Published: August 15, 2025
A visit to Turkey is sure to include an exploration of ancient cities, an ever-changing culture and beautiful natural landscapes. The country is known for its history, dating back to the city of Troy, but today it continues to be one of the most interesting locations to visit that blends Eastern and Western cultures.
When choosing where to visit, you may be wondering if Istanbul is worth visiting. This city, once known as Constantinople, is an exciting destination filled with iconic landmarks that date back to ancient times. It’s a fantastic location for architecture lovers, those who enjoy a diverse culture and who want to try foods that blend Islamic and Mediterranean dishes together.
To help you learn a bit more about what you can expect from a trip here, we’ve created a diverse guide that explores all that an Istanbul vacation may include. Let the team at AAA help you plan a fabulous trip to Turkey.
As you plan your Istanbul vacation, you’ll want to pack in as much as possible to this trip, exploring all that this area has to offer to get a feel for the region, the people and the incredible history.
Wander through the bustling bazaars, cruise along the rivers and experience the unique blend of East and West that defines Istanbul. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins or enjoying the traditional Turkish atmosphere, your trip to Istanbul will undoubtedly be a memorable adventure, making our list of the best places to visit in Europe.
Here are some of the best things to do as you explore this magnificent city:
One of the most treasured destinations in the city is the Hagia Sophia, a majestic Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century. The incredible dome, along with the glittering gold mosaics, makes this one of the most stunning buildings in the world. Its history as a church, mosque and now a museum adds to its rich cultural significance, attracting visitors from around the globe to admire its architectural beauty and historical importance.
Get a fast-track ticket with a tour to really learn about this incredible display of history.
The Bazaar District in Istanbul is perhaps one of the most mesmerizing experiences you’ll have in the city. The Grand Bazaar is the primary shopping destination in the city on the historic peninsula. It offers a vibrant and colorful array of shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and ceramics.
Local shoppers will head downhill to the Tahtakale precinct for the Spice Bazaar while you’re here. Even if you don’t purchase anything, this location is an incredible cultural exploration.
The Dolmabahçe Palace is another must-see destination when visiting the city. Crystal chandeliers hanging over the Ceremonial Hall, the opulence of the highly decorated rooms and the art along every wall make this a truly dazzling palace.
It was commissioned in the mid-19th century and has some of the most lavish amenities, including marble floors, a gilded ceiling and crystal banisters throughout. You can tour much of it and see it in person.
With so much history, there are numerous museums to see in Istanbul. You can learn everything about the culture, the history of the area and the events that have unfolded over hundreds of years here.
The Archaeology Museum is worth taking some time to explore with its marble statuary and sarcophagi. Another spot to consider is the Tiled Pavilion, which is a decorated Anatolian, Ottoman and Seljuk ceramics display. The Museum of the Ancient Orient, which is being restored, is a great place to learn some local history.
The Topkapi Palace is noted for its secrets, including the seraglio (harems) of the time. The palace dates to the Ottoman era, and is another lavishly decorated and restored destination.
From the short-term sultans that called it home to the stories of the concubines and courtiers of the 1500s, there is quite a story to be told in this location. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Gülhane Park, a public park.
The Basilica Cistern is a subterranean destination located just opposite the Hagia Sophia. It has 336 columns, a vaulted brick ceiling and medusa-head capitals carved into the walls. The Byzantine emperors who created this space made it a core component of the town’s planning and the expertise of their engineering capabilities for the time. It’s a marvelous exploration, but can get quite crowded so make sure you plan ahead to skip the line.
The Süleymaniye Mosque was built during the Ottoman era of the 16th century. It sits on top of the Old City’s seven hills, creating an impressive vision when you approach the area. Climbing to the top gives you a view of the domes and rooftops at the Bosphorus and Golden Horn waterways confluence.
The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century and gets its name from the thousands of Iznik tiles that are located throughout its interior. The courtyard outside is impressively beautiful, and there are six minarets and a grand prayer hall to explore as well.
Visitors are often captivated by the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere of this historical landmark, and is a must-see during your visit to Istanbul.
The boat rides in Istanbul are a simple and fabulous way to see the city in a very different way. Though ferries can be crowded at some times, there are numerous private services that can provide you with more of a tourism feel.
You can take a ferry to additional destinations including the Princes’ Islands and Kabatas. Some ferries take you through the Great Strait from Eminönü to the Black Sea. Be sure to book these tours in advance for the best access.
As you plan your tour of Istanbul, you’ll need a few tips on how to get around the city. By far the best way to see the city up close is to walk. Just walking through the numerous city streets and taking in the wonderful buildings is an excellent way to get a feel for this culture. However, as a larger city, you will need some transportation options. Here are some recommendations.
Renting a car in Istanbul is also an option, though not as commonly used as public transportation. If you want to rent a car in Istanbul, it’s best to do so in advance or at the airport. Taxi services are available throughout the city but tend to be the most expensive option. Having your own vehicle allows you to navigate at your own pace.
There are so many ways to see Istanbul that visiting at any time of the year can be worthwhile. If you’re looking for the right combination of moderate tourists, great weather and availability of attractions, the best time to visit Istanbul is between mid-April and June. Ideally, travel in April and May to have excellent access to the cultural events and limited crowds.
Many people visit Istanbul in the summer months, though it can become uncomfortably hot. The crowds in many of the ancient ruins and museums become packed during this time. You can expect to wait longer for things like shuttles and ferries, too.
However, once spring breaks, in April and May, the weather becomes beautiful and warm enough to spend the day outside. If you miss out on that time of the year to visit, the second option for the right combination of experiences is in September and October. It will still be warm, but the crowds tend to be fewer.
When you have questions about exploring all that Istanbul has to offer, AAA has the answers you need!
Here’s one of the best things about Istanbul. There is plenty to do no matter how long you stay. If you are just passing through, a guided half-day tour will allow you to see the main attractions, like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. That’s very limited time, though. It’s easily possible to book a 7-day Turkey tour package that will give you several days in Istanbul, depending on where you book.
The best bet for those with limited time is to plan to spend three days in Istanbul. That will give you lots of time to enjoy the area and see the popular destinations without feeling rushed.
There are a variety of reasons to be cautious when traveling outside of the US. Istanbul, like much of the region, is an area where strife happens. If you are unsure if the current climate is ideal for travel, be sure to check the US travel advisories leading up to your trip.
English is spoken by many people in Istanbul. That doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial to learn the language though. Many people working in the tourism areas, restaurants and retail do speak English, and that can mean that exploring the area is possible even without a lot of local language skills.
Istanbul’s culinary landscape is quite diverse, with a blend of Mediterranean, Asian and Islamic flavors easily found here. Try out some of the best restaurants in Istanbul to have an opportunity to experience it all firsthand.
The touristy areas commonly have people wearing shorts, though shirts and shoes are always required. Note that in some areas, conservative dress is necessary, as you will not be allowed into any of the religious locations, like the mosques, without practicing modest dress.
As an American, you can visit Istanbul as long as you carry proper identification. To enter the country, you will need a valid passport, which must be valid for at least three months before its expiration date.
If you are staying under 90 days, you do not need to have a visa. If you will be staying more than 90 days within an 180-day period, you may be eligible for an e-visa.
There are some outstanding hotels to stay at in Istanbul that offer a blend of history and modern charm, as well as European and Asian influences and the unique culture of this city. The following are some of the best hotel deals in Istanbul at some of the area’s best hotels.
Ideally, you should carry some cash and credit cards. Some of the smaller vendors and shops may not accept credit cards from tourists. However, cash, in the form of Turkish Lira, is always accepted.
If you are inspired to start planning your trip to Istanbul, let the AAA Travel experts guide you. Istanbul is a vibrant city, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture and stunning sights There is something for every traveler to explore.
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