Istanbul Packing List and Outfit Ideas: What to Wear for Mosques, Bazaars, and More

I’ll be honest, visiting Turkey was never on my bucket list. But after my 14-day Mediterranean adventure, the country is very high on my list of destinations to revisit. Dazzling architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food make Turkey a unique experience all its own. But this stunning city spanning two continents requires some thoughtful planning around what to pack and wear around the city due to the mix of traditions, weather, and activities you’ll encounter.

That’s why I put together this Istanbul packing list and outfit guide—so you’ll know exactly what to wear in Istanbul, whether you’re touring the Blue Mosque, shopping the Grand Bazaar, cruising the Bosphorus, or dressing up for a rooftop dinner. From modest dresses and scarves to comfortable shoes and practical accessories, this guide will help you pack smart while still feeling stylish on your trip.

Discover the ultimate Istanbul packing list with outfit ideas and tips on what to wear in Istanbul for mosques, bazaars, cruises, and more.

Istanbul Packing List & Outfit Guide: Style Inspiration for Every Activity

#1 What to Wear While Visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace

Seeing the Blue Mosque is a “must-do” for anyone visiting Istanbul, but don’t sleep on a visit to the nearby Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. All three sights feature stunning architecture, historically rich artifacts, and jaw-dropping art. It’s important to dress respectfully of the culture, which means wearing clothing that covers shoulders and knees, as well as wearing a hijab and taking off shoes inside the mosques. I suggest a maxi dress with sleeves for breathability, a simple hijab, and low-key accessories for a hint of style and some added sun protection. 

Dress: Lace-Trim V-Neck Crepe Maxi Dress from Gap ($118) | Hijab: Scarf from H&M ($15) | Bracelet: Ondine Pearl Cuff Bracelet from BaubleBar ($48) | Shoes: Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneaker from DSW ($75) | Bag: Round Mini Shoulder Bag from Uniqlo ($20) | Earrings: Mini U Hoops from Quince ($30)

#2 Outfits for Cruising Down the Bosphorus Straight

I arrived in Istanbul via cruise ship, but if you’re visiting the city from land, don’t overlook the rich history viewed from the water. A cruise down the Bosphorus calls for some subtle nods to sea life in your accessories, plus plenty of nautical colors and prints. Finish the outfit off with a breathable layer to keep you warm on the breezy waterways.

Shirt: EMBROIDERED STRIPED PETER PAN COLLAR SHIRT from Zara ($50) | Cardigan: LuxeLoft Rounded Sleeve Cardigan from Abercrombie & Fitch ($80) | Pants: Stratus pant in linen fro J. Crew ($110) | Necklace: Breezy Charm Necklace from Revolve ($40) | Shoes: Midge Boat Shoes with Memory Foam Insole - Universal Thread™ from Target ($35) | Clips: Shell Hair Claw Clips, Set of 2 from Anthropologie ($24) | Sunscreen: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 from Amazon ($38) | Binoculars: Standard Issue Waterproof 10 x 25 Binoculars from REI ($100)

#3 The Perfect Clothes for Wandering the Grand Bazaar

If you’re looking to shop until you drop, the Grand Bazaar is your place. Plan to wear comfortable shoes and a simple, classic, and comfortable outfit for a long day of browsing shops. I love linen pants and an easy tank that can be layered with a light shirt. Consider carrying a crossbody bag to keep your valuables safe as you explore more local parts of the city.

Tank: Ribbed Scoopneck Tank Top from Gap Factory ($30) | Button Down: Poplin Big Shirt from Gap Factory ($60) | Pants: Mid Rise Linen-Blend Pull-On Wide-Leg Pants from Gap Factory ($70) | Bag: Canvas Bucket Bag from Gap Factory ($40) | Hat: Canvas Bucket Hat from Gap Factory ($35) | Shoes: Transport Commuter Shoe by Hoka ($150) | Necklace: AE Semi Precious Layering Necklace from American Eagle ($25) | Bracelet: Positivity Pisa Bracelet from BaubleBar ($26) 

#4 Outfit for Sunset Rooftop Dinners in Istanbul

Reflect on your travels with dinner at a sunset rooftop dinner at one of Istanbul’s many eateries. Use this meal as a chance to elevate your wardrobe with a modest printed maxi dress, subtle gold accessories, and stylish, yet comfortable sandals.

Dress: TIERED MAXI DRESS from Banana Republic Factory ($140) | Bag: Woven Cross Body Bag from Zara ($50) | Sunglasses: Velodrome Le Specs from Revolve ($70) | Shoes: Dr. Scholl's Timeless Fun Sandal from DSW ($90) | Necklace: ORGANIC PEBBLE NECKLACE from Banana Republic Factory ($50) | Bracelet: CHUNKY ORGANIC CUFF from Banana Republic Factory ($50) | Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick from Sephora ($35)

My Istanbul Outfit Lookbook: What I Wore in Istanbul

Looking for some more inspo? Here’s a lookbook of what I wore in Istanbul!

Visiting the Blue Mosque wearing a maxi dress and hijab

I loved how my scarf could drape over my shoulders as an accessory when not covering my hair

My dress had pockets which was perfect for keeping my whisper from my group tour discreet

Five Packing Essentials for Istanbul

1. Scarf, Shawl, or Hijab – If you’re planning to visit the Blue Mosque, or any of the beautiful mosques throughout the city, plan to bring some kind of scarf or head covering. Women are required to cover their hair while visiting mosques. I picked up this one from Amazon which is light weight and easy to pack, and it has come in handy on multiple trips now. Street vendors do sell disposable head coverings for around $2 in the event you forget.

2. Flat, Slip-on Shoes – The streets of Istanbul are hilly and mostly cobblestone, so a flat walking shoe is necessary as you explore the city. When entering mosques, you will be required to remove your shoes, but there are very limited benches to take said shoes on or off. Having a pair that easily slips on and off helps ease the chaos of entering and exiting the buildings and reduces stress in the moment. These slip-on sneakers available at DSW are a great option.

3. Reusable Grocery Bag – When you remove your shoes, you may find having a grocery bag on hand to carry them helpful. Beyond that, reusable grocery bags have quite literally saved the day when my checked bag is overweight and I need to create a carry-on bag out of thin air. If you don’t already have one lying around your house, you can purchase one from Amazon.

4. Earplugs – In addition to promoting restful sleep on planes and drowning out a snoring partner, earplugs can help muffle the sound of the call to prayer, which begins at 5 am daily.

5. Crossbody Purse – Keeping essentials safe and easily accessible is always important while traveling. I love carrying a lululemon belt bag or a convenient, but stylish cross-body bag while traveling abroad. If you’re looking for a bag to invest in, this one from Coach is similar to my everyday purse that I absolutely adore.

Wrapping it Up!

Packing for Istanbul doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. With the right balance of modest, comfortable, and stylish pieces, you’ll be ready for everything from mosque visits and bazaar shopping to Bosphorus cruises and rooftop dinners. I hope this Istanbul packing list and outfit inspiration have given you a clear idea of what to wear in Istanbul so you can feel confident and prepared for your trip.

Are you ready to start planning your own Istanbul adventure? Which of these outfits are you most excited to recreate? And if I missed an essential item you always pack, let me know in the comments—I’d love to add it to the list.

If you’re extending your travels beyond Istanbul, check out my other Mediterranean guides for even more packing tips and outfit ideas. Until next time, keep on exploring!