10 TOP Things to Do in Istanbul October 2026

A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river, and a bridge.

A mosque with multiple minarets and domes, surrounded by a coastal cityscape and the sea.

An aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

A cityscape with a bridge, a river, and a seagull flying overhead.

A grand classical building with a green roof, situated by a waterfront.

Activities

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

AU$48

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

AU$16

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch

AU$32

per adult

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

AU$45

per adult

84% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

AU$48

per adult

82% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

AU$16

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch & Cable Car Ride Option

AU$41

per adult

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide

AU$93

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

AU$43

per adult

76% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. Hagia Sophia

Known as “Ayasofa” (Sacred Wisdom) in Turkish, the Hagia Sofia started out as a church, becoming a cathedral under the Byzantine empire. Later it would become a mosque, and most recently a museum and monument that is hugely valued by the people of Turkey.

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A historic mosque with a large central dome and two minarets, surrounded by trees and a reflective pool.

2. Grand Bazaar

Originally opened in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmet II as a site for textile trading, the Grand Bazaar continues to offer everything from pottery and tiles to spices and brassware, as well as belly-dancing clothes, pipes, ashtrays, and much more. It used to be that each street had a craft, and while this isn't strictly the case any longer, there are areas of the bazaar where you'll be able to compare your craft of choice side by side with lots of others.

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A bustling market with colorful stalls and a patterned ceiling.

3. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a prominent part of view of the Istanbul skyline. Constructed under Sultan Ahmed I, it was finished in 1616. Its designer's vision was to display the Islamic faith central to the Ottoman Empire in this massive site of worship.

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A mosque with multiple domes and minarets.

4. Galata Tower

At just under 67 metres in height, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city when built in 1348. It was constructed as the heart of the fortifications of the Genovese colony in Constantinople at that time, and was named the 'Tower of Christ'. Later, it became a lookout tower for fires in the 18th century, and was indeed seriously damaged by fire in both the 18th and 19th centuries. The most recent significant refurbishment took place during the 1960s, and the tower has been open to visitors since then.

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A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river with boats, and a mix of historic and modern buildings.

5. Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace covers over 70 hectares at the place where the city was founded, and is surrounded by more than five kilometres of walls. Despite being a 15th-century building, it is excellently preserved, and was opened to the public in 1924 by Kemal Ataturk, the 'Father of the Turks'.

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A historic stone gate with two towers, a clear sky, and a pathway leading to the entrance.

What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

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Taksim Square

8.8/10 (27,914 reviews)

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

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Our guide on where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A fountain with water jets in a circular pool, a mosque with multiple minarets, and palm trees in the foreground.

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Hagia Sophia to Sultanahmet Square – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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Taksim

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

A coastal building with a red roof, white walls, and a flag on top, situated on a rocky shoreline with calm sea in the background.

Kadıköy

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

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A grand neoclassical building with ornate columns and a symmetrical facade, surrounded by manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.

Beşiktaş

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

A cityscape at dusk with prominent towers and domes, illuminated buildings, and a dense urban layout.

Karaköy

Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Karaköy, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.

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