Istanbul walking tour & city guide
Two continents, one skyline of domes and minarets.
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Istanbul is the only great city that spans two continents, divided by the Bosphorus strait between Europe and Asia. Capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires for more than 1,500 years, it rewards walkers with an extraordinary density of history on almost every hill.
The historic peninsula
The old city of Sultanahmet holds Istanbul's most famous monuments within a short walk of each other. Hagia Sophia, completed in 537, faces the six minarets of the Blue Mosque across a garden square, while the vast underground Basilica Cistern lies just beneath the streets. Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, overlooks the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
From there, streets lead uphill to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, and down through busy market lanes to the Spice Bazaar and Eminönü. The walk across the Galata Bridge, lined with fishermen at almost any hour, is one of the classic views of the city.
Beyoğlu, Galata and the Bosphorus
Across the Golden Horn, the medieval Galata Tower rises above steep streets full of cafés and design shops. Beyond it, İstiklal Avenue stretches about 1.4 kilometers to Taksim Square, with a historic red tram running down the middle and side passages full of meyhanes, music and bookshops.
The Bosphorus shore offers a different Istanbul of waterfront mansions, fishing villages and palaces like Dolmabahçe. Neighborhoods such as Ortaköy, Bebek and Arnavutköy are perfect for a seaside walk, and a ferry ride to the Asian side, to Kadıköy or Üsküdar, costs little and gives some of the best views in the city.
Practical tips
Get an İstanbulkart, the rechargeable card used on trams, metro, buses and ferries. The city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. Mosques are open to visitors outside prayer times; women should cover their hair and everyone should dress modestly and remove their shoes.
Spring, with tulips in the parks, and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. Summers are warm and busy, while winters are cool and rainy but bring fewer crowds and atmospheric misty views over the water.
Top sights in Istanbul
- 1
Hagia Sophia
Built in 537 as a cathedral, later a mosque; one of the great buildings of the world.
- 2
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famed for its six minarets and blue İznik tiles.
- 3
Topkapı Palace
The Ottoman sultans' palace, with courtyards, treasury and views over the Bosphorus.
- 4
Basilica Cistern
A 6th-century underground reservoir with hundreds of marble columns.
- 5
Grand Bazaar
A labyrinth of thousands of shops selling carpets, lamps, jewelry and more.
- 6
Galata Tower
A medieval stone tower with a panoramic view over the old city.
Food markets & where to eat in Istanbul
Karaköy
A waterfront neighborhood of baklava shops, cafés and fish restaurants.
Eminönü fish sandwich boats
Grilled mackerel sandwiches served from boats by the Galata Bridge.
Kadıköy Market
A lively food market on the Asian side with meze shops, delis and small restaurants.
Spice Bazaar
The historic Mısır Çarşısı, full of Turkish delight, spices and dried fruit.
Beşiktaş Çarşı
A lively market district with breakfast cafés and meyhanes.
Food to try in Istanbul
Simit
A sesame-crusted bread ring sold from carts across the city.
Balık ekmek
A grilled fish sandwich eaten by the water.
Turkish breakfast
A spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey and tea, best enjoyed slowly.
Baklava and Turkish delight
Classic sweets in countless varieties.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Istanbul
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in IstanbulCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Istanbul.
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