12 BEST Things to do in Istanbul in 2025

Istanbul Best Things to Do | Real Places, Food, and Local Tips This video covers 12 of the best things to do in Istanbul, based on real-life experiences and local knowledge. It’s not a list of the most obvious tourist spots—instead, you’ll see a mix of neighborhoods, food, views, and cultural moments that show what makes the city special. You’ll start with Turkish coffee made in hot sand and a walk through the colorful streets of Balat. Then head to Galata Tower to learn its history before exploring the Karaköy area, known for its fish wraps and some of the best baklava in the city. Later, you’ll experience rooftop dining at sunset, visit the Ortaköy neighborhood, and try kumpir, a popular stuffed baked potato. The journey continues with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus, offering views of both the European and Asian sides. Along the way, there’s also a quick look at why Turkey has become a destination for dental tourism. The video ends in Üsküdar, with stops at scenic parks and coastlines to watch the sunset over the city. Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on how to explore Istanbul beyond the basics. #Istanbul #TurkeyTravel #ThingsToDoInIstanbul #IstanbulFood #ExploreIstanbul Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:18 - Turkish Coffee in Balat 00:43 - Walking Tour in Balat 01:11 - Galata Tower & it’s History 01:41 - Walking to Karaköy 02:01 - Tasting Fish Wrap in Karaköy 02:14 - Turkish Baklava at Güllüoğlu 03:04 - Rooftop Dining with Sunset & Rakı 03:41 - Visiting Ortaköy & Yeni Valide Mosque 04:15 - Eating Kumpir in Ortaköy 05:06 - Ferry Ride Across the Bosphorus 05:24 - Dental Tourism in Turkey 06:07 - Arriving in Üsküdar (Asian Side) 06:37 - Fethi Paşa Grove Viewpoint 06:54 - Sunset at Salacak 07:09 - Closing Remarks & More Tips Looking for help with booking a tour, planning a trip, or coming to Turkey for medical tourism? Get more info and a free quote here: https://form.typeform.com/to/qQMTxCXH Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turkey.travel.planner/ Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TurkeyTravelPlannerGroup https://linktr.ee/turkeytravelplanner Save time and money in Istanbul with the Istanbul MegaPass, giving you fast access to the top attractions: https://megapass.com/turkey/istanbul/pass?discountCode=ttp Get the best e-sim in Turkey with Air Alo: 15% discount for new customers https://airalo.pxf.io/c/6195224/2071037/15608 10% discount for existing customers: https://airalo.pxf.io/c/6195224/2071038/15608 Discover the perfect soundtrack for your content with Epidemic Sound: https://share.epidemicsound.com/wscz94 # US #Turkey #TravelGuide #Americans