendor of empires long gone. The sheer scale of the interior — vast, echoing and impossibly grand — leaves most first-time visitors speechless. Join a Princess excursion to Hagia Sophia, so you can learn all about its extensive and rich history as you experience this wonder of the world.

2. Explore the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque with its cascading domes and six slender minarets overlooking the Bosphorus, framed by autumn trees and a calm blue sky.
Take in the grandeur of the Blue Mosque rising above Istanbul.

Just steps from Hagia Sophia in the heart of Sultanahmet, the Blue Mosque — officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque — is one of Istanbul’s most breathtaking landmarks. This seventeenth-century mosque’s six graceful minarets and cascading domes paint a picture straight out of a fairy tale skyline.

Step inside and you’ll immediately understand why it’s called the Blue Mosque. Sunlight filters through more than 200 stained-glass windows, illuminating thousands of hand-painted Iznik tiles in soft shades of blue, turquoise, and emerald. The walls are a tapestry of delicate floral patterns and intricate arabesques that seem almost to glow.  The mosque is still active, so you’ll see worshippers moving respectfully through its vast prayer hall. 

Princess will take you to this stunning mosque — alongside other iconic stops like Hagia Sophia — because you can’t miss this one.

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3. Tour Topkapi Palace and the Harem

Entrance to Topkapi Palace framed by tall stone towers and leafless trees, with manicured gardens, purple flower beds and visitors walking beneath a vivid blue sky.
Wander through the storied gates of Topkapi Palace in the heart of Istanbul.

Perched above the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace was once the epicenter of Ottoman power. As you wander through its sunlit courtyards, lush gardens and shaded colonnades, you’ll immerse yourself in Ottoman history. The Treasury sparkles with jeweled relics, ceremonial swords and jewel-studded daggers that speak to the empire’s wealth and craftsmanship. From the palace terraces, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.

The real jewel of the complex — and one of its most fascinating parts — is the Harem. Behind its ornate doors lies a labyrinth of private chambers that once housed the sultan’s family and attendants. Here, you’ll gain insight into the personal side of palace life. When you go with a Princess guide, you’ll get to see the insider scoop of historic Ottoman life in the palace.

4. Walk through the Hippodrome and historic square

The Hippodrome in Istanbul featuring a tall stone obelisk rising from a landscaped square, framed by leafy trees, colorful flower beds and historic buildings under a clear blue sky.
Step into Istanbul’s ancient heart at the historic Hippodrome.

Imagine stepping onto a sun-warmed stretch of ancient stone where, nearly 2,000 years ago, chariots thundered and crowds roared — that’s the magic of the Hippodrome. This once vast Roman public arena was the social heart of Byzantine Constantinople. Today, the Hippodrome’s grassy expanse and cobbled pathways lead to a towering Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column. 

Visit with Princess and stop at the Hippodrome for a perfect photo opportunity before exploring the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and so much more.

5. Descend into the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern illuminated with warm orange light, featuring the famous Medusa head sculpture beneath a stone column, surrounded by shallow water and arched brick ceilings.
Discover the mysterious beauty hidden beneath Istanbul’s streets.

Step away from the bright sun and into something decidedly cooler. Enter the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most hauntingly beautiful hidden gems. A short stairway leads you underground into a vast, shadowy chamber where rows upon rows of ancient marble columns rise from still, mirror-like water, their reflections doubling the sense of mystery.

As you wander along the narrow wooden walkways, the soft echo of dripping water and dim lighting turn this subterranean world into something almost cinematic. Some columns rest atop sculpted bases, including the famous Medusa heads that seem to watch over the silent waters. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of atmospheric spaces or just in search of a unique experience, the Basilica Cistern feels like uncovering a secret beneath the city’s vibrant streets. Our Princess tour will take you through this one-of-a-kind destination, so you can experience the lower level of the city.

6. Shop the Grand Bazaar

Hanging mosaic lanterns in vivid blues reds greens and golds glowing inside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar with intricate glass patterns and warm ambient light.
Let the colors of the Grand Bazaar light up your senses.

Welcome to the Grand Bazaar, a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and scent that has dazzled visitors for centuries. One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, it’s an adventure through the beating heart of Istanbul’s mercantile past. Step beneath its arched ceilings, and you’ll be swept into a maze of lanes lined with hundreds of stalls.

You’ll be surrounded by shimmering handwoven carpets, glimmering gold jewelry, fragrant spice mounds and delicate ceramics painted in deep blues and reds.

Whether you’re hunting for a keepsake or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit and a stop on our Princess tours of the city.

7. Explore the Spice Bazaar and local markets

Conical mounds of vibrant spices in reds yellows greens and purples displayed in round bins at Istanbul’s Spice Market, creating a colorful patterned scene.
Savor the bold aromas and colors of Istanbul’s Spice Market.

Built in the seventeenth-century, this bustling marketplace still hums with the energy of the old Silk Road. Step beneath its vaulted ceilings, and the air fills with the warm scent of cinnamon, saffron, sumac and cardamom, mingling with the sweetness of Turkish delight and the earthiness of freshly ground coffee.

Stalls overflow with pyramids of spices, jewel-toned dried fruits, nuts and teas in every hue imaginable. Venture beyond the Spice Bazaar and you’ll find smaller neighborhood markets where fishmongers, bakers, and produce sellers keep age-old traditions alive. Our expert Princess guides will take you to all the best local markets that bring Istanbul to life.

Planning your visit to Istanbul

A trip to Istanbul is an adventure through centuries of culture and architecture — and a little planning goes a long way toward making the most of your time here. When visiting the city’s many mosques, remember to dress respectfully: shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are often asked to wear a headscarf inside. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes before entering a mosque, so pack easy slip-ons.

Comfort is key, too. Expect plenty of walking on cobblestone streets and climbing steps. Comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle and cooling, light clothes make exploring neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Eminönü a delight rather than a workout.

Because Istanbul is vast, guided shore excursions can be a great way to see more in less time. Our guides will take you through the highlights of the city, so you can see beautiful and unique sites without having to worry about logistics.

To start planning your journey, check out Princess Cruises from Istanbul — the perfect way to explore Istanbul and beyond.

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