Istanbul, with its rich history and cultural heritage, offers numerous city tours and museums for visitors to explore. Here are some popular options:

City Tours:

1. Bosphorus Cruise: A Bosphorus cruise is a must-do activity in Istanbul, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, historic landmarks, and the strait that separates Europe and Asia.
2. Historical Peninsula Tour: Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula, home to iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and architecture of these landmarks.
3. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: Hop-on hop-off bus tours are a convenient way to explore Istanbul’s major attractions at your own pace. These tours typically cover popular landmarks and neighborhoods, allowing you to get on and off the bus at designated stops.
4. Food Tours: Istanbul is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Food tours offer the opportunity to sample traditional Turkish dishes, street food, and desserts while exploring different neighborhoods and markets.
5. Walking Tours: Walking tours are a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul’s streets, neighborhoods, and historical sites. Guided walking tours are available for various themes, such as architecture, culture, and food.

Museums and Historical Sites:

1. Hagia Sophia: A former Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman mosque, Hagia Sophia is now a museum (or mosque depending on recent status changes) showcasing its rich history, architecture, and religious significance.
2. Topkapi Palace: Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is now a museum housing a vast collection of artifacts, including imperial treasures, weapons, textiles, and religious relics.
3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, the Blue Mosque is an architectural masterpiece and an active place of worship. Visitors can explore its interior adorned with intricate decorations.
4. Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar offers a labyrinth of shops selling a wide range of goods, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.
5. Chora Church (Kariye Museum): The Chora Church, also known as Kariye Museum, is renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
6. Istanbul Archaeology Museums: Comprising three museums (Archaeology Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient, and Museum of Islamic Art), the Istanbul Archaeology Museums house an extensive collection of artifacts from various civilizations, including ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

These are just a few examples of the many city tours and museums available in Istanbul. Depending on your interests and preferences, you can choose from a wide range of options to explore the city’s history, culture, and culinary delights. It’s advisable to check the latest information regarding opening hours, ticket prices, and any COVID-19-related guidelines before planning your visit.