ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 15 experiences worth building a trip around in Istanbul. The cruises, the monuments, the markets and the day trips most people remember long after they fly home.
Bosphorus dinner cruise on a mega yacht with 3-course meal, live music and dance, plus audio guide views of Dolmabahçe and Maiden’s Tower.
Most Popular“Everything was great, but our waiter Fatih truly made the experience exceptional! He thoughtfully moved our table closer to the performance area and provided outstanding service throughout the evening.”
Bosphorus dinner cruise for $34 with unlimited soft drinks, Turkish Night show, and night views of Istanbul palaces and bridges.
“We had the best server amongst the Turyol Blue boat. Food, entertainment and views and especially the music was a good experience. Would definitely do this again”
Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry with a multilingual audio guide app in 11 languages, plus flexible all-day access in Istanbul.
“This was a stunning historical site, must see! Skip the line ticket saved me a ton of time. Make sure you download the audio guide on good wifi and have it loaded up before you descend into the cistern, there is no service down there.”
Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace and the Harem with timed access and a phone audio guide in Istanbul.
“Visiting Topkapi Palace was a deeply moving experience. For any Muslim, this site holds immense historical and spiritual value. As the former residence of Ottoman sultans and the center of Islamic governance for centuries, it offers a unique glimpse into Islamic history and the legacy of a powerful empire that upheld the faith. One of…”
Istanbul Bosphorus yacht cruise with audio guide, snacks and fruit, plus sunset options past Dolmabahçe and Maiden Tower.
“I took a Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul today, and the experience was absolutely wonderful. The service was excellent and highly professional from the moment of boarding to the time we returned. We were offered fresh fruits, snacks, and drinks everything was perfect. A special mention to Tuba, whose attention and kindness were exceptional. She…”
Priority-ticket guided tour of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, with a Hippodrome stop, headsets, and Galataport pickup option.
“My visit to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with guide Ismail Mert was fantastic! Ismail was knowledgeable, friendly, and brought the history of these iconic sites to life with engaging stories. His passion and clear explanations made the tour truly memorable. Highly recommend Ismail for an enriching experience.”
Private Turkish hamam in Istanbul’s Old City with scrub, foam massage, steam and sauna, plus optional massage and tea. $53 pp.
“Relaxing Therapy Must doing activity in Istanbul Relax after 18 hours flight duration”
Make a Turkish mosaic lamp in Istanbul in 2.5 hours with snacks and unlimited tea or coffee, then take your lamp home.
“Amazing experience! This lamp-making workshop was so much fun and a real highlight of my time in Istanbul. The instructor was welcoming and patient, and the whole process was both relaxing and creative. I loved learning about Turkish craftsmanship and left with a beautiful handmade lamp. Highly recommended!”
Make your own custom perfume in Istanbul with a Bosphorus view. 2 hours, $28, 50+ scents, tea included.
“This is my second time in Istanbul and also my second time attending the perfume workshop at Istanbul Experience Workshops — and once again, it was an incredible experience. I’m a perfumer myself and I have a large niche fragrance collection, so I truly appreciate quality, creativity, and well-balanced compositions. Even with that background, I…”
Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with a live English guide, snacks and homemade lemonade, plus big photo moments like Dolmabahçe and Maiden’s Tower.
“We had an absolutely wonderful sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. The views were breathtaking and the atmosphere was magical. The captain and the crew were not only professional, but also incredibly kind, friendly and welcoming. We felt more like friends than customers — they made the whole experience even more special. Thank you for your…”
A 2-hour Bosphorus sunset cruise from Kabataş with an audio guide, skyline views across two continents, and included soft drinks and snacks.
“Was very good trip with most important beautiful views.”
A budget-friendly 2-hour Bosphorus cruise with phone audio in 11 languages, unlimited Turkish tea, Wi‑Fi, and Europe-Asia skyline views.
“Good value 2 hour cruise on the Bosphorus. Allowed us to see more of Istanbul than we would have otherwise. Had a good day weather wise so we’re able to sit on top level outside. Commentary was in many languages and pointed out the main sites. So most of the time you were able to…”
A budget-friendly Princes Islands cruise from Istanbul to Heybeliada and Büyükada, with lunch on board, sea views, and free time.
“A must-do! Great value for the price. We loved the atmosphere on board and the staff were wonderful. A special shout-out to our guide, Oktay, who was incredible; his English was perfect and he was very clear and welcoming. The lunch was tasty and satisfying. The islands are stunning and so serene this time of…”
Skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern for a self-paced visit with atmospheric lighting and iconic Medusa columns.
“Basilica cistern was amazing. Little pricey but imo worth it. If you love to take pictures this is for you.”
Skip-the-line Hagia Sophia entry with an English audio guide app. Visit the upper gallery at your pace, then soak in Byzantine-Ottoman stories.
“it is so good to visit. but line is the irritating one”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
