5 Bucket list things to do in Istanbul, Turkey

The Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic buildings on the globe. Recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO, this magnificent mosque is a great architectural beauty and a major monument of Byzantine architecture. Built in 532–537 as a cathedral during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, the Hagia Sophia was later made into an imperial mosque. Currently, it is functioning as both a museum and a mosque.

With its huge dome of almost 32 meters wide, the building was considered the largest church worldwide for hundreds of years after it was erected. Originally, the walls of this majestic basilica were covered with colored marble, gold, silver, and breathtakingly beautiful mosaics. Unfortunately, the decoration has not survived. Even though the Hagia Sophia was damaged by an earthquake in 558 and ransacked during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, it hasn’t drastically changed and remains basically the same building that was constructed 1,500 years ago.

Just a stone's throw away from the Hagia Sophia, you can find one of the best restaurants in Istanbul, offering seafood, wood-fired meat, and mouthwatering desserts. Divella Bistro Restaurant serves Turkish cuisine, Ottoman dishes, and European classics. Among its most splendid culinary specialities are lamb with eggplant, meat, chicken and shrimp casseroles, homemade hummus, stew with chestnuts, as well as kebabs and skewers. For dessert, you can go for Turkish coffee with künefe (sweet cheese pastry) or baklava that practically melt in your mouth. You can enjoy these delights in the vibrant ambiance of the restaurant or relish them on the outdoor patio.

Istanbul is well-known for its bazaars and for haggling, and one of the largest and oldest marketplaces is the Grand Bazaar consisting of over three thousand small stalls or shops. Built on Mehmed the Conqueror’s order in 1461 with the aim to provide income for the Hagia Sophia, this historical marketplace grew bigger and bigger and currently remains one of the major tourist attractions in Istanbul. You can get lost for a few hours among its countless colorful stores while looking for spices, Turkish delight, clothes, carpets, ceramics, lanterns, jewellery, antiques, among other things. Don’t forget that you can always bargain in the Grand Bazaar if you are not satisfied with the price tag.

Grand Bazaar offers tons of options to grab a bite. However, if you’d rather stay away from the noise of the marketplace and enjoy a calm ambience with a gorgeous view of the city, stop by Yakamoz Teras Cafe Restaurant. Here you can try superb Turkish breakfast and enjoy robust Turkish coffee and strong black tea. The restaurant serves the delicious Hünkar beğendi dish, translated as “The sultan liked it” that consists of eggplants roasted over an open flame until their skin is scorched. Other delicacies served there include Grilled Helloumi cheese, seafood salad, stuffed pastry with cheese and herbs, and a variety of kebabs (lamb shish, eggplant kebab, chicken chops, minced beef, and meatballs).

One of the most significant and finest examples of classic Turkish architecture, the Blue Mosque gets its name from the color of the tiles used to decorate its walls. The iconic landmark located in the heart of the city was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and constructed at the beginning of the 16th century. It is the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets, and one of the legends says that it is due to a misunderstanding between the Sultan and the architect. According to this story, Sultan Ahmet I had requested for "altın minareler" (minarets made of gold) while the architect heard it as "altı minare" (six minarets). The Blue Mosque has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It is an active mosque and stays closed to visitors during prayer time.

Just a five-minute walk away from the Blue Mosque, you’ll find a great place to enjoy the rich diversity of Turkish cuisine in a warm, cozy, and homelike atmosphere. Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine boasts distinctive oriental designs and decorations and serves such Ottoman cuisine hits as moussaka, chicken casserole, and sautéed meat as well as a variety of appetizers and refreshing drinks. Moreover, you can’t go wrong with such Turkish dishes as grilled salmon, doner kebab, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, as well as exceptional Anatolian claypot. In addition to getting a fantastic culinary experience, you can always have a small friendly chat with waiters and stroke the restaurant’s cat, Jessica.

The heart of Istanbul's modern bohemia, Balat is the old Jewish quarter of the city, filled with slanted cobblestone streets and houses with colorful facades. Nowadays, the neighborhood is a blend of Jewish, Christian, Orthodox, and Muslim communities that has formed a rich interwoven fabric of incredible architecture, traditions, and cuisine. Balat is full of contrasts, combining historical Ottoman buildings with a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. The streets of the districts are packed with small art workshops, family-run bakeries, and boutique cafés, and one of the most attractive restaurants in Balat is Velvet Cafe.

Located in the heart of Balat, Velvet Cafe is a lovely vintage coffee shop with gorgeous decor and a stunning garden, that serves traditional Turkish breakfast and amazing coffee with most delicious desserts, especially the homemade halva and baklava. Among other dishes offered in Velvet Cafe are wraps, toasts, cheese omelets, wheat berry salad, puddings, cookies, and cakes. Antique furniture, charming tableware, and a lot of greenery create a cozy and warm atmosphere. You can even pick your own coffee cup from the restaurant’s antique collection. Undoubtedly, Velvet Cafe is a hidden gem of Istanbul, offering an authentic local experience.

One of the symbols of Istanbul making up the city’s silhouette, the Galata Tower was once the tallest construction in Constantinople. Reaching 67 meters into the air, the tower boasts a rich history of nearly 2,500 years. It was first built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianos as a wooden lighthouse in around 527 AD, but destroyed during the Fourth Crusade. In the 1300s, the building was reconstructed in the Romanesque style by the Genoese Colony and turned into a surveillance as well as a fire watchtower. Nowadays, the Galata Tower is a popular tourist attraction, with an observation deck offering stunning panoramic views of the city.

Right next to the Galata tower, you can rest your feet after climbing up 146 stairs to the observation deck in a charming restaurant with a calm vibe, tasty food, and great wine. F&B Culture offers a broad array of European cuisine dishes, traditional local options, and a vast selection of draft beer. Seafood lovers will have a difficult time deciding between saused sea bass, grilled salmon, and natural sea bream. Among meat dishes you will find lamb skewer, veal chops, beef tenderloin, and mixed kebab. There’s also a vegetarian menu and an epic selection of desserts, including dondurma, kunefe, katmer (sweet pastry, containing clotted cream and pistachios), and carrot-slice baklava.

There are many reasons to visit Istanbul, a spectacular city rich in history, culture, and beauty. Hopefully, our bucket list of the best things to do and eat in Istanbul has helped you narrow down your options and made your trip easier and more enjoyable. What's your ideal day in Istanbul? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below.