Published: Nov 9, 2025written by Allison Kimsey, MA English Ed, BA Journalism

Istanbul is a truly intercontinental city, serving as a bridge between East and West. For that reason, it has a rich history at the crossroads of many civilizations and was once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Every inch of the city is steeped in layers of history, so if your time is limited, where do you start? Here are our picks for the top seven must-see historic sites in Istanbul

**1. The Bosphorus Strait **

The Bosphorus Strait. Source: photo by the author

The Bosphorus Strait serves as the city’s main artery. Wars have been fought over this stretch of water, which is one of the busiest waterways in the world. It serves as the boundary separating Europe and Asia, and is a reason why Istanbul has always caught the eye of famous rulers, dating back to the Roman Emperor Constantine.

There are countless ways to take in the Bosphorus Strait’s history, from lovely rooftop bars and restaurants to scenic strolls. However, ambling down the Bosphorus by boat is the best way to get a sense of its physical expansiveness. A sunset cruise lets you see Istanbul transition from day to night in all its glittering glory.

View over Istanbul. Source: photo by the author

If you are prone to sea sickness, consider taking in the Bosphorus at one of the city’s newer additions: Galataport. Perfect for wandering near the water, Galataport is an innovative space that successfully fuses heritage buildings with innovative retail and restaurant offerings.

2. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern. Source: photo by the author

The Basilica Cistern, located near the famed Hagia Sophia, is easy to miss, but completely unforgettable. The subterranean cistern was built during Byzantine Emperor Justinian I’s reign and supplied water to the city for hundreds of years. It impresses with its sheer size, covering 9,800 square kilometers with a ceiling supported by 336 marble columns, each nine meters tall. It is unbelievable that it went unnoticed for almost one hundred years in the 16th century.

The cistern recently reopened in July 2022 following renovations and is a marvel of ancient technology that will have you asking, “How did they even build this?” The renovations have turned the Basilica into more than just a cistern; it is also a museum that showcases ancient artwork and contemporary installations. The Basilica Cistern also has a unique night offering dubbed “Night Shift,” where the cistern becomes an evening concert venue.

3. The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar. Source: photo by the author

No trip to Istanbul is complete without experiencing the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar. When you think about history, shopping is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But this is no ordinary marketplace; it is one of the oldest and largest in the world. It was first opened in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II to stimulate the economy after the Ottomans took over Constantinople.

The Grand Bazaar is a magnificent feast for the senses, and a massive structure filled to the brim with anything and everything your heart desires. The Bazaar is an excellent place to buy jewelry, dry goods, leather bags, carpets, and other Turkish handicrafts. However, its expanse also means it can be overwhelming. Get to the Bazaar in the morning, or before 5 pm, to experience it at its calmest. If you’re looking for a restaurant to enjoy while inside the Bazaar, check out Havuzlu. It was the first restaurant ever opened in the Bazaar in 1959. It is the perfect respite after a long stroll with moderately priced and delicious Turkish fare.

4. Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace. Source: photo by the author

Splendors abound for visitors to the Topkapi Palace Museum, with treasures as far as the eye can see. With beautiful gardens, ornate buildings, and more gold than you’ve ever seen, Topkapi Palace was the home and headquarters for the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. The Palace’s 70,000 square meters (750,000 square feet) is divided into four courts, including the must-visit Harem section and Imperial Treasury. The Harem section gives visitors a glimpse into the private lives of the Sultans, their mothers, wives, and concubines, as well as the palace eunuch guards who lived there.

The singular most extravagant part of the Palace is the Imperial Treasury, which houses the lavish treasures of the Ottomans. The most stunning piece in this collection is the 86-carat “Spoonmaker’s Diamond,” the fourth largest of its kind in the world.

**5. Hagia Sophia **

The Hagia Sophia. Source: Mark Konig via Unsplash

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most significant sites. First built as a Christian Church in the 6th century, it has undergone several transformations. It has been a church, a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again. The Hagia Sophia reflects the region’s religious shapeshifting, making it a must-visit historical site in Istanbul.

The building contains some astounding mosaics that art historians consider the ultimate source of Byzantine art from the time after the Iconoclastic Controversy. The controversy occurred during the 8th and 9th centuries and centered on a dispute over the use of religious images.

Hagia Sophia as Museum, bearing the marks of its Christian and Islamic past. Source: Forbes

The structure that stands today is essentially unchanged from its inception, a testament to its architectural importance. The architecture, while stunning, was never emulated by other Byzantine architects, making it a truly one-of-a-kind structure. If you want to visit, be mindful that it is a functioning mosque, and women must wear a head covering. It is best to visit earlier in the day and avoid Friday afternoons.

**6. The Blue Mosque **

The Blue Mosque. Source: Fatih Yürür via Unsplash

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque is probably its most famous architectural feature. It caused quite a stir when it was initially built in 1609, as several Ottoman palaces had to be razed to make room for it. The beautiful building is still a functioning mosque and was built to signify the Ottoman transition to Islam. Its official name is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, as it was constructed during Ahmed I’s rule, and the grounds include his mausoleum. Sultan Ahmed I envisioned the mosque rivaling and surpassing the Hagia Sophia.

The mosque received its famous blue moniker because it is decorated with thousands of beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Although the mosque’s architecture is not deemed as impressive as the Hagia Sophia, it is not without its unique features. The mosque is the only one in Istanbul with six minarets, towers built near mosques for the call to prayer, which sparked controversy at the time. Before the Blue Mosque, the only mosque to contain six minarets was the Prophet’s Mosque in Mecca, and many criticized the Sultan for his ego. He later remedied this by paying for a seventh minaret in Mecca.

Elaborate interior of the Sultan Ahmet Camii or “Blue Mosque.” Source: Wikimedia Commons

It is easy to visit the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia on the same day. The Blue Mosque does not require any admission fee, but there will likely be lines. It is an operating mosque and is open every day except for Fridays, when it is closed to non-Muslims for prayers until noon. Be aware that entry also depends on prayer times each day.

7. Galata Tower

Galata Tower. Source: Mehmet Bozgedik via Unsplash

Galata Tower, located in the Beyoglu neighborhood, is one of the oldest towers in the world and was once used as a fire watch tower. While the current Galata tower is not the first one, this tower has stood in the city since 1349. In the 17th century, a man named Ahmed “Hezarfen” tested one of the world’s first flights by leaping from the tower wearing bird-like wings.

The historic tower has been a museum since 2020 and has one of the city’s best views from its 360-degree observation deck. The surrounding neighborhood makes for a perfect day in Istanbul, with many exciting shopping opportunities and delicious restaurants. The tower is open until at least 11:00 pm each evening, making it an excellent spot for a historical adventure at night.