Istanbul is a romantic city if you are in love. With deep history, amazing views, and great attractions Istanbul can be a perfect place for a honeymoon! If you are lucky enough to be in ınstanbul with your loved one, then here are the 10 most romantic things to do in Istanbul, and a bonus.
Before you dive into our great suggestions, check out the ultimate city pass we created with 25+ years of experience in tourism: the Istanbul Tourist Pass®. There are 100+ attractions including guided tours, museum entries, amazing cruises, and many more for a single price. Check our prices today and compare them; you’ll save time and money, and you’ll love it.
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Galata Tower
The famous Galata Tower presents you with a scene of the historical texture of an old city as well as the modern people looking for entertainment. When you reach the top of the Galata Tower in Istanbul, you will get a view that encompasses the whole city. It is one of the symbols of the city, and one of the things that makes it so amazing is that it is relatively accessible and close to the other attractions that you may want to visit.
Galata Tower is one of the icons of the city, and surely it is a romantic place for couples. You will feel a romantic vibe while looking at the amazing view of Istanbul. It is breathtaking. Take photos, kiss, and laugh. You are free to spend as much time as you like simply gazing at the breathtaking panorama of Istanbul or perusing the ancient relics that detail the history of Istanbul from its earliest days.
With Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you get a free ticket and no waiting queue advantages! In addition to the panoramic view you get once you are up there in the Galata Tower, you can also look down on the people of Beyoğlu, and get amazed by the vibrant life in Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
With over four thousand shops and its incredible history, the Grand Bazaar is a must-see place in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar, which was built by Sultan Mehmed between the years 1455 and 1560, is Istanbul’s oldest covered market and it has been fully operational ever since the great Sultan built it.
As a visitor to Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar should be your go-to address to buy authentic handmade accessories, handmade carpets, and organic Turkish spices. It is perfect for couples since there are incredible handmade jewelry shops. A white gold necklace with elegantly placed diamond… What a great gift for your loved one.
Istanbul Tourist Pass® offers you an audio guide to enrich your visit to the Grand Bazaar. Your audio guide will answer your all questions while walking around. It is a great experience so you and your loved one will not get lost in a massive bazaar with 4000+ shops!
Pierre Loti
Pierre Loti is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. Julien Viaud, a French writer, is honored with the hill's name. After moving to Istanbul, the author began writing his novels in a coffee shop. He later changed his name, and this hill carries his name.
With its charming and one-of-a-kind ambiance, this location will enchant you. Pierre Loti is a fascinating tourist attraction in Istanbul, especially for couples. It's also one of the greatest spots to go if you want to get a good view of the Golden Horn and historical buildings from a high vantage point above the city. Additionally, there are many restaurants and cafes that serve delicious dishes for you to enjoy. There are also places for smoking hookah while enjoying the amazing view.
There is a sky tram to go up to Pierre Loti Hill. With Istanbul Tourist Pass® get your specially curated Pierre Loti audio guide and go all the way up! What a lovely atmosphere to be with your loved one, don't miss it.
Princes' Islands Trip
Previously a hideaway for exiled princes and empresses, it is now a retreat for those who are sick of the hustle and bustle of the city! Royal families were exiled to the Princes' Islands during Byzantine times. This led to the creation of Princes' Island.
Prince's Island comprises four main islands Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada. All of them are amazing for visiting especially if you like to take long walks with your loved ones. You can discover islands on foot, smell the amazing flowers of the islands, have ice cream, and take great photos. There are also great fish and seafood restaurants also in all 4 islands.
Istanbul Tourist Pass® offers you a FREE Princes' Islands boat trip (round trip) from Balat. Don't miss this amazing trip, you’ll love it.
Photo Shoot in Ottoman Style
A Photo Shoot in Ottoman Style is the experience you seek as a couple! With a wide range of clothes and accessories, you may dress up like someone from the Ottoman era. Most likely, the nicest keepsakes from your vacation to Istanbul will be photos from this once-in-a-lifetime event. A seductive Harem “cariye” (odalisque), a tenacious janissary, or perhaps a Sultan!
You'll have a lovely recollection of your Istanbul trip to cherish thanks to your Ottoman-style images.
A Spa Day in a Turkish Bath
Hamam is a special ceremony that allows the body to rest with its unique ritual of Anatolian culture. The warmth in the hammam brings warmth to the skin and softness to the skin. With the help of professional therapists, all dead cells are removed from the body and the skin is comfortably breathed. With a foam massage, a full feeling of cleanliness and relaxation is experienced with the soap foam's aroma.
In Istanbul, there are special hammams allowing you to have a couples’ massage and take a bath as a couple. It is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have as a couple. You will love that amazing and authentic experience in only Istanbul you can have it. Your Pass offers you the best hammam experiences in the amazing Hurrem Sultan Hammam and the famous Cemberlitas Hammam.
Sapanca Lake Day Trip
Daily tours are perfect for getting away from Istanbul's bustling city life. Due to its natural and pristine beauty, Sapanca Lake is one of Turkey's most well-known lakes. The Maşukiye region is well recognized for its peaceful surroundings and nearby river.
To get away from the noise and bustle of Istanbul, take a day trip to Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye. Sapanca Lake is a local gem and one of Turkey's most well-known lakes. Daily tours of Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye are a great way to unwind. Breathing in the pure country air and seeing the gorgeous environment will entirely cleanse your soul. It is a magnificent trip to take as a couple.
The Istanbul Tourist Pass® allows you to take advantage of this amazing tour. Don’t miss it.
Romantic Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Cruising the Bosphorus at night is one of the most memorable experiences in Istanbul. Bosphorus, the pearl of Istanbul, will amaze you while you are enjoying the great sea ambiance! The city's bright lights, iconic Maiden's Tower, and of course the Bosphorus Bridge will create a magical experience for you! It is absolutely romantic.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise will be one of your favorite attractions during your Istanbul trip. You will enjoy an amazing dinner and after the dinner, you will taste the perfect Turkish coffee and enjoy traditional music right next to Bosphorus Bridge with the city lights!
Having a great dinner cruise is also FREE with Istanbul Tourist Pass® among 100+ other great attractions. Who wouldn't love to have a great dinner for free?
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the largest among the numerous underground cisterns in Istanbul. The Underground Palace, or the Yerebatan Saray as the Ottomans called it, is an amazing sight to behold. After a long period of restoration, in 2022 the Basilica Cistern reopened and now it is more magical than ever. It is a great place to be amazed together with your loved one.
While the Istanbul Tourist Pass®’s specially curated audio guide takes you through the cistern while explaining the history behind this architectural marvel, you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time. The Basilica Cistern includes very interesting architectural and historical features, such as Medusa head pillar bases. If you are the one to be intrigued by Eastern architecture, Istanbul Tourist Pass® is here to sate your intellectual needs.
Have a romantic dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurant
With the rising number of fine-dining restaurants in Istanbul, the world-famous Michelin Guide has decided to cover Istanbul in its 2023 edition for the first time. Recently over 50 restaurants are spotlighted in the yearly selection of the Michelin Guide Istanbul, and many of them were awarded Michelin stars!
Here is our article about the Michelin-star restaurants in Istanbul for you to check. Having dinner in an awarded restaurant with an amazing Bosphorus view can be the best romantic attraction for couples! Reserve your table early so you won’t miss out.
Bonus: Whirling Dervishes Show
The Whirling Dervish Show will make you feel like you are in another world! You will experience mystical feelings during the show. It is indeed one of Istanbul's must-see attractions. It is a magnificent religious ceremony that is thought to bring dervishes closer to God. This Mevlevi spiritual ritual will make you feel extremely peaceful and magical! As a couple sharing a mystical atmosphere together will be so romantic.
The ceremony is mostly accompanied by ney, a traditional Turkish instrument that makes the show memorable with its magical rhythm and voice. With Istanbul Tourist Pass®, it is so easy to experience this amazing night!
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