Things to do
Things to do in Istanbul
There is always something on in Istanbul. This is our live guide to the best things to do in Istanbul: today's events, what is on this weekend, and the markets, live music, exhibitions, food and family days out worth your time. Every listing is checked against its source and refreshed through the day, so you are seeing what is actually on rather than a stale calendar.
Below you will find upcoming events grouped by category, plus quick links to this weekend's plans, the best of Istanbul, and our in-depth local guides from The Daily Istanbul.
Event
More to explore
Things to do in Istanbul: your questions
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
- Start with Istanbul's signature places, then work through what is on right now. The guide below groups every upcoming event by category, so you can jump straight to live music, arts and exhibitions, food and markets, or family and community days out. For curated picks, see our best of Istanbul lists and local guides.
What is on in Istanbul this weekend?
- Our This Weekend guide pulls together the events running Friday to Sunday in Istanbul, from gigs and markets to exhibitions and family activities. It updates daily as new events are confirmed, so check back through the week as the weekend fills out.
What are some free things to do in Istanbul?
- Plenty of what is on in Istanbul costs nothing to attend. Look for events tagged free in the listings below, and remember that many of the city's parks, markets, galleries and public spaces are free to enjoy any day of the week.
What can you do in Istanbul when it is raining?
- Rainy days are made for the indoors. Galleries, museums, indoor markets, cinemas and long lunches all work when the weather turns. Browse the arts and food sections in the guide below to find something on under cover.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul with kids?
- Look to the family and community categories below for kid-friendly events, along with markets, school-holiday programs and outdoor spaces. Most are low cost or free, and we flag booking details where a ticket is needed.
How often is this Istanbul events guide updated?
- Every day. New events are ingested and verified against their source continuously, and past events drop off automatically, so the guide always reflects what is genuinely coming up in Istanbul.