20 BEST Things to do in Istanbul Turkey in 2025 🇹🇷

We're changing perceptions of the world as we visit, interact with locals, and experience what life is like in many different cultures and places around the world. This is Istanbul, Turkey, one of the largest cities in the world with nearly 16 million people. It's a place where the east meets the west. Quite literally though, it's a city split between two continents. You've got centuries of empires, religions, and revolutions, and now a modern mega city that's still filled with a seemingly limitless amount of culture, food, and some of the kindest people you'll meet. And in today's video guys, we're going to be sharing with you the top 20 best things that you can do when you're in the city of Istanbul. This is my second trip here, so I've recreated this video with a lot more things to do than our first one, and somewhere in the video I will even include an additional bonus place that almost no tourists have ever been to. Let's get into it. Welcome to Istanbul, the world's most visited city with over 23 million people visiting, and you can see we're around probably 10,000 of them. Merhaba. Kardeşim. Number one on the list is to visit the Seven Hills Viewpoint Restaurant. This place has one of the best views in Istanbul. No reservations or anything, and we've got the monster behind us, so your views are going to be great. And it's a rooftop spot right in between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, so you're getting those dome views while sipping Turkish tea or a massive breakfast spread like I had. You might even have some seagulls coming to eat off your fork. Oh, we got them. Number two on the list is to visit the Galata Tower. This is probably the most famous place in Istanbul, or at least feels like it. You can be the judge with all these people. We are over here in the middle of a sea of people. There's even cars that are able to get through here, but it is a full sea of people. This is crazy. The Galata Tower is an iconic 14th century tower offering one of the best 360 degree views of Istanbul. You should go early though if you don't want to wait in those long lines. And also, legend says if you go up with someone you love, you're destined to marry them. So choose wisely who you're bringing. Number three on the list is to visit the neighborhood of Balat, which is the colorful and quirky side of Istanbul. Bright painted houses, vintage cafes, and hidden antique shops line the cobblestone streets. It is giving our vibes, our culture vibes. Because we were a big empire and we have everything. For example, you are white, you are green, you are red, and you are a different religion, but we're living like houses, like peaceful, like together. It's a great spot to walk, snap some Instagram worthy pics, and feel like you're in a totally different city. While in Istanbul, I learned that 10% of Turkey's international visitors are here on medical tourism, and a percentage of those specifically for hair transplants. If you missed my last video on my main channel, I actually flew a stranger I had never met across the world to Istanbul. Four days ago, we never even knew each other. No, we did not. Yeah, we almost do not know either. For him to experience one of the most elite hair clinics known as Cosmetica. They have an extremely high-end facility where you'll meet Dr. Azar for a consultation. And define your dream hairline. Then you immediately get right into it, starting with your head getting shaved, and then a one to two day process depending on how many hair grafts you need. If you have been considering a hair transplant, Cosmetica is worth having a conversation with, as they provide a free consultation. Well, very happy to have you. We will keep in touch. I want to see the updates, the pictures. Yeah, yeah, of course. Check the link down in the description below for more details, but anyways, let's continue exploring Istanbul. Number four on the list is to experience the sidecar tour with four sides of Istanbul. It is by far one of the coolest ways to explore the city, and it's all on the side of a motorcycle, a vintage sidecar. This is like the one-of-a-kind three-wheeler to get around the city. I could not think of a better way to explore. That you'll be able to get the coolest photos and wind blasting in your face. You'll ride around hidden neighborhoods, get insane views, and learn some stories you'd never hear on a walking tour. It's part thrill, part culture, and all adventure, and my guide Jim is a local who will make sure it's a trip you will never forget. I'm still exploring city. It's not done, you know, really. I don't know when I can finish Istanbul. Maybe Istanbul will take me. Exactly, you'll spend your whole life exploring and still never have seen everything. Number five on the list is to explore the Kuzguncuk neighborhood, which is a charming neighborhood on the Asian side, full of so much character. Think narrow lanes, ivy-colored buildings, and family-owned bakeries. Good. It's the kind of place where locals know each other, and you might want to slow down for a bit and stay a while. To be honest, you wouldn't expect that Istanbul, being the world's most visited city, has a neighborhood that is so chill like this. It has its own charm, and that's the cool part is you can escape the craziness and come to this side, or go into the craziness when you just want to enjoy it. Number six on the list is to visit the Hagia Sophia mosque. This structure has been a church, a mosque, a museum, and now it's a mosque again. The interior is jaw-dropping with massive domes and hanging chandeliers, and you can even still see Christian mosaics alongside Islamic architecture. And look at that, you can still see the crosses, and it looks like from here it looks like that's a photo of Jesus, a painting. So it's actually very interesting. Showing the blend of cultures. Number seven on the list is to visit the Blue Mosque. Right across from Hagia Sophia is the stunning Sultan Ahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. It gets its name from the blue tiles. And make sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Number eight on the list is to take a ferry across the Bosphorus. I think a trip to Istanbul is not complete without crossing continents from Europe to Asia, and the trip is less than 30 minutes. So I think a lot of people would agree that taking the ferry over simply on its own is an experience in itself, because of course it separates the two continents, and Istanbul is the only city in the world where two continents meet. And you are surrounded by all these different crazy landscapes. The city of seven hills behind us, you can see the mosques, and it's just kind of a nice break from in between exploring all over the city. The ferry rides are peaceful, scenic, and super affordable, costing under just 50 cents. Grab a tea and enjoy the sea breeze with many different views of the city. Number nine on the list is to visit the Maiden's Tower. Sitting on a mini island in the Bosphorus is the Maiden's Tower, and it is pure Istanbul romance. Legends surround it from princesses to plagues, but today it's a photo hotspot, and occasionally it even hosts events. The views from the back toward the European side are the most incredible. Number 10 on the list is to relax at Nakaştepe National Garden for a local escape with epic views. Nakaştepe is located on the Asian side, and it is completely underrated. You'll find walking trails, city vistas, and lots of green space to relax. Don't forget to bring a snack so you can chill like the locals do. Number 11 on the list is to visit Ortaköy. This neighborhood is right under the Bosphorus Bridge, and it is truly one of a kind. You've got waterfront views, tons of street food, and one of the most photogenic mosques in the city. No matter what time you go, it is a great time to visit, whether it be the morning before the crowds show, or even the evening when the lights hit the water. Number 12 on the list is to explore Istiklal and Taksim Square. Istiklal Avenue is the beating heart of modern Istanbul. It's full of shops, food, street performers, and the nostalgic red tram running straight through the middle. If you want energy, chaos, tons of people, tons of restaurants, and culture all in one place, this is it right here in Istanbul. Number 13 on the list is to experience a Turkish bath. To be honest, you can't come to Istanbul and not try out the Turkish bath. It's hot, steamy, slightly aggressive, but in a good way, and deeply relaxing. Choose a historic hamam for the full experience, but maybe don't go right after a big meal, because they kind of beat you up. All right, that was fantastic. Thank you so much, brother. I really appreciate it. Thank you. Number 14 on the list is to explore Topkapi Palace. This was home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, and inside it's filled with treasures like jeweled swords, ancient robes, and crazy architecture. And also from the courtyards, you get stunning views of the Bosphorus. And as promised, here is the bonus place that I only know about because of the local I met named Cem. He took us on the Four Sides of Istanbul motorcycle tour, and then we met him over at his coffee shop before he walked us to a place that not even a lot of locals know about. You're going to climb a lot of stairs to get up there, but I think it's going to be very much worth it for you. We've got ourselves a Bosphorus view. Oh, we're going all the way up. Merhaba. Oh, VIP living. Oh, I wish I would have brought my drone. This is Istanbul from above. This is my city. There it is. The man, the myth, the legend Cem has brought us to a hidden gem. Now to be honest, I don't actually know what the name of this place is, but here are the clues to get up there. The awesome part is it's really hard to find views that are this amazing. While the prices are still local prices if you want to have some tea or shisha or simply just hang out and have a bite to eat. You can't find too many views like this, guys. And this is one of these places where, well, depending on when you're watching this video, it might be quite popular. But right now on a beautiful day, even with these clouds, it's one of the best viewpoints that I've seen so far. And I've been to Istanbul twice now, spent maybe 10 times. I'm always chasing viewpoints and this is a special one. Number 15 on the list is to walk around Galata Port. This is a newly renovated waterfront area and it has totally transformed the Karaköy district. You'll find cafes, shops, cruise ships, and art spaces all in one place. It's one of the best places to walk by the sea, especially with a coffee in hand. Number 16 on the list is to visit the Grand Bazaar in Eminönü. This is classic chaotic Istanbul. And in this area, you've got the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, fishermen on the Galata Bridge, and locals hustling everywhere. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. As I'm walking through here, there are literally smells of so many different types of things, spices, sweets. I don't even know, some smells that I've never smelled before. But a pro tip is be prepared to put your negotiation hats on as you the Grand Bazaar. Otherwise, some of these sellers may charge you a price that's even more than you would pay for that same item back at home. Number 17 on the list is to try a proper Turkish breakfast. Forget cereal, this is a feast. You'll get like 15 little dishes of cheese, jam, eggs, olives, honey, and so much more. It's made to be shared, so bring some friends and take your time to chow down. Now I get why Turkish breakfasts are so well known. They will have you feeling so full. If you want to get the biggest meal of the day, this is the spot you got to come to. Because let me tell you this, we're going to need to walk for like three hours to burn off the amount of kales we just ate, but hey we're living right, so can't complain. Number 18 on the list is to visit the Camlica Mosque, one of the newest and largest mosques in Turkey, perched high on a hill on the Asian side. It offers panoramic views of Istanbul and is truly an architectural masterpiece. Look at this place. It's peaceful, massive, and nowhere near as crowded as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Number 19 on the list is to escape to the Princess Islands. It is made up of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul, and to get there you need to hop on a ferry. And here's the ferry we're taking today, and as you can see it's a massive boat. This is how filled it is. It's a Thursday today, so you can just see how many people are heading over to Princess Island. And take it to The first thing you must do upon arriving is to rent a bike to get around, but if you are not feeling energized to climb some big hills, there are other ways you can also get around that won't require as much effort. It is the perfect day trip from Istanbul, or even stay overnight for the weekend. Number 20 on the list is to visit the Museum of Illusions. We just arrived over at an illusions museum, which I have never been to an illusion museum in my life. If you want to find something fun and quirky, this place messes with your head in the best way. All right, we got Joel literally climbing up the side of the building. He's making it up. Somebody get him down from there. Oh my god, he's made it up. He is up. Don't jump from up there. Think upside down rooms. Joel is on the roof already. I don't know what's going on. Oh, Holograms and brain-bending visual tricks. It's a great stop for anyone who just wants to laugh. So that wraps up our 20 epic things to do in Istanbul from the iconic to the unexpected. Whether it's your first time or your 10th, this city always has something new to offer. This is Istanbul. What a time it has been. We are ice cold right now and today has been something else. Istanbul, we love you. I'll drop a few bonus ideas and booking links in the description as well and if you want to support the channel, check out my clothing brand Wear Perception. See you guys in the next one. And if you guys enjoyed this video, I think you're going to love this video right here.