Discover Istanbul – 7 Must-Visit Spots You Can’t Miss in 2024

As a travel writer who loves Istanbul and has spent more than seven years exploring this interesting city, I can say with certainty that it is still one of my all-time favorite places to visit. Read the “Discover Istanbul – 7 Must-Visit Spots You Can’t Miss in 2024” in detail.

Every kind of tourist can enjoy Istanbul. It has a lot to offer, from delicious food and lively nightlife to a long history and lively culture. As we move into the year 2024, this famous city is still at the top of many tourists’ wish lists.

And for a good reason! Istanbul is a city that mixes Europe and Asia, as well as the new and the old. People who want to find Istanbul’s secret gems are drawn to its mosques, museums, markets, and other places.

As someone who knows a lot about Istanbul, I’m often asked what first-timers should see. Don’t worry! I’ve carefully chosen these seven places that you must see on your first trip to Istanbul in 2024.

Mosque of Sultan Ahmed

When you go to Istanbul, you have to see the beautiful Sultan Ahmed Mosque, which is also known as the Blue Mosque. This 400-year-old mosque is easy to spot with its six delicate minarets and domes that fall over each other. The intricate blue and white painted tiles will fascinate you.

As a travel writer who has been many times, I am still amazed by how beautiful it is every time. Remember to dress modestly and not go to the house during prayer times.

Insider tip: After seeing the Blue Mosque, take a 5-minute walk to see the beautiful Hagia Sophia. This will let you learn a lot about Byzantine history in Istanbul while you see two of its most famous churches right after each other.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is as big as its name sounds, with more than 60 covered streets spread out over 61 acres. It is one of the world’s biggest and oldest covered markets. It was built in 1461.

Get ready to experience this shopping paradise by putting on your best walking shoes! You’ll have a hard time choosing between the sparkling jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and delicious Turkish treats.

As someone who lives in Istanbul, I suggest that you look for gifts on the street called Kalpakcılar Caddesi. Other than the tourist-oriented areas, this is where you’ll find more genuine souvenirs.

If you want to know a secret, look for the old hans (caravanserais) that are tucked away in the market. The Büyük Yeni Han and other buildings like it show how Istanbul used to trade.

Spice Market

When you talk about Istanbul, you can’t leave out the topic of spices. This busy market was built in the 1400s and has almost every spice you can think of. From sumac to saffron, the bright colors and strong smells will take your breath away.

Do not leave without purchasing Turkish delight and lokum, a hard candy with a rose taste that is sprinkled with pistachios. As a travel writer with a lot of experience, I can say for sure that the Spice Bazaar has the best prices and best quality on these sweets.

Insider tip: The Spice Bazaar has lower prices than the Grand Bazaar because there is more competition there. Brush up on your negotiating skills here!

Go on a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, is probably the most famous natural feature in Istanbul. Believe me when I say that a tour on the Bosphorus will give you the most beautiful views.

On this exciting boat ride, you’ll see Ottoman palaces, mansions by the water, parks, and small fishing towns. As someone who knows Istanbul well, I think you should book an evening tour to see the city’s skyline at night.

If you want to take a longer trip, go from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı. The trip, which lasts 1.5 hours, will take you deeper into the strait, where you’ll see more beautiful views.

Enjoy the wide views from Çamlıca Hill

It’s impossible to write about Istanbul without addressing the famous Çamlıca Hill. From this hilltop, which is one of the highest places in Istanbul, you can see the whole city and the Sea of Marmara.

The beautiful Çamlıca Mosque opened in 2019, which made this green hill even more famous. As a travel writer with a lot of experience, I really think you should make the short hike up to fully enjoy the views of the city with its minarets.

If you go in the late afternoon, you’ll be able to see the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia bathed in warm light during the golden hour.

Go Bar-hopping in Kadıköy

You might have thought that Taksim and Beşiktaş, two European areas in Istanbul, were the only places with fun things to do at night. On the Asian side, Kadıköy is where people from the area go to have a wild night out.

After dark, this fancy area comes to life with trendy bars, restaurants, and cafés. You can drink craft beer at the Bosphorus Brewing Company or have a great time at the Karga Bar with live music and cheap drinks.

As a travel writer with a lot of experience, I can say that Kadıköy is the best place to see Istanbul’s nightlife through the eyes of a local.

Tip from a local: While you’re out going to bars, don’t forget to try tantuni, which is Istanbul’s best fast food. This street-style wrap with peppers, herbs, and grilled meat will keep you going all night.

Relax at the Princes’ Islands

Take a break at the Princes’ Islands after spending days visiting Istanbul’s busy city life. These nine islands in the Sea of Marmara are actually a small group of islands that can be reached by short boat rides.

As a travel writer with a lot of experience and someone who lives in Istanbul, I often escape to these car-free havens for peaceful walks along the coast, bike rides through pine woods, and seafood meals outside.

Each island has its own vibe, but my favorite is Heybeliada, which has old Ottoman houses and monasteries tucked away among cypress trees.

Insider tip: If you want to relax completely, stay at the Splendid Palace Hotel in Büyükada. It is famous for being built on a hilltop in the 19th century and having a view of the sea.

Discover the Magic of Istanbul in 2024

Istanbul has been a shining star for hundreds of years, and it won’t go away any time soon. That is so sure that even Nostradamus could agree with it!

Even though I’ve been writing about travel for years and consider it my second home, I still find new places and secret gems after almost ten years. This huge amount of detail is what makes Istanbul stand out.

So, whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, the arts, or the nightlife, Istanbul is sure to amaze and inspire you. When we get to 2024, I really want you to go in with an open mind and enjoy getting lost in its crazy melody.

I promise you that this city will charm you and make you fall under its spell.