It is possible to visit and see many beauties of Istanbul without paying anything! From the historical places of Istanbul to its touristic places, from its wonderful view to museums, World Heritage Areas, best walking courses, free activities, exhibitions in numerous art galleries, and to free family-friendly activities, an unlimited amount of activities and events are waiting for you. Discover Istanbul!

Museums in Istanbul with Free Entry

1. You can discover around 300 objects displayed in Sirkeci Railway Station TSR (Turkish State Railways) Museum.
2. You can take another journey towards history of economics of Republic of Turkey at Isbank Museum.
3. You can get to know the Great Leader Ataturk once again in the Ataturk Museum.
4. You can witness various stories in Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum.
5. Do not forget to visit the Museum of Ottoman Bank.
6. Entrance to Pera Museum is free on Fridays. Don’t forget to participate in culture and arts programs and training events.
7. Sakip Sabanci Museum, which can be visited on Wednesdays free-of-charge, is an arts museum that holds a rich collection of calligraphy and paintings, and hosts the works of many known artists with the temporary exhibitions it organizes. You should definitely visit this museum.
8. Istanbul Modern Art Museum is free to visit on Thursdays. You can witness the elegance of modern and contemporary art pieces here.
9. You can embark on a colorful journey to the 18th century at Yildiz City Museum.
10. Do not forget to visit Asiyan Museum to discover the world of Tevfik Fikret, one of the well-known poets of Turkish literature.
11. You can also witness the chronological evolution of mail and telecommunication services in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey at PTT Istanbul Museum.
12. You should definitely see the objects related to Jewish religion and culture in The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews.
13. Press Museum is the first in Turkey and the fourth in the world in terms of its field. Do not forget to see it.
14. You should definitely visit Bakirkoy Psychiatric Museum.
15. It is a privilege to witness the adventure of Turkish education in the Republic Education Museum.
16. Do not forget to visit Orhan Kemal Museum and take a look on the memories of the famous Turkish author.

Historical Places of Istanbul

17. Enjoy the view of the Bosporus and the bridges after a short climb on the Yoros and Imros Castles.
18. Witness the unmatched view of Garipce Castle.
19. Don’t forget to visit Riva Castle.
20. Definitely visit Ocakli Ada Castle.
21. The Blue Mosque is one of the biggest works of art in Istanbul.
22. Hagia Sophia Mosque. It is one of the buildings that are used as a place of worship for the longest duration in the world (Since 15th century). You should definitely visit this mosque.
23. Suleymaniye Mosque. It is one of the quintessential examples of the classical Ottoman architecture.
24. Ortakoy Mosque. The mosque holds a Neo-Baroque style.
25. Fatih Mosque. It was built on one of the seven hills of the city.
26. Eyup Sultan Mosque. It is a place that is holy beyond being a mosque.
27. If you visit Mihrimah Sultan Mosque during April or May, and look from a high place in that area, you can watch the Sun rise between the two minarets of the Mosque in the morning, and the rise of the Moon at sunset.
28. Hirka-i Serif Mosque It was built in 1851. You should definitely visit this Mosque.
29. Sehzadebasi Mosque. It is the mosque built during the apprenticeship years of Mimar Sinan, between 1543-1548. Do not forget to visit it.
30. Nuruosmaniye Mosque. It is the first mosque in Istanbul built with a baroque style. It is a must to discover this mosque.
31. Kalenderhane Mosque. It is thought that it was built during the 10th century according to its plan and style. We recommend you to see this unique structure of history.
32. You can also visit the Greek Orthodox Church of The Holy Trinity.
33. Anthony of Padua Church was built in Italian Neo-Gothic style using reinforced concrete.
34. Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (Bulgarian Iron Church) is among the first churches of the world. You must visit this church.
35. George’s Church is located in the Fener region of Istanbul.
36. You can walk to the Church of St. George in Buyukada, or you can climb there by bike. Do not forget to make a wish while you are there.

Free Touristic Places in Istanbul

37. Blend in the crowd of The Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest market.
38. In the Spice Bazaar, active since 1660, take a walk among the unique fragrances of spices and coffee.
39. Do not leave without visiting the Cemberlitas Column (Column of Constantine) erected in the honor of Emperor Constantine I around 330’s on the hill located in the district that is known as Cemberlitas.
40. The Obelisk of Theodosius in Sultanahmet, an obelisk from the Ancient Egyptian period, will amaze you when you see it.
41. Get lost at Mercan hill and the historic Ottoman inns found in Tahtakale.
42. Take a walk from Karakoy to Eminonu.
43. Discover the place where three religions meet, Kuzguncuk.
44. Join the performances of street artists while walking in Istiklal Avenue, one of the oldest and most beautiful avenues of Istanbul.
45. Have a picnic at Caddebostan Seaside.
46. Lose yourself between the old Istanbul houses found in the back streets of Suleymaniye.
47. Visit the Sahaflar Old Book Market, and dive into the amazing world of books.
48. Arrive at Bebek Park by walking past the historical mansions situated side by side in Arnavutkoy, and feel the unique feeling of moving toward Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress) after Bebek Park.
49. See the bronze Ancient Greek Serpent Column from the old hippodrome located in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, depicting three entangled serpents.

Unusual Locations

50. Take pictures on the colorful stairs of Cihangir.
51. Move across continents with the bridges of the Bosporus.
52. Watch the Judas trees and tulips in Fenerbahce Park.
53. Tour around the Asiklar Park in Prince Islands.
54. Go fishing at Galata Bridge.
55. Visit the caves at the Incegiz village of Catalca.
56. Follow your shadow among the huge trees from Besiktas to Kabatas.
57. Start the day by watching the dawn at Moda.
58. Track the traces of the world oldest university founded in 856 at Sultanahmet.
59. Discover the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, where horse races were held during the Byzantine Era.
60. View the historic Bozdogan Aqueduct in Fatih.
61. Watch the sunset over the Bosporus in Ortakoy.
62. Take a tour of the old Istanbul among the colorful houses of Balat.
63. Spend a day by being one with the nature in Polonezkoy.
64. See Taksim Victory Memorial, the work of Italian sculptor Pietro Cananico at Taksim Square.
65. Witness the history by taking a walk at the walls of Istanbul.
66. Go to the seven dominating hills inside the walls, which could be seen clearly in the old Istanbul.

Natural Life

67. Rest while taking a walk in Gulhane Park.
68. Don’t forget to exercise and have a picnic amidst the fresh air with the Bosporus view in Emirgan Grove.
69. Lose yourself in the amazing nature of Fethi Pasha Grove.
70. Do not forget to have a pleasant break in Yildiz Park.
71. Mihrabat Grove will welcome you with the vivid fragrance of pine trees.  Stay alone with the endless and wonderful view of Ortakoy seaside, Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress), and Istinye Cove.
72. Do not forget to visit the bird houses in Beykoz Grove.
73. Cubuklu Khedive Ismail Pasha Grove is the favorite of many people with its view of Bosporus.
74. Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden was designed to reflect all structural and botanical beauties of 18th century Istanbul mansions.
75. Bakirkoy Botanical Park’s management has allocated golf carts for the elderly and the disabled. One of these carts can be taken for free to tour around the park.
76. Maglova Aqueduct is a monumental structure bearing the signature of Mimar Sinan. It should definitely be seen.

The Wonderful View of Istanbul

77. Enjoy the wonderful view of Istanbul at the highest hill of the city, Camlica Hill.
78. Enjoy the unique landscape of the Prince Islands at Dragos Hill.
79. You have to go to Gozdagi Grove to view the Anatolian Side of Istanbul from the widest perspective.
80. The amazing Bosporus view awaits you at Ortakoy Seaside, located at the European foot of the Bosporus Bridge.
81. The only surviving artifact of the Roman Empire in Istanbul, the Maiden’s Tower built over the small island blinds the eyes of everyone around Salacak with its magnificence.
82. You can watch the wonderful view of Istanbul from the courtyard of Suleymaniye Mosque.
83. You can get away from the crowd for a little bit, and take a trip in Aydos Forests for an amazing landscape.
84. Watch the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill, named after the famous French author.

Best Walking Courses in Istanbul

85. Take a walk at Feneryolu Suadiye Seaside, one of the most populated seaside roads of Istanbul with a total length of 6.5 km.
86. You can do your morning exercise at Neset Suyu Park in the home of countless plant species, Belgrad Forest.
87. You can run along the coastal road of Balat – Fener, where there are mild winds for the majority of the year.
88. Go to Macka Park if you would like to see various shades of green and exercise.
89. You can take a walk along the waves at Uskudar Seaside surrounded by historical buildings.
90. Get inside the crowd at Moda Seaside, a popular place for the youth.
91. Exercise while watching the magnificent view at Caddebostan Seaside, where there are special courses for walking, running, and regular pedestrians.
92. You can also take a walk along the seaside starting from Sirkeci to Bakirkoy and decorated with flowers in Kennedy Avenue.

Art Galleries in Istanbul with Free Entry

93. Definitely visit Salt Beyoglu and Salt Galata.
94. You can take a pause from the noise of the city at Yapi Kredi Culture and Art.
95. Create a personal bond with art at Arter Contemporary Art Center.
96. Do not forget to meet with the rarest works of art in Taksim Republic Art Gallery.

Free Activities in Istanbul

97. You can join hundreds of activities and events held at the cultural centers of IMM for free.
98. Attend the jazz festival held annually in Istanbul and enjoy the music.
99. You can also join the International Water Sports Festival.
100. Join the Istanbul Marathon, the only marathon in the world that spans two continents.