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Navigating a city as dense with interest as Istanbul may seem daunting, but don’t fret, we’ve got you sorted. Let this guide be your companion on your quest to exploring this magnificent city. We’ve rounded up a list of the most unmissable things to see and do in Istanbul, covering everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Plan a rejuvenating visit to the hamam, go treasure hunting around antique markets, feast on incredible food and much much more during your sojourn in this vibrant metropolis. Our carefully curated list is every bit as varied and exciting as the city itself, and trust us when we say there is something here for everyone. But don’t just take our word for it, scroll away and start planning your next adventure. RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in Istanbul                                                            RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Istanbul                                                                    RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Istanbul

Located on the Marmara Sea coast on the Asian Side of town, the Kadıköy district and its Moda neighbourhood in particular have soared in popularity over the past few years, leading us to name it one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Hundreds of new bars, cafés, restaurants and shops have opened here, making the area a must-see for those really wanting to get a feel of how the city hangs out these days. While it may be the apple of the eye for an ever-increasing number of Istanbulites, Kadıköy still features a more relaxed vibe than the bustling European side, a fact quite evident upon first visit. If you’re still not convinced, taking a ferry there might just be the best way to soak up Istanbul's inimitable views.

While its imitators continue to sprout like mushrooms in the city, Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi continues to maintain its popularity and quality from its outpost in the eponymous neighbourhood, now managed by the fourthgeneration descendants of its founder Mehmet Seracettin Efendi. The köfte is just as tasty as it always was and the marble tables and creaky stairs still seem to date back to 1920, which is when the shop was founded. In addition to the famous main fixture köfte, which is characteristically flat and chewy, the menu also features piyaz, lamb skewers, rice, pickled peppers and lentil soup. You can’t go wrong with the delectable irmik helvası (semolina dessert) with your post-feast tea or coffee.

The next time you’re wandering around Bağdat Caddesi, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a brand new building near Remzi Kitabevi in Bostancı. The round windows and sleek design might give it the appearance of a modern art museum, but this is actually the latest COS location in the city. The Swedish retailer’s third location in Istanbul (and fourth in Turkey) is also its biggest: there’s even a designated rest area for those who want to take a break from shopping. For those who might not be familiar with the brand, COS’ overall look could be described as modern and clean silhouettes that reflect Northern European minimalism. The brand’s coats, shirts and sweaters are particularly worth noting, and even items with unusual shapes manage to look understated. COS must’ve already proven popular with Turkish men who seek simple elegance, as the menswear section takes up considerable space in this four-story shop.

The Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı gets its name from Kılıç Ali Paşa, an Ottoman admiral. It is a work of Mimar Sinan. The hamam was built in between 1578-1583 and reopened to the public in 2012 after a major restoration. Events are organized in the hamam for special occasions and a shop can be found in the building’s outer section. The hamam is open to women in the morning and to men in the afternoon.

Istanbul connects Europe and Asia and offers a fascinating blend of history and modernity. From the dazzling Hagia Sophia to the lively Grand Bazaar, Istanbul's sights are as colourful and diverse as the city's culture. Whether visiting the city for the first time or having lived here for a long time, exploring Istanbul's top sights is a unique experience. But Istanbul isn't just limited to the famous view of the Bosphorus or its unique historical heritage; it's a vibrant metropolis constantly evolving and full of surprises. This list of Istanbul's top 40 attractions is your gateway to discovering the city's rich historical, cultural, architectural, artistic and natural gems. Let's dive into the heart of Istanbul and discover its treasures. How many days should you spend in Istanbul? Five days is a good amount of time to explore the city's many winding streets and space out all of the big hitters while stopping off at a waterfront cafe or two.  RECOMMENDED:📍See the best things to do in Istanbul🏨 Check out the best hotels in Istanbul🛏 or stay at the best Airbnbs in Istanbul What makes the cut? While we've not reviewed every attraction, we've based our list on reviews, editorial insight, and popularity to find you the best attractions. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

  The story of Istanbul's heritage restaurants, is in a way, the story of Istanbul, a testament to the city’s multicultural heritage and rich history. From provincial immigrants leaving their villages to seek fame and fortune in the city to Russian émigrés fleeing the Revolution who have called Istanbul home, the success stories behind these surviving icons tell extraordinary tales of becoming an Istanbullu. In coming up with this list, we’ve selected restaurants that are at least half a century old and still feel historic, have greatly contributed to Istanbul’s culinary legacy, and have maintained a sense of continuity, most often operating from their original shops serving up family recipes passed down from one generation to the next.    Pandeli  Around the turn of the century, Pandeli, the son of a Greek shepherd from Niğde, moved to Istanbul and started what was to become a legendary culinary career. After working odd jobs as a dishwasher and a barber’s apprentice, Pandeli began selling piyaz (bean and onion salad) and köfte (meatballs) in the vicinity of where he would later open his eponymous restaurant. After half a century of operating eateries across Istanbul, Pandeli opened his current restaurant on the upper floor above the entrance of the Spice Bazaar, a location allocated to him by order of the state after his previous restaurant was looted during the 6-7 September pogrom of 1955.  Hardships have always been part of Pandeli’s saga and the legendary restaurant...

One of Istanbul's iconic restaurants and a popular lunch spot, Karaköy Lokantası is perhaps best known for its heavenly hünkar beğendi, a remnant of Ottoman palace cuisine made with slow-cooked beef on a creamy bed of mashed eggplant. At dinner time, Karaköy Lokantası tranforms into one of the best meyhanes in town with its outstanding meze, best enjoyed with a tall glass of rakı of course. The fava bean purée is an excellent starter while the grilled octopus is our favourite main dish on the menu.

Located on Asmalı Mescit street in the heart of Beyoğlu, Asmalı Cavit is an intimate meyhane (Turkish tavern) and a cherished institution among its many loyal patrons. If you feel like blending in with the locals, secure a reservation at Asmalı Cavit. Chances are, your neighbouring table will be a regular and on a first-name basis with their waiter, a testament to the restaurant’s unwavering quality of service and food. Surf and turf is de rigueur here, so don’t be afraid to pair seafood classics like the octopus salad or a sizzling hot plate of buttery karides güveç (shrimp casserole) with meaty delights like muska böreği (meat stuffed filo pastry triangles) or yaprak ciğer (thin slices of liver fried with onions).

In Peninsula, you'll get the chance to see stunning views of the Bosphorus, the Old Town, the Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower all at the same time. Let us steer you towards the Golden City Hotel on Karaköy Tersane Caddesi. After a meal at the Peninsula Restaurant on the terrace, let all your prejudices fall away.   There is nothing you can’t find on the menu. Meat and fish varieties, dishes from Ottoman cuisine and local flavours as well as homemade pasta and salads are all available. You can find breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Peninsula. The restaurant, that can accommodate a maximum of 180 people, is open for special events as well. If you are thinking about having dinner, we suggest that you go a bit earlier to have a drink while watching the sunset.   It is inevitable that you will be mesmerized by the view of a slowly blushing sun in the middle of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Galata Tower and the Bosphorus. You should also keep Peninsula in mind for a romantic evening. The neighborhood is not that appealing but this can be a perfect camouflage for your surprise meal.   From the Menu Salmon-crab salad 16.50 TL Chicken-spinach crepe 12 TL Porcini Tagliatelli 16.50 TL Peninsula Sirloin Steak 22.50 TL Fillet-mignon 22.50 TL