Topkapı Palace Museum

Basilica Cistern

Santa Sophia

The Blue Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque

Soğuk Çeşme Street

Dolmabahçe Palace

Küçüksu Palace

Galata Tower

Ferikoy Antika Pazari – Antique market on Sundays. Everyone recommends snacking on a Gozleme during or after your stroll.

A hamam is not just about getting clean — it’s about letting go. Inside a grand, domed marble chamber, you’ll steam, soak, and surrender as centuries-old Ottoman tradition works its magic. An attendant (called a tellak or natır) exfoliates every inch with a coarse mitt, then smothers you in clouds of soap before rinsing you head to toe with warm water. Expect to emerge pink, polished, and slightly euphoric. Go in tense, come out transformed.

Zeyrek Çinili Hamam

16th-century Ottoman bathhouse by Mimar Sinan. Now serves as both a hammam and a cultural museum in Zeyrek. @zeyrekcinilihamam

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

16th-century Ottoman bathhouse restored in 2012, offering a luxurious hammam experience in Karaköy.

İstanbul Modern Museum

Fantastic museum – building is by the Bosphorus with stunning views. Collections are always nice.

Arter Dolapdere

Meşher

Salt Galata

Converted old bank with beautiful collections. Don’t miss the vault in the basement. Neolokal, their restaurant, offers great views.

Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Former mansion turned museum. Beautiful grounds and a stunning courtyard overlooking the Bosphorus.

Minoa Book Store