For the past decades, Turkey has been an excellent destination for travelers. Turkey is a country with an overwhelming number of attractions, especially in Istanbul. What is not here? You will know why Hagia Sophia is a central attraction in Istanbul.

People love to explore Istanbul to discover its exotic cultural riches and different civilizations. Moreover, Istanbul holds a glorious history of four empires and is the joiner of Asia and Europe.

So, to satisfy your roaming hunger and discover more fabulous places, pack your bags and grab the opportunity to visit Istanbul's top 10 outstanding tourist attractions right now.

Top 10 Best Attractions to Visit in Istanbul, Turkey:

The places to visit and see in Istanbul are awe-inspiring. Istanbul offers incredible sights and points of interest for its visitors! A collaboration of unique landmarks that deserve at least one visit in life.

01. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque:

People consider Hagia Sophia to be the 8th wonder of the world. Hagia Sophia is one of the finest architectural monuments with a glorious history. What is not in Hagia Sophia? You can get around to Sultan Tombs, the Timing Room, the Public Fountain, the Almshouse, etc. Its interior and exterior are fantastic. Christianity and Islam merged into one place. The golden mosaics and colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era make this mosque more beautiful. An impressive dome, Minbar, Omphaloi, and marble cubes are the jewelry of Hagia Sophia. It is worth visiting this attraction in Istanbul. Sophia is the most visited tourist attraction in Istanbul. It has entailed many historical incidents since 325 AD.

02. Topkapi Palace Museum:

Another great attraction besides Hagia Sophia is the Topkapi Palace Museum. It is another architectural beauty of the Ottoman Empire. UNESCO declared this palace a world heritage site; you will feel a royal welcome when exploring this museum. Topkapi Museum has many things to explore, and most visitors love to see Imperial Treasury, Arms & Weapons, European Porcelains, and courtyards. Moreover, its Harem is another big surprise waiting for you. All the things of Topkapi Museum will dumbfound you. You can take your kids or family members to visit this Museum. An evening is not enough to enjoy the art and history of Topkapi Palace.

03. Sultanahmet Square & Blue Mosque:

Sultanahmet Square is another great attraction in Istanbul. It is a ground zero for tourists and encompasses many top sights. Travelers love to visit this Square to see the city's most enormous Cistern and grandest Mosque, Ayasofya. In addition, tourists love to visit this Square to participate in sporting and socialism among the locals. The Blue Mosque of Sultanahmet is another top site visitors do not want to miss. You can enter Blue Mosque as it is fully functioning. Moreover, you can also explore Basilica Cistern, which is a few minutes north of Sultanahmet square. Worth visiting this attraction.

04. Galata Tower:

Visitors love to explore this Tower to enjoy the beauty of the Historical Peninsula, Golden Horn, and Bosphorus from this Tower. Galata Tower is a little exotic looking with a witch's hat roof but impressive landmarks in Istanbul. You will surprise why travelers visit this impressive Tower. You can look at the entire Istanbul through its 360-degree observatory desk. You can also taste Galata Tower's food from its café and restaurant. You will love to explore the famous Galip Dede ramp leading the Tunnel square and Istiklal Street. You may also buy some lovely craft and local things from Istiklal Street.

05. Istanbul Archaeology Museums:

Another top attraction in Istanbul is Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Among all the museums in Istanbul, this Museum is the wealthiest archaeology museum in the world. Archaeology Museums consist of three separate museums: the Archaeology Museum, The Museum of Ancient Orient, and the Tiles Pavilion. A perfect architectural beauty of the Ottoman Empire. You can see over one million immense collections from various civilizations, some of the great ancient pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula, and The Tiles Pavilion. Moreover, Archaeology Museums will offer you their unique historical and architectural artifacts together.

06. Basilica Cistern:

After Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern is another top attraction in Istanbul, Tukey. Emperor Justinian, I built this underground container in 532 to meet the water needs of the Great Palace. While exploring Basilica, you would love to see the inside featured columns, the Medusa head, and Basilica. This Basilica has Cistern, and for this reason, locals called this Basilica Cistern. You would love to discover how this Cistern supplies the water demand of cities. The Ottoman Emperor was very clever and knew how to store water. Moreover, you would love to discover its architectural beauty and come to this place again.

07. Istiklal Street:

If you are tired while exploring the above attractions in Istanbul, you can take a look at Istiklal Street. Istiklal Stree attracts locals and tourists to enjoy the finest cobblestone street with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can have a wonderful evening while exploring this attraction. Moreover, the city's movie theaters will be enough to cool down your tiredness. In addition, you will get entire Turkey cuisine on this street. So, visit Istiklal Street with your family members and kids and enjoy a beautiful walk around here. But remember you have to carry cash while exploring this street and be aware of pickpockets.

08. Princes' Islands:

Istanbul has two major attractions, and travelers rarely miss these two attractions. Although Prices Island needs an entire day to explore, visitors hardly skip this Island. The beautiful archipelago of the Marmara Sea will attract you with its panoramic scene. You can explore nine small islands of Princes Island. You will get a middle-aged feeling while exploring this Island as all the fuel-driven vehicles are banned here. The fundamental nature of Princes' Island is calmness, and your curious mind will get a relaxing nature with no noise. Moreover, horse-drawn carriages and boat riding will make your entire day. So, it is not a waste to visit Princes' Island.

09. Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi):

People of Turkey believe that this Grand Bazaar is one of the world's first shopping malls. You would love to explore this Grand Bazaar to understand its historical importance and traditional value. Some unique and cultural shops hold Turkey's rich and glorious history. But before visiting this Bazaar, you must give yourself time to explore every nook and corner. Most tourist love to see this fantastic shopping destination in the world. If you have a budget, try to shop from this Bazaar, such as Carpets & Kilims, Lamps & Lanterns, Ceramics, Turkish Metalware, etc.

10. Sea Life Aquarium:

Are you afraid of Deadly sharks? If not, then you meet the most extensive collection of Sharks in the world in this Aquarium. A beautiful underwater is waiting for you with outnumbers of attractions. You can see sharks, turtles, whales, and piranhas in this Aquarium. Moreover, you can also be a part of some fun activities, including Peppa fun and scuba diving with sharks. Your Istanbul tour is a waste if you miss this beautiful attraction. Most tourists love to visit this Aquarium with their kids and family member. You may say an attractive Amazon Forest in the middle of Istanbul. Worth seeing this attraction in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Another’s Top 20 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul, Turkey - Especially for First - Time Travelers!

If you are planning to visit Istanbul for the first time, you must visit another top 20 attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. So, do not miss these places

  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque
  • Mosaic Museum
  • Rumeli Hisari Fortress
  • Balkan Lokantasi
  • Solera Winery
  • Karakoy Gulluoglu
  • Eminonu Pier District
  • Bosphorus Ferry tour
  •  Ihlamur Palace
  •  Ortakoy Mosque
  •  Seven Hills
  •  Suleymaniye Mosque
  •  Grand Bazaar
  •  Rooftop Kubbe
  •  Kucuksu Palace
  •  Yildiz Park
  •  Gulhana Park
  • Princes Islands
  •  Pierre Loti Hill

Top 10 Travel Tips and Tricks for Istanbul, Turkey:

Thrifty travelers always seek some excellent tips and tricks to enjoy their travel. Before going to Istanbul, ​​you can check out our tips and tricks to help you on this tour.

  • If you are planning to visit Istanbul for the first time, you should avoid summertime (June to July and August). Many people visit Istanbul in the summer.
  • You must spend at least four days exploring every nook and cranny of Istanbul, or you will miss out on some incredible attractions. But you can stay here as long as you can. But do not apply for an E-visa before going to Istanbul. It will save you money.
  • Travel insurance is compulsory for every traveler. Moreover, local health care is costly. So, try to eat decent food here.
  • Try to explore Istanbul by Havabus (Havaist Shuttle) while exploring this destination. You should avoid private transport like taxis or airport cars, which will save you $25. Havabus costs you only $2.
  • Make sure you land at IST (Istanbul Grand Airport) if you are a European traveler. However, for Middle East travelers, Sabiha Goken International Airport is the main airport.
  • It will help if you pre-book your accommodation during peak time in Istanbul. Make sure you have some cool apps installed on your phones, such as Citymapper, Yandex maps (better than Google maps to find ATMs, drugstores, etc.), Localise, and hotels.com.
  • Istanbul is quite famous for its outstanding cuisine and local ceramics. So, it will help if you carry cash. Although most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee while withdrawing money, you should convert your currency from the airport.
  • Make sure you buy a sim card after landing in Turkey. Most open WIFI is not accessible in Istanbul. Moreover, you will face a hurdle in purchasing a sim card. But you can try the Vodafone tourist card, which will cost you around $19.
  • Make sure you hire a car outside the central city to save money. But public transport is very affordable, and you can easily roam most every attraction in Istanbul by buying a transport pass.
  •  You can round up your taxi fares or restaurant bills by no more than 10%. Tipping is customary in Istanbul. So, do not forget this. 

Where to Stay in Istanbul, Turkey for Sightseeing:

Top 13 Best Luxury Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey:

  • Mula Hotel
  • Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci
  • Soho House Istanbul
  • Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
  • Porta Romanos Hotel
  • Garden House Hotel
  • Four Seasons Hotel
  • Katre Island Hotel
  • Orientbank Hotel Istanbul
  • Address Istanbul

Top 10 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey:

  • Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci
  • Henna Hotel Istanbul
  • The Halich Hotel Istanbul Karakoy
  • Zeyn Otel Istanbul
  • World Heritage Center Hotel
  • Ligos
  • The Fox Hotel
  • My Dream Istanbul Hotel
  • Pell Palace Hotel & SPA
  • Obahan Hotel

Top 10 Best Budget Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey:

  • Antusa Design Hotel & Spa
  • Hotel Decamondo Galata
  • Doruk Palas Hotel
  • Pruva Hotel
  • Boss Hotel Sultanahmet
  • Mukarnas Taksim Hotel
  • Hotel Momento Golden Horn
  • Apple Tree Hotel
  • Walton Hotels Galata
  • Glamour Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci

Istanbul has been a great attraction for travelers since the middle of the twentieth century. People love to make a tour of this beautiful destination. Istanbul will bring you mental satisfaction and calmness if you once visit this city. Moreover, you will be more curious about many tourist destinations if you explore this destination.

All the great travelers visit this beautiful country once in a lifetime to see the top-rated tourist attractions in Istanbul. But remember, you must make an off-season visit if you want to save money. Your life is incomplete if you do not visit this country in your lifetime. So, do not miss a golden opportunity to explore the top ten attractions in Istanbul, Turkey.