Things to do in Istanbul this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Istanbul this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Istanbul
Princes' Islands
FamilyBüyükada
Car-free island day trip — bike loops, pine forests and Aegean swims.
Bosphorus Ferry
OutdoorsEminönü
1.5-hour crossing past Ottoman palaces — best seat is the upper deck at sunset.
Galata Tower
CultureBeyoğlu
Medieval watchtower with a 360° terrace over the Golden Horn.
Grand Bazaar
CultureBeyazıt
4,000 shops of carpets, lamps and Turkish delight under painted vaults.
Hagia Sophia
CultureSultanahmet
Byzantine basilica turned mosque — 1,500 years of mosaics under one dome.
Karaköy Nightlife
NightlifeKaraköy
Wine bars, rooftop meyhanes and DJ sets under the Galata Bridge.
Where to eat
Çiya Sofrası
$$Anatolian · Kadıköy
Musa Dağdeviren's lab of regional Turkish cooking — try the kebabs and kisir.
Mandabatmaz
$Turkish coffee · İstiklal
Tiny back-alley legend serving the thickest Turkish coffee in town.
Mikla
$$$$New Anatolian · Beyoğlu
Mehmet Gürs' rooftop tasting menu with the city's best skyline view.
Hamdi Restaurant
$$Kebab · Eminönü
Pistachio kebabs and a terrace over the Golden Horn.
Karaköy Lokantası
$$$Modern Turkish · Karaköy
Tiled meyhane glowing turquoise — meze, rakı and seafood.
Live & on stage
Chill-Out Festival
Life Park · Jun 14–15 · Electronic
Istanbul Jazz Festival
Various · Jul 1–18 · Jazz
Istanbul Music Festival
Atatürk Cultural Centre · Jun 4–24 · Classical
Tulip Festival
Emirgan Park · Apr 1–30 · Cultural / Free
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Ferry. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.