There still might be room left in 2021 for Istanbul to be the year’s number 1 tourist destination! In recent weeks, Turkey has finally eased curfews and COVID restrictions. Despite any apprehensions we might’ve had, it seems like the general public couldn’t wait to be out again. Cafes and bars are filling up and there are lines in front of malls once again. With this in mind, I’d like to give you a recommendation of some of the free locations and attractions around this magic city.

But if you’re planning a vacation to Istanbul? What is the point of a list of free tourist destinations? Many of these places are in between other tourists locations that require entrance fees. So, in between the various museum or palace visits why not take a break at one of these free locations? They are great if you have a free afternoon, or even a whole day, for just downtime. Istanbul is one of those cities where you can sit and allow the energy of the city to wash over you. Nothing wrong with just taking in the sites and experiencing the atmosphere.

Istiklal Street

Experience one of the most iconic, historic, and crowded streets; definitely in Turkey, if not all of Europe. Since the 19th century, this place was a hub for Ottoman aristocrats as well as intellectuals from Europe. This massive street, which stretches from Taksim Square all the way to Galata, makes a perfect day’s walk.

Don’t be fooled, the street is lined with shops, restaurants, a tourist traps that can sink your budget. However, there is nothing that says you need to spend any money down this street. Along your walk, you will find stunning 19th-century architecture, museums and antique shops, which are more about the experience than actually buying anything. My favourite thing to do is go to the Denizler Kitabevi (bookhouse) and browse through their maps and vintage books from another place in time.

You will also pass by these places which are great for pictures and just exploring:

• Taksim Square, where you can find both the Taksim Camii and Republic Monument.
• The picturesque Çiçek Pasaj (Flower Passage), which bends just off Istiklal Street.
• The Church of St Anthony of Padua

Ayasofya

Another iconic site of Istanbul, I dare say your trip to Istanbul would be complete without visiting the Ayasofya. The building, which as of 2020, has been reverted back to a mosque reflects Istanbul’s ancient and mixed history. Originally commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was the largest church in the empire. After the conquest by Sultan Mehmed II, it was converted into a mosque, but many of the traditionally Christian frescoes were kept, creating a unique blend of cultures that can still be seen today. Actually, the lives of both men, who ruled over large empires at the time, are fascinating with some interesting parallels between them.

The Ayasofya, since becoming a mosque, is now free to enter. The surrounding area has many other interesting tourist locations, which could fill out an entire day trip’s worth of itinerary. Some nearby places are:

• The Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam
• Sultan Ahmet Türbesi (The tombs of various sultans and their families, including Sultan Ahmet)
• Topkapı Palace (not a free tourist attraction)
• Basilica Cistern (also ticketed)
• Sultan Ahmet Camii (The Blue Mosque)
• Honestly so much more, go check it out!

Balat

This is one of my favourite towns or districts in Istanbul. People often give me a bit of a weird look when I recommend it over other more touristic places. Hear me out though. It isn’t necessarily brimming with your traditional tourist attractions, however, it is the definition of how to have a great day out while spending next to nothing. Balat is an old town with beautifully painted houses and unique art and antique shops. The magic of this town comes from walking its streets, breathing in the air, and enjoying the aesthetics of the place.

If you’re interested in reading more about experiencing culture in a foreign city you will enjoy this article, with various tips and recommendations on how to plan your next overseas trip!

You can catch a tram here on the new T5 Tramway that starts in Eminönü. From there you are free to spend the day weaving in and out of artisan shops looking at antiques and sampling cakes and coffee. You will also find a traditional Turkish hamam or bathhouse tucked away in an area call Tahta Minare. Aside from the beautiful and unique houses, such as the Pembenin Evi, there are also many old religious buildings (both Christian and Muslim) to be seen here.

Explore the parks

There’s nothing better than a breath of fresh air to cut through this hectic city. They must’ve understood that, even back in Ottoman times, as there are many free, public parks here with a wealth of history. Whether you prefer walking through the trees, smelling the roses, or trailing through rows of tulips, there is a park for you. Most importantly, and pertinent to this list, is the fact that they are free to enter. Note that this may not include things like parking, toilet charges, restaurants and other associated charges.

For flowers, the summer is best time to visit. That’s when you will see the meticulously arranged colourful, floral arrangements. However, even outside of flower seasons these parks are still amazing. Gülhane Park is an automatic recommendation due to its proximity to Topkapi Palace, the Ayasofya, and Sultan Ahmet area. Why not finish your day enjoying the beauty of this park? Emirgan is another famous park that always brightens up peoples’ Instagram feeds around April. This one will take some planning to reach the Emirgan area; you will need to navigate Istanbul’s traffic, find a bus, or take a ferry along the Bosphorous. The sea towns along the way like Sarıyer and Bebek make great places to stop for a bite.

If flowers aren’t really your thing then you can travel a little bit out of town to the Ataturk Kent Ormanı in Hacıosman. If you’re like me and you’re into catching the local metro in a new city, I’d recommend going all the way to the end of the Hacıosman line. From there, it’s not a long walk to this mini forest. It is extremely popular with joggers and bike riders and will definitely take you away from the tourist throng.

Note, all of these parks are quite large. That’s a good thing, given how populated Istanbul is. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and don’t go immediately after a heavy Turkish meal!

Markets/Bazaars

If you’ve read about my experiences with bazaars and markets in Istanbul, you’ll know I generally don’t come out financially unscathed. However, a trip to one of Istanbul’s many traditional markets has the potential to be a great day out of sightseeing, walking, and exercising fiscal control.

Both the Grand Bazaar as well as the Spice Bazaar are highly recommended tourist spots that I’m sure you’re well acquainted with. Anything that looks traditionally ‘Turkish’ you will find at one of these 2 bazaars. You can stock up on your heart’s desires of tiled lamps, Turkish tea sets, hand-knitted rugs, cushions or jewellery.

A short walk away from either of those is the smaller, open-air Arasta Bazaar. Istanbul is also home to many local markets where you will find fresh produce, local gifts, and all kinds of knick-knacks. While you might need to take a taxi to get there, The Çarşamba Market in Fatih is something a little different. You will be able to explore the market alongside locals doing their necessary shopping.

So yes, while technically entry to these bazaars and local markets is free. I must admit that the chances of you spending your money once you actually walk in are almost high enough to not be on this list.

If you’re looking for some help for what Turkish gifts you should buy your family and where to find them, check out my article here!

Beyazit Meydanı

A little further down from Sultanahmet is the Tramway station of Beyazıt. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, and shops there. It feels a little like a small tourist hub away from the main tourist presence in places like Sultanahmet and Taksim. If exploring the back streets and alleys of an area is your thing, you’re sure to be rewarded if you find the Dedeoğlu Baklavaları Gedikpaşa which serves up some memorable baklava. Just behind this place, you will find the Beyazıt Meydanı or Beyazıt Square.

It is a public square that sits on the old site of the ancient Greek Forum of Theodosius. On one side you can see the massive gate which acts as the entrance to the University of Istanbul and to the other you can see the stunning Beyazit Cami. It is a wonderful place to sit, bring some food, and meet friends. Just behind the square, along the path leading to the University station, there are also some smaller markets and vendors as well.

Kamondo Stairs

The uniquely designed Kamondo stairs flow like a cement stream down from Kart Çimar Sokak and Bankalar Caddesi. They were built by the Kamondo (traditionally spelt Camondo) family, who were a family of Jewish bankers in the region. The family was extremely influential in Istanbul, as can be seen by the stairs which are still maintained by the municipality today. Even the street name is called ‘Bankalar’.

I was always a bit confused by where this place actually was, but it’s actually very central, just below the Galata Tower. If you are walking from Istiklal Street, you will be able to include a quick visit to these iconic stairs. The Kamondo Stairs are also just opposite a museum that was mentioned in another one of my lists here; SALT Galata. This is a free tourist spot, you can often find musicians busking here and many others filming and taking pictures.

The Obelisk of Theodosius

The Obelisk might be the most famous artefact situated in the ancient Hippodrome of Istanbul; now called the Sultanahmet Meydanı. The obelisk dates back to antiquity where it was situated in the Temple of Karnak, Egypt. It then switched hands from different rulers; moving from Ancient Egypt, up the Nile to Rome, then finally being moved to Istanbul during the era of the Byzantine Empire.

It’s honestly a little unbelievable to be standing in front of something so old and I’d recommend visiting the Sultanahmet Meydanı to anyone who loves ancient history. You can also find the Roman Walled Obelisk, as well as the remains of the Ancient Greek Serpent Column; all within walking distance! Further down in the same complex is the recent, by comparison, German Fountain which was transported to Istanbul in 1900. Sultanahmet Meydanı is honestly a history lover’s dream outdoor short walk!

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Istanbul is so huge and so diverse, that you might not possibly be able to visit all its tourist sites in one vacation. The whole experience might be a little overwhelming! Take one of the free recommendations on this list and just allow yourself the freedom to walk through this city. Soak up one shard of the rich collage of history and culture in this ancient city.