Due to the recent crash of the Turkish Lira, entry tickets to most, if not all attractions and museums in Istanbul have increased considerably, at times by 50%.
If you’re on a budget, you might be wondering what to do in Istanbul for free. Luckily, some of the main tourist attractions are totally free to visit. It’s also free to wander around the many local neighborhoods and markets.
So, if you don’t want to dig a hole into your pocket, this guide will show you a list of the best free things to do in Istanbul, from the most popular to underrated attractions.
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20 Free Things to do in Istanbul
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the best free things to do in Istanbul. It’s located right across Hagia Sophia, so you can visit both on the same day.
Recently renovated, you can now admire all the intricate designs inside the mosque and explore the courtyard as well.
You can also sit on the benches located in front of the mosque and take in its beautiful domes and minarets from the outside. While you’re there, don’t forget to make a quick stop at the tomb of Sultan Ahmed which is found beside the mosque.
Since this is still a functioning mosque, you can only visit outside of prayer times (check prayer times here). Again you should cover up before entering the mosque.
Related post: The best 4 day Istanbul itinerary
Sultanahmet Park
Located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Park is another free attraction in Istanbul. There’s also a fountain in the middle that lights up at night.
Sultanahmet Park is the perfect spot to sit down and relax while you take in the view of the two most important landmarks in the city.
There are several vendors here selling sweet corn, roasted chestnuts, and simit if you fancy a snack.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia (or Ayasofya in Turkish) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Initially constructed as a Christian cathedral, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in the 1400s. It eventually became a museum in 1935 before being converted back into a mosque in 2020.
Previously it was free to enter Hagia Sophia but as of January 2024, there is an entrance fee of 25 EUR while it’s free for children under 8 years old.
If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can still admire the mosque from the outside for free. The pink facade makes for a great photo backdrop by the way!
Note that you can only enter Hagia Sophia outside of prayer times (check prayer times here). Men should wear long pants while women need to cover their heads with a scarf.
Arasta Bazaar
If you’re already in the Sultanahmet area, you can also visit Arasta Bazaar. It’s a small lane flanked by shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and Turkish delights.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome of Constantinople) is another great place to visit in Istanbul for free. It features several monuments such as the German Fountain, Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk.
Grand Bazaar
Wondering what to do in Istanbul for free? Go window-shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar is so huge that it feels like a giant maze. Here, you’ll find endless rows of shops selling all types of goods from jewelry to ceramic plates, Turkish lamps, rugs, Turkish delights, and pretty much everything else.
It’s very touristy, thus very crowded but still a fun place to visit for a few hours. If you want to shop here, you’ll need to bargain with the vendors. Otherwise, you can buy souvenirs outside the bazaar as they are much cheaper there.
Related post: 27 Istanbul travel tips for first-time visitors
Suleymaniye Mosque
Situated on top of a hill, overlooking the Bosphorus is Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the best free things to see in Istanbul.
The inside is adorned with beautiful mosaics and huge chandeliers. The best part is that it attracts fewer tourists than the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
It’s definitely the best place to visit if you want to skip the crowds and at the same time enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Istanbul.
Within the mosque complex, you’ll also find the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Spice Bazaar
About a 10-minute walk from Suleymaniye Mosque is the Spice Bazaar, sometimes referred to as the Egyptian Bazaar. It’s a large covered market selling mainly tea and spices but you’ll also find souvenirs, clothes, and Turkish sweets.
Gulhane Park
Break away from the busy city life by taking a stroll at Gulhane Park. This free place in Istanbul is located beside Topkapi Palace and is the perfect spot to escape from the sun.
Galata Bridge
One of the top free things to do in Istanbul is to walk across the Galata Bridge. The bridge overlooks the Bosphorus and some of the most important landmarks like the Galata Tower and Suleymaniye Mosque.
On the upper level, you can watch the fishermen or admire the view of the boats cruising by.
On the lower level, you’ll find many seafood restaurants. I found them a bit expensive, so if you’re on a budget, I recommend eating at Karakoy Fish House instead.
Explore Balat and Fener
Balat and Fener might not be on the main tourist trail but they are worth a visit to see the colorful houses, snap a few photos with the street art, or pop into one of the many quirky shops and cafes.
Be warned though that you’ll be burning a few calories while wandering around this neighborhood as the streets are very steep but the views do make up for the effort.
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Take a picture of the Galata Tower
While you need to pay an entrance fee to go up Galata Tower, it’s completely free to walk around the tower and snap a picture or two. The best vantage point is from Buyuk Hendek Cd Street which is lined with many shops and restaurants.
Kamondo Stairs
Located only about 300 meters from Galata Tower are these interesting-looking stairs built in the 19th century. If you’re already in the area, it’s worth a quick stop for a photo.
Camlica Mosque
Located on the Asian side, Camlica Mosque is the largest mosque in Turkey, with a capacity of 63,000 worshippers.
It was recently opened in 2019 and boasts one of the most impressive architectural designs with panoramic views over Istanbul. As soon as you get there, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot on this list of the top free Istanbul attractions!
To get to Camlica Mosque, you need to take a ferry to either Kadikoy or Uskudar and then a bus. Make sure to ask the driver to drop you off at this bus station which is found directly across the mosque entrance.
Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue is one of the busiest streets in Istanbul with an estimate of 1 to 3 million visitors every single day!
The street is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, movie theaters, museums, historical buildings, and more.
A few places to see along Istiklal Avenue include the Church of Santa Maria Draperis, Sent Antuan Kilisesi Church, and Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church, all of which are free to visit.
It’s also a great spot for people watching or enjoying live music and shows from street artists.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square is a popular hangout spot for both locals and tourists. There are lots of benches to sit down but unfortunately not much shade. Despite that, it’s still a great place to visit in Istanbul for free. If you’re feeling hungry, head over to the kebab stalls near the roundabout.
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Taksim Mosque
Another mosque that you can visit for free in Istanbul is Taksim Mosque. This newly built mosque can hold up to 3,000 worshippers at a time.
Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is located slightly outside of the main tourist area, along the edge of the Bosphorus.
This small but beautiful mosque is absolutely worth the detour for a chance to see the impressive chandeliers and mosaics that adorn the inside.
Once you’re done visiting the mosque, take a stroll around Ortakoy Square, do some souvenir shopping, or have lunch with a view at one of the many restaurants located nearby.
Kadikoy
One of the coolest neighborhoods to visit on the Asian side is Kadikoy. Here, you’ll find more locals than tourists, so prices are on the cheaper side.
The busiest street in Kadikoy is Gen. Asim Gunduz Cd where you’ll find many clothing stores, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
A few places I recommend visiting are Kadikoy produce market, Moda Coastal Park (for beautiful sunset views), and Inciburnu Feneri lighthouse.
There’s also a small tram, similar to the one on Istiklal Avenue, that goes all around Kadikoy. So, if your legs are feeling tired, you can simply hop on the tram to explore the neighborhood.
Join a free walking tour
What better way to explore a new city than with the help of a local? Those on a budget will be pleased to know that there’s a huge number of free walking tours in Istanbul. You can check out this website to find some of the best.
You do need to book at least 2 or 3 days in advance to guarantee a spot. Some of these tours are available in English, Spanish, or German.
Note that despite these tours being advertised as free, it’s recommended to tip the guide if you enjoyed the tour.
As you can see there are so many free things to do in Istanbul. If you have any questions or have more free Istanbul attractions to recommend, please let me know in the comments below.
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2 comments
Thank you for this guide. This weekend will be my first visit to Istanbul and your advice will be very helpful for sure 😊
You’re welcome, Lucy :) Thank you for reading my blog and have an awesome trip to Istanbul!