Enjoy beautiful greenery hosting picnic spots, nature paths, and playgrounds for little ones at Taga Park. You can rent a bike or a boat while enjoying the peaceful ambiance. Locals gather to enjoy the open-air cinema, concerts, and festivals held seasonally. Make sure you grab some authentic Turkish delight before you head out.
The Aquarium of Istanbul is home to thousands of marine creatures coming from all seven seas, including penguins, stingrays, and piranhas. You can experience the presence of sharks in the walk-through tunnel and enjoy shows and games including feeding the fish. While there, make sure to visit the state-of-the-art Istanbul SEA LIFE Digital Aquarium.
This covered bazaar is every shopper's paradise with over 4000 shops selling handmade Turkish carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and clothing. The market dates back to the 15th century. You can also enjoy traditional Turkish tea at one of the many tea houses within the bazaar, and indulge Turkish street food such as stuffed mussels, lamb kebab, or Turkish ice cream.
Experience the 15th-century home of Ottoman Sultans, their families, and officials. Topkapi Palace retraces history with a vast collection of Ottoman artifacts, clothing, weapons, and porcelain. The palace hosts four main courtyards, and many hidden gardens that one can happily wander through. You can also visit the palace's restaurant and café where you can taste authentic Turkish cuisine.
Located on the shores of Bosphorus, Istanbul's modern art museum promotes and collects work from contemporary Turkish and international artists since 2004. You'll find work in various forms at Istanbul Modern, including traditional painting and sculpture, installations, and digital art. The museum carefully intertwines glimpses into the cultural history of the city with the modern and contemporary art forms.
Dolmabahçe Palace combines Ottoman and European architecture, built-in 1856, making it one of the symbols of Turkish history. The palace covers an area of 600,000 square meters and consists of three parts, including the palace itself, gardens, and clock towers. Its interiors feature a huge Bohemian crystal chandelier, the world’s largest, and exclusive rooms for the Ottoman Sultans. The palace operates as a museum where you can experience Turkey's Ottoman era's lavish lifestyle.
If you want to see more of the city's history, you can add the Hagia Sophia Museum, The Blue Mosque, and The Galata Tower to your list. You can take the Bosphorus River Cruise to enjoy Istanbul's beautiful city view from the water. Also, Turkish cuisine is a must-try, so make sure you try Kebap, Pide, Meze, and Baklava. If you're short on time, you can skip the Aquarium and Modern Art Museum or replace them with the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.