With its millennia-spanning heritage and wide array of cultural offerings, culinary jewels and breathtaking vistas that straddle both Europe and Asia, İstanbul is a sublimely beautiful destination—one sure to inspire visitors from all walks of life. To experience the city like a true local during a long weekend there, be sure to enjoy a good many of the suggestions below.
For History Buffs
The historic peninsula where İstanbul was born is a true treasure trove, offering a wealth of exceptional landmarks to be explored during a delightful day’s stroll starting from Sultanahmet Square.
Visit the recently renovated İstanbul Archaeological Museums to explore masterpieces of antiquity, including an impressive collection of sarcophagi depicting mythological scenes as well as the world’s first known love poem carved on terracotta and dating back 4,000 years to the time of the Sumerians.
Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, gives visitors the chance to discover the splendor of the empire’s court and the beautifully tiled harem—the private chambers where the sovereign lived with his family. The palace is a unique maze of courtyards, pavilions, kiosks and chambers now used as exhibition halls displaying iconic pieces from the renowned collection.
Feel an enveloping peace under the cascading domes of the Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye and Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosques. Visit the recently inaugurated Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum to learn the unique story of this awe-inspiring monument.
Discover the distinct aquatic heritage of the city, including the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel adorned with columns brought from ancient temples.
For Culture Enthusiasts
To feel a part of the vibrant city culture, one should venture deeper into the neighborhoods of İstanbul, all inviting microcosms unto themselves. Here is a quick itinerary to follow, from the heart of Beyoğlu to the shores of Kadıköy.
İstiklal Street, the city’s famous 2-km pedestrian thoroughfare, has been the center of food, arts and entertainment for more than a century. Start your adventurous walk from Taksim Square. This celebrated urban nexus is the city’s cultural heartbeat once again, thanks to the renovated Atatürk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi), a vanguard palace for the performance arts.
After making its way past several architectural jewels—the alluring 19th-century townhouses and imposing St. Antuan Church spring to mind—İstiklal Street makes its way to the Galata neighborhood. Here you’ll quickly be swept into the city’s buzzing contemporary life, with its wide array of fashion and design studios, art galleries, coffee houses, fine-dining restaurants and scenic terrace lounges all lining the cobbled streets that culminate in the 14th-century Galata Tower.
Next, take a nostalgic ride on the 19th-century underground funicular line, the Tünel, connecting Galata to Karaköy. A short distance away, the Tophane neighborhood awaits those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s contemporary art scene. After exploring İstanbul Modern, the city’s newly reopened modern art destination, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, continue on to see the full expanse of Galataport. This unique 1.5-km waterfront complex boasting the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal also offers exclusive fashion stores, art spaces and a fine selection of food and cocktail purveyors on the Bosphorus (İstanbul Strait).
And here, hop on a ferry from Karaköy or Beşiktaş for a scenic ride to Kadıköy on the city’s Asian side. Time permitting, enjoy the sunset over the historic peninsula or turn your attention to the shimmering lights of the recently renovated Maiden’s Tower as you near the other continent. As a thriving art and cultural district, Kadıköy has an undeniably youthful vibe and lively street energy. Explore the Kadıköy Market as well as Moda Street, the latter of which will connect you to the wonderful coastal parks that are among the most popular weekend hangout spots for locals and newcomers alike.
For Foodies
From Ottoman palace cuisine and fresh fish from the Bosphorus coast to unique gourmet experiences provided by restaurants making the lists of the world’s best, there’s so much to explore for dedicated gourmands in this city of never-ending flavors.
Starting your day with a classical Turkish breakfast is a must when you are in İstanbul. Prepare for an expansive feast and its plethora of salty and sweet delectables, including the regional egg dish, menemen, cured meats, local cheese and olive varieties, jams, fruits and nuts, and local bread types (the sesame seed-crusted simit is a favorite), as well as a brimming pot of Turkish black tea, of course!
Street food stalls and vendors are plentiful throughout the city. Delicious options include simit, kestane kebap (grilled chestnuts) and közde mısır (roasted corn), as well as sandwiches of fried fish or mussels, midye dolma (mussels stuffed with aromatic rice), kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines served in sandwich bread), lahmacun (paper thin flatbread with minced meat on top) and döner kebap.
The Karaköy neighborhood has some of the city’s best baklava shops, where you can explore a huge selection of flaky phyllo sheets that are filled with pistachios, walnuts or almonds before being soaked in syrup ―a perfect way to replenish your energy for the remainder of your day ahead.
Have a feast in a traditional meyhane, where a rich selection of mezes (cold and hot appetizers) is accompanied by glasses of rakı (the region’s famed anise liqueur)—a terrific setting for long chats among friends and the occasional street musician.
Indulge in the imaginative tasting menus of a new generation of restaurants with MICHELIN Star, celebrating and expounding on Anatolia’s rich tradition of recipes and ingredients. These bites are well-paired with local wines, selected from Türkiye’s burgeoning boutique vineyards.
For Style Hunters
Find just the right jewelry, fashion items and antiques to take back home with you.
Visit the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) for classics like hamam accessories (olive oil soaps and pesthemals) and jewelry, as well as exquisite textiles and kilims. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), on the other hand, has been flourishing since its opening in 1664 with its iconic mounds of spices in a full spectrum of colors and traditional sweets, dried fruits and nuts, as well as freshly roasted Turkish coffee.
The neighborhood of Çukurcuma is a hidden gem for antique lovers. This network of unassuming streets is nestled with cozy shops selling everything from vintage toys to coffee cups, Ottoman-style accessories and furniture.
Galataport and the adjacent Post Office Fashion Galleria should be on your itinerary for seeking the best in local fashions and designs.
With their charming boutiques and flagship stores of local and international brands, Nişantaşı and Bağdat Street await for a full day of shopping indulgence.
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A Slice of Nature in the Metropolis for Nature Lovers
And not to be overlooked, İstanbul has ample waterways, an aquatic culture, islands and beaches, and adjoining forests galore! For those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle, the beauty of nature is just a stone’s throw away. No İstanbul visit would be complete without a trip along Bosphorus—the impressive 30-km natural waterway bringing Europe and Asia continents together. You can hop on a commuter or tourist ferry departing from Eminönü. Or perhaps book a private yacht at sunset and enjoy the refreshing northerly breezes and verdant shores. The small coastal neighborhoods of Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme, and Bebek await you as well.
Finally, a pleasant hourlong ferry ride will take you to the Princes’ Islands, long admired by residents as a wistful escape from city life. The islands are renowned for their acclaimed fish restaurants as well as pristine hotels and guesthouses. This cluster of nine small islands offers car-free cobblestone streets framed by historic mansions, many festooned with mimosas, bougainvillea, and other colorful flowers.
MICHELIN Guide İstanbul 2024 at a Glance
Enhancing İstanbul‘s culinary landscape, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul showcases the city’s dining excellence. Presenting a carefully curated selection of seventy-seven recommended restaurants celebrated for their exceptional quality, the guide applauds İstanbul’s refined palate. Recognizing excellence, it highlights restaurants honored with One MICHELIN Star, signifying the city’s top-tier culinary offering with Two MICHELIN Star. Additionally, it commends numerous Bib Gourmand spots known for their high-quality meals at exceptional value, alongside eco-responsible restaurants honored with the MICHELIN Green Star. İstanbul’s dynamic food scene invites an unforgettable journey through a diverse range of flavors, appealing to the discerning tastes of dedicated food lovers.
77 recommended restaurants:
• 1 Two MICHELIN Star restaurant: TURK Fatih Tutak
• 6 One MICHELIN Star restaurants: Arkestra, Sankai by Nagaya, Araka, Nicole, Mikla, Neolokal
• 18 Bib Gourmand restaurants
• 52 selected restaurants
• 2 MICHELIN Green Star restaurants: Circle by Vertical, Neolokal
• 1 MICHELIN Service Award: Tuğra Restaurant
• 1 MICHELIN Young Chef Award: The Red Balloon
