17 The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Top Photo Spots

Are you looking for the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul? Here you can find our pick of the most Instagrammable and photogenic spots in the city to snap your perfect Istanbul photos and share on Instagram during your Istanbul visit. Istanbul is without a doubt one of the most photogenic cities in the world. You’ll definitely find lots of picturesque places in Istanbul that you can share and boast on your social media.

Quick Overview + Map

Heads Up: We have created a Google Map of these photo spots in Istanbul to make help you decide where to start faster. You can download it to your mobile phone and use offline while you’re in Istanbul!

The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul

1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular tourist places in the city, as well as one of the top instagrammable places in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is a former church and museum and declared as one of the world’s greatest architectural works and accepted as the 8th wonder of the world.

You can snap variety of great Instagram photos from both at the exterior and interior. It will be like stepping into the holy world of Christianity and Islam, merged on the shell-like apse and under an impressive dome, in a mysterious and mystical ambiance, and a wide range of architectural and art works coming from thousands of years.

Wanna learn more about Hagia Sophia?

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

2. Topkapi Palace

Being one of world’s richest museums, the Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans as well as the administrative and educational center of the Empire.

Covering an area of about 700,000 m2, the palace is surrounded by the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. And on the land, it is surrounded by a 1,400-meters city walls known as the “Royal Walls” and with the Byzantine walls on the side facing the sea.

You’ll find many photogenic spots at the palace including the beautiful gardens, pavilions, famous Harem, Hagia Irene Museum, etc.

Wanna learn more about Topkapi Palace?

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

3. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of the most beautiful mosques and landmarks in the city.

With its impressive Iznik tiles, 6 minarets, and the huge complex, you’ll definitely snap wonderful photos.

Wanna learn more about Blue Mosque?

4. Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern is one of the most impressive and mystical buildings in the city. It is an underground water reservoir that was built for the Byzantium Emperor Justinianus I in the the 6th century (532).

The cistern is accessed by 52-step staircase and shelters 336 columns, each of which is 9 meters high and within a 4,8 meters distance from each other.

The two Medusa Heads, which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern, take the most interest and attracts the visitors for taking great Instagram photos.

Wanna learn more about Basilica Cistern?

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

5. Fener & Balat

The former Greek neighborhood Fener and nearby the old Jewish quarter Balat, situated on the southern shore of Golden Horn, have very rich historical heritage and very popular tourist zone of Istanbul.

The region is very famous with both locals and tourists, also one of the top instagrammable places in Istanbul. The main squares are quite colorful with touristy cafes and restaurants. At the same time, the region is crowded with antique shops.

You can have a range of options to snap colorful and impressive Instagram photos here.

Wanna learn more about Fener & Balat?

6. Galata Bridge

The Galata bridge is situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn and connects Karakoy and Eminonu neighborhoods. Walking through the bridge, snap loads of photos with the great views of the city is a great attraction.

You can have majority of the city’s popular landmarks, historical sites, and Bosphorus at the backdrop.

Wanna learn more about Galata Bridge?

7. Galata Tower

One of the most popular places in Istanbul with all travelers’ Instagram accounts. The tower itself, its rooftop and the narrow pretty street around is 100% Instagram worthy.

Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a luxurious restaurant at the top.

On top, you’ll enjoy the panoramic views of city from one of the best point of views. You’ll also enjoy a short walking tour with a guide along the touristic Galata neighborhood, that has the living memories of different cultures, nationalities, religions.

Wanna learn more about Galata Tower?

8. Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a 19 miles long strait separating the two continents, Asia and Europe, as well as Marmara and Black Sea. The strait is one of the world’s most beautiful and charming natural formations and it will sure cheer up your hearts.

You can explore the Bosphorus and take Instagram impressive photos by cruising along and visiting the shores of both continents lined up with summer palaces, mansions, fortresses, groves, parks and gardens, by motorboats, yachts and public ferries.

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Cruise?

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table (the best dinner cruise, over 12.000 reviews, check them and enjoy)
2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 1 (the best sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
3. Bosphorus on Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side (great with stopover at Kanlica, we highly recommend)
4. Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks (superb yacht cruise)
5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 2 (another great sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
6. Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show (superb dinner cruise on a catamaran, don't miss!)
7. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table (great dinner cruise, check it out)
8. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 3 (superb sunset, on yacht, don't miss)

9. Dolmabahce Palace

One of the most glorious palaces situated on the banks of Bosphorus in Besiktas. A great photo spot for architecture and palace fans. The whole palace building is breath taking. The palace houses more than 50,000 objects along its hundreds of rooms.

The interior of the palace reflects the grandeur of the epoch, and designed like the luxurious European palaces.

Wanna learn more about Dolmabahce Palace Museum?

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Skip-the-line Tickets

1. Dolmabahce Palace Tickets with Fast Track Entry & Audio Guide
2. Dolmabahce Palace Fast-Track Entry w/ Audio Guide
3. Dolmabahce Palace Entry Tickets
4. Dolmabahce Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Entry

Guided tours with Fast Track Tickets

1. Dolmabahçe Palace Entry Ticket with Guided Tour
2. Dolmabahce Palace Entry with Guided Tour Skip The Ticket Line

Combo Tours & Tickets

1. Dolmabahce Palace Skip the Ticket Line & Bosphorus Cruise
2. Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tickets
3. Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahce Palace Combo Tour

10. Ortakoy Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city with an elegant architecture. It has an impression of standing on the water.

It is also one of the most important symbols and top instagrammable places in Istanbul.

The mosque is situated by the Bosphorus shore along Ortakoy square and has many instagrammable spots around such as Bosphorus bridge at the background.

Wanna learn more about Ortakoy Square?

11. Istiklal Street Nostalgic Tram

Istiklal Street is a 1,5 km. long colorful pedestrian street and grand boulevard cutting through Beyoglu and full of all kind of shops, restaurants, cafes, street shows. The nostalgic tram runs through the length of the avenue.

Instagram photos with the tram inside is one of the most popular and attractive ones.

Wanna learn more about Istiklal Street?

12. Flower Passage

Dating back to 1870, and once the White Russian refugees from the Bolshevik Revolution used to sell flowers here, the historical Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji) is a popular arcade along the Istiklal Street where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere in its lively restaurants famous for the dinners of mezes, raki and gypsy musicians.

13. French Street

Located at the backstreets around Galatasaray Square, in the middle of Istiklal Street, the French Street is a lovely street made in French style. P

reviously known as Algeria Street, visitors may enjoy the taste of France and French influence at the lovely narrow alleys, pavements, beautifully restored terraced buildings, boutiques and galleries, patisseries, wine houses, cafes and restaurants specializing in French cuisine and wines.

14. St. Antony of Padua Church

The St. Antony of Padua Church is an Italian neo-Gothic style church that was built between 1906 and 1911, by the Italian architect Giulio Mongeri.

It is one of the biggest churches in the city and has a lovely promenade along the Istiklal Street. You can snap great Instagram photos here.

15. Sapphire Shopping Mall

Located in Kagithane neighborhood, Sapphire is a great shopping mall where you can both enjoy the shopping and dining with the 360 degree panoramic views of Istanbul. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the city from the observation terrace from a height of 236 meters. Very Instagrammable!

16. Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower is a fantastic tower on the sea at the entrance of the Bosphorus, along Uskudar coasts. It is the one of the most popular landmarks and monuments of the city. You can enjoy the Kuledebar Cafe of the tower.

It is at the top of the tower with a balcony to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the city.

You can take the best Instagram photos from the Salacak shore, where the tower is about 150-200 meters at entrance of the Bosphorus.

Wanna learn more about Maiden’s Tower?

17. Camlica Hill

Camlica Hill is a great leisure and tourist area located in the Asian side of Istanbul. The hill offers great panoramic views of the city. The hill is the highest one to find the best views of Istanbul from 265 meters above the sea level.

There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your views and Instagram snaps.

Explore Istanbul with Discount Cards

Visiting Istanbul can be more affordable and convenient with various discount cards that offer entry to top attractions and access to transportation. The three most popular options are the Istanbul MegaPass, Istanbul Tourist Pass, and Istanbul E-Pass. These passes help you save time and money while exploring the city’s must-see landmarks.

Istanbul MegaPass

The Istanbul MegaPass provides access to a curated selection of top attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and a Bosphorus cruise. It offers three different packages: Classic, Premium, and Deluxe. The Deluxe option covers all major attractions and includes public transport benefits.

Buy Your Istanbul MegaPass

Istanbul Tourist Pass

The Istanbul Tourist Pass grants entry to over 85 attractions, including guided tours of top sites like Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, and a Whirling Dervish show. It also includes Bosphorus cruises, airport transfers, and unlimited WiFi via a portable hotspot. The pass comes in 2, 3, 5, and 7-day options, making it perfect for visitors with varying trip lengths.

Buy Your Istanbul Tourist Pass

Istanbul E-Pass

The Istanbul E-Pass offers digital entry to over 55 attractions without the need for physical tickets. It includes access to key sites like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, and provides skip-the-line privileges at select locations. You can choose from 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7-day passes, allowing for flexibility based on your itinerary.

Buy Your Istanbul E-Pass

Insider Tips on Using Istanbul Public Transport Efficiently

Navigating Istanbul can be overwhelming due to its size, but the city’s public transport system—including the metro, ferry, and tram—makes it much easier. Here are some tips to maximize efficiency:

• Get an IstanbulKart: This is a rechargeable card used for all public transport (metro, ferry, buses, trams). It’s the easiest way to pay and offers discounted fares for multiple rides.
• Metro: The metro is the fastest option for moving across the city. Use Line M2 for Taksim and Line M11 for connections from Istanbul Airport.
• Ferry: For crossing between Europe and Asia, take the ferry from Eminönü or Kabataş to Kadikoy or Uskudar. It’s scenic and much quicker than road transport.
• Tram: The T1 Tram Line is ideal for sightseeing, connecting key sites like the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and Sultanahmet.

These transport options are not only economical but allow you to avoid the city’s notorious traffic jams.