Hagia Sophia

Historic architectural marvel that has served as a cathedral and mosque.

Crédit: Adli Wahid

Topkapi Palace

Former Ottoman sultans' residence, now a museum with rich collections.

Blue Mosque

Mosque known for its blue tiles and six minarets, officially Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Grand Bazaar

One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with thousands of shops.

Basilica Cistern

Ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and ambiance.

Galata Tower

Medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Vibrant market specializing in spices, herbs, and local delicacies.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Lavish 19th-century palace blending European and Ottoman architectural styles.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Magnificent mosque known for its grand architecture and serene courtyard.

Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

Museum famed for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

Istiklal Avenue

Bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Ortaköy Mosque

Picturesque mosque located by the Bosphorus, popular for photos.

Bosphorus Cruise

Scenic boat tour along the strait separating Europe and Asia.

Taksim Square

Major public square and hub for cultural events and gatherings.

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Industrial museum showcasing transport, industry, and communications exhibits.

Emirgan Park

Expansive park known for its tulip displays, especially during the Tulip Festival.

Princes' Islands

Car-free islands offering tranquil retreats with historic buildings.

Rumeli Fortress

Medieval fortress built by the Ottomans, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Miniatürk

Open-air museum featuring miniature models of Turkish landmarks.

Maiden's Tower

Historic tower on a small islet in the Bosphorus, shrouded in legends.

Sultanahmet

Historic and cultural heart of Istanbul, perfect for first-time visitors.

Karakoy

Trendy neighborhood with great nightlife, shops, and restaurants.

Galata

Historic area with energetic nightlife and iconic landmarks.

Sisli

Upper-class and business district with various amenities.

Beyoglu

Vibrant area with restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Eminonu

Bustling area ideal for families, close to major tourist attractions and markets.

Nisantasi

Luxury shopping and upscale residential area.

Besiktas

Commercial and residential area with beautiful Bosphorus views.

Beyazit

Affordable accommodations near main tourist sites.

Cihangir

Charming area with narrow streets and a bohemian vibe.

Kadikoy

Popular with locals, offers an authentic Turkish experience.

Moda

Budget-friendly area with a local feel and trendy dining options.

Sultanbeyli

Unsafe due to high presence of illegal immigrants and dysfunctional refugees, especially at night.

Dolapdere

An impoverished area with extreme poverty, violence, and devastation. Unsafe, especially for women.

Kuştepe

Home to drug dealers and poor refugees, with high crime rates and little police presence.

Gülsuyu

Unsafe at night with frequent aggressive protests and high crime rates, including arson.

Tarlabaşı

Known for aggressive behavior, drug activity, and a high presence of sex workers and unwelcoming residents.

Esenyurt

Known for street fights, hooliganism, and drug activity, making it unsafe even for locals.

Gaziosmanpaşa

Densely populated with poor infrastructure and frequent violent incidents, including shootings.

Kasımpaşa

Partially improved but still shabby with scammers, drug dealers, and beggars in certain areas.

Laleli-Aksaray

Least comfortable, with a high presence of prostitutes and a very conservative, unfriendly atmosphere.