Istanbul Free Attractions
Grand Bazaar - Kapali Carsi
Prepare your wallet and your nerves for Istanbul's chaotic and colourful Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. ...more »
- Location: Grand Bazaar
- Type: Old Bazaars
Blue Mosque - Sultanahmet Cami
If the wail of the minarets doesn't awaken your senses, then one of Istanbul's most visited mosque- the Sultanahmet/ Blue Mosque- certainly will. ...more »
- Location: Sultanahmet
- Type: Mosques
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Neve Shalom, meaning ‘Oasis of Peace’, is the largest working Sephardic synagogue in Istanbul. It was designed by Turkish-Jewish architects Elyo Ventura and Bernar Motola and opened in 1951. ...more »
- Location: Karakoy
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is Istanbul’s largest mosque. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also chose to be buried here. ...more »
- Location: Suleymaniye
- Type: Architect Sinans Works
Sehzade Mosque
One of the first masterpieces of Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan during his time as an apprentice, the Sehzade Mosque was completed in 1548 in memory of the son of Suleyman I who died unexpectedly. ...more »
- Location: Sehzadebasi
- Type: Architect Sinans Works
Fatih Mosque
Fatih Mosque was first constructed in 1470 by Sultan Mehmet II The Conqueror on the site of the ruined Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles. ...more »
- Location: Fatih
- Type: Mosques
Haydarpasa Railway Station
Prettily perched on the edge of the Marmara Sea in all its fairy-tale splendour, Haydarpasa Railway Station must surely be one of the more scenic transport hubs in the world. ...more »
- Location: Kadikoy - Asian side
- Type: Historical Buildings
Armenian Church of the Three Altars
Situated just off Istiklal Street near Balik Pasaj (Fish Market), the Armenian Church of the Three Altars dates back over 200 years and is still in use today. ...more »
- Location: Istiklal Street
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Ahrida Synagogue
Ahrida Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul. Situated along the Golden Horn in Balat, this synagogue was built by Jews from present-day Macedonia in the 15th century. ...more »
- Location: Balat
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
St Anthony of Padua Catholic Cathedral
St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, also known in Italian as Sant'Antonio di Padova Cathedral, St. Antoine, or Sent Antuan in Turkey, dates to 1912. It is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the city. ...more »
- Location: Istiklal Street
- Type: Synagogues and Churches
Our Local Experts say:
Istanbul's colossal size and superb position lends itself to a host of free attractions to suit any age or desire. From natural attractions to historical sites to contemporary inspirations, there are many things to do in Istanbul for free.
Some of Istanbul's more obvious free attractions include its many lush parks, forests and beaches, which provide the perfect place to relax. Added to these are the city's historical mosques, churches and synagogues, ruins and ancient and modern bazaars. Some museums, such as the Elgiz and Dogancay art museums, can also be enjoyed at no cost.
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"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page" - Saint Augustine
