9 Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul

9 Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul: Cheap and Top-Rated Ones!

by Yusuf Boz

Discover the unmissable cheap and top-rated activities in Istanbul right now! Numerous activities are waiting for you. If you would like to spend time in Istanbul at cheaper prices, you will be able to find enjoyable activities. While you will not have to pay higher prices, you will also be able to enjoy every second of the vacation. In addition to that, you will learn more about the tradition, culture, and history of the magnificent city of Istanbul at the same time. If you are ready, we prepared a wonderful guide that you shouldn’t miss if you are planning to travel to Istanbul! Let’s look at them now! Explore the Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul!

Discover the Islands

Did you know that you can visit the Islands in Istanbul for a cheap price? There are many districts that you will be able to reach ferries. You can find the timetable online and plan your daily trip easily. You can visit historic places, go to the seaside or various beaches and swim in the sea, and discover the nature of the Prince’s Islands. Besides that, you will be able to find many different activities for cheaper prices. You can see the islands that you can visit, districts which are available for ferry service and the prices as well!

Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul: Discover the Islands
Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul: Discover the Islands

Districts for Transportation: On the European side of Istanbul, you can find ferries in Besiktas, Kabatas, Eminonu, and in the Asian side of Istanbul, Bostanci, and Kadikoy districts are available for ferry services.

Ferry Prices: 10 Turkish Liras for adults, 5 Turkish Liras for students.

Prince’s Islands

  • Buyukada
  • Heybeliada
  • Burgazada
  • Kinaliada
  • Sedef Island
  • Yassiada
  • Sivriada
  • Kasik Island
  • Tavsan Island


Visit the Museums

Discover the breathtaking museums in Istanbul! It is another best way to spend your time for the cheaper prices! Besides that, there are free museums that you can enter!

Visit the Museums
Visit the Museums

Top-Rated Museums in Istanbul

  1. Pera Museum

Entry Price: Free

  • Basilica Cistern

Entry Price: 5 TL for students, 15 TL for adults, 30 TL for tourists

  • Chora Museum

Entry Price: 5 TL

  • Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Entry Price:  7 TL for students, 18 TL for adults

  • Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum

Entry Price: 10 TL for adults and students

  • Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Entry Price: 20 TL for students, 35 TL for adults

  • Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Entry Price: 50 TL

Even the prices can be changeable, all of the museums have average entry prices. You can spend your day in the impressive museum and enjoy the day at the same time!

Visit Mosques & Churches

Istanbul is also known for its impressive and magnificent mosques and churches. When you travel to Istanbul, you should know that you will meet with the stunning structures and the architecture of the mosques and the churches at the same time. Every year many tourists travel to Istanbul to visit them! If you would like to discover the mosques and churches more, we have the same suggestions for you!

Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul: Visit Mosques & Churches
Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul: Visit Mosques & Churches
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque
  • St. Anthony of Padua Church
  • Fener Greek Patriarchate & St. George Church
  • Sultan Ahmet Mosque
  • Ortakoy Mosque
  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church
  • Church of Holy Trinity
  • St. Pierre Church

Walk in the Neighborhoods

You do not need to pay anything to walk in the beautiful neighborhoods of the city! If you are interested in photography, you will love the impressive neighborhoods of Istanbul! While you will be able to take stunning photographs, you will also be able to discover the city more! 

Walk in the Neighborhoods
Walk in the Neighborhoods

Beautiful Neighborhoods and Districts of Istanbul

  • Galata
  • Karakoy
  • Arnavutkoy
  • Besiktas
  • Balat
  • Sultanahmet
  • Taksim Square

Meet with the Bosphorus

Are you ready to see where the European and the Asian continents meet? If your answer is yes, you will be able to see that without paying anything! You can see the magnificent view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus which is extremely special for the world! If you would like to do some activities, you will be able to find various things to do around Bosphorus!

Meet with the Bosphorus
Meet with the Bosphorus

Try the Street Food of Istanbul

There are many street foods in Istanbul which are waiting for you to discover them! You will be able to try super delicious street food for cheaper prices! While Istanbul has a rich street food culture, there are many different and unique tastes for everyone! Especially at Istiklal Street, you will be able to find almost all of them! See also: What to eat in Istanbul? The 5 Best Istanbul Street Food!

Try the Street Food of Istanbul
Try the Street Food of Istanbul
  • Sweet Corn
  • Stuffed Mussels
  • Kokorec
  • Kumpir
  • Ice-cream
  • Cigkofte
  • Turkish Coffee
  • Simit
  • Chestnuts
  • Sucuk Ekmek
  • Pilav (Turkish Rice)


Discover the Traditional Bazaars & Historical Places

Meet with the impressive bazaars and historical places of Istanbul today! If you would like to see traditional bazaars, you can prefer Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar at the same time. You do not need to pay anything to visit the bazaars but if you would like to buy some souvenirs, spices, jewelry, countless unique and special stuff in the traditional bazaars of the city. Besides that, there are impressive things for every budget! You can make your time more unique! It is possible to discover the historical places of Istanbul at the same time. There are both free and paid places that you will be able to visit!

See also: Shopping in Istanbul Guide: What to Buy and Where to Go

Catch the Free Festivals

Every year, there are many festivals in Istanbul that you can catch during your holiday. While you will enjoy the festivals, you will not need to pay anything! It is also a good choice to spend your time at the special and unique festivals of Istanbul! You can find the yearly free festivals online.

Picnic & Camping Activities

If you would like to spend your time more peacefully in Istanbul, there are many picnic and camping areas for you! Istanbul is the city that appeals to everyone. If you do not like the crowd, there is an impressive nature waiting for you! If you want to spend a few days in nature, you can prefer camping while you can enjoy the time on the daily picnics at the same time. Be ready for the stunning nature of Istanbul!

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