Istanbul Travel Guide - Activities

Boat trip: with water on all sides, there are plenty of opportunities to get out there yourself. Options for boat trips include the standard crossing over the Bosphorus or a more lengthy trip down the river, or along either the Sea of Marmara or Black Sea coasts. A good place to find out about different ferry routes is at the Serkeci ferry terminal; or, ask about sightseeing trips at a local tour operator.

Dining out: when it comes to enjoying a meal in Istanbul, there are plenty of great options whether you want to try a traditional Turkish meal, international cuisine or the local seafood. Follow the waterfront south along the edge of the Bosphorus and then along the Sea of Marmara coast for a choice of hundreds of excellent seafood restaurants that often feature excellent views across the water to the Asian side.

Turkish bath: known as hamams in Turkey, traditional baths have long been an integral part of city life here since the days of the Ottoman Empire. Many of the baths here are therefore up to 500 years old, such as the only mixed baths where men and women can bathe in the same area, Suleymaniye Bath. Many of the hamams also feature saunas and massage at an extra cost on top of the standard entry fee.