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For some, a city break in Istanbul assaults the senses. For others, the heady mix of exhilarating city life and centuries of culture offers a captivating escape.

Whisk yourself off on an adventure and be inspired by these things to do in Istanbul. With high-rise concrete buildings sprouting up across the skyline alongside crumbling wooden villas, old-world values being shaken by hipster trends and tantalising smells guiding you to authentic eateries- you will be hard-pushed to find a city with as many juxtapositions as Istanbul.

Enjoy a city break in this marvellous city and be enchanted by the sounds of Istanbul’s bustling streets often accompanied by the graceful presence of cats warming themselves on the sun-dappled pavements.

While it is possible to enjoy an eclectic collection of places to visit in Istanbul all year round, to get the best out of your trip, think about booking an Istanbul city break when the temperatures drop. During the spring (April or May) or the autumn (September or October), the city is a hive of activity. During April, the city hosts its annual tulip festival and green spaces are bejewelled by colourful bulbs. Locals flock to the southern coastal areas of Turkey during the summer months to flee the heat and in winter the streets are cloaked in grey clouds and occasional showers.  

Immerse yourself in the living history of Istanbul and make these authentic experiences your starting point. Step into the pages of your history books and explore the hidden treasures waiting for you inside emblematic landmarks such as the Galata Tower or the Hagia Sophia.

Earn yourself the ultimate holiday selfie and head up to The Galata Tower to get a 360-panoramic view of Istanbul from 60 metres in the sky. This historic monument is one of the best things to do in Istanbul and is one of the highest and oldest towers in the city.

It was originally built as part of a defence wall surrounding the district of Galata in the 14th century. Now open to the public, you can soak up the sights of the city from this unique vantage point, all from the comfort of their rooftop cafeteria. It is one of the top sites to see in Istanbul.

For those hungry to bet beneath the surface of Turkish culture a visit to the Hagia Sophia is in order. It is reportedly the most visited museum in Turkey and one of the most visited in the world. The cultural significance of this monument is quite profound, so much so that it was declared a UNESCO heritage site.

It started life as a church, then a mosque, before enjoying a brief stint as a museum.

Today this Istanbul must-see destination has reverted to being a mosque but it remains open as a museum for visitors who are eager to see this incredible architectural wonder first-hand. So, if you are looking for iconic things to do in Istanbul, you cannot miss the Hagia Sophia. 

While crowds flock to the Blue Mosque, discover what locals consider to be the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque. Located on the third hill of Istanbul, this religious place of worship was constructed in 1558 under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent.

A team of 3,500 workmen worked around the clock for eight years to complete the vast building and create a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. It is the final resting place of Suleiman the Magnificent and guests can while away endless hours exploring its ornate architecture and strolling through its paradisiacal gardens. 

If you still find yourself in a shopping mood, take a trip to one of the most famous places to visit in Istanbul, located around the corner from the Suleymaniye Mosque. While this 500-year-old market is not one of the hidden-secret Istanbul attractions, a trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar.

Covering over 60 streets and boasting more than 5,000 shops, there are plenty of hidden treasures to be found – from handcrafted leather goods to souvenirs and jewellery.

With everyday locals and visitors alike, haggling to get the best bang for their buck – do not be afraid to get stuck in and bargain, it is one of the many things to do in Istanbul if you want a local experience.

If the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar is too much for you, head down to Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district.

Located next to the Blue Mosque, the Arasta Bazaar is a treasure trove of craftsmanship and artisan finds, namely carpets, textiles, ceramics and authentic souvenirs. Enjoy a leisurely and intimate shopping experience here and browse the curated stands offering vibrant displays of gifts to remind you of your travels.

There are endless things to do in Istanbul so to make your trip more manageable, divide your days into neighbourhoods. Dive into the throng of people and live like a local as you visit these must-see Istanbul neighbourhoods and cool hangouts.

Deemed as Istanbul’s hippest neighbourhood, this Instagrammable hot spot is the place to head if you’re looking for chic cafes and galleries nestled amongst bohemian boutiques and traditional pastanelers (bakeries)

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s vibrant culture and explore these unusual things to do in Istanbul.

From mesmerising displays of old-world rituals to off-the-beaten-track hipster hideouts, Istanbul is full of surprises.