Istanbul is an attraction in itself, as you will find out with a simple stroll through its bustling streets steeped in history. Free options for activities and attractions in Turkey’s largest city are plentiful, with the city’s magnificent mosques, markets and parks waiting to be discovered.
Tour its beautiful mosques
Impressive Ottoman-era mosques, all free to visit, dominate the historic seven hills of Istanbul’s Old City and adorn many streets. The elegant Süleymaniye Mosque is the best of all, with a majestic complex of buildings surrounding it and spectacular views of the Golden Horn.
Nestled among the bustling markets of Eminion, the Rustem Pasha Mosque boasts magnificent ceramic work. As in all mosques, non-believers should avoid entering during prayer times, which are posted near the entrance. All visitors must be modestly dressed and women must cover their heads.
One of the holiest sites in the city, the Eyup Sultan Mosque is surrounded by majestic tomb complexes and a green cemetery that stretches upwards, offering great views of the Golden Horn from the top. The mosque complex is said to be the burial place of Abu Ayyub El Ensari, a close companion of the Prophet, making it an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
Have a picnic in Gulhane Park
Two favorite pastimes of locals are picnicking and walking, and Istanbul has some wonderful parks and gardens open to the public. The impressive trees and intricate paths make Gulhane Park – once part of the Topkapı Palace Gardens – particularly beautiful.
See the 4th century Aqueduct of Valens
The 4th century Aqueduct of Valens once carried water to Constantinople and is now an impressive sight. The Women’s Market in its shadow is a colorful neighborhood full of popular kebab restaurants.
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar
Often called the oldest shopping center in the world, the Grand Bazaar spans 61 covered and labyrinthine streets. Explore the dilapidated inn where some artisans still practice their craft.
Visit the traditional open-air markets and the famous spice market
Traditional weekly markets have their regular customers, despite the expansion of modern shopping centers and supermarkets. The Wednesday Fatih Market, located in the streets around the Fatih Mosque, is one of the biggest and best. On Saturdays, head to Ferikioy for Turkey’s first organic market.
At Misir Charsi, known as the Spice Market, you’ll find more souvenirs than spices, but the streets around this Ottoman market in Eminion are a great place to get a taste of the bustling local market life.
See the Church of Saint Stephen Bulgarian
There are several Christian churches still in operation in Constantinople, many of them of great historical importance. Perhaps the most characteristic is the Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, built from 500 tons of cast iron pieces delivered from Vienna along the Danube River on dozens of cargo ships. A restoration completed in 2018 made this cruciform basilica and its ornate interior shine.
Admire Hunkar Kasri
This private pavilion, used by the Sultan during his visits to the New Mosque, is resplendent with tiles, carpets, inlaid wood and stained glass. Access to the Hunkar Kasri is via a long enclosed ramp behind the mosque.
Visit an exhibition at the Pera Museum
Curated periodic exhibitions of contemporary art and an outstanding collection of Orientalist works by European and Ottoman artists are the highlights of the Pera Museum, which offers free admission every Friday between 6pm and 10pm.
Enjoy the art scene in Beyoğlu’s galleries
Istanbul’s lively contemporary art scene is exhibited throughout the Beyoğlu district, mainly around İstiklal Street and in the Karaköy, Tophane and Tomtom districts.
You can easily spend half a day exploring a number of interesting galleries and other exhibition spaces – such as Meşher, Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat, Akbank Art, Depo and Galerist – whose exhibitions change periodically and are free to visit.
Attend an event at the SALT Cultural Center
Housed in the beautifully restored former headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, SALT Galata is a cultural center and library that hosts exhibitions and special events, including free lectures and film screenings, sometimes held in English. Its sister institution on top of the hill, SALT Beyoglu, has a similar program and is also worth a visit.
See the other side of the city’s history at the Istanbul Historical Research Institute
Covering everything from urban development to historical events, the Istanbul Historical Research Institute presents various, often lesser-known aspects of the city’s history through exhibitions based on its extensive archival collection of photographs and documents.
Stroll along the well-maintained paths of Yıldız Park
Well-maintained paths, lots of trees and some charming Ottoman-era houses make the hilly Yildiz Park in Beşiktaş a great place for a picnic or a stroll. There is an excellent view of the city from the path that descends from the historic Çadır Köşkü, which now serves as a restaurant.
Learn something new at the Center for the Study of Oriental Cultures
One of the country’s leading higher education institutions, Koç University supports research into the history, art, architecture and archeology of the centuries-old cultures that have called present-day Turkey home. Some of the results of this research are regularly presented in exhibitions at the Center for the Study of Oriental Civilizations of Koch University in Istiqlal Jadesh.
Explore upper class life in the early 20th century at the Aşiyan Museum
The expansive view of the Bosphorus may be its most impressive feature, but the Aşiyan Museum also offers a glimpse into the life of Istanbul’s upper class in the early 20th century. Filled with vintage furniture and photographs, this sweet little house museum was once home to the distinguished poet Tevfik Fikret.
See the blooming tulips in Emirgan Park
Between the banks of the Bosphorus, the beautiful Emirgan Park (Emirgan Koru) is especially beautiful during the Istanbul Tulip Festival every April, when millions of bulbs planted around the city bloom in a colorful celebration. The park has play and picnic areas, a jogging track and three Ottoman mansions that have been converted into cafes. This is a popular location for wedding photos.
Go down to see Nakilbend Sarniji
Underground water storage tanks dating back to the Byzantine era are scattered around Sultanahmet. The Nakilbend Sarniji (Nakilbend tank) was rediscovered during the construction of the Nakkas carpet shop and is preserved under the shop for visitors to see. The Binbirderek Reservoir (Host’s Reservoir) on the opposite side of the racecourse is sometimes open for exhibitions and other events.
Stroll around the historic Sultanahmet Hippodrome
Not much remains of the old Byzantine hippodrome, but the historic Sultanahmet Hippodrome is still a revealing place to stroll. From the south-east corner of the Hippodrome, follow Nakilbend Street as it descends to see the towering remains of Sphendoni. This semi-circular end of the ancient stadium gives a real sense of how massive this building was.
Run or just relax in Matska Park
Although less historic than some of the other central city green spaces, Matska Park in Sisli is a favorite place for locals to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon, with playgrounds, a dog park and a small jogging track.
Get an insight into the Turkish bathing tradition at the Hammam Culture Museum
You won’t get an exfoliation, but you’ll get an insight into the hammam (Turkish bath) tradition, where bath accessories and re-enactments of the ritual are on display in the restored 16th-century hammam rooms.
Spend some quiet time at the Beyazit Library
Istanbul’s oldest and largest library, the architecturally impressive Beyazit Library is worth a visit for its multi-domed reading room and careful restoration that blends the old with the new.