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Must be Seen

Topkapi Palace - This was the seat of the Ottoman Empire in between the 15 th and 19 th centuries. Literally meaning the "Cannongate Palace", it was built by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who conquered the city in 1453.
Dolmabahçe Palace - Its centerpiece is the Crystal Staircase, which is shaped like a horseshoe and is built of Baccarat crystal, brass, and mahogany.
Hagia Sophia - The "Church of Holy Wisdom" was built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It carried the distinction of being the largest covered space in the world for thousands of years and is considered one of the world's most important architectural monuments. > Kapalicarsi - Aptly named the Grand Bazaar, this is the biggest covered market in the world.

Activities

Hamams - A visit to a hamam (Turkish bath) is an essential part of any trip to Istanbul
Walking tours
Golf
Relaxation
Ski (Uludag Ski Center – Bursa; Palandoken Ski Center – Erzurum)
Yachting

When to go

The best time of year to visit Istanbul is from April to June and September to October.

Events

The Ataturk Cultural Center is the most common venue for musical shows and theater performances, while the other palaces, parks, and museums also serve as sites for Istanbul's colorful events scene
International Istanbul Music Festival - this is an extravaganza of opera, ballet, classical, and traditional music. Held yearly in June or July, this event attracts various personalities from around the world to converge in various locations in Istanbul
International Istanbul Film Festival - held in April
International Istanbul Theater Festival - held in June
Classic Music Festival - held in June
Ramadan - observed in November as the holy period of worship for Islam followers.

Dining Out

Daruzziyafe, Tike Restaurant, Ulus 29, Venge, Borsa Restaurant (Turkish Cuisine & Kebaps)
Sardunya Findikli, Korfez Restaurant, Seaport Restaurant, Kiyi Restaurant (Seafood)
Maiden's Tower, Leb-i Derya, Park Samdan (International Cuisine)
Papermoon (Around the World)
Spazio - is a classical, fine dining Italian restaurant of Hyatt Regency Istanbul located on the mezzanine floor. It has been open since 1993 and won various awards since then. its chef is selected as the “2nd Best Italian Chef in the World”. Spazio restaurant has the best and widest range of wines from all around the world. It is also famous for its show kitchen with a wood oven for breads and pizzas. The menu offers a wide range of delicacies from home made pasta, pizzas, risottos to seafood dishes and special Italian desserts. In addition to its 110 seating capacity, Spazio has also a private dining room with 16 people capacity
Tura Restaurant - (at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul): The Pearl of the classical Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine. The award-winning Tu?ra Restaurant, famous for its refined classical Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine is back after a complete renovation with the design of Ms. Hande Ak?n Tözün. Tu?ra Restaurant welcomes its guests with its new decoration with Ottoman motifs of clove and tulip in beige, blue and brown.
Gazebo Lounge & Restaurant (Open 24 hours), also at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul. The Gazebo Lounge & Restaurant, with its stunning view of the majestic Bosphorus, also serving in the terrace, is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner
The Library Bar - This exclusive cigar and jazz bar of Hyatt Regency Istanbul, The Library Bar, has a relaxing atmosphere reflecting the style of English Gentlemen’s Club. Chic in style and cozy in decoration, The Library is a perfect venue to have some fine cognacs before or after dinner. Offering not only fine cognac and cigars, but also a warm atmosphere, The Library, creates lasting memories.

Shopping

Grand Bazaar - Istanbul's grand old bazaar with approximately 4400 shops lined along covered walkways. It is said to be the world's oldest shopping mall, covers several blocks and features a labyrinth of side streets to keep you lost for almost all day
Turkish Delight or Lokum (as the locals call it) offers variety of flavors rather than the stereotypical ones
Turkish Tea (çay, CHAI) is the national drink, brewed from leaves grown on the steep, verdant mountain slopes of Turkey's eastern Black Sea coast.
Rugs & Kilims – (Mevlana Rug Store, Torun sok. 1, Sultanahmet) This store is the only store which is recommended by The New York Times.
Mehmet Cetinkaya Gallery, magnificent museum-quality textiles.

Nightlife

Istanbul's once-festering hang-outs have spawned an entirely new generation of funky bars and clubs. Nightlife centers on Beyo?lu - take a stroll down ?stiklal Caddesi on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night to check it out. Ortaköy also gets really throbbing until early morning.