Sights of Istanbul - what to see for free

The most famous sights of Istanbul are distinguished by a fairly high value of visiting, and even the museum card Museum Pass Istanbul intended for tourists does not help to save much. Fortunately, a lot of interesting and really worth visiting places in Istanbul can be visited on your own for free.

We have prepared a list of the best free attractions in Istanbul, after studying which you can easily visit them yourself on foot or by public transport:

Istiklal Caddesi Street

It is the main pedestrian tourist area of Istanbul, the heart of Beyoglu tourist district. It is pedestrian, but a historic tram runs along it, in several places crosses the roadway. All along it is packed with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, fast food stalls, souvenir shops, currency exchange offices, banks, Turkish sweets shops, there are international restaurants McDonalds and Burger King. It even houses the Consulate General of the Russian Federation. In the evening, in different places you can see performances of street artists, exhibitions of artists. In general, on Istiklal you can find everything that the soul of a tourist can need. Read more about Istiklal street here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock, walking is most interesting in the evenings.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the center of Beyoglu tourist area (Istiklal Street on the map), and any hotel in the area is easily accessible on foot. Other areas can be reached by taxi, tram T1, Metro M2, buses, ferries.

Taksim Square

This is an important point for a landmark and a small tourist area or quarter in the Beyoglu district, and only then a tourist attraction. At various times, it became a center for expressing popular discontent, holding rallies,and in 1977 there was even a mass shooting of demonstrators. Today everything is quiet here, and it is a place for folk festivals, walks of tourists, a transport hub. Learn more about Taksim Square here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the center of Beyoglu district at the beginning of Istiklal Street (Taksim Square on the map). You can get here by Metro M2 to Taksim station. From Sultanahmet, the easiest way to get here is by tram T1 to the final stop of Kabataş and then on foot 15 minutes or by funicular. From the Asian part of the city by ferry to Kabataş Pier.

Galata Bridge / Galata Köprüsü

The bridge passes over the waters of the Golden Horn Bay and connects the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. It opened in 1994 and is not an architectural or historical landmark, but it is an iconic place and an important point of reference for tourists and locals alike. And from here there are excellent views of tourist areas.

The bridge is two-level (two-story). On the lower level there is a pedestrian area with many seafood restaurants. The upper level of the Galata Bridge is a road with wide sidewalks along the edges. Read more about Galata Bridge here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the bridge is located between Sultanahmet and Beyoglu districts (Galata Bridge on the map). From both areas, the bridge is most pleasant to reach during a walk, or you can take the T1 tram to the Karaköy or Eminönü stops. From the Asian part of the city, you can take a ferry to Karaköy or Eminönü marinas.

Historic tram on Istiklal Street

This is the city transport of Istanbul, route number T2, but for tourists it is a special type of transport – the historical tram or Nostalgic Tram. You are unlikely to move on it in order to get from place to place, it will be faster on foot. But you can ride a retro tram, which has long become one of the tourist symbols of the city, with pleasure. But even if you can not ride, be sure to take a selfie on its background and a few photos. Learn more about the historic tram here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: runs from 07:00 to 22:00 every 40-50 minutes on schedule, exact schedule here.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: the fare is 2.6 lira (0.06 USD), payment by card Istanbul Kart. But it is not necessary to ride it, and you can just look and take a selfie against the background of the historical tram for free.

🚶 How to get there: walks along the tourist street Istiklal, the rails are laid right in the middle of the street (Istiklal Street on the map). You can take it at any of the three stops along the route, or at the final ones.

Blue Mosque

This is the most beautiful and majestic mosque in Istanbul, a famous architectural symbol of the city. Its image can be seen on tourist products, booklets, brochures, and, of course, it is impossible not to see this architectural miracle with your own eyes. It can be viewed inside, you just need to follow the rules of visiting: you can not enter in T-shirts, shorts, short skirts, bright provocative clothes, women must cover their heads with a scarf, which can be taken free of charge at the entrance. It is also necessary to take off your shoes and wear shoe covers. Inside you can take pictures, but you can not use a tripod and shoot believers. Read more about the Blue Mosque here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: from 08:30 to 12:30, from 14:00 to 15:45, from 16:45 to 17:45, on Fridays from 13:30. The mosque can not be visited during namaz (prayer), which is held 5 times a day, so as not to distract the faithful. But if you really want, during the prayer anyone, even non-Muslims, can go inside and join the believers, but it is forbidden to take pictures at this time.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: The Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet district (mosque on the map).

Church of little Aya Sofya or Saints Sergius and Bacchus

This is a functioning mosque, originally built in the VI century by the Byzantines as an Orthodox Church. In the XVI century, it was converted by the Ottomans into a mosque,and in this capacity it still serves. Interestingly, it was built even before the Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in the period from 527 to 536 years. It is believed that it became the architectural prototype of the Hagia Sophia. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Learn more about the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus or Little Hagia Sophia

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the historic Sultanahmet district (church on the map).

Grand Bazaar

This is the main point of sale for tourists, and at the same time a tourist attraction. Even if you are not going to buy anything, be sure to visit it while walking around the Sultanahmet district, and maybe even more than once. This is a very colorful market with trade traditions that have been around for several centuries, because it was built on the orders of Sultan Mehmed II The Conqueror (Fatih) back in 1461. There are more than 4000 shops and shops. The range of goods is huge: jewelry, antiques, leather and other clothing, carpets, ceramics, spices, coffee, fakes of famous brands, and of course an infinite number of souvenirs. But it is fair to say that despite the color and atmosphere, for economical shopping the market is not very suitable. Read more about the Grand Bazaar here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-19:00, Sunday is closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located within walking distance from Sultanahmet district (Bazaar on the map). You can get there by tram T1 to Beyazıt stop, by Metro M2 to Vezneciler station, by commuter train Marmaray to Sirceci station.

Egyptian Bazaar or spice market (Spice Bazaar)

This market is not as big and iconic as the Grand Bazaar, but more suitable for tourist shopping. Prices are initially called lower than in the Grand Bazaar, besides, you can bargain. But the goods here are specific: first of all, these are spices, there are a lot of them; Turkish sweets; coffee; dried fish. There are few souvenirs, but no leather jackets, clothes, etc. in any case, it is worth visiting the market at least in order to see spices and delicacies, which most of our compatriots have not even heard of. And on the second floor of the building is the restaurant "Pandeli" overlooking the Bosphorus, famous for the fact that it was visited by many famous people. Read more about the Egyptian Bazaar here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 08:00-19:00, Sunday 09:30-19:00, seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the Eminonu quarter near Sultanahmet (Bazaar on the map). You can take the T1 tram to Eminonu stop, take the Marmaray commuter train to Sirceci station, or take the ferry to Eminonu Marina.

Arasta Market (Arasta Bazaar)

This is a shopping street with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, Turkish sweets, spices, jewelry, antiques. There are no shirts, T-shirts and other cheap consumer goods here. But you can find an old handmade carpet (or what they give out for it), hookahs, Turks made by hand, and of course a bunch of inexpensive souvenirs like magnets and plates. Learn more about Arasta market in Istanbul here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the market is located in the Sultanahmet district next to the Blue Mosque (market on the map).

Fish market / Karaköy Balık Pazarı

There are several fish markets in Istanbul, but the most popular one for tourists to visit is between the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu near the Galata Bridge. There is nothing particularly remarkable in it, but if you like such "folk" places, you can visit it. The main trade takes place in the morning, when fishing boats arrive with freshly caught fresh fish and various sea reptiles. Buyers of goods here are mainly restaurants in the tourist areas of Istanbul. Read more about Istanbul fish market here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: from 06:00 to 19:00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the fish market is located in Beyoglu district on Karaköy Istasyonu marina near Galata Bridge and (Fish Market on the map). To get from Isktiklal Street and Sultanahmet district, take a leisurely walk to the bridge, or take the T2 tram to Karaköy stop.

Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

This is the largest mosque in Istanbul, and the second most important for believers. At the same time, up to 5,000 people can pray in it! Built by the great Sultan Suleiman I The Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman) in 1550-1557. It is fair to say that although this is the largest mosque, it is not the largest religious building in Istanbul. It is inferior in height and width to the Hagia Sophia. In the courtyard is the mausoleum where the Sultan and his wife rest. Read more about the Suleymaniye Mosque here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: visiting time for tourists is 9:00 to 12:30, from 13:45 to 15:45.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the mosque is located next to the Historical District of Sultanahmet, you can walk (mosque on the map). From other areas, it is most convenient to get by Metro M2 (Vezneciler station) or tram T1 (Laleli - diversite stop). From the Asian part, take the Marmaray city train or ferry to the Eminonu Pier. Take the Big Bus tour bus to stop number 2/7.

Galata Tower

It is a historical and architectural landmark of Istanbul, an important symbol of the city, as well as a great entertainment if you are willing to pay a very high entrance fee. At the top there is an observation deck with excellent views of Istanbul from a height of 140 meters (this is about 50 floors), although the tower itself has a height of 61 meters, just located on a hill. It is best to visit it in the evening before sunset, then you can see the city both in daylight and at dusk. But it is better to come here in advance, as there are always a lot of people who want to go upstairs, especially in the evening, and you will have to stand in line for 30-60 minutes. Read more about the Galata Tower here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00 - 20:30 seven days a week, it is better to visit in the evening before sunset.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: climbing the tower costs 650 lire (14.16 USD), children under 6 years-free of charge. You can view the outside and take beautiful photos for free and at any time of the day.

🚶 How to get there: the tower is located in Beyoglu district in Karakoy quarter (tower on the map). It is easy to reach it on foot via Istiklal street; by Metro M2 to Šişhane station; by historic tram T2 to the final stop; by tram T1 to Karakoy stop and further on foot or by funicular F2; by ferry from the Asian part of the city to Karakoy pier and further on foot or by funicular F2.

Cistern Of Theodosius / Šerefiye Sarnıcı

The cistern of Theodosius is another ancient underground reservoir to provide the city with fresh water. It was built between 428 and 443 years, i.e. now the building is almost 1600 years old! It is not as popular and known as the Basilica Cistern, since it was opened to the public only in 2018, but it is a UNESCO site. Moreover, you can visit it completely free of charge. Sometimes there are exhibitions of contemporary artists, concerts. Read more about Theodosius cistern here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-18:00, Sunday 09:00-15:00, seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the tank is located in Sultanahmet district at Piyer Loti Caddesi STR., 23 (cistern on the map). The entrance to it is made in the form of a building made of glass in The Shape of a cube. You can take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet stop.

Ish Bank Museum (Turkey Iş Bank Museum)

This is a large free museum dedicated to one of the largest and the first Republican bank. It is now known as Türkiye Iş Bankası. It was founded in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk along with the founding of the Republic of Turkey, and is a kind of national pride.

We will not say that tourists should visit it in the first place, but it is definitely worth a visit, especially since it is free. Consisting of two floors and a basement, it tells about the history of the bank and the formation of banking in Turkey. The exposition includes photographs, old cash registers and counting machines, photographs, etc. The most interesting is in the basement, where there is a safe room and money storage. Learn more about ish Bank Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 10:00-18:00, Monday is closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the Eminönü area next to the marina of the same name (Museum on the map).

Museum of Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz (Adam Mickiewicz Museum)

This Memorial Museum will be interesting only to a very narrow circle of tourists familiar with the work of the Polish poet. But on the other hand, the famous Polish poet, who was one of the proteges of Polish literature, is our compatriot: he was born in the Russian Empire on the territory of present-day Belarus in the Grodno region in 1798. He moved to Istanbul to live in 1855, and in the same year he died of an illness. The museum presents a collection of his works, personal belongings, paintings of the poet. You can visit it if you pass by, since it is included in the visiting program on the museum map, but you should not get to it specifically.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-17:00, Monday is closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in Beyoglu district within walking distance from Istiklal Street and Taksim Square (Museum on the map).

Railway Museum (Istanbul Demiryolu Muzesi)

This small departmental museum is located at the Marmaray city train station, and tells about the history of Turkish Railways. It is quite small, consists of only one room, but the exhibits are interesting in their own way, besides some can even be touched. It is not worth a mandatory visit, but if you walk along the eminenyu embankment, it is worth a look here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-17:00, Sunday and Monday are closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in Eminenyu district (Museum on the map).

Princes 'island or Adalar (Princes' Island Adalar)

There are 9 islands in the group, four of them are resorts with hotels, restaurants, cafes, tourist entertainment. You can go to any of the islands as an excursion or on your own during the day, and if you want to stay there for recreation, including Beach. But I would like to note that you should not count on the islands as full-fledged beach resorts. This is rather an option for citizens to escape for the weekend on the beach, and to choose them as a place to spend the whole holiday in Turkey is not worth it.

There are no particularly interesting sights on the islands, only a few mosques, monasteries, ruins of a fortress, a museum. More interesting is the cruise to them, a cozy resort atmosphere, the opportunity to swim and sunbathe, or just walk around the island. Learn more about the Princes ' Islands and how to get there here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock, it is better to visit from May to October.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the islands are on average 20 kilometers from Istanbul (Buyukada Island on the map). You can visit independently or with excursions, in Russian You can order here. You can independently take ferries from different marinas, most often in the Marina Eminenyu / Eminonu, about every hour. Payment by card Istanbul Kart-5.2 lira, not by card from 7 lira. For more information, see the link to the full description.

🕒 19 April, 2026