Best Free Things to See and Do in Istanbul

With its lively streets layered with history, just walking around Istanbul is an attraction in itself – visit the city’s marvelous mosques, markets, and parks for no cost at all.

Here are the best free things to see and do in Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest metropolis.

1. Tour Istanbul’s Beautiful Mosques

Splendid Ottoman-era mosques, all free to visit, top the historic seven hills of Istanbul’s Old City and adorn many streets. The elegant Süleymaniye Mosque is the finest of them all, featuring a grand complex of buildings around it and an impressive perch overlooking the Golden Horn.

Tucked away in the bustling market streets of Eminönü, the intimate Rüstem Paşa Mosque boasts wonderfully rich tile work. It is advised that non-worshippers avoid going inside during prayer times, which are displayed near the entrance. All visitors must dress modestly, and women should cover their heads.

One of the most sacred sites in the city, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is surrounded by grand tomb complexes and a picturesque cemetery, providing stunning views of the Golden Horn from the hillside. The mosque complex is said to be the burial place of Ebu Eyüp El Ensari, a close companion of the Prophet, making it an important pilgrimage spot for Muslims.

2. Take a Picnic at Gülhane Park

Two favorite local pastimes are picnicking and strolling, and some lovely parks and gardens in Istanbul are open to the public. Gülhane Park, once part of the Topkapı Palace gardens, is particularly beautiful with its stately old trees and winding paths.

3. See the 4th-century Aqueduct of Valens

The 4th-century Aqueduct of Valens once carried water into Istanbul. Today, it’s still an impressive sight, towering over a multi-lane roadway. Nearby, the Women’s Bazaar is a colorful neighborhood square lined with popular kebab restaurants.

4. Meander Around the Grand Bazaar

Often referred to as the world’s oldest mall, the Grand Bazaar sprawls over 61 covered and maze-like streets. Explore the crumbling hans (caravanserais) along its fringes, where a few artisans still carry on their traditional trades.

5. Explore Traditional Street Markets and the Spice Bazaar

Traditional weekly street markets retain a loyal following despite the rise of modern malls and grocery stores. The Wednesday Market in Fatih is among the most significant. A stroll through Kadıköy Produce Market offers great photographic opportunities, showcasing colorful displays of olives, produce, dried fruit, nuts, fish, cheese, pickles, and more.

You’ll find more souvenirs than spices today in the Mısır Çarşısı, known as the Spice Bazaar. However, the streets surrounding this Ottoman-era marketplace in Eminönü provide a glimpse of vibrant local shopping life, with outdoor stalls filled with dried fruits, nuts, and other edible goodies.

6. Visit the Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars

Istanbul has several still-functioning Christian churches, many of which hold historical significance. Among the most distinctive is the Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars, crafted from 500 tons of cast-iron pieces shipped from Vienna. A restoration completed in 2018 has revitalized this cross-shaped basilica and its ornate interior.

7. Marvel at the Hünkâr Kasrı

This opulent private pavilion used by sultans during their visits to Yeni Cami (New Mosque) is resplendent with tiles, carpets, inlaid wood, and stained glass. Access to the Hünkâr Kasrı is through a long enclosed ramp behind the mosque.

8. Enjoy Free Exhibits at the Pera Museum

The Pera Museum features well-curated temporary exhibitions of contemporary art alongside a fine collection of Orientalist paintings by European and Ottoman artists. Notably, it offers free admission every Friday between 6 PM and 10 PM.

9. Attend Events at SALT Cultural Centers

Housed in the beautifully restored former headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, SALT Galata functions as a cultural center and library, hosting exhibitions and special events, including free talks and film screenings, sometimes held in English.

10. Peruse Art Galleries in Beyoğlu

Istanbul’s vibrant contemporary art scene is showcased throughout the Beyoğlu district, particularly around İstiklal Caddesi and in the Karaköy, Tophane, and Tomtom neighborhoods. You could easily spend half a day exploring an array of intriguing galleries and exhibition spaces, many of which offer free admission.

11. Discover the İstanbul Arastırmaları Enstitüsü

This institute covers various aspects of the city’s history, including urban planning and historical events, featuring exhibitions that draw from its rich archival collection of photographs and documents.

12. Stroll Through Yıldız Park

Yıldız Park in Beşiktaş, characterized by well-kept paths and plenty of trees, offers a lovely setting for a picnic or a stroll. From the historic Çadır Köşkü, now serving as a restaurant, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city.

13. Learn at the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations

Supported by Koç University, this research center showcases the rich history, art, architecture, and archaeology of the civilizations that have called today’s Türkiye home. Its exhibitions regularly feature the fruits of this research.

14. Peek into Upper-Class Life at the Aşiyan Museum

The Aşiyan Museum offers a glimpse into early 20th-century upper-class life, featuring vintage furniture and photographs within a charming house once belonging to the celebrated poet Tevfik Fikret.

15. Enjoy the Tulips at Emirgan Park

Set above the shores of the Bosphorus, Emirgan Park is particularly beautiful during the Istanbul Tulip Festival each April, when millions of bulbs bloom in a riot of colors. The park also boasts picnic areas, jogging tracks, and three Ottoman mansions-turned-cafés, making it a popular spot for relaxation.

16. Explore the Nakilbent Sarnıcı

In Sultanahmet, underground cisterns from Byzantine times, such as the Nakilbent Sarnıcı, provide a fantastic historical perspective. Rediscovered during building renovations for a carpet store, this cistern is preserved for public viewing.

17. Wander Through Sultanahmet’s Historic Hippodrome

While little remains of the bygone chariot-racing venue, the historic Hippodrome in Sultanahmet remains an evocative place for leisurely walks. Visitors can follow Nakilbent Sokak to take in the towering remains of the Sphendone.

18. Relax in Maçka Park

Less historic than many other central green spaces, Maçka Park in Şişli is popular among locals for sunny weekend afternoons. Holding children’s play areas, a dog park, and a jogging track, it invites relaxation and outdoor fun.

19. Gain Insight at the Turkish Hamam Culture Museum

While you won’t get a scrub here, the Turkish Hamam Culture Museum provides a fascinating look into the bathing tradition, with displays of accessories and rituals in the restored chambers of a 16th-century bath.

20. Spend Quiet Time at the Beyazıt State Library

The Beyazıt State Library, the oldest and largest library in Istanbul, is notable for its multi-domed reading room and architectural restoration, blending old and new elements in a unique way.