1. Drink çay 

I’m pretty sure the national drink in Turkey should be çay. Turkish people generally drink at least 5 cups of çay per day if not more. The country has the highest tea consumption in the world per capita.

The çay or tea, in Turkey, is a special black tea that has a hint of a reddish color. It is served in a tulip-shaped glass and coaster. Many people usually add sugar to their tea. While walking through the streets you will hear the clinking sounds of spoons mixing the sugar in the glass.

Nearly every single restaurant has çay so you can easily find a place to try this famous drink.

2. Go to Asia and Europe on the ferry

Even though the city is divided by the Bosphorus, both sides are easily accessible by ferry, bridge, and metro.

Taking the ferry to the other side takes the most time, but it is the most scenic and enjoyable. You can even grab some simit (Turkish bagel) and çay on the boat.

Many people like sitting outside at the back of the boat to feed bread to the seagulls. If you like photography, you’ll be able to get some nice shots here.

3. Eat baklava

There are many arguments over whether baklava is Greek or Turkish but, while in Turkey, do as the Turks do.

The best-selling Turkish baklava is made with pistachios. It has a sweet buttery taste and is very flaky. You will see many of these in the shops all over Istanbul. They are easily identified from their green filling.

Other nuts that are used to make Turkish baklava are walnuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts.

If you are not into sweet desserts, baklava might not be for you. However, it can take a couple of tries to find one that you like.

The best baklava place in Istanbul is Karakoy Gulluoglu. It has been in operation since the 19th century and is family owned and operated.

4. Ride the Red Tram and Tünel

The famous retro red tram is found on the popular Istiklal Street near Taksim. This area is known for shopping and is a big tourist attraction.

The tram first appeared in 1875 but was horse-drawn and then changed to electric. It stopped operating in 1961 but was brought back in 1990.

The length of the tram ride is only one mile and goes from the Tünel to Taksim Square.

The Tünel is an old funicular line connecting Karakoy to Istiklal Street. It also started operating in 1875 and is the second-oldest underground tram system in the world. The first was the London Underground which opened in 1863.

5. Take a Bosphorus Yacht Tour

Escape the noisy city for a few hours on a private yacht on the Bosphorus?

Sign me up!

The Bosphorus yacht tour is honestly a great little escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Tours start and end from the Bebek Marina. Daily tours are available but the sunset hour is the best time to go.

On the tour, you’ll be able to see a new perspective of the city and admire all the old historic houses.

BYOB and some snacks while you settle in for a 2-hour ride along the Bosphorus.

6. Shop in the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. It has 4,000 shops and over 60 streets. Walking through can feel a bit overwhelming and you won’t be able to see the entire thing.

Nonetheless, it’s still a good cultural experience for your Istanbul bucket list. Many of the shops have been handed down through generations and the owners have good stories to tell.

7. Get Turkish breakfast

Honestly, if Turkish breakfast wasn’t enough of a reason to visit Istanbul, I don’t know what is. It definitely needs to be at the top of your Istanbul bucket list.

You should give yourself 2 hours minimum for breakfast in Turkey because your whole table will be filled with food. I’m not kidding.

Once you order Turkish breakfast, small plates of cheese, olives, jams, eggs, vegetables, fruit, bread, and sausage will fill the table. With breakfast also come unlimited çay and bread.

What more could you ask for in the morning?

There are so many places to have Turkish breakfast that there is an entire street in Besiktas called breakfast street. However, if you want to be a little fancy, I recommend The House Cafe in Ortakoy. This location is right on the Bosphorus where you can have a front-row seat to all the boats passing by while you’re eating.

8. Visit the Palaces

With quite a long history of various world empires, the city has a small collection of palaces that should not be left off your Istanbul bucket list.

The first one is called Topkapi Palace. It’s located in the Old City on top of a hill. The style of this palace is more Asian with separate buildings and large gardens.

The second notable palace is called Dolmabache. This palace can be spotted from the shores of the Bosphorus in Besiktas. It is more of a European style with many halls and rooms decorated with ornate details.

9. Go to Prince’s Island

Prince’s Island is a cluster of about 6 islands off the coast of Kadikoy on the Asian side. Visiting 4 out of the 6 islands is easily done by ferry.

Why should you visit these islands?

Good question.

Historically, this was the place where the sultan would send exiled princes and empresses. However, during the Ottoman period, it then became a place for the rich residents of Istanbul to build luxurious wooden houses as a city escape.

Today, there are no motor vehicles on the islands. There used to be horses and carriages, but that has stopped due to the mistreatment of the animals.

The largest island, called Büyükada, is the most popular to visit. Notable things to see are the Greek Orthodox church at the top of the hill and the abandoned wooden orphanage.

10. Drink Raki and Eat some Mezes with Friends

Raki is the official national drink of Turkey. It is a clear alcoholic beverage made from grapes and anise. Anise is a regional flower found in the Mediterranean area.

There are many different versions of raki throughout the Balkan, Mediterranean, and Middle East regions.

Traditionally, raki is prepared with chilled water. About half the glass is filled with alcohol and the rest with water. Mixing this will change the drink to a foggy white color.

Raki is eaten with mezes which are small dishes that are shared among a group and eaten slowly. Mezes in Turkey are typically yogurt, vegetables, fish, cheese, melon, and olives.

11. Visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are no doubt the most visited places in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia was recently turned back into a mosque from a museum. The building itself has a long history dating back to the year 360 when construction began. It was originally built as a church but was transformed into a mosque in 1453.

The Blue Mosque, which sits directly across from the Hagia Sophia, gets its name from the blue tiles that decorate the interior. This mosque was opened in 1616. It is also one of the few mosques in Istanbul that has 6 minarets.

12. Try Turkish coffee

Turkish coffee is different from your typical latte.

It has a bitter taste and is served in a small espresso-like cup. The beans are finely ground and are not filtered when served. Preparation is done in a cevre which is a small pot with a long handle usually made from copper or brass.

The most popular Turkish coffee brand is Mehmet Efendi. There are various locations all around the city and you can purchase a bag of coffee at any grocery store as a souvenir.

13. Antique Shopping in Balat

Balat is one of those hidden gems that should not be missed during your visit to Istanbul. It is one of the few places where you can see a mosque, synagogue, and church all right next to each other.

There are many antique shops and cafes to check out. It’s a cool place to spend walking around during the afternoon.

I recommend eating pide (Turkish pizza) and lahmacun at Forno. Definitely get their homemade lemonade. Stop by Mare Mosso Coffee for a variety of fruit-flavored coffee.

An interesting building in this area is called Phanar Greek Orthodox College which shouldn’t be missed. It is a very prestigious school and is made of red bricks. This gives it the nickname, The Red School. You can only walk around the outside, but that architecture is very fascinating to look at.

14. Catch a fish on Galata Bridge

Galata bridge connects the Old City with Karakoy. The current bridge is actually the fifth bridge that has been built over the Golden Horn.

It is a popular place for fishermen to set up and catch fish throughout the day. Some of them might even be nice and let you have a try.

Underneath the bridge, there are many fish restaurants, but they seem to be just tourist traps. If you’re looking for a good fish restaurant, I suggest Akin Balik which is just across the bridge on the Beyoglu side. Balik means fish in Turkish.

15. Experience Kadikoy Nightlife and Bar Hopping

Kadikoy is a hip neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. There are endless bars to check out here. All you have to do is walk around.

Some of my favorites are:

• Revolte
• Mathilda’s Cocktail Bar
• Fil Pub
• Barmy (great rooftop bar)
• Aksi (go upstairs after 10pm, there is a DJ and dance floor)

16. Walk Down Bagdat Avenue

This 14-kilometer street is definitely Istanbul bucket list-worthy because it is the Asian side equivalent of Istiklal Street on the European side but….more glamorous.

It is not pedestrian-only but has wide sidewalks and one-way traffic direction. The entire street runs parallel to the Sea of Marmara.

You can think of the street as a large outdoor shopping mall with cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of high-end retailers and local boutique shops. I especially like the Suadiye and Bostanci areas because it is close to the sea and there are many nice restaurants.

17. Go Up to the Communications Tower

Also known as Camlica Tower, the newly open communications tower is Istanbul’s tallest building. Opening its doors in 2021, it is 369 meters tall.

There is an observation floor as well as a restaurant and cafe. The surrounding area is a nice park where you can relax and have a walk around. There are some nice views of the city from here.

18. Admire Galata Tower

Galata Tower is an old watch tower and prison that was first built in 1348. Back then, it was the tallest building in Constantinople standing at 66.9 meters.

Galata Tower should be a stop on your Istanbul bucket list because it is currently a museum that explains the rich history of the area. Going up to the top of the tower gives you great 360-degree views of the city.

The surrounding streets are full of cafes and breakfast spots, where you can sit and enjoy the view of the historic tower.

Did you know that there was once a man who jumped off the top of the tower, flew across the Bosphorus and landed in present-day Uskudar?

Crazy, right?

It is said that he created a device with wings that allowed him to glide through the air. It was the first transcontinental flight.

19. Visit Kuzguncuk

Kuzguncuk is a cute quiet neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul in Uskudar. The architecture in this neighborhood is full of colorful antique wooden houses. Many people come to take pictures next to these houses, please be mindful that people actually live inside.

While taking a stroll down the main street, you’ll find many small local cafes serving sweets, coffee, and tea. I quite like a place called Vanilin Chocolate because they have this San Sebastian cheesecake that is covered in melted chocolate. It is the best I’ve had in the city.

The special thing about Kuzguncuk is that it sits in a valley of two hills. There are very nice green spaces nearby and the residents even have a community garden.

20. Eat Kumpir in Ortakoy

Kumpir is a famous Turkish food that is essentially a giant baked potato stuffed and layered with a lot of toppings.

Ortakoy is the most popular place to try this food because there are a handful of stalls lined up right next to each other all selling the same thing. As you walk past, all the vendors will try to get your attention and claim their kumpir is superior.

Overall, it’s a fun experience.

21. Indulge in Fine Dining in Bebek

Bebek is where the rich play in Istanbul. It is full of big yachts floating in the marina and expensive cars on the streets.

But, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. Bebek is a historic neighborhood along the Bosphorus. It is tucked away in a bay which makes it a great location for boats. Many of the old homes here belonged to high-ranking officials in the Ottoman Empire. There is a long walking and bike path along the waterfront which makes it a great place for an evening stroll.

You can even walk all the way to Ortakoy!

Now, for the food. Bebek is well known for its culinary options. A popular fish restaurant is called Bebek Balikci. This restaurant is located seaside and has a nice atmosphere.

If you are a fan of the famous Salt Bae, you can dine at his Bebek location called Nusr-Et.

For breakfast, check out Mangerie. It is a bistro-cafe. This restaurant is located up on the hill giving you amazing views of the Bosphorus.

22. Bathe in a Hammam

Hammams are Turkish baths where you will be scrubbed head to toe by another person.

It sounds a little strange but it is quite the experience to add to your Istanbul bucket list.

Hammans came about in the 16th century as a place for washing. Over the years, they have expanded to a meeting point where neighbors and friends have a chat.

There are a lot of historic Hammans in Istanbul such as Cağaloğlu Hammam which is located near the Hagia Sophia.

Prices of any Hamman range from the length of time, the historical value of the Hamman, and the location.

23. Walk Along Galataport Promenade

Galataport newly opened in 2022 to accommodate cruise ships that visit Istanbul. There are 250 restaurants and shops within the port.

This should be included on your Istanbul bucket list because of the many seaside dining options. It’s also a great place to go at night in Istanbul because you will be able to see the Asian side all lit up.

I recommend Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar for some shareable plates and good wine.

24. Get lavender coffee in Karakoy

Ever since I found this cafe in Karakoy that has purple coffee, I’ve been telling everyone to go here.

They make this coffee with lavender and it has a little bit of a lavender taste. Definitely Instagrammable.

Plus Karakoy has lots of cool boutique shops and the most famous baklava shop in the city called Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

25. Watch the sunset from Kadikoy

The coastline of Kadikoy Moda has a nice rocky shore that you can climb on and find a good place to sit. You’ll get a nice view of the Bosphorus and the sun setting over the European side.

Bring some drinks from a Tekel shop and hang out with some friends as the day turns into night. Afterward, you can visit some of the bars that I mentioned earlier.

26. Go to the beach

Bet you didn’t know there is a beach in Istanbul.

There are actually quite a few beaches, not just one. Most of them are located on the Black Sea in the north of the city. You will need a taxi or a rental car to visit this area.

Each of the beaches has an entrance fee and generally includes a welcome drink and a beach lounger plus an umbrella. There are DJs playing music and it can be a pretty good time on the weekends.

If you don’t want to go all the way to the Black Sea, you can head over to the Asian side of Istanbul. Starting in Goztepe, there are small beaches along the coast where you can soak up the sun.

27. Walk down to the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is part of a large underground network of waterways underneath the city. It was built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire.

The ceiling is held up by 336 Greek columns evenly spaced apart. It is most popular for a block of Medusa’s head that was used as a base for a column.

This one might be a little tricky to cross off your Istanbul bucket list because it seems to always be closed for restoration. 🙁

28. Take in the smells of the Spice Market

Known in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı, this market is located in the Old City on the European side of Istanbul. The building was finished in 1660. It has been the center of the spice trade in Istanbul ever since.

As you walk around the bazaar, you’ll see so many different spices, curries, dried fruit, and chili than you ever thought possible. Vendors will be happy to assist you and offer some tastings of their products.

29. Chill in Macka Park

Macka Park is located on the European side of Besiktas. It is probably the biggest green area in the city on the European side. So, naturally, everyone goes here to chill.

It’s popular for meeting friends, jogging, yoga, dog walking, and picnics and drinks. There are grocery stores close by where you can pick up some drinks and food if you don’t have time to prepare something. If you ever run out of beer and don’t want to go back to the store, there are people walking around selling some from their bags. There are even some that will go pick up what you want and deliver it to you.

How convenient is that?

There is also a large outdoor concert venue located within the park called Küçükçiftlik Park. Previous performances have included The Chainsmokers, Tove Lo, Louis Tomlinson, and Wiz Khalifa. Plus many more.

30. Watch a football match

Football matches in Turkey can be quite an experience. The fans of each football club are very dedicated, to say the least. In Istanbul, there are three major football clubs each belonging to a certain neighborhood of the city.

• The first one is Besiktas. Their team colors are black and white and their mascot is an eagle.
• The next one is Fenerbache. Their team colors are yellow and navy blue. Their mascot is a yellow canary.
• Lastly is Galatasaray. Their team colors are red and yellow. Their mascot is a lion.

I would say that Besiktas and Fenerbache are the top rival teams in the city. Being on opposite sides of the city also feeds into the rivalry. Besiktas is in Europe and Fenerbache is in Asia. Whenever these two teams have a match against each other you can expect to see floods of sports fans in the streets wearing their jerseys.

It’s definitely fun to join in on the spirit with the local fans and have a beer or two.

Final Thoughts on the Istanbul Bucket List

With so many options of things to do in Istanbul, it can be hard to narrow it down. Hopefully, seeing what the city has to offer will extend your stay to more than just a few days before heading off to another part of Turkey.