The 15 best things to do in Istanbul (September 2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul

   Outty Ranking97

   Escape the vibrant chaos and crowds of Istanbul and embark on a serene journey to the city's enchanting islands. Our cruise offers a unique opportunity to rediscover tranquility, sailing with our comfortable boat to one. Peak Performance at 97/100, 5.0/5 from 715 traveler reviews, 7h from €15, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
2. 

   2. Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience

   Outty Ranking96

   For 12 amazing years, we’ve been taking the nightlife of Istanbul to the next level — welcoming 25,000+ guests from every corner of the world! We’ve learned to say “cheers” in more than 20 languages, and we’re still addi. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 559 traveler reviews, 7h from $28, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
3. 

   3. Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop

   Outty Ranking95

   Experience the Bosphorus in style on a scenic cruise between Europe and Asia, guided by a knowledgeable multilingual expert. Discover Istanbul from a unique vantage point as you sail along one of the world’s most iconic. 90+ Club at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 1,018 traveler reviews, 2.5h from €20, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
4. 

   4. Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim

   Outty Ranking94

   We are an all woman owned & led event planning company that runs Party Pub Crawls in Istanbul for over 7 years! We have it all planned; party bus, drinking games, free shots, VIP access to the best bars/clubs and party p. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 2,164 traveler reviews, 7h from €26, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
5. 

   5. Pub Crawl Istanbul: Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus

   Outty Ranking94

   Pub Crawl Istanbul gives you a unique chance to experience Istanbul Nightlife with a group of party people from all around the world and local guides! Join this 7-hour pub crawl if you’re looking for the best places to. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 898 traveler reviews, 6h from $30, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
6. 

   6. Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises

   Outty Ranking94

   Experience Istanbul's Beauty from the Bosphorus – Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises See Istanbul from a unique perspective on our modern, comfortable boat, perfectly timed for a breathtaking sunset or a scenic cruise at a. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 2,034 traveler reviews, 2h from €7, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
7. 

   7. Istanbul Luxury Sunset Yacht Cruise with Transfer Option

   Outty Ranking94

   Experience the magic of Istanbul from the Bosphorus aboard a luxurious yacht, where the golden sunset meets the city’s timeless beauty. Sail through the heart of Istanbul, admire historic landmarks and stunning shores, w. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 885 traveler reviews, 2h from $29, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
8. 

   8. ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

   Outty Ranking94

   Discover Ottoman and Byzantine history on this private Istanbul city tour, perfect for cruise passengers, first-time visitors, and travelers with limited time seeking a deeper cultural experience. Explore Istanbul’s Old. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 1,515 traveler reviews, 6h from $5, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
9. 

   9. Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

   Outty Ranking94

   Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 10,250 traveler reviews, 7h from $20, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

   See prices and availability
10. 

    10. Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus Small-Group Tour

    Outty Ranking94

    Make the most of your time in Istanbul on a comprehensive small-group tour covering the city’s essential landmarks in one carefully planned day. Explore the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topka. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 565 traveler reviews, 8h from $69, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

    See prices and availability
11. 

    11. Half day Fener-Balat Walking Tour in Istanbul

    Outty Ranking94

    Welcome ! We are professional tour guides brothers and sisters in Istanbul. Fener-Balat walking tour in which many nationalities shared the same lands before and after Ottoman Empire came. Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Bulga. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 383 traveler reviews, 3h from $20, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

    See prices and availability
12. 

    12. Princess Island (Büyükada)Tour with Lunch and Island Shuttle Car

    Outty Ranking94

    Many travel agencies in Istanbul offer island tours, but we are truly different! Most tours claim to visit 2 or 3 islands just to make the itinerary look attractive, but these extra stops are a waste of time and leave gu. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 651 traveler reviews, 9h from $22, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

    See prices and availability
13. 

    13. Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table

    Outty Ranking93

    Discover Istanbul from a fresh perspective as you glide along the majestic Bosphorus Strait on this unforgettable dinner cruise. Savor a delicious dinner menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of both Europe and A. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 1,127 traveler reviews, 3h from $31, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

    See prices and availability
14. 

    14. Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Live Guide

    Outty Ranking93

    See the Bosphorus and unmatched beauties of Istanbul by dusk on an intimate and relaxed 2.5-hour cruise. Enjoy stunning views on the water as the sun sets and the city lights come to life. Graze on snacks, cookies, delic. 90+ Club at 93/100, 5.0/5 from 692 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $41, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

    See prices and availability
15. 

    15. Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel

    Outty Ranking93

    Our tours have earned the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 15 consecutive years (2009–2025) and we are the most reviewed tour operator for Istanbul, with over 2.000 excellent reviews. Tick off all of Istanbul’s. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 541 traveler reviews, 6h from $30, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

    See prices and availability

Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

Frequently asked questions