The magnificent Hagia Sophia museum rightly tops most travelers' lists of things to see in Istanbul. It is the symbol of the city and a true masterpiece of Byzantine art. The Blue Mosque is another of most emblematic places to visit in Istanbul and perhaps the most important mosque in the city. Also known as Sultanahmet Camii, it was built by the sultan Ahmed I and, with over 20,000 blue tiles and 200 windows, is a delight for the senses.
If you like history, one of the most interesting attractions in Istanbul is the Topkapi Palace. It's the best example of Istanbul's imperial past and symbolizes the power that Constantinople achieved during the Ottoman Empire. This monument has four courtyards and multiple buildings, such as the armory, kitchen, royal stables, or the stunning Treasury, which holds some of the most valuable objects in the world, like the Spoonmaker's Diamond.
Another of the classic Istanbul activities is sailing along the Bosphorous by boat or visiting the Golden Horn, a historic natural harbor at the entrance of the Bosphorous strait. From there, you can see the Galata Bridge, a 490 meter long bridge that connects old Istanbul with the more modern area.
If you're looking for more authentic attractions in Istanbul, why not enjoy a visit to one of the famous Turkish baths? Several baths, including the Hamam Cemberlitas and Hamam Suleymaniye, rank among the most famous things to see in Istanbul. In terms of gastronomy, the best area to taste typical dishes is in the Sultanahmet district. Make sure to try an authentic Turkish kebab and Ayran, a very popular drink among the Turks made of yogurt, water and salt. Find tons of other interesting stuff to do in Istanbul by looking at the tips below from real travelers who've visited the city. Start planning your trip to today and find exactly what to do in Istanbul.