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Istanbul Travel Guide

Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region.

There is nowhere in the world quite like Istanbul. Spread across two continents, Istanbul is a city of layers and contrasts. With historical sights like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace brushing up against buzzing bars and lively cafes, with Ottoman-era mosques a short walk from contemporary art museums and galleries, with traditional carpet shops around the corner from trendy boutiques, Istanbul is a city of old and new coexisting. The city never stops moving.

Istanbul is the cultural capital of the country, with a plethora of independent galleries and inventive restaurants, as well as its transit hub, with flights going all over Turkey and all over the world. Each neighborhood has its own distinct identity and vibe, and it's easy to spend weeks in Istanbul without ever seeing everything. But that is what makes it so fascinating—there will always be something calling you back for more. So order a cup of Turkish coffee and a piece of pistachio baklava, and get ready to delve into this fascinating metropolis.

Turkey's time zone is GMT+3 year-round, and is also called TRT (Turkey Time). Turkey does not do daylight savings.

Best Time to Go

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the perfect times to visit Istanbul, when the weather is bright and mild. During the month of April is the city-wide Tulip Festival, when the parks and green spaces in the city are bedazzled with the colorful bulbs. In the summer, the city becomes sticky and very hot, and most residents flee to the beaches in the south as soon as they can, but the streets are alive all night when the air cools off a little. Winter is gray and rainy, showing Istanbul at its most moody and evocative.

Things to Know

The main language in Istanbul is Turkish, though with a large international presence in the city, don't be surprised to hear chatter in English or Arabic or Farsi as you explore. Turkish people are generally quite helpful, even if you don't speak any Turkish, and shop owners (especially in Sultanahmet, the historic center) will often invite you to sit down and share a çay, a tiny tulip-shaped cup of strong black tea. Personal space is often a luxury in this crowded city, so don't be surprised if you feel someone is standing too close to you as you wait for a bus or in a line—it's normal here.

Don't mistake the water that bisects the city for a river. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara (and, by extension, the Mediterranean) with the Black Sea, and is therefore a major global shipping route. It's not unusual to see massive container ships floating by your commuter ferry.

While Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, the capital city is actually Ankara, in central Anatolia. But the palaces that dot the Bosphorus, left over from Istanbul's status as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, might make you think otherwise. The politicians might do their business in Ankara, but Istanbul feels like the center of the world.

Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)

(Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Turkish I don't speak Turkish: Türkçe bilmiyorum. I'm lost: Kayboldum Can I have…?: …alabilirmiyim? Where is…?: ... nerede?

Calling Code: +90

Capital City: Ankara

How to Get Around

Intricate interlocking transportations—both official and informal—make it easy to navigate around Istanbul. There are multiple metro lines with clear signage and modern cars that connect to an above-ground tram line and two funiculars. The Marmaray, a cross-continent metro line that passes under the Bosphorus Strait, connects the metro system on the European and Asian sides of the city, and has recently expanded to run all the way into the suburbs on both sides of the city. Otherwise, the best way to cross from Europe to Asia and back is by ferry, with multiple ferry lines running between stations on a regular schedule all throughout the day.

The gaps are filled by city buses, which are paid for by the same IstanbulKart that gets you onto the metro, Marmaray, and ferries. And if there is no bus that runs to your destination, there might be a dolmuş , a yellow van that runs on a fixed route but stops whenever a passenger requests it and leaves whenever the van is full. There are also light blue minibuses that run on various routes throughout the city. Dolmuş and minibuses are paid in cash, with the price depending on the distance you go.

Taxis are plentiful, especially around touristed areas. Apps like BiTaksi can be useful to call taxis directly, and hotels are also usually happy to order a taxi if you can't flag one down.

Best Hotels

Ciragan palace kempinski.

Address: Ciragan Caddesi 32 34349 Istanbul Phone: +90 212 326 4646 Website

Housed in an ornate former Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, the Ciragan Palace is the ultimate luxurious hotel in Istanbul. The Ciragan boasts an outdoor infinity pool, an exquisite spa with a Turkish hamam, and high-end restaurants. If you want to experience Istanbul like Ottoman royalty, the Ciragan is the place to do it.

Corinne Hotel

Address: Kuloğlu Mah., Turnacıbaşı Caddesi 41 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 293 94 94 Website

Located in the heart of Beyoğlu, Istanbul's nightlife and entertainment district, the Corinne Hotel is an ideal base to experience the energy of the city. The boutique hotel is in a lovingly restored late-Ottoman neoclassical building, with trendy and contemporary amenities alongside a winding marble staircase. Don't miss out on its rooftop terrace, the perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch Istanbul sparkle below.

Sirkeci Mansion

Address: Taya Hatun Sokak 5 34120 Sirkeci/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 528 43 44 Website

Nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet, Sirkeci Mansion is walking distance from the Hagia Sophia, Gulhane Park, and Topkapi Palace. The hotel contains 32 spacious rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. Relax at the hotel's Turkish hamam, or head up to the hotel's rooftop, with its sweeping views of the old city.

Pera Palace Hotel

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi 52 34430 Tepebasi/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 377 4000 Website

Modern luxury and Turkish history entwine at the Pera Palace hotel, a grand Art Nouveau beauty that was built for travelers on the Orient Express and over the years has hosted illustrious guests that include Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway, and Queen Elizabeth II. The Pera Palace is located close to Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul's main thoroughfare. The five-star hotel has 115 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and a fully-equipped spa and fitness center.

The Bank Hotel

Address: Azapkapı, Bankalar Caddesi 5/1 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 283 00 55 Website

Located in a reappropriated late-Ottoman-era bank in the Karakoy neighborhood, The Bank Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel located between the historic peninsula and the nightlife of Istiklal Caddesi. The eclectic design mixes the modern and the historic bones of the building throughout the hotel's 62 rooms. The restaurant on the rooftop offers splendid views of the city.

Splendid Palace Hotel

Address: Büyükada-nizam, Yirmiüç Nisan Caddesi 39 34970 Adalar/İstanbul Phone: +90 216 382 69 50 Website

This striking hotel on Istanbul's biggest island is full of early Republic charm, somehow both modern and nostalgically vintage. A highlight is the outdoor pool, where it's easy to while away the day in the sunshine. The 60 rooms and 9 suites are bright and breezy, perfect for an island escape in the middle of the city.

Best Restaurants

Address: The Marmara Pera Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 293 5656 Website

The creation of lauded Turkish-Scandinavian chef Mehmet Gurs, Mikla has long had a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Istanbul thanks to its creative twist on traditional cuisine. Located on the roof of the Marmara Pera Hotel, the views are as exquisite as the food. Try the tasting menu to get a sense of the scope of Mikla's creative culinary creations. Reservation is recommended. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.

Ciya Sofrasi

Address: Caferağa Mah. Güneşlibahçe Sokak 43 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Phone: +90 216 330 3190 Website

This unassuming restaurant in the heart of the Kadikoy neighborhood's market street belies its reputation as an Istanbul powerhouse. With cuisine drawn from various regions across Anatolia, especially its diverse southeast region, the menu is constantly shifting and incorporating seasonal produce. In the summertime, try the cherry kebab; in the springtime, don't miss the lamb stewed with erik , Turkish sour plums. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.

Address: Azapkapı, Gümrük Han, Fermeneciler Caddesi 40/A 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 244 97 76 Website

This seemingly ramshackle restaurant comes alive at night, glittering with strings of lights and lanterns. Perched right at the edge of the water in the Karakoy district, this is an evocative place to have the Turkish meyhane experience, with small plates of meze dotting the table and rakı (an anise liquor) flowing all night. Make sure to try the atom , thick yogurt mixed with hot dried peppers, and the catch of the day. Reservation is recommended, especially on weekends, and most dining is outdoors.

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi 107/F 34430 Beyoglu/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 243 2633 Website

This cozy bistro in the Pera neighborhood, walking distance from Istiklal Caddesi, combines Turkish, Persian, and Middle Eastern influences in its inventive cuisine. Make sure to try the dudi Persian rice speckled with ruby-red barberries. Reservation recommended, only indoor dining.

Things to Do

Hagia sophia.

Address: Ayasofya Meydanı 1 34122 Fatih/İstanbul Phone: +90212 522 17 50 Website

The Hagia Sophia is a building that has held many identities: from a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque to a secular museum, and now back to a mosque again. Visitors will need to respect the rules of the mosques in Turkey and dress appropriately , but there is no longer a fee to experience the ultimate palimpsest of a building. While some of the famous mosaics and frescoes are covered, many are still visible.

Topkapi Palace

Address: Cankurtaran Mah. 4122 Fatih/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 512 04 80 Website

Construction on Topkapi Palace began in 1453, when the Ottomans took Constantinople, and was the primary seat of imperial power for nearly four hundred years. The Harem requires an additional ticket, but it's worth it, with its magnificent blue-tiled walls and chambers.

Galata Tower

Address: Bereketzade, Galata kulesi 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 245 4141 Website

Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, Galata Tower is an iconic part of the Istanbul skyline. Climb to the top for some of the best views of the city—especially at sunset.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Address: Süleymaniye Mah, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi 1 34116 Fatih/İstanbul Website

Suleymaniye Mosque is considered Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan's most splendid Istanbul mosque, and the architect himself is buried in a tomb on the site. With its intricate tiles, massive dome, and sweeping view of the city from its courtyard, Suleymaniye is a gem among Istanbul's imperial mosques.

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam

Address: Kemankeş Mah. Hamam Sokak 1 34425 Tophane Karaköy/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 393 80 10 Website

The full hamam , or Turkish bath, experience is particularly luxurious at the Kili Ali Pasa Hamam. Sweat out on a marble slab in the elegantly restored historic building, and get scrubbed squeaky clean.

Best Shopping

Grand bazaar.

Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. 22 34126 Fatih/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 519 12 48

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, encompassing an entire buzzing hive of artisans and merchants spread across 60 streets and 4000 shops. Come for traditional Turkish carpets, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and more—and make sure to sit, share a tea, and haggle.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Address: Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sokak 92 34116 Fatih/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 513 65 97

Built in the 17th century, this fragrant covered market brims over with spices, from tangy sumac to smokey urfa pepper to Turkish saffron. Vendors also sell Turkish delight, ceramics, and other non-spice items.

Arasta Bazaar

Address: Kabasakal Caddesi 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

This market street in the heart of the Sultanahmet neighborhood historically housed shops whose rent helped pay for the maintenance of the nearby Blue Mosque. Now, vendors sell hand-woven pestamel (Turkish towels), ceramics, carpets, and more.

Souq Dukkan

Address: Büyükdere Caddesi 185 34330 Şişli/İstanbul Phone: +90 555 030 82 32 Website

Souq Dukkan began as an artisan's bazaar in the trendy Karakoy neighborhood before recently relocating to Kanyon in Levent. Featuring the work of local designers, creators, and artists, Souq Dukkan is the place to find unique Turkish items from some of the city's most creative minds.

Neighborhoods to Know

Sultanahmet : Seemingly every block in this neighborhood has something historical poking out. The central square is dominated by the twinned Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and the streets hold other imperial Ottoman-era mosques, Byzantine cisterns, and the remains of a hippodrome. This is the main place visitors to Istanbul come, and with good reason—the layered empires that dominated Istanbul have all left their mark right here.

Kadıkӧy : Located on Istanbul's Asian shore, Kadıkӧy is the neighborhood of artists and creatives. Bright colorful murals decorate the walls of buildings, while the streets brim with vibrant bars, sleek third-wave coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and al fresco dining. Kadıkӧy has a long stretch of seaside that is filled on summer nights with locals enjoying a beer at sunset. Only a picturesque ferry ride away from the city center, Kadıkӧy is the neighborhood to visit to see how Istanbul's cool kids live.

Cihangir : This trendy neighborhood, just a few blocks from Taksim Square, is the place to see and be seen. With cutting-edge boutiques, moody bistros, colorful bars slinging cocktails, and stylish cafes, Cihangir has long been the scene where hip Turks and foreigners mingle.

Beşiktaş : Located on the European Bosphorus shore just a short walk from Dolmabahçe Palace, Beşiktaş is a rowdy neighborhood famed for its passionate support of the local football team and its plethora of pubs. Explore the rollicking side streets spilling over with people enjoying the night time energy.

Karakoy : Formerly a forlorn strip of shipping warehouses and camping shops, the Karakoy neighborhood has blossomed in the last decade into a colorful strip of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. One building houses five of Istanbul's premier private galleries, while mere steps away is the splendid Kılıc Ali Paşa Mosque and its luxurious hammam.

Nişantaşı : For luxury and high-end experiences, Istanbul's elite come to upscale Nişantaşı. Here's where you can find haute couture boutiques, luxury brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton, and elegant restaurants. Just nearby is Maçka Park, one of the few parks in central Istanbul and an ideal place to stroll.

The Princes Islands : The Princes Islands, called Adalar in Turkish, are nine islands in the sea of Marmara, with four open to the public. Cars are not allowed on the islands, so it's best to get around by bicycle, by foot, or by horse-drawn carriage. With its charming white wooden houses and lush bougainvillea, the islands are an escape from the city within the city. The four islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada) can be reached by regular ferries from the mainland.

Balat : The twinned neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, historically home to large Greek and Jewish populations, are some of the most picturesque in Istanbul, with colorful wooden houses lining hilly cobblestone streets. Balat has erupted in recent years, easily claiming its place as one of Istanbul's most interesting up-and-coming neighborhoods. Explore the antique shops that dot the area or stop at one of the many cafes and new restaurants that line the streets.

Winter: Istanbul winters are gray and constantly rainy, with weather hovering around 45°-50°F. While it's not ideal weather, the city is evocative and somehow cozy, with vendors selling roasted chestnuts on the street corners and steaming tulip-shaped cups of tea on offer at every restaurant.

Spring: In the springtime, the sun comes out and the weather warms up to a comfortable 65°-70°F. Flowers bloom all over the city, from fragrant jasmine to hot pink petals bursting from Judas trees. The early end of spring can still be a little chilly, but everyone still sits outside to soak in the sun.

Summer: The long, sticky, crowded days of Istanbul's summer usually have temperatures around 85°F with 70% humidity. The saving grace is the water that surrounds the city—the breeze off the Bosphorus on a transcontinental ferry ride or a swim in the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul's islands takes the edge off the muggy heat. And the endless summer nights, often spent sitting around a long meyhane table sipping a cold glass of anise-flavored raki , make it all worth it.

Fall: Autumn in Istanbul is warm and comfortable. The humidity comes down, as does the temperature, lingering around a comfortable 65°F in the early autumn and slipping around to 60°F in the later part. This is the best time to come to Istanbul.

Apps to Download

BiTaksi: Local taxi-hailing app iOs | Android

Uber: International taxi-hailing app iOs | Android

Trafi: Live traffic updates iOs | Android

Moovit: Transportation schedule aggregator iOs | Android

Wander-Lush

42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

View of Istanbul city at sunset from the Galata Bridge, with a Bosphorus ferry and mosque minarets. Travel tips for visiting Istanbul for the first time.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

Ottoman-era wooden houses in Arnavutkoy district of Istanbul, Turkey.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

Tipping is Istanbul, Turkish lira notes and coins on a restaurant table.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

A red Vodafone sim card at a shop in Istanbul, the best sim card for tourists in Turkey.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

A yellow taxi on a steep street in Istanbul's Galata district.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

A silver cup of ayran, a creamy yogurt drink served with a round spoon at a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

A bottle of lemon flavoured kolonya hand cologne at a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

Wait staff at a meyhane restaurant in Kadikoy, Istanbul.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

A woman dressed in a cover-up at a mosque in Istanbul.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each.

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

A cat looking longingly at a tank at a fish market in Uskadar, Istanbul.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

Colourful row houses in Balat, a famous neighbourhood in Istanbul, Turkey.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

Galata Tower, a must-visit in Istanbul for first timers.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

A sign in front of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul with opening times for the mosque and closures for daily prayers.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

A ferry on the Bosphorus in Istanbul glides past a beautiful mosque.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

A man films Dervishes at a traditional Sema ceremony at a local mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
Istanbul travel budget
The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
The best places to visit in Turkey
Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

Istanbeautiful TM

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The best Istanbul Travel Guide

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We are a team and fellows of Istanbul locals, expats and world travelers. We aim to provide the very up-to-date and quality information and advice for your trip to our city Istanbul. We try to do our best to keep our website up-to-date with all the tourist information. Our motto is “Your Go-See-Do-Heal Advisor” . We try to do our best to provide you the best advice on the city’s top sights and sounds, with the very best tourist , medical and health services from the trusted companies and providers.

Things to Do in Istanbul (2024 Essential Attractions Insider Guide)

Places to see in istanbul (2024 essential sights insider guide), istanbul dining guide 2024: what to eat best places + advice, istanbul shopping guide 2024: what to buy best areas to shop, nightlife in istanbul: 2024 guide with hot spots, districts, clubs.

Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Byzantion, Byzantium, Constantinople and finally Istanbul… These exciting names reminds the mysterious and enchanting past of the city. Istanbul can be considered as the combination of the old and modern city, as well as Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere. There are only few cities in the world that can be so delightful to experience and enjoy as Istanbul.

Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience for its travelers, with its colorful daily city life and dynamic nightlife. The beautiful silhouette of the city combines historical sites and monuments such as Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Venetian towers, Ottoman palaces from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish periods. And the skyline covers monumental minarets with skyscrapers and plazas. And especially the Historical Peninsula and the Bosphorus will make you deeply fall in love with the city…

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Top Istanbul Discount Cards & Passes

Istanbul Tourist Pass® Review: Is It Worth It? Insider Tips

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Must Do & See

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Istanbul: Ayasofya 2024 Tickets

Topkapi palace museum (2024 tickets with guru advice guide), basilica cistern museum istanbul: 2024 skip the line tickets + tips, dolmabahce palace museum istanbul (2024 tickets, skip the lines), bosphorus dinner cruise istanbul: 2024 best dinner cruises.

First-time Visitors

One Day in Istanbul: Local Expert Help with No Regrets

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See more of Istanbul with our guides to Istanbul’s popular districts, neighborhoods and areas. Experience and explore Istanbul just like a local, with hidden gems, favorite haunts, and top tips from our expert local ( TR ) guides.

Explore Sultanahmet (2024 Guide with Top Things to Do & See)

Explore taksim (guide with top things to do & see + advice), explore galata, karakoy & tophane (top things to do & see + advice), explore fener & balat (top things to do, sights, how to get), explore besiktas (guide with top things to do & see + advice).

Food & Drink

Top Best Rooftop Restaurants & Bars in Istanbul (Insider Guide)

Top 15 best restaurants in istanbul (insider guide advice), top best bars in istanbul (insider guide advice), michelin starred restaurants in istanbul to experience.

Hotels in Istanbul

Top Rated Best Hotels in Sultanahmet, Istanbul: 2024 Advice

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Practical Istanbul

Are you visiting Istanbul for the first time? You can find out all the top tips and recommendations to arrange your first trip to Istanbul easy, good planned, fun and safe. You can read our guides here for Istanbul’s top attractions, sights, travel tips, and more things to do.

HAVAIST New Istanbul Airport Shuttles/Buses (Routes, Price + Advice)

How much does it cost to visit istanbul (average daily costs), how to get istanbulkart how to obtain-load credit, istanbul city card, istanbul public ferries (timetables, prices, best ferry rides + advice), new istanbul airport (ist) metro line m11: stations, advice.

Medical Tourism

Use our guides to find out the medical and health tourism opportunities in Istanbul including hair transplant, cosmetic and aesthetic operations, rhinoplasty, Botox & dermal fillers, bariatric surgery, laser eye surgery, full medical check-ups, dental implants and many more.

Hair Transplant in Turkey, Istanbul: 2024 Best Clinics Guide + FAQs

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Planning your Istanbul trip? Whether you’re looking for things to do in Istanbul such as attractions, sights, festivals and events, key traveler information to make your Istanbul visit run smoothly, you’ll find everything you need for your Istanbul travel on istanbeautiful.com. Make sure to discover Istanbul’s diverse neighborhoods, from tranquil suburbs to central areas full of shopping, entertainment and dining options, as well as property options in the city.

Discover the best day trips from Istanbul or try one of the best Istanbul tours. If you’re here as a family, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Istanbul with kids. Whether you’re looking for the best weekend breaks in Istanbul or planning a longer holiday in Istanbul, you can be sure you’ll find all the information you need.

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14 must-do things on your trip to Istanbul

Nov 1, 2021 • 8 min read

Turkey, Istanbul . Topkapi Palace, the Harem

Get ready to add even more to your Istanbul itinerary: here are the top things to do in the city © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

We’ve all heard the descriptions of Istanbul being a bridge between Europe and Asia, a place where East meets West and where cultures have coexisted for centuries. But not everyone is aware of its endlessly fascinating contradictions.

Here are the top things to do in Istanbul to experience the city’s different stories and faces.

Exterior view of Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) surrounded by trees in Istanbul, Turkey

Marvel at the Aya Sofya

History resonates when you visit the majestic Byzantine basilica of Aya Sofya . Built by order of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, its soaring dome, huge nave and glittering gold mosaics contribute to its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful buildings, and its fascinating history as church, mosque and museum make it the city's most revealing time capsule. Looted by marauding Crusaders in the 13th century, stormed by Ottoman invaders during the Conquest in 1453 and visited by millions of tourists after being converted into a museum in 1935, it is one of Turkey's greatest treasures.

Since its reconsecration as a mosque in summer 2020 , the Aya Sofya is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayer times, women must cover their heads and all visitors must take off their shoes to enter the inner narthex. Most of the building’s ancient marble floor has been covered by carpets, some of its mosaics are shielded by retractable screens and the upper gallery is inaccessible, but its historic grandeur remains breathtaking.

Woman walking by the ornate tiled interior of Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

Experience the extravagance of Topkapı Palace

The secrets of the seraglio will be revealed during your visit to the opulent Ottoman Topkapı Palace complex occupying the promontory of Istanbul's Old City. A series of mad, sad and downright bad sultans lived here with their concubines and courtiers between 1465 and 1830, and extravagant relics of their centuries of folly, intrigue, excess, patronage, diplomacy and war are everywhere you look. Highlights include the huge Harem, impressive Imperial Council Chamber, object-laden Imperial Treasury and picturesque Marble Terrace.

Uncover the secrets of Topkapı Palace

Young woman looks at lights at a market stall in the Bazaar District of Istanbul, Turkey

Lose yourself in Istanbul's Bazaar District

The chaotic and colorful Grand Bazaar is the best-known shopping destination on Istanbul's historic peninsula, but it certainly isn't the only one. After exploring its labyrinthine lanes and hidden caravanserais, follow the steady stream of local shoppers heading downhill into the busy shopping precinct of Tahtakale, which has at its hub the seductively scented Spice Bazaar . From there, head back up toward the Blue Mosque and its attached arasta (an arcade-style Ottoman bazaar that typically featured practitioners of a single trade), where you may well find a lasting memento of your trip.

Ride Istanbul’s ferries

Climbing aboard one of the city's famous flotilla of ferries is the quintessential Istanbul experience. The trip between Asia and Europe on a commuter ferry is hard to beat, but the Bosphorus tourist ferries that travel the great strait from Eminönü toward the mouth of the Black Sea are even better, offering passengers views of palaces, parks and ornate timber mansions on both the Asian and European shores. It doesn't matter whether you opt for a long or short cruise: either is sure to be memorable.

Istanbul ferries will now run during the night at weekends

Nostalgic tramway on the main pedestrian street of Istiklal Caddesi at night in Istanbul, Turkey

Revel in Istanbul's nightlife

Though Istanbul’s nightlife scene has suffered some setbacks, you can’t keep a good party town down. For a traditional night out, head to one of the Beyoğlu district’s meyhanes, tavern-like restaurants serving meze and fish where sing-alongs of classic songs flow with each new round of rakı, an anise-flavored liquor. Lively crowds of young beer-drinkers fill the pubs of the Beşiktaş Çarşı and central Kadıköy, while a swankier set sips cocktails near the Bosphorus in the bars and cafes of Bebek and Arnavutköy. For the full Istanbul experience, top off the evening by joining your fellow revelers in lining up for some late-night street food.

Get acquainted with Turkish contemporary art

Anchored by high-profile cultural institutions like Istanbul Modern , Pera Museum , SALT Beyoğlu and Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat , the Beyoğlu district has long been a hub for art-lovers, with galleries and museums scattered on and around İstiklal Caddesi , and increasingly in the adjacent Karaköy, Tophane and Dolapdere neighborhoods as well. Well-established commercial galleries in stately apartment buildings also cluster among the chic boutiques of the Nişantaşı neighborhood, while hip Kadıköy has an up-and-coming independent art scene of its own.

Inside a traditional hamam bathhouse in Istanbul, Turkey

Surrender to the steam in a bath house

In life, there aren't too many opportunities to wander seminaked through a 16th-century Ottoman monument. But Istanbul's world-famous hamams offer just that: the chance to immerse yourself in history, architecture, warm water and soap suds all at the same time. A hamam treatment makes for a relaxing finale to a day spent pounding the city's pavements and gives a fascinating insight into the life and customs of Ottoman society. You can surrender to the steam at baths on both sides of the Galata Bridge: the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Tophane and the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı in Sultanahmet are particularly stunning and luxurious.

Istanbul's bathhouses: a step-by-step guide

Hang out with the cool kids in Kadıköy

Riding a ferry across the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s great pleasures and the Asian-side neighborhood of Kadıköy is becoming a destination in itself, with hip cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques frequented by a lively young crowd. Peruse the colorful produce market , hunt for street-art murals in the backstreets, visit the museum-home of Turkish rock giant Barış Manço or stroll the waterfront with an ice cream in hand. The sunset views from the shoreline are among the most spectacular in the city.

Skewers of meat on a grill in Istanbul, Turkey

Sample the flavors of Istanbul

More than anything else, Istanbullus love to eat, and food is much more than mere fuel. Instead, it’s a celebration of community. Meals unfurl with great ceremony – they are joyful, boisterous and almost inevitably communal. The national cuisine has been refined over centuries and is treated more reverently than any museum collection in the country. That’s not to say it’s fussy, because what differentiates Turkish food from other national noshes is its rustic and honest base. The small meze dishes you’ll eat will be simple, the kebaps austere, the salads unstructured and the seafood unsauced. Flavors will explode in your mouth because ingredients are used in season.

Top 5 Istanbul cooking courses and food tours

Admire the architecture of Süleymaniye Mosque

Commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman I, known as “the Magnificent,” this 16th-century mosque has a fittingly grand perch atop one of the old city’s seven hills. The view from here is one of the finest in Istanbul, looking out over domes and rooftops to the confluence of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn waterways and beyond. With its elegant symmetry and soaring interior, the mosque itself is considered among the masterpieces of the great architect Mimar Sinan. The complex around it is inviting and serene, with tall trees, a grassy lawn and a rose-studded cemetery.

Lights illuminate the columns and arches of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey

Go underground at the Basilica Cistern

When the Byzantine emperors decided to build something, they certainly didn't cut corners. The extraordinary subterranean Basilica Cistern , located opposite Aya Sofya, features a wildly atmospheric forest of columns (336 to be exact), vaulted brick ceilings, mysterious carved Medusa-head capitals and ghostly patrols of carp. A testament to the ambitious town planning and engineering expertise of the Byzantines, the cistern has played a starring role in innumerable motion pictures (remember From Russia with Love ?) and is now one of the city's best-loved tourist attractions.

Go tile-mad at the Blue Mosque

Officially named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after the early 17th-century Ottoman ruler Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque gets its better-known moniker from the color of the tens of thousands of İznik tiles that adorn its interior. With its enormous courtyard, grand prayer hall and six minarets (an unprecedented number for a mosque when it was constructed) this is a building made to impress – and to rival the Aya Sofya, which sits directly opposite across a landscaped square.

Beautiful fountain and gardens in front of Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkey

Ogle the opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace

Weighing in at nearly 10,000 pounds, the crystal chandelier hanging over the Ceremonial Hall of Dolmabahçe Palace exemplifies the opulence of this royal residence commissioned in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdül Mecit I. It’s a glorious mishmash of styles and materials, with ceilings gilded with thousands of pounds of gold, marble floors, crystal bannisters and bearskin rugs. The Bosphorus views are just as dazzling as the decor.

Let your feet be your guide

Istanbul’s marvelous sights could keep a visitor busy for months, but it’s worth taking some time to explore its myriad neighborhoods as well. Though the city is sprawling, its central districts are walkable and reward wandering, with lively street life and distinct identities. Follow the film crews and Instagram influencers through shabby-chic Fener and Balat’s historical lanes ; sip black tea with a Golden Horn view at the Pierre Loti Café , perched above the leafy cemeteries and holy tomb complexes or Eyüp; or watch fishermen cast their lines from the Bosphorus village of Arnavutköy.

You might also like: A hotel in Istanbul has the world's first baklava butler The best shops you can only find in Istanbul Local's guide to Istanbul

This article was first published Feb 10, 2011 and updated Nov 1, 2021.

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Explore Istanbul

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Bring earplugs so the dawn call to prayer, broadcast over speakers from the mosques, doesn't wake you.

isailthe7seas

Allow the call to prayer you hear throughout your day, be a reminder to stop and just take in the fact that you are in Istanbul. As a woman, know when you might be interacting with a more old fashion Islamic gentleman. If need be let the man traveling with you take the lead. Have toilet paper in your daypack. Practice the position of the Turkish toilet at home. you will probably need to use one at least once. ** just because the toilet stall that is available is Turkish toilet, doesn't mean that ALL are. the one that is occupied could be worth the wait.

sarikanarya

There are so many cliched phrases used to describe İstanbul - ancient and modern, where east meets west, old world blended with new world etc etc and they are all true. There is history, culture, shopping, sightseeing, museums, galleries, boat trips.There is SO much!

Istanbul is a magnificent city...one full of beauty, history, spectacular architecture, amazing restaurants, views to die for, wonderful little family-owned hotels, exceptionally kind and honest people, fun filled nightclubs, exotic sounds, exotic smells, and many other fabulous things too numerous to mention.

... too often we try to paint those places we love as bastions of perfection. I've been guilty of it, and so have others. No place, however, is perfect. And anyway, perfection is boring. Istanbul can stand proud and tall...even with her imperfections...and I hope we can all take a step back and realize that.

What is the best way to get there?

The city of Istanbul is served by Istanbul International Airport.

Istanbul is home to two trains stations, Haydarpasa station on the Asian side and Sirkeci station on the European side. Trains from Haydarpasa are destined for cities and towns in Anatolia, while Haydarpasa serves as the gateway to major European destinations.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Istanbul from overseas, check if you need a visa using the following website .

When is the best time to visit?

The best times to visit Istanbul are between March and May and September and November. April is particularly beautiful because poppies and tulips, which first originated in Turkey, are in full bloom. Average daily temperatures in springtime can be highs of 15 C/59 F and lows of 7 C/45 F and highs around 19 C/66 F and lows around 12 C/55 F in autumn.

The bridge that connects the Asian and European sides of Istanbul is notorious for its traffic jams, making the best way to span the Bosphorus the vapur (ferry). The three main ferry stations on the European side are Besiktas, Kabatas, and Karakoy. Timetables are posted at each terminal.

Istanbul has an underground metro network that spans both sides of the city. It runs from morning until late at night and covers all top attractions. It gets very crowded during the morning and evening rush hours.

For comprehensive train maps, follow this link .

There’s an abundance of taxi cabs in Istanbul, which makes hailing a ride a breeze. For ease, download the BiTaksi app , which sends the nearest taxi your way.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

The time zone in Turkey is GMT+3

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Istanbul is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. There are two associated plugs types: type C, with two round pins, and plug F, which has two round pins and two earth clips on the side. For plug types, you can reference the international guide: https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/

What is the currency?

Turkish lira (TRY)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted.

Yes, in hotels, restaurants, and bars but not smaller businesses.

Is it easy to find a bank?

How much do i tip, hotel staff, turkish bath (hammam) attendants, are there local customs i should know, turkish people are generally very tactile.

and, if you are of the same sex, are likely to touch you during exchanges.

Don’t point at someone

as this is considered rude in Istanbul.

Public displays of affection

such as kissing is considered disrespectful when in public. In public, you will rarely see members of the opposite sex touch one another.

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Home » Middle East » Turkey » Istanbul

Istanbul Travel Guide – Visit Cheaply in 2024!

Istanbul should be on the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. This is one of the most fascinating, authentic, and thrilling places that I have ever visited over the course of my traveling career and I get excited every time I think about returning here. But if we’re being honest right now, Istanbul is not always an easy city to visit. It’s big, hectic, and hard to crack into sometimes. Some people can visit Istanbul without ever having really experienced anything there aside from some popular tourist attractions and the way-to-touristy Grand Bazaar.

With this Istanbul travel guide, it is my goal to make the city more accessible and easier to visit. We’ll talk about where to go, what to see, where to stay, and much, much more. Istanbul deserves a bit more attention than some other cities out there but the extra effort is doubly rewarded.

So join me as I revisit this amazing place and walk through all of its twisting alleyways and historic neighborhoods. By the time we’re finished here, you should know exactly what to do when you travel to Istanbul yourself.

How Much Does Visiting Istanbul Cost?

Backpacker accommodation in istanbul, what to do in istanbul, a 3-day sample itinerary for istanbul, istanbul travel guide – extra tips and tricks, eating in istanbul – the best food and restaurants, some final thoughts from this istanbul travel guide….

By Western standards, Istanbul is a pretty budget-friendly place. Accommodation in Istanbul is about half of what you’d find in most major European cities, food ranges from cheap to dirt cheap, and getting around is always affordable with public transport. Visiting Istanbul on a budget should be no problem, even for those who are more budget-conscious.

A lower, backpacker daily budget for Istanbul will be around $25-$30/day. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, beer money, and some extra cash to visit some attractions around the city.

Views from Süleymaniye mosque istanbul turkey

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Refer below for a brief breakdown of what to expect when planning a trip to Istanbul:

Lodging – Hostels in Istanbul are cheap – a good one should cost around $10-$15/night. If you have a little extra to spend, Airbnbs in Istanbul are still affordable and, from my experience, very comfortable to stay in.
Transportation – Public transport in Istanbul is also cheap. Prices range depending on the type of transit you are taking and the distance, but you can expect to pay around $1/trip. Riding public transport may take a while though (it’s particularly inefficient here). Taxis are better for getting around Istanbul but are more expensive. 2020 rates are 0.5 euro per km + start rates.
Food – Depends on how you want to live. If you want to eat at upscale restaurants in Istanbul, expenses add up quickly. If you want to save money on food, there are many ways. Street kebabs are always cheap and grocery stores/markets are ubiquitous. Budget visitors to Turkey often plumb for street meat.
Drinking – Booze is a bit more expensive in Istanbul relative to food. Beer can be found for as low as $2 but it’s more likely to be sold for standard Western prices i.e. $5 for a glass of beer or wine, $7 for a cocktail, etc.

Average Costs of a Trip to Istanbul

Here’s a breakdown of individual costs when formulating a daily budget in Istanbul:

Hostel Dormitory: $10-$15

Basic hotel room for two: $60-$80

Airbnb/temp apartment: $40-$60

Average cost of public transport: $1-$2/ride

City-Airport transfer: $2-$30

Doner Kebab: $1-$2

Beer at a bar: $2-$3

Coffee: $2-$3

Bottle of wine from the market: $10

Dinner for two: $10-$20

Istanbul Travel Guide – Budget Tips

Eat doner kebabs: They only cost a couple of dollars on the street.
VISIT ISTANBUL NOW : As of January 2020, the Turkish economy is in bad shape and the value of the lira is very low. You’ll get a great exchange rate if you have dollars or euros.
Cook your own food: It’s backpacking 101! Cooking at the hostel or apartment is always cheaper than going out for a full meal. Rice and vegetables are your best friends as a backpacker.
Haggle, haggle, HAGGLE : Any price that a shop owner tells you in the bazaars is about double what it actually should be. Never ever accept the first price when bartering for something – start at a third and work your way up. If you don’t know when it’s ok to barter, it’s usually done when prices aren’t listed. If you have to ask the seller how much something is, you’re bartering already.
Don’t sleep in Sultanahmet or near Taksim Square: For the best prices on accommodation, stay in the more outer districts, like Fener or Kadikoy. There are great Airbnb options in Istanbul that will keep the costs low as well.
Account for airport transfer expenses : Unless you want to spend an hour or two on the bus, you’ll most likely have to take a taxi from the airport. They aren’t cheap.
If you want to drink, pre-fade at your place first : Paying full price at the bar is never the cheapest option. Get a buzz on first before heading out. NOTE that as of 2018, Istanbul has banned drinking in public so be sure to FINISH your drinks before leaving.
Have a water bottle: Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap.

Why You Should Travel to Istanbul with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Right off the bat, I’m going to tell you that there is no ultra-convenient or perfect place to stay in Istanbul. The city is just too damn big, too damn busy, and too damn amazing to fit in a single neighborhood or district. Make no mistake: there are a lot of options when it comes to lodging in Istanbul.

Sultanahmet is probably the first area in Istanbul that everyone is going to look at for lodging. It hosts most of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, and is not too far away from the city center. Staying in Sultanahmet will be pricey though.

If you want to stay somewhere more traditional and local, consider Fener and neighboring Balat . They’re both listed on UNESCO and are practically open-air museums. The tall and narrow apartments that define the neighborhood are really cool to stay in as well.

istanbul fener neighborhood greek college

One of my favorite places to stay in Istanbul is Galata . It’s slightly better connected to the rest of the city, has some great cafes nearby, and is pretty too. Istiklal Street is very close by as well.

If you really want to experience a different side of Istanbul, consider staying across the Bosphorus in the Kadikoy area. You will see a fraction of the tourists and will get to enjoy what many are calling “the new hot neighborhood in Istanbul.”

The Best Places to Stay in Istanbul

Are you wondering which is the best part of Istanbul to stay in? Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey with fountains in front.

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the historic and cultural heart of Istanbul. It’s the oldest part of the city and is surrounded by bodies of water to the north, east and south, and old city walls to the west.

Located north of the Sultanahmet district, Beyoglu is one of the liveliest districts in Istanbul and our top recommendation for where to stay for those on a budget. Home to the popular pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), this district attracts locals and tourists day and night.

Two men fish from a bridge over the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey with a large mosque in the background.

Galata is a neighbourhood located north of the Golden Horn. Although technically part of the Beyoglu district, this neighbourhood has a distinct feel and flair.

A street vendor selling grilled corn/ street food in Istanbul, Turkey

Karaköy is a small district situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn. Once one of the city’s most important ports, this area was left to deteriorate for decades.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a colourful and chaotic district located in the centre of Istanbul. Built around the centuries-old Grand and Spice Bazaars, this area is where you’ll find a wide variety of vendors, shops and boutiques. Grand Bazaar is our top recommendation of where to stay in Istanbul for families.

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No Istanbul travel guide would be complete without talking about the must-do things in the city ! Here are some of my favorite:

1. Wonder at the Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is one of the single most impressive structures in the world – a wondrous achievement of human and religious endeavors. Once a basilica during the Byzantine era turned mosque when the Ottomans came, the Hagia Sophia is at the center of many people’s hearts. It is not to be missed.

2. Have a night out in Beyoglu

This is ground zero for the best nightlife in Istanbul. Whether you like raucous nightclubs, chill cafes, or hidden pubs in alleyways, there’s something for everyone in Beyoglu.

3. Explore the Asian side of Istanbul

The Asian side of Istanbul, the Anatolian side, could be considered a completely different city to visit. Vastly more local, way less chaos (except for rush hour traffic), and not without its own charms. This is where people go to discover the real Istanbul. Kadikoy and Moda are the most interesting neighborhoods in the area.

kadikoy coolest neighborhoods in istanbul

4. Go to a real Turkish bath (if you dare)

It’s not for everyone but Turkish baths certainly an interesting experience. More contortion and joint-cracking than relaxation and soothing at times, Turkish hammams are not for the faint-hearted. If you can make it through one though, you may just feel a bit younger (or a bit violated). Note that Turkish hammams are always separated by gender.

5. Get lost in history

Istanbul has changed hands more than a few times. First, it was a Greek settlement, then it was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and after that, it was conquered by the Ottomans. This city has seen more than enough history over the course of its existence and nowadays it is practically an ark unto itself. Be sure to explore local heritage sites like the Chora Museum, the Greek Orthodox College, Rumeli Fortress and everything in between.

6. Enjoy the cafe culture of Galata

The best part about staying in Galata was the mornings. I could wake up, walk outside and within 100 square meters, there were a dozen awesome cafes. A long morning spent sampling Turkish pastries is time well spent.

7. Shop til you drop

A lot of people spend a weekend in Istanbul just so they can go shopping. This city appeals to just about every kind of shopper imaginable: trinketry, upscale, souvenir shopping, fashion; if it exists, you can probably find it in Istanbul.

8. Discover the many cool neighborhoods of Istanbul

Istanbul is not lacking for neighborhoods. There are at least 36 different districts in Istanbul and each of those has between 15-25 mahalle or neighborhoods in themselves. That’s a lot.

Whilst you may not get to see them all, I still suggest doing a little exploring. Go for a venture in the historic Balat neighborhood of Fatih or the up and coming Karakoy in Begolyu. You never know what you might find.

9. Watch the fishermen at Galata Bridge

This is one of those ultra-touristy things to do in Istanbul that is also super endearing. There’s just something about watching local fishermen stand there and wait potentially all day long for a catch. It’s one of the few tranquil spaces in the city and a nice way to break from the chaos.

bosphorous fishermen istanbul travel guide

10. Walk along the Bosphorus

Bosphorus is one of the defining aspects of Istanbul. For natives, it is a source of prosperity, greater well-being, and pride. For tourists, it’s a great way to get to know the city. Take a walk along the Bosphorus, visiting the many sites and districts along the way, and you will learn more about Istanbul than in any museum or textbook.

Three days in Istanbul should be the bare minimum when you visit; there’s so much to do here that you’ll already be limited on time. To help you use your time most wisely, here is a sample itinerary for y’all to enjoy!

Day 1 in Istanbul: Sultanahmet

You’ve probably just arrived and could potentially be jet-lagged. The best way to beat the lag I say is to just hit the ground running!

On the first day of our Istanbul trip, we’re going to be getting the touristy stuff out of the way first. That means heading straight for the Old City or Sultanahmet where most of Istanbul’s top attractions are.

Morning: After checking into your hotel in Istanbul, get a daypack ready (pack a light lunch) and head to the nearest cafe. You’ll need a good breakfast and a stiff Turkish coffee for what we have in-store today.

Early-Afternoon: Start off with a leisurely stroll through Topkapi Palace. It’s mostly open-air and you won’t be stuck inside stuffy rooms too much. Find a nice place to sit when you’re ready and have that snack you packed.

Late-Afternoon: Next, make for the Hagia Sophia. This is, without question, the most beautiful landmark in Istanbul. Afterwards, head across the square to the Blue Mosque (note prayer times).

Evening: Head west towards the Grand Bazaar, stopping by the Basilica Cistern if you have time. I wouldn’t spend too much time in the Grand Bazaar itself – it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Just stop for a snack and a glass of mint tea. Our ultimate goal is the Suleymaniye Mosque where we will get to see the sunset.

Night: Time to find some food. If you stay in Sultanahmet, you will pay more money for worse food. There are much better selections across the Golden Horn around Galata and Ortokoy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dropping by the local neighborhood of Fener.

UPDATE: The “ famous hidden viewpoint of Istanbul ” is currently closed as the roof is being renovated. There is a super cozy cafe in the building though that is probably my favorite in the city.

Day 2 in Istanbul: New Istanbul

Going to be another long day folks! Today we are sticking to the northern side of the Golden Horn, which is the “newer” part of town.

Morning: Grab a coffee and pastry in the Galata district. The medieval, Genovese tower is the most striking (and unmissable attraction) but the local cafes are just as noteworthy. They’re all super quaint and quite good.

Early-Afternoon: Head north and make for Istiklal Street. This is one of the main throughways in the city and is lined with shops and opulent arcades, like the Çiçek Pasaji. If you’re hungry, duck into one of the alleys for an early lunch – these alleys are packed with restaurants and bars.

Late-Afternoon: Keeping walking until you’ve reached Taksim Square and then keep going. Taksim Square is the official center of the city but doesn’t offer too much in the way of attractions. Instead, make for the Dolmabahçe Palace. You can pay to enter the palace if you like (the antechamber is amazing) or see the gate and mosque from the outside for free.

Evening: Find the nearest tram stop and head north towards Ortakoy. The local mosque is quite famous for its Baroque design and the neighborhood itself is well-known for its trendy bars and restaurants. This would be a great place to have dinner and some drinks.

Night: If you’re in the mood for partying, I’d say stick around Ortakoy or head back to the alleys of Istiklal Street. Otherwise, the cafes of Galata make for a relatively relaxing evening. Stay out as long as you want

Why are there so many cats in Istanbul? Some claim that it’s because a heroic cat saved the Prophet Muhammad’s life . Others say that it is because old Ottoman architecture was prone to infestation , so felines were introduced to hunt rats, pests, etc. Either way, cats are much loved in this city and are regular citizens in the eyes of the locals.

Day 3 in Istanbul: The Asian Side

To be honest, this part of Istanbul deserves its own itinerary. One could easily spend another couple of days here on top of what we’ve already talked about but, alas, for the sake of brevity, we can only talk about it in a day’s span.

Morning: There are two ways to travel across the Bosphorus: by bridge or by ferry. The ferry is the preferable choice. There are lots of ferry terminals in Sultanahmet and Karakoy – make sure you grab a ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side. Also, be on the lookout for the iconic Maiden’s Tower in the Bosphorus.

Early-Afternoon: Kadikoy is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul at the moment. When you depart the ferry (assuming you got on the one to Kadikoy) you will be closest to the Moda neighborhood. There are lots of parks here as well as some good cafes to get you going. The views of Sultanahmet are also excellent.

Late-Afternoon: I’d recommend making a detour to Beylerbeyi Palace to spend some time here and along the Bosphorus. It will require you to use a taxi though as public transport is very bad in this part of the city. If this seems like a hassle, keep exploring Kadikoy. Go for a walk on Baghdad Avenue and grab some lunch in one of the many shady European cafes.

Evening: I highly recommend venturing out to Camlica Hill to catch the sunset as this park offers, without a doubt, the best views of Istanbul. There are also many places to go for walks or hikes in Istanbul in Kadikoy, this is just one of them!

Night: Grab some dinner and drinks in Kadikoy and then head back to your hotel in Istanbul when ready. Tomorrow we’re leaving 🙁

Want some more ideas? Check out this alternative itinerary for Istanbul!

Day Trips from Istanbul

As if Istanbul wasn’t big enough, there’s, even more, to do outside the city! If you’re spending more than 3 days in Istanbul, consider adding on one of these day trips from Istanbul :

The Princes’ Islands – A popular day trip for those looking to escape the noise of the city. Beaches, bike rides, and charming coastal towns are all in abundance. Büyükada is the largest and most frequented island. Ferries to the island leave frequently from Kabatas Terminal in Istanbul.
Edirne – One of Turkey’s stranger yet most respected sports is the ancient art of oil wrestling , which is exactly what it sounds like. One of the most important oil wrestling tournaments in Turkey is held in Edirne in late-June. If you’re backpacking in Istanbul around then, you shouldn’t pass this up. Only the slipperiest will survive to be crowned champion!
Bursa – This is a great spot if you’re looking for sparser crowds and some more outdoor activities. Bursa, which was the original capital of the Ottoman Empire, has many notable attractions, like the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the very cool 600-year-old Inkaya tree. Don’t skip on eating at the Darüzziyafe either. Skiers should also know that nearby Uludag is considered the best ski resort in Turkey.
Troy – Although it would be a very long trip from Istanbul, it is still possible to see the old ruins of Troy in a day. I will say right now that the ruins are not nearly as epic as some of Turkey’s other archaeological sites (or the movie for that matter), but they’re still humbling if you’re into the classics. The actual ruins are located in Tevfikiye near Canakkale.

Learn more about what to expect when visiting Istanbul by reading the following sections!

Best Time of Year to Visit Istanbul

The weather in Istanbul really throws me for a loop every time I visit. For some reason or another, I’m just never prepared for it. When I expect it to be pleasant, it’s humid as hell and hot. When I hope that it’s going to be balmy, it rains sideways and the wind comes howling down from the Black Sea.

That being said, there is no real bad time to be in Istanbul. The weather is surprising, yes, but I wouldn’t call it extreme except in the summer.

Istanbul is subject to four distinct seasons:

Summers in Istanbul can be notoriously hot. Humidity can be oppressive and there seem to be few places of respite. Ask a local where you can cool off and they’ll probably point you to a pile of baking-hot boulders on the edge of the Bosphorus.
Autumn is a very nice time of year to visit Istanbul. Temps are moderate although the rain does start to pick up a bit. I’d say that October is probably the best month of the year to be here.
Winters in Istanbul are surprisingly frigid. Snow is not uncommon during this time of the year and the wind from the Bosphorus can really go to the bone. Also, Istanbul receives more rain than infamously grey cities like London and Brussels, which is not something that many people were aware of I think. Thankfully, nearly every hawker sells umbrellas.
Springtime is a decent time to travel to Istanbul. The weather is pleasant again, albeit foggy at times. It can still rain quite a bit and snow can even occur in March. Also, take into consideration Ramadan. Though the city is generally secular, there are still plenty of Muslims in Istanbul that observes it.

Getting In and Out of Istanbul

I don’t think that I’ve ever visited a city with so many airports. At one point in time, there were three airports in Istanbul. Recently, one was closed so now there are only two in use: Sabiha and Istanbul International. FYI – you can take a transit tour from Istanbul airport if you have a layover there.

Sabiha is the oldest airport in Istanbul and probably the most frustrating to use. It’s located clear on the other side of the river on the edge of the Anatolian side of the city. It will take you at least an hour to get here from Istanbul proper by car and that is if the traffic is ok. There are direct buses to and from Sabiha but they will take even longer than a private transfer. Also, the airport just looks like a dystopian nightmare.

Note that if you’re flying low-cost domestically, chances are you’ll use Sabiha.

Istanbul International is the newest airport in town and was subject to quite a lot of media hype. It is what you’d expect from a modern airport: cavernous, sterile, and very commercial. If you’re commuting through this airport, be aware that it may take a lot of time to walk from gate to gate.

Getting to Istanbul International from the city isn’t much more pleasant than Sabiha. Buses and taxis are still the only options and commute times are going to be about the same: 45 minutes by car, 90 minutes by bus. (Oh how I miss the glory days of Ataturk Airport…)

For those who have flown into Istanbul internationally in the past, chances are you probably used the old airport, Ataturk. Ataturk was a nice airport and was relatively easy to get to, being only 20 or so minutes away from Sultanahmet. Alas, it is now completely closed down. Rest in peace Ataturk.

How to Get Around Istanbul

Istanbul is absolutely enormous. With over 15 million people , it is the most populous city in continental Europe and one of the top three in terms of land area. Getting around Istanbul will be a challenge but, with some savvy, you’ll still be able to see most of the top attractions.

There’s actually quite a lot of public transport in Istanbul. There are copious buses, a metro system, ferries across the Bosphorus, and street trams which are somewhat iconic of the city. If you get a good grasp on how these work, Istanbul will be at your beck and call.

The problem is that public transport is a bit cryptic at first. Signage is poor and routes are usually written in Turkish. Luckily, most transit is available to see on Google Maps. If I were you, I’d be sure to have a SIM card and to be connected as much as possible when trying to navigate.

To save some cash, I’d suggest buying an Istanbulkart. The way they’re set up is a little confusing (ticket prices go down the more you use it) but if you’re going to spend more than two days in Istanbul, you’ll end up saving money with one of these.

Due to its size, I highly recommend picking one part of Istanbul and sticking to it. You’d have to spend at least a week in Istanbul to see the entire city, both the European and Asian sides. Doing so in any less time would be nothing short of a herculean feat.

At the end of the day, taking a taxi is still the easiest way to get around. The local taxi app is called BiTaksi . My experiences with BiTaksi are mixed but they’re still much better than Uber. Uber in Istanbul is horrendous and overpriced.

Safety in Istanbul

Istanbul is a very large and very dynamic city. Life is accelerated, the streets are jam-packed with people, and everyone is just trying to get by. I like to say that, in Istanbul, chaos is served in the morning like a stiff cup of coffee and by that I mean it’s a necessary part of starting the day.

It is important to keep your wits about you when backpacking in Istanbul. Pickpockets will be active, scammers will be everywhere, and violence is not unheard of. To go into detail about each and every potential pitfall in the city would take a bit of time to thoroughly explain, so I’ll instead direct you to our Istanbul safety article and give the following advice:

Common sense and attentiveness are the surest ways to avoid trouble, no matter where you are. The easiest way to get out of a bad situation is to avoid it altogether. If shit looks sketch, then it probably is. Be cautious and aware of what’s going on around and trust your gut.

Be particularly cautious of scammers in Istanbul. Seriously, there are some very clever people in this city and they are very good at getting money out of unsuspecting tourists. The old “shoe shiner drops his brush and placates you with a sad story” is one of the oldest in the books. To avoid scams, keep an eye for overly-friendly people and situations that seem slightly “off.”

On a more political note, Istanbul and Turkey are often the recipients of bad press. Reports of corruption, economic collapse, and extremism are all normal it seems these days. It is important to remember that being a victim of something like terrorism is extremely rare. In reality, you’re more likely to be a victim of the petty crime mentioned earlier.

Travel Insurance for Istanbul

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation in Istanbul

Sometimes you need your own roof above your head – we know the feeling. Other times, you’re doing everything you can save a nickel and dime.

If you’re trying to cut the costs of travel when backpacking Istanbul, then maybe it’s time to stay somewhere besides a hostel or apartment. If you need to save money, try one of these:

Couchsurf! – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on cash when it comes to accommodation since most of the time you’re crashing for free. Staying with a local host is also a great chance to experience a more authentic side of the city and to visit hidden Istanbul.

Problem is Couchsurfing is really popular (duh, it’s free) and demand often outstrips supply. Hosts are picky as well so you’ll need to impress them with an eye-catching message. Definitely try Couchsurfing but be ready to be rejected.

Tap into your backpacker network – You never know when you have a friend in a foreign city! If you’ve traveled a lot, you may have met someone from Istanbul or know someone who knows someone.

Reach out to people! Ask to stay with people for a night or two in exchange for cooking dinner or a bottle of wine. If you don’t know anyone in the city, ask your friends if they do – travelers understand the struggle and are usually more helpful than you think.

Camping – Urban camping is a growing trend in many cities. These campsites are comfortable, sociable, safe, and cheap. They are often located on the outskirts of town, which means they are quieter too. Research to see if Istanbul has any and be sure to bring your own tent too!

Some Extra Free Things to Do in Istanbul

Looking to visit Istanbul on a budget? Consider one of these free activities in the city and save some cash!

Certain mosques – Some of the finest mosques in Istanbul cost nothing to visit. The Blue Mosque, Zeyrek Camii, and Suleymaniye Mosque are all examples. You can enter some of these even if you aren’t a Muslim. Just be sure to visit outside of prayer hours.
The bazaars – While I still think that the Grand Bazaar is a bit touristy, it is still a good way to kill time. You certainly won’t be lacking for stimulation or shop owners trying to win your attention. The Egyptian Bazaar is a good alternative (but still busy) and there’s an open-air market at Ortakoy on Sundays.
Free museums – Some of the most prestigious museums in Istanbul offer free admission either on certain days or are always free regardless of the day of the week! Be sure to check out the official websites of the Elgiz Museum, Istanbul Modern, Dogancay, and Pera Museum to learn about free entry.
The old walls of Constantinople – History buffs and Age of Empire fanatics will be happy to hear that some of the old Theodosian Walls still stand in Istanbul. There’s a good 500 meter stretch of wall near the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus that you can walk on if you like.
Zülfaris Synagogue – Or the Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews is free to enter for the public.
Free walking tours of Istanbul – A good stroll is all it takes to become acquainted with a neighborhood; Istanbul has lots to choose from as well! Fener and Balat are popular areas to explore and one should definitely consider walking along the Bosphorus as well, particularly the bit between Ortokoy and Rumeli.

Books to Read Before Visiting Istanbul

If you need a little extra info to supplement our Istanbul travel guide, try reading one of these books on the city!

The Bastard of Istanbul – An American-Armenian seeks to learn about her past and ends up living in Istanbul. Revelations of horrific events in the past will eventually reveal themselves.
The Architect’s Apprentice – An exceptional animal tamer joins the inner Ottoman courts and takes an apprenticeship under the Sultan’s top architect.
Istanbul: Memories and the City – From the immensely influential Turkish writer, Orhan Pamuk, this is a love letter to the city that raised him.
The Time Regulation Institute – A surreal and somewhat dystopian commentary on the bureaucratic state of modern Turkey. Told from the perspective of Hayri Irdal as he interacts with the various characters that work at the Time Regulation Institute.
The Janissary Tree – The first novel in Jason Goodwin’s Investigator Yashim series. This is Sherlock Holmes in Ottoman Istanbul.

The dining scene in Istanbul can be hit and miss depending on your food preferences. If you like grilled meats and lots of grains, you’ll be in your element. If you like lighter fare and/or you are a vegetarian, you will probably struggle in Istanbul.

The overwhelming majority of restaurants in Istanbul serve the best of Turkish food . This means kebabs , mezze , hearty vegetables, dolmas , pastries; things that make you want to crawl into a ball and fall into a food coma. In particular, carnivores will very much enjoy visiting Istanbul as just about everything is either roasted or grilled over an open fire.

If you don’t care for Turkish food, it’s going to be rough. Though there are some very good international restaurants in Istanbul, they are few and far in-between. Most of them are around the newer parts of town, around Taksim and Galata. DON’T stay in Sultanahmet if you want something other than Turkish food.

When visiting a Turkish restaurant, you should expect a typical European experience. You’re shown to a table, a waiter takes your order, food comes, etc, etc. Tipping is usually expected in Turkey, especially in finer venues. 5-10% should be fine.

If you’re backpacking in Istanbul on a budget, skip the restaurants. Instead, head to a food cart or a local lokanta , which is kind of like a blue-collar tavern with less drinking. Simit is a popular grab-n-go breakfast item and balik-ekmek (fish sandwich) is a local favorite. Who could pass up on ordering one of the most legendary dirtbag dishes either: the doner .

Nightlife in Istanbul

Istanbul is not Medina; it is not a bastion of religious conservatism that completely shuns the sins of the flesh. No, Istanbul loves to party.

You can find all of the usual suspects in Istanbul. Beer is common and the local favorite is Efes. Raki (an anis-based liqueur) is the official spirit of Turkey and is often served after dinner with some ice. Turkish wine ain’t too shabby either and ranges from fruity, red Karasakiz to floral, white Narince .

The epicenter of Istanbul nightlife is Beyoglu. Clubs, DJ sets, and live music venues all pump out some serious soundwaves here, the aftershocks of which are usually felt long into the morning. Most of these joints are hidden in the alleyways adjoining Istiklal Street.

The alleyways of Beyoglu can be really fun to wander around at night. Each has its own crowd, which makes them feel like little neighborhoods unto themselves. After a few drinks, it can be very easy to get lost in these though.

Generally speaking, the closer you get to Taksim Square, the more upscale the bars become. Further along, Ortakoy is also quite well known for its glamorous bars and clubs.

I personally enjoyed the nighttime vibes around Galata Tower. There were mostly lowkey cafes around this area, which was a nice respite after hectic days of exploring Istanbul. Note that the establishments directly next to the Galata Tower are busier and more touristy. You have to walk a bit to find diamonds-in-the rough, like Smyrna Art Cafe.

If you want to get high, then hash is relatively easy to find. Don’t buy it yourself – enlist the help of a local you trust. Averages prices are $5-$10 for a gram.

Visiting Istanbul may not always be easy, but is still easy to love this city. This is one of the most dynamic, storied, and thrilling cities in Europe to visit. I’ve been there several times and I’m always finding something new to do there on top of visiting superlatives like the Hagia Sophia.

Istanbul can be a bit of a mess at times; with its dynamism also comes chaos, speed, and a general sense of stupor. Those backpacking in Istanbul for the first time may feel a little lost in the beginning, but with this guide in hand, the city will be much more accessible. Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world, a feeling that I hope wasn’t lost over the course of the article, and I want others to experience it as I do.

Istanbul is just the beginning. Turkey is an amazing country and deserves to be explored as well. Once you’ve wrapped up the Turkish capital, be sure to make plans to see the likes of Cappadocia, the Turquoise Coast, and Mt Ararat. You won’t regret it

Before wrapping up this Istanbul travel guide, there are a few more matters that I want to discuss regarding responsibility and potentially staying in Istanbul long term. Please take a moment to consider these things.

Volunteering in Istanbul

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in Istanbul whilst making a real impact on local communities look no further than Worldpackers . Worldpackers is an excellent platform connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with meaningful travel experiences.

Make Money Online While Backpacking in Istanbul

Traveling in Austria long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the country?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Traveler in Istanbul

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single-use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

Visiting Istanbul will bring you ample opportunities to participate in debauchery, and it is very important to have fun, let loose, and get a bit wild at times. Most trips I have been on across the world have included at least a few mornings where I wake up knowing I went too far.

But there are some things that will put you in the category of a straight-up jackass if you do them. Being super loud and obnoxious in a tiny hostel at 3 AM is a classic rookie mistake. Everyone in the hostel will hate you when you wake them up. Show your fellow travelers respect whilst traveling in Istanbul and anywhere else for that matter!

Istanbul is a beautiful place that has touched countless people, so let’s not mistreat it. It clearly inspired the makers of this video, which, not gonna lie, has made me cry (only) a few times.

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Hello, Ralph. You put interesting information in this article.

But I had a bad experience in Istanbul and I don’t recommend a trip to this city.

I landed on the night of 10/17/2022 at Istanbul Airport (IST). Before the flight, I purchased a transfer service through Booking.com for the transfer from the airport to the hotel, for 32 pounds sterling.

Upon arrival at the airport, I did not meet the driver at the agreed location (exit 13) and spoke with a driver who was there. I showed him the name and phone number of the person who was supposed to pick me up. He called then and on the other end of the line someone impersonated the driver who was supposed to pick me up, saying that there was a mistake and that I should make the ride with the one I had found. A price of 3590.00 Turkish Lira was placed and payment would be accepted by credit card. As I was very tired, it was late at night and I didn’t know the rate of the Turkish lira, I accepted it. On leaving the airport, the local called a colleague to accompany the trip.

On the way, they stopped at the first ATM and I was forced to withdraw the money. At that moment, I saw that it was a coup and that my life was in danger. Upon arriving at the hotel, I took a photo of the license plate and asked the receptionists for help. I couldn’t sleep that night. The next morning I went to the tourist police station. I told the policeman what had happened and he only said that he would contact the owner of the vehicle and talk to him about returning the money.

On the night of 10/19/2022, a representative of the vehicle owner went to the hotel and the hotel manager brokered the contact and negotiation. The two, representative and manager, said it would only fit me 85.00 euros as there would be fees to cover. I paid the equivalent of 225.00 euros for the criminal race and received only 85 euros at the end. No policial report was registered. I was coerced and robbed. This is all completely absurd. Crime and impunity prevail there. Uber doesn’t work in the city and the hotel manager said there is a big mafia in car transport at Istanbul airport.

I hired a guide for a walking tour of the historic center, but he didn’t show up. I paid for a laundry at the hotel to deliver clean and ironed clothes but they only delivered clean ones. They always try to overcharge you for anything. It’s really annoying that you have to keep checking and confirming things all the time. You cannot trust.

People are not friendly and polite like in other places. The food is not that attractive and delicious.

Anyway… What would have been a few days of tour and resting has become a very negative experience.

Tourism is done with transparency, honesty and trust. I left Istanbul sad and very disappointed. I don’t recommend this city and Turkey to anyone. There are certainly better options.

Things like this can happen anywhere and are not specific to Turkey, however this is a good reminder to travellers of things to look out for.

THE ULTIMATE ISTANBUL TRAVEL GUIDE – WHERE TO GO

Venture to Turkey with The Asia Collective’s ultimate Istanbul travel guide to explore everything the buzzing metropolis has to offer – from vibrant rooftop bars and luxury hotels, to quaint alleyways, cobblestone streets and wonderful historical sites.

Istanbul is truly a city where you can see modernity sprouting from century-old surrounds, with local hipsters enjoying piccolo lattes from hole in the wall historical buildings. Keep on reading our extensive Istanbul travel guide to reveal the best the vibrant city has to offer – from the 20 must-do’s and the most relaxing hammams to the best hotels, restaurants and cafés you cannot miss when staying in this colourful city!

ISTANBUL TRAVEL GUIDE – 20 MUST DOS IN ISTANBUL

Trendy istanbul – galata & karakoy area.

A great place to start your trip in Istanbul – Europe’s largest city – is the Galata Tower, conveniently hoisted on a hillside with a great vantage point to see all sides of the Bosphorus including, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Spice Bazaar, the dense residential zone and CBD downtown area and across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Turkey.

While the Galata Tower itself is a historical site well worth seeing, the 1,500-year-old lighthouse offers a 360-degree vantage point ideal for anyone to plot their itinerary.

Istanbul Travel Guide: Here are the must-visit tips in the city’s coolest Galata and Karakoy neighbourhoods.

1. DRINK TURKISH COFFEE. Right in the heart of Istanbul, you can find Mandabatmaz serving the best of this traditional and aromatic drink that will get you through the day of exploration. As the Turkish proverb deems it to be, coffee at Mandabatmaz is black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.

2. HAVE TURKISH BREAKFAST. Take your time when waking in the morning, like many European cities, Istanbul’s cafes and restaurants start the day at a relaxed pace. A walk around Galata’s trendy hillside cobblestone streets is a must, and search for Privato Café , a quaint alleyway restaurant with cozy surrounds serving one of the best traditional Turkish breakfasts in Istanbul.

3. VISIT THE GALATA TOWER. After breakfast, beat the crowds and head up to the Galata Tower to take in the breathtaking views. The sunset is also great from the tower, however, the popularity often causes large crowds and queuing, so find one of the many other vantage points on offer in the city.

4. STROLL ALONG ISTIKLAL AVENUE AND TAKE HISTORIC TRAM . Start at Taksim Square and walk along the elegant Istiklal Avenue to discover a range of boutique shops such as bookstores, patisseries, cafes, and art galleries. From there, you can make your way to the mid-14th century Galata Tower by taking the historical tram to Karaköy stop.

5. GO SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL’S TRENDIEST NEIGHGBOURHOOD . Take a walk down the hill into the Karaköy neighbourhood and discover the hip boutiques, vintage shopping laneways, and trendy cafes for lunch such as Karabatak Cafe .

6. TRY A TURKISH HAMMAM. Have a Turkish bath at the famous Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami in Karakoy. Nestled alongside a beautiful mosque in a great neighbourhood this particular bathhouse follows the traditional customs of segregating by gender, in the mornings for women and afternoon into the evenings for men, so try and time it according to the company you are travelling with. If you have separate timings your spouse will be more than happy in one of the trendy cafe’s or browsing the Istanbul Modern Art Museum .

7. EAT A KEBAB. Dodge the tourist traps and head to Zubeyir Ocakbasisi for an authentic kebab experience – think tender barbecued meat cooked to perfection paired with fresh vegetables, cozy ambience and friendly staff. A classic meal to whet your appetite.

THE OLD ISTANBUL – SULTANAHMET AREA

Known as the historical Old Town of Istanbul, Sultanahmet will take you for a journey back in time. Rich from all the city’s most ancient treasur es, it is recommended to those venturing here to not only visit the historical sites and shop at the bazaars but to take time to sit back and reflect its beauty f rom the comfort of some of the coolest rooftop bars.

Istanbul Travel Guide: Here’s the must-visit tips in the city’s oldest Sultanahmet neighbourhood.

8. WALK ACROSS GALATA BRIDGE . Step into the old district of Istanbul with a walk via the Galata Bridge, spanning across the Golden Horn and connecting the old city with Beyoglu. The view at Galata Bridge is best during sunset where the pink sky serves as a stunning backdrop to the city.

9. VISIT THE SPICE BAZAAR . One of the largest bazaars in the city, the Spice Bazaar offers endless stalls of unique spices, Turkish delights, cheap souvenirs, dried fruits and nuts. Even if you’re not one to shop for spices, stroll through to experience the hustle and bustle of vendors, aromatic scent of spices in the air, and vibrant colours of the bazaar.

10. VISIT HAGIA SOPHIA & BLUE MOSQUE . In the city where East meets West, Istanbul is home to The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia both conveniently located within walking distance of one another. Arrive early before the crowd kicks in to witness the juxtaposition of an impressive mosque representing the eastern world, and a just as stunning church of Hagia Sophia, a treasure from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

11. TAKE AN UNDERGROUND JOURNEY TO BASILICA CISTERN . Take a journey underground to the ‘Indiana Jones-esque’ Basilica Cistern, which has been the site for many famed Hollywood films. This historical underground treasure is the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul, with stone columns, ancient carvings and statues dating as far back as year 532.

12. GO RUG SHOPPING AT THE GRAND BAZAAR . Get lost wandering through the colourful labyrinth of The Grand Bazaar, located in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Here you can shop and haggle for a traditional Turkish rug, oriental pillows, hanging lamps and many more!

13. HAVE A SUNDOWNER AT A’YA ROOFTOP LOUNGE . Have a drink at A’YA Rooftop Lounge at Four Seasons Sultanahmet to enjoy the incredible views of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus in stylish surroundings. This is the prime location to watch the stars slowly emerge over Istanbul whilst enjoying a refreshing cocktail or two.

14. STROLL THROUGH TOPKAPI PALACE . What once was the residence of Ottoman sultans in the 15th century, Topkapi Palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site open to those looking to soak in some history. Magnificent gardens overlooking Bosphorus topped with precious relics, Topkapi Palace will transport you immediately to the heydays of the sultan empire.

15. SMOKE A SHISHA & DRINK TURKISH TEA AT CORLULU ALI PASA . Time stands still in this 300-year-old Medrese known as Çorlulu Ali Paşa. A short walk from the Beyazit stop, you’ll find wafting aromas of fruity shisha and Turkish tea, low wooden chairs and hanging lanterns at Çorlulu Ali Paşa. A favourite among old and young locals, Çorlulu Ali Paşa is the place to go for an authentic experience.

MODERN ISTANBUL – ORTAKOY & BEBEK AREA

Wander between Ortakoy and Bebek and you’ll quickly find yourself in the upscale neighbourhood overlooking the sea. Bebek is considered one of the nicest neighbourhood of the Bosphorus, located on the European side of Istanbul. Witness seaside homes, fancy yachts, and plentiful of swanky restaurants to explore. Come here to take long walks and enjoy a lazy day.

Istanbul Travel Guide: Here are our must-visit Istanbul tips in the city’s modern Ortakoy and Bebek neighbourhood.

16. HAVE SUNDAY BRUNCH AT RAFFLES ISTANBUL . Famous for Sunday Brunch with a difference, no culinary expense is spared with Raffles’s Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish influence, including seafood and sushi offerings, fresh prawns, crab and lobster, as well as cold meats, dips and cheeses and hidden desserts room a mouth-watering selection of sweet delights. The must-haves include the injectable chocolate and vanilla eclair. Raffles attracts a well-heeled crowd on Sundays, creating a vibrant and trendy atmosphere as Veuve Clicquot Champagne dazzles the room.

17. TAKE A BOSPHORUS BOAT CRUISE. Hop on a Bosphorus boat cruise for 90 minutes to get wonderful views of the city’s amazing landmarks, including Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy Mosque , as well taking a look into the rich and famous waterside mansions further up the river. A return ticket should cost no more than 15 Turkish Liras.

18. VISIT ARNAVUTKOY. Move over Karakoy, Arnavutköy (between Bebek and Ortakoy) is quickly making a name for itself as the next cool-place-to-be. Originally a casual local hang out for fish restaurants with Bosphorus views, Arnavutköy is now attracting the city’s trendsetters with stylish restaurants and bars opening up along the waterfront. We recommend The Hudson for quality casual bites downstairs or fine dining upstairs and Any Restaurant for NYE/London city vibes.

19. VISIT ORTAKOY MOSQUE. With the Bosphorus Bridge standing in the background overlooking the waterside, the Ortakoy Mosque is set in the most picturesque spot. This Baroque styled mosque features large windows for natural light to flow in, creating a surreal atmosphere. The Ortakoy Mosque is best admired with a coffee in hand from The House Cafe located nearby.

20. DEVOUR TURKISH STREET FOOD KUMPIR AT ORTAKOY. Hands down Ortaköy is THE place to indulge in this delightfully savoury local Turkish dish. Stroll along cobblestone path of Ortaköy to find a row of kumpir stalls for your choice. Fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with butter, grated cheese, topped with an array of fillings that are not your typical choices. Pickled red cabbage, sliced sausage, black olives, garlic yogurt sauce are just among the few examples. Get creative with mixing and matching your favourite toppings for a hearty treat!

5 BEST RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL

Cecconi’s.

Address: Evliya Çelebi Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:56, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Opening Hours : Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm-12am / Sunday, 11am-4pm; 6pm-10pm / Closed Mondays Instagram : @cecconisistanbul

With worldwide locations, Italian fine dining restaurant Cecconi’s is not to be missed in Istanbul. Set in an airy courtyard of a 19th century Palazzo Corpi Building with lush surroundings and chic interior, Cecconi’s features a selection of hand-made pasta, seafood, cicchetti and dishes from Northern Italy using only the best ingredients. Spacious open kitchen with bar and relaxed atmosphere, Cecconi’s is the best location for an Italian fare with friends. The brunch, only available on Sundays, is not be missed either!

MEZE BY LEMON TREE

Address: Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Cd. 83/B, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Opening Hours: Daily, 6pm-11pm

Based on the Turkish dish “Meze”, which are small appetizers of various vegetables, seafood and meat served along raki or wine, Meze by Lemon Tree brings a twist on this traditional cuisine. With a variety of cold and warm meze, mains and desserts, Meze by Lemon Tree boasts diverse flavours and ingredients reflecting the culture and history of Turkish cuisine that will be sure to please your palate. Set in a cozy and simple atmosphere, Meze by Lemon Tree is perfect for an intimate dinner with your loved ones.

KARAKOY LOKANTASI

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mh., Kemankeş Cd. 3, A, 34425 Karaköy/Beyoğlu Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm-12am

Created with the concept of a traditional esnaf lokantasi with a stylish interior (think patterned tiles and spiral staircase) and friendly service, Karakoy Locantasi is a longtime favourite spot for Istanbulites in-the-know. Located in a narrow street close to the Bosphorus, Karaköy Lokantası is known for offering consistently-delicious Turkish cuisine at reasonable prices. Karaköy Lokantası’s homestyle dishes are what keeps the customers rolling, including the charred eggplants on the grill, tender morsels of slow-cooked lamb drizzled with red gravy. By nighttime, this place turns into a magical taverna.

ZUBEYIR OCAKBASI

Address: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Bekar Sk. No:28, 34435 Beyoğlu Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm-12am

Head to Zubeyir Ocakbasi for a quick and authentic kebab experience- a must-have when in Istanbul! A big meal that will satisfy your tastebuds, Zubeyir Ocakbasi can be considered as the hidden gem in Taksim Square. Come here with room to try their dishes, from Turkish pizza to Lamb Shish, charcoal grilled vegetables and marinated onions. Don’t be surprised if you’re the only non-local here!

Address: İstinye Mahallesi, Bayır Çk. No:461, 34460 Sarıyer Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm-12am Instagram: @zumaistanbul

Award-winning London based restaurant Zuma has gloriously found its way to Istanbul. Located in the fashion district of the city, Zuma showcases modern Japanese cuisine that is famously authentic but not traditional. Trendy interior and stylish atmosphere do not disappoint at Zuma. Designed as sharing plates, each dish offers a variety of textures and bold flavours to please your tastebuds. Signature dishes such as Miso Marinated Black Cod and Japanese Rice Hotpot with Mushroom and Truffle will leave you wanting more.

BEST RESTAURANTS WITH A VIEW

Sunset grill & bar.

Address: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, Yol Sk. No:2, 34345 Ulus / Beşiktaş/Beşiktaş/İstanbul Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12p-3pm for lunch; Daily from 7pm-12am for dinner Instagram: @sunsetgrillbar

Since its opening in the early 90s, Sunset Grill & Bar remains one of the top restaurants in Istanbul for fine dining paired with an unbeatable view of the Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge and Asian shoreline. Set in the upscale neighbourhood of Ulus, Sunset Grill & Bar is the perfect place for sunset drinks, followed by a delicious dinner of international selection.

The Sunset Grill & Bar’s proudly presents an extensive menu with a vast choice of specialties from Mediterranean, Turkish, and New Japanese cuisine. Thanks to Istanbul’s ever-evolving flow of diverse guests seen throughout the years, Sunset Grill & Bar caters carefully to its guests while keeping its dishes fresh and updated.

Feel at ease when choosing your dish, from the juicy selection of meats to grill to the exotic Sushi Bar, you can expect each dish to be perfected from award-winning chefs, ensuring a satisfied appetite!

360 ISTANBUL

Address: Tomtom Mahallesi, Istiklal Cd No:8 D:163, 34433 Beyoğlu/Tepebaşı/Beyoğlu Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm- 2am / Friday & Saturday, 12pm-4am Instagram: @360istanbul

Located in a trendy penthouse above on a 19th-century apartment building, 360 offers a spacious terrace with sweeping views of the city. You can enjoy a fabulous Turkish wine or cocktail while gazing out to the Bosphorus Strait from 360. Grab your friends for a dining experience that brings a twist on the modern Turkish meze fused with international cuisine. From sharing mezes such as Bulgar Beef Tartar made in sushi style, to legendary main courses including the Pulled Lamb Tandir or Lobster Arrabiatta Pasta, 360 has it all.

When the weekend arrives, the restaurant is transformed into a hip club called Club360, bringing live DJs, vocalists, dancers, and good vibes!

5.KAT RESTAURANT

Address: Cihangir Mahallesi, Soğancı Sk. No:7, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10am-1am / Friday-Sunday, 11:30am-2:30am

Step into the “5th Floor Restaurant”, also known as 5.kat, for a unique adventure of art, taste, and style. Since its opening in 1993, 5.kat has seen its fair share of unique parties, unforgettable concerts, cultural events and notable artists past through its doors. With an unbeatable view of little red rooftops of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait, 5.kat boasts impeccable service and exquisite dishes. For over two decades, 5.kat stays true to its young and artistic soul and continues to be one of the most special places in Istanbul. 5.kat offers a range of simple and fresh dishes both western and local, such as its mouthwatering Homemade Ravioli or the special 5.kat Shaslip Kebap.

Sit back in the 5.kat patio (you can ask for blankets if it gets too chilly) with your loved one with a glass of wine, followed by a delectable meal paired with a stellar view for a romantic and cozy experience. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Address: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, 34430, Beyoğlu, İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am Instagram: @themarmarahotels

At Mikla, expect to enjoy stellar dishes with a mesmerizing view over the Gold Horn and Old City. Created by renowned, award-winning Chef Mehmet Gürs, Mikla was voted best restaurant in Istanbul right after its opening in 2005 and has made into the “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” 51st-100th list in 2015. Mikla prides themselves in carefully sourcing the best ingredients in Istanbul and all around Turkey while transforming ingredients into humble dishes reflecting the tradition and land in which it was found. A selection of Turkish dishes, fresh seafood such as Seabass and Prawns or opt or some melt-in-your-mouth Braised Lamb or Beef Rib Steak. Feeling adventurous and hungry? Try their impressive 7-course tasting menu (with superb wine pairing) for a gastronomic journey to a happy belly!

BANYAN RESTAURANT

Address: Muallim Naci Caddesi, Salhane Sokak, No.3 Ortaköy Opening Hours: Daily, 2pm-1am

Located on the top floor of a historical building in the heart of the bustling Ortaköy Iskelesi lies Banyan, serving flavourful Asian fusion cuisine unique to the city. Their motto, “food for the soul,” brings hearty Asian dishes made with healthy ingredients. Seabass wrapped in a banana leaf, Sichuan pepper steak, Asian beef, chicken. Duck satays served on mini charcoal bbq, and a variety of steamed Chinese ‘Dim Sums’ are some of their most loved. From the top of the restaurant, you can enjoy live jazz at sunset overlooking the fishing village of Ortaköy.

Simple pleasures of homestyle cooking, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly staff make Banyan one of the best places to enjoy a night out with friends or loved ones.

LEB-I DERYA

Address: Kumbaracı Yokuşu, Kumbaracı İş Hanı, No: 57/6 Tünel, Beyoğlu İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 4pm-1am

Serving innovative international dishes with modern twists on some Turkish classics, Leb-i Derya is the hip and happening place to be. Step into the restaurant and you’ll find a mixture of glass walls and wood furnishings complementing the space to create a contemporary atmosphere. Amazing dishes include Beef Carpaccio or choose from a series of meze options to start. Dive into the main course with delicious meats such as the Lamb Shish with plums, and seafood selection.

With a stunning view and a collection of mouthwatering cocktails and internationally-selected wine list, delicious menu, Leb-i Derya remains a favourite spot for the young and hip crowds.

5 BEST CAFES IN ISTANBUL

Cafe privato.

Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Galata Galip Cad., Tımarcı Sok. 3/B, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30am-11pm

Cozy space, friendly staff, and one of the best spot for breakfast – it doesn’t get any better than Cafe Privato. Hidden in a small street near the Galata, Cafe Privato offers wholesome village breakfast, also known as Köy Kahvaltısı, is considered to be the best in Istanbul. Gözleme (spinach stuffed savoury pancakes) grilled halloumi cheese, and a selection of homemade jams awaits for locals and tourists with a big appetite.

Also open for lunch and dinner serving up homestyle Turkish, Italian and Georgian dishes with a view of the Galata Tower, Cafe Privato is a must visit place in Istanbul.

Address: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, Muallim Naci Cd. 64/B, 34330 Beşiktaş/İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 9am-11:30pm

With white interior, cobblestone walls and seafront views, you may think you’re in Greece at Assk Kahve. “Aşşk” is a Word derived from “Aşk” which means “love” in Turkish, and you may agree to fall quickly in love with this cafe. With two locations in Istanbul, the most popular being the Kuruçeşme branch, resembling a relaxed and stylish beachside home. Serving a range of tasty dishes ranging from homemade bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, granola, egg dishes, pasta, and so much more, Kahve is the perfect place for a casual and stylish Sunday brunch!

THE HOUSE CAFE ORTAKOY

Address: Salhane Sokak No: 1 Ortaköy İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 8am-1am Instagram: @thehousecafe

Located along the Bosphorus, The House Cafe is a trendy restaurant popular among the local crowd of stylish Istanbulites. The menu hosts a variety of both local Turkish and international dishes ideal for large groups with a mix of appetite, available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Colourful and fresh dishes are constantly updated at The House Cafe, creating an ideal taste for all visitors alike. In the summer, expect bumping music and an exciting atmosphere with live DJ performances on the weekends on the terrace!

DELICATESSEN

Address: Mim Kemal Öke Cad. No. 19 Nişantaşı Opening Hours: Daily, 8am-1am Instagram: @delicatessenist

Placed in the stylish neighbourhood of Nişantaşı, you’ll find a two-storey restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine at Delicatessen. Charcuterie, cheese, seafood platters, eggs benedict, sandwiches & toasts, canapés to start or share, and a range of meats, pasta and seafood for mains can be enjoyed at Delicatessen, paired with a smooth glass of wine to complete a hearty meal. Check out their own special line of glass, wooden, and ceramic accessories including cheese plates, jars and other containers, and pasta moulds which make for perfect gifts and souvenir!

MANGERIE BEBEK

Address: Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No.69 Bebek İstanbul, Türkiye Opening Hours: Daily, 8am-12:30am

Tucked above a hairdresser salon in Bebek area, Mangerie is the perfect place to take it easy and spend the day with your friends while enjoying a nice view and delicious food. An airy space with the perfect amount of natural light shining through its large windows and white interior, Mangerie delivers amazing brunch to dinner bites, coffee to cocktails selection. Though brunch is by far their most popular time, head here for a drink in the afternoon sun after a day of exploring the area. You won’t regret it!

BEST HOTELS IN ISTANBUL

Budget: hotel sari konak.

Address: Mimar Mehmet Ağa Cd. No:26, 00000 Fatih/İstanbul Check for Best Available Price Instagram: @hotelsarikonak

Prices from approx. US$50 per night at Hotel Sari Konak.

MID-RANGE: GEORGES HOTEL GALATA

Address: Müeyyedzade Mh., Serdar-i Ekrem Sokak No:24, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Check for Best Available Price Instagram: @georgeshotelgalata

A trendy boutique hotel in the Galata neighbourhood, Georges Hotel Galata offers award-winning experience within 5 minutes’ walk of Istiklal Avenue, the Galata Tower and the hip Karakoy neighbourhood. Located in a historical building, Georges Galata consists of a modern design and timeless glamour that is both comfortable and pleasing to the eye. You’ll find sea view rooms, balcony suites designed with stylish interiors such as black marble bathroom with blue mosaic tiles and clean white bedroom with Victorian accents. Guests can enjoy the laid-back rooftop bar with dreamy views of the city, or break a sweat with private yoga sessions available.

Prices from approx. US$80 per night at Georges Hotel Galata.

BOUTIQUE: THE SOHO HOUSE

Address: Evliya Çelebi Mahallesi, 34430 Beyoğlu/Istanbul Check for Best Available Price Instagram: @sohohouse

London-based design hotel group Soho House finds itself comfortably situated in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. The Soho House Istanbul is considered the group’s most exciting project, built in a 19th-century palazzo with grand Corinthian columns and Carrara marble, finished with Turkish accents creating a contemporary style. All rooms of the hotel have king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, Marshall speakers, minibar, and complimentary wifi. The best is yet to come, with the famed Cecconi’s as your dining option, a fully equipped gym and Cowshed spa with Traditional Hamam spa in case you decided to stay in.

Prices from approx. US$240 per night at The Soho House Istanbul.

LUXURY: FOUR SEASONS SULTANAHMET

Address: Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1, 34122 Sultanahmet-Eminönü/İstanbul Check for Best Available Price Instagram: @fssultanahmet

Positioned in the heart of Sultanahmet, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet is a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel, that was formerly an Istanbul prison. As soon as you enter the Istanbul hotel you are in awe of its elegant furnishings and colourful Turkish interiors styled to perfection. In the middle is a stunning outdoor courtyard garden, that surrounds the hotel’s restaurant. It is a beautiful private sanctuary despite the hustle and bustle outside.

The rooms are equally impressive, a wonderful mix of old traditions with modern day comforts. Fall in love with its 2-storey suite with gorgeous furnishings complemented with colourful Turkish rugs.

The location is between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, less than a 2-minute walk to each. The hotel’s gem is its rooftop terrace A’ya Rooftop Lounge, with 360 panorama views of the Bosphorus and city’s greatest monuments! Sitting on this rooftop allows you to feel like you are almost in the Mosques, listening to the Islamic prayer from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as they call back and forth to one another in a melodic rhythm. You are in the centre of the calls, and the experience is spine-chilling. Unforgettable! While the view at sunset is amazing, the prayer closer to 9pm is more mystical than the sunset chant.

Prices from approx. US$290 per night at The Four Seasons Sultanahmet.

BEST HAMMAMS IN ISTANBUL

Traditional: aga hamami.

Address: Kuloğlu Mh., Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:48, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-10pm Bookings: [email protected]

Aga Hamami is the oldest bath you’ll find in Turkey, dating back to the Ottoman Era in 1454. Transport back in time as you step into Aga Hamami, only to find a range of relaxing experiences awaiting behind its doors. Start with a powerful body scrub, also known as “kese” for the result of softer skin, followed by a foam bath that will melt all your worries away. It doesn’t end there! Continue your day of pampering with an oil massage and glowing face mask. The overall result? A relaxed, rejuvenated, and brand new you.

LUXE: KILIC PASA HAMAMI

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Opening Hours: Daily, 8am-11:30pm Bookings: [email protected]

From the stunning location and awe-inspiring interiors to a beautiful and relaxing treatment in the hot sauna room including, exfoliation, silky bubbles poured over your skin, gentle massage pressure and hot and iced cold buckets of water poured over your head. Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami is the Turkish spa experience giving sensations you’ve never had before. Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami is also the most popular Turkish bath aimed at tourists, in case you do not want to find yourself in a compromising situation with a naked masseuse scrubbing your body (the traditional way). Staff at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami are friendly and professional, creating a memorable experience that will leave you floating above clouds for days.

Have you been to Istanbul, and want to share your favourite spots to add to our Istanbul Travel Guide?

Join our The Asia Collective – Luxe Travellers group on Facebook to share your travel adventures, and find other great advice from other like-minded travellers.

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Your Travel Guide for Istanbul

Istanbul, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is Turkey’s largest city with a population of over 15 million. It’s renowned for its historic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, while also being a bustling modern metropolis. Istanbul welcomes around 13 million tourists annually, offering a unique mix of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Tourists can savor delicious Turkish cuisine, explore iconic historical sites, enjoy warm hospitality, shop in vibrant bazaars, immerse themselves in a diverse culture, and experience a lively nightlife scene.

Get ready for your trip

Discover the best time to visit
Book your flight
Find the best place to stay in Istanbul
Make a list of top places to see
Learn how to get an IstanbulKart and how to use public transport
Get your Museum Pass for Istanbul
Find out how to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Discover the best Street Food in Istanbul
Learn more about the Istanbul Must-Eats
Find the best Night Clubs
Discover where to get the best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul

Learn more about Istanbul

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Practical things to know before visiting istanbul, planning the trip.

Spend 3-4 Days Exploring Istanbul When visiting Istanbul, allocate at least 3-4 days to get a proper introduction to this vast city and see its main attractions. Istanbul’s endless neighborhoods, ferry trips, museums, and dining options mean you could easily extend your stay beyond a week.
Pre-Book Your Accommodation Hotel booking platforms like Booking.com might not work in Turkey, so it’s wise to browse and secure your lodging in advance. This is especially vital during the peak season (June to August) when nicer hotels tend to sell out early, and prices can surge. Find the best hotels in Taksim !
Avoid Renting a Car Istanbul’s traffic can be chaotic, making it unnecessary to rent a car within the city. The public transportation system, which includes the metro, trams, buses, and ferries, is affordable and dependable. Google Maps is a valuable tool for planning routes.
Choose Comfortable Footwear For extensive walking and standing, wear comfortable, well-broken-in shoes. Leave heels at home and opt for trainers, especially if you plan to use public transport.
Stay Away from Mosques If You’re a Light Sleeper Mosques in Istanbul may issue calls to prayer as early as 4 am. To ensure a peaceful night’s sleep, consider booking accommodation away from mosques if you’re a light sleeper.
Be Mindful of Banned Websites Certain websites, including PayPal, Wikipedia, and Booking.com, may be inaccessible in Turkey. Plan your online activities accordingly, and consider using a VPN.

Getting around

Use Public Transport from the Airports For convenience and speed, opt for public transport options like shuttle buses or the metro when arriving at Istanbul’s airports. They provide direct access to areas like Taksim and the city center. Learn more about how to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim .
Invest in an Istanbul Kart Consider purchasing an Istanbul Kart for public transportation. It offers significantly reduced fares compared to single tickets and can be used by up to five people, making it a cost-effective choice for groups. Find out how to get an Istanbulkart and the prices !
Use Taxi Apps Istanbul offers various types of taxis at different price points, but it’s safer to use taxi apps to avoid scams and ensure reliability.
Enjoy Local Ferries Rather than splurging on a Bosphorus cruise, take advantage of affordable local ferries to enjoy similar scenic views. Ferries criss-cross the Bosphorus, offering a more budget-friendly way to experience the city’s waterways.

While you are there

Combine Cards and Cash While credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, smaller shops, street food vendors, and certain restaurants may prefer cash. Carry small bills for tipping and to meet card purchase limits in some stores.
Be Prepared for Hills Istanbul is known as the “City on the Seven Hills,” so expect steep streets, especially in areas like Beyoglu, Balat, and around the Galata Tower. Comfortable shoes and water are essential for navigating the hilly terrain.
Consider Tourist Passes Invest in tourist passes like the Istanbul Museum Pass or E-Pass for skip-the-line access to major cultural institutions. These passes are particularly beneficial if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Learn more about the Museum Pass !
Start Early to Beat Crowds To avoid crowds, especially during the summer, start your day early and arrive at popular landmarks when they open. The metro operates as early as 6 am, making it easy to get around in the early morning.
English Is Limited While English is spoken, it’s not as widespread as you might expect. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful, as not everyone you encounter will be fluent in English.
Don’t Flush Toilet Paper Many places in Istanbul request that you dispose of toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it due to sensitive plumbing. Follow the posted instructions in restrooms.
Beware of Scams Be cautious of potential scams, such as overcharging in restaurants and cab rides. Double-check your bills and use reputable services to avoid unwanted surprises.
Remember to Tip Tipping is common in Turkey, and it’s customary to tip between 5-10% of the bill in restaurants, with higher-end dining often warranting a 10-15% tip. Always tip in cash.

Is Istanbul expensive?

Istanbul’s affordability for travelers has evolved over the years. While it used to be very cheap, it is still relatively budget-friendly compared to many other European cities. However, the cost of your trip can vary significantly depending on your preferences and choices. In recent years, Istanbul has seen an increase in prices for various aspects of travel, from accommodation and transportation to groceries and entertainment. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including Turkey’s currency devaluation, foreign trade deficit, negative interest rates, and the Russian war in Ukraine, all contributing to rising prices.

The good news is that you can experience Istanbul on a budget and still have an enjoyable trip. Accommodation, public transport, and local food can be quite affordable while offering a rich cultural experience. Additionally, purchasing a museum pass for around $75 can cover most of the city’s attractions, making it a cost-effective way to explore Istanbul’s history and culture.

Ultimately, the cost of your trip will depend on your choices regarding dining, accommodation, and the activities and attractions you decide to explore. Many international visitors still view Istanbul as one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, which is why the city continues to attract millions of travelers each year.

Where to stay in Istanbul?

When deciding where to stay in Istanbul, it’s essential to consider your preferences and priorities. The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods and accommodations to suit different traveler needs. If you want to be at the heart of Istanbul’s historical and cultural attractions, Sultanahmet is an excellent choice. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Meanwhile, Taksim Square in Beyoglu is perfect for those who want a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. If you prefer a more tranquil and charming setting, consider the historic neighborhoods of Balat or Kadikoy, known for their picturesque streets, local markets, and waterfront views.

Overview of the best places to stay in Istanbul

Sultanahmet : This is where you’ll find Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts. Accommodations here range from luxury hotels with stunning views of the Bosphorus to charming boutique hotels.
Taksim/Beyoglu : If you want a lively atmosphere, Taksim is the place to be. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. Choose from trendy boutique hotels, international chains, or budget-friendly hostels.
Sirkeci : Located near Sultanahmet, Sirkeci offers a convenient location for exploring historic sites. You’ll find a mix of international chain hotels and charming boutique options.
Galata : Galata is famous for its historic tower and the trendy Karakoy neighborhood. Accommodations include boutique hotels with modern amenities and panoramic views.
Ortaköy : Situated on the Bosphorus, Ortaköy is known for its vibrant nightlife and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque. You can choose from waterfront hotels and cozy guesthouses.
Besiktas : This area is known for its waterfront, vibrant nightlife, and upscale shopping. You can stay in modern hotels or stylish boutique accommodations here.
Balat : This historic district offers a taste of old Istanbul, with colorful houses and a relaxed vibe. You can find boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide a cozy, local experience.
Kadikoy : Located on the Asian side, Kadikoy offers a more laid-back environment with a local feel. You’ll discover comfortable hotels and rental apartments, along with great local eateries.
Üsküdar : On the Asian side, Üsküdar provides a more tranquil setting with beautiful views of the European side. Accommodations include waterfront hotels and comfortable guesthouses.

Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökcen Airport?

For tourists, choosing between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) depends on your destination within the city. Istanbul Airport, is located on the European side and is better connected with a frequent shuttle bus service and a shorter metro connection to the city center. Istanbul Airport offers around-the-clock shuttle buses to various tourist destinations. On the other hand, Sabiha Gökcen Airport, situated on the Asian side, has limited shuttle bus options to Kadiköy and Taksim, and the metro connection to Kadiköy takes almost an hour. Additionally, most international flights operated by Turkish Airlines land at Istanbul Airport. So, if you’re heading to the European side or looking for more transportation options, Istanbul Airport might be your preferred choice, while Sabiha Gökcen may be more convenient if you’re staying on the Asian side of the city.

Istanbul Travel Guide

Spread across two continents and between two seas, Istanbul is a city of empires past. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower are just some of the many historic structures scattered throughout the city. Sip a Turkish tea as you float between Europe and Asia on a ferry and watch the palaces, mansions, and modern museums pass by. —Katie Nadworny

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Istanbul Travel Guide

Courtesy of Leonardo Patrizi | Getty Images

19 Best Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

The world's only city that sits on the two continents of Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus strait, Istanbul possesses so many layers that make it absolutely unique. A megacity that has seen the rise and fall of two empires, the former

All Things To Do

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) free

Sultan Ahmed I was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the nearby Hagia Sophia , and most would agree that he accomplished this task or, at least, came close. Since the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque has been quite the sight to behold, with an array of domes, semidomes and minarets (or narrow towers). It's also one of the biggest tourist draws in Istanbul.

Visitors say this mosque offers stunning architecture inside and out. It can, however, get busy, so consider arriving early. And remember, the Blue Mosque is an active religious site, so dress conservatively. Women should wear headscarves, as is custom. If you forgot to bring one, you can borrow one from the mosque.

Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Cami) Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Cami) free

Tourists flock en masse to the Hagia Sophia for its stunning architecture, glorious interior views and historical significance. Built between 532 and 537, the building was a church for nearly a thousand years. It then served as a mosque from 1453 until 1935, before becoming a secular museum. In 2020, the building once again became a working mosque.

Once the biggest cathedral in the world, the Hagia Sophia is considered the magnum opus of Byzantine architecture. Visitors say it is a must-see when in Istanbul and recommend taking a guided tour for more information about the history of the site.

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

The Basilica Cistern is Istanbul's largest surviving Byzantine cistern and one of its most unique historic sites. Constructed in 532 for Justinian I, this sprawling underground water reservoir –which is roughly the size of two football fields – once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, a large palace that served as the main residence for local emperors for centuries. Though the palace no longer exists, the cistern was renovated in 1985 to welcome visitors. In 2022, it reopened to the public after a five-year restoration effort. Its most noteworthy feature is a pair of Medusa heads that sit upside down at the base of two columns.

According to past travelers, the Basilica Cistern is easy to miss but worth checking out, despite its lack of interior attractions. Many said the site is beautifully preserved, but queues to buy tickets and enter can get quite long, so several recommended visiting with a tour group. Multiple half- and full-day tours that include stops at the cistern are offered on Viator ; tour prices range from $39 to $686 per person.

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Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi) Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi) free

Located within walking distance of must-visit sights like the Blue Mosque , the Basilica Cistern and Süleymaniye Mosque , the Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest covered shopping markets in the world. It regularly overwhelms visitors with its more than 60 streets of 3,000-plus shops, each accompanied by an overzealous vendor. Products range from hand-loomed carpets to antiques, traditional textiles to copper and silver artisan objects, artisan jewelry and ceramics to clothing and much more.

Despite the size and chaos of this bazaar, shoppers say you'll find yourself strangely at ease with the rhythm of the market, thanks in part to the friendliness of the vendors, who are far from pushy. Remember, though, that Westerners are often quoted higher rates for items here, so come prepared to bargain. Most merchants will drop their rates by as much as 50% when a customer refuses to pay full price. What's more, additional discounts are often given to those who pay with cash, although most vendors do accept credit cards.

Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi) Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take a lunch break at Pandeli Restaurant inside the bazaar, which has been around since the 1950s serving classic Turkish dishes in a refined ambiance. Make reservations in advance and don't miss the stairs that lead up to the restaurant on the left side of the bazaar's Eminönü entrance. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Built in the 17th century from the revenue of the Ottoman administrative district in Egypt (and therefore also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) this historic bazaar is the second most famous covered market in Istanbul. A must-visit for gourmets who love to shop for traditional ingredients, the more than 80 shops inside the market have a wide and fragrant spectrum of spices, nuts, dried fruits, Turkish coffee and traditional sweets.

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) free

Nestled within Istanbul's historic Fatih district by the Golden Horn, Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar , Süleymaniye Mosque is considered one of the city's most impressive Ottoman mosques. Built between 1550 and 1557 after being commissioned by its namesake, Süleyman I, this grand structure features multiple gardens and a large dome, plus high-end finishes like mother-of-pearl window shutters, painted corbels, traditional ceramic tiles and stained-glass windows.

Recent travelers described their time at this mosque as "amazing" and "peaceful," adding that it is just as stunning as the Blue Mosque and cannot be missed. What's more, this attraction is not as central and popular as others like the Hagia Sophia , meaning you won't have to rub elbows with lots of tourists while visiting. But remember, like other religious sites in the area, Süleymaniye Mosque hosts six prayer services every day, so expect occasional closures and dress conservatively. If you forget to wear long pants or pack a scarf to cover your head, the mosque offers loaner coverings at its entrance.

Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Pasa Camii) Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Pasa Camii)

One of Sultanahmet's lesser-known mosques is also one of its most beautiful. Designed by the famous Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan (who also designed the Süleymaniye Mosque ) and completed in 1563, the structure was dedicated to the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. The mosque's most important trait are the large quantities of Iznik tiles that decorate its interior in a wide variety of floral and geometric patterns. It's a definite deviation from Mimar Sinan's usual style, which favored the structure rather than its internal decoration.

Previous travelers commented that this more hidden sight is a definite stop for anyone interested in Islamic art and Ottoman architecture. They add the design impresses deeply with its hand-painted tilework as well as its majestic dome. Travelers have also commented that the mosque is a welcome respite from Istanbul's busy streets.

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi) Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)

Topkapi Palace served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans from 1478 to 1856 and is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions. It officially became a museum in 1924, shortly after the end of the Ottoman era, and features brilliant architecture, manicured courtyards and extensive weaponry, porcelain, cutlery, art and fabric collections.

Previous visitors loved admiring the palace's architecture and perusing its exhibits, saying you'll need several hours to take in everything there is to see. Popular exhibits include the kitchens, the calligraphy area and the armaments room. Many also recommend strolling through the property's gardens and refueling at the on-site coffee shop, where picturesque views of the Golden Horn await you.

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Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri) Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)

At the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, which opened near the Topkapi Palace Museum in 1869, you'll find more than a million antiquities displayed throughout three buildings: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. Exhibitions offer a wealth of artifacts from the Assyrian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations.

Travelers have commented on the beauty of the museum structures themselves and appreciated the vast collection at this underrated museum. Others recommended seeing the Sarcophagus of Alexander, a highlight in the collection.

The Beyoglu Neighborhood The Beyoglu Neighborhood

The heart of Istanbul's local life, Beyoglu, once known as Pera, was the center of European aristocratic settlement during the Ottoman era. The neoclassical architecture of its structures all speak of this past. Starting with the new Ataturk Cultural Center in the famous Taksim Square, the equally famous Istiklal Avenue stretches all the way to Tünel Square, where the historic Tünel funicular station is located as one of the world's oldest subterranean urban railways.

When walking down Istiklal, make sure to stop and explore the many historic shopping arcades, restaurants, art galleries and churches hidden in the side streets. Standouts include the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, the city's largest Catholic Church; the Istanbul Cinema Museum , exhibiting the history of Turkish cinema inside a stunning former mansion from the 19th century; and the art gallery Casa Botter inside a renovated and repurposed art nouveau apartment building from the 1900s.

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

Certainly one of Istanbul's most iconic structures, the Galata Tower was first built during the Byzantine era, rebuilt by the Genoese, who gave it the stone mesh exterior it still possesses today, and later used as a prison during the Ottoman period. Today, the tower welcomes visitors who can climb to the top to enjoy a gorgeous 360-degree view of Istanbul.

Travelers have remarked that the tower is located in the city's "coolest" neighborhood and noted that the view from the top is especially amazing at night. Others commented that the tower itself is beautiful, though they felt the steep entry fee wasn't worth the experience.

Dolmabahce Palace Dolmabahce Palace

Sitting along the Bosphorus near the Kabatas tram stop and the Besiktas ferry port, Dolmabahçe Palace's jaw-dropping beauty and historical importance impresses visitors. Built in the 19th century, the palace was used by the final Ottoman sultans as their primary residence and administrative seat. The interior and exterior architecture showcase a mix of European and Ottoman designs that can only be found at this global crossroad. Make sure to also visit the National Painting Museum next door (included in the ticket), which showcases around 200 paintings from the palace's collection that spans Turkish and international artists from the 19th century.

Past travelers were wowed by the palace's extravagant interior, although some wished photography was permitted and felt tours were rushed and lacked information. Several visitors also reported long ticket lines, and the property's website cautions that the ticket office closes early once all passes have been distributed for the day, so plan on arriving early.

The Besiktas Neighborhood The Besiktas Neighborhood

After exploring the Dolmabahçe Palace , a stroll in the Besiktas neighborhood at large is a great way to delve into local life, away from the tourist highlights. Walk up Süleyman Seba Avenue to reach Akaretler, the 19th-century row houses originally built for those who worked at Dolmabahçe Palace. They're now filled with modern shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Stroll down Çiragan Avenue to reach Yildiz Park, one of the city's largest public parks with two Ottoman-era pavilions that now serve as cafes and enjoy some time away from the crowds. Right across the park, gaze at one of Istanbul's most iconic hotels with its ornate gates, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski, inside a former Ottoman palace. If you still have the energy, continue on Çiragan Avenue to Ortaköy Square to enjoy a waterfront view of the famous Bosphorus Bridge with the Ortaköy Mosque built in the 1850s right before it.

The best way to reach Besiktas is via bus, however, the neighborhood also has its own ferry port with transfers available from Eminönü (Old City).

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The Nisantasi Neighborhood The Nisantasi Neighborhood

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make sure to visit Kalyon Kültür , an art and culture space inside a beautifully renovated Ottoman mansion built in 1889. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

It's in this neighborhood that you'll find the city's residents shopping for the latest collections from Turkish and international designers. Apart from Beymen , Turkey's most exclusive department store, you'll also find brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel plus the atelier and showrooms of some of Istanbul's most important fashion designers. The neighborhood is, however, also home to brands such as Gap, Massimo Dutti, Zara and Marks & Spencer, pleasing shopping crowds of all budgets in one go.

Galataport Galataport

Much more than the world's first underground cruise ship terminal, Galataport is filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and a wide boardwalk that all face the Bosphorus. Apart from Istanbul Modern , Galataport's other cultural offering is the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture , designed by the famed Turkish architect Emre Arolat's firm. It has a vast collection that presents Turkish art from the late 19th-century Ottoman period to the end of the 20th century. The port is also home to the luxurious Peninsula Hotel; three of its four buildings are renovated heritage structures overlooking the Old City.

Travelers have remarked that the port is modern and has lots of branded storefronts and restaurants and that the views are incredible. They add that the modern design of Galataport and the historic architecture of nearby structures gives visitors the best of both worlds.

Istanbul Modern Istanbul Modern

Inside a stunning waterfront structure by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Istanbul Modern is the city's most important hub for contemporary art with its permanent and temporary exhibitions. The collection focuses mainly on pioneering Turkish artists and also includes a photography collection. Make sure to visit the museum's rooftop that faces the Bosphorus and the Old City and features shallow pools that reflect the horizon.

Previous visitors have commended the large variety of artworks, including all types of art, media, sculpture and interactive exhibits. Other guests recommended the rooftop and its fantastic view of the historic city center.

The Kadiköy Neighborhood The Kadiköy Neighborhood

U.S. News Insider Tip: Heading to Kadiköy Market? Start your journey on Günesli Bahçe Street and then get lost among the offerings, especially the many little eateries selling street food. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Istanbul's Asian side (or Anatolian side as the locals like to say) is often completely overlooked by tourists, but it's the perfect locale for those who want to have a genuine local experience. Kadiköy is very down-to-earth and still very Turkish, largely untouched by the cosmopolitan air that is prevalent on the European side. After arriving at the Kadiköy ferry station, the first stop should be the vast Kadiköy Market, a network of interconnected streets that are filled with vendors selling everything from fresh fish to produce, cheeses to pickled vegetables, coffee to nuts, offal to honey and so much more.

Beylerybeyi Palace Beylerybeyi Palace

Another hidden gem Istanbul's Anatolian (Asian) side, the breathtakingly ornate Beylerbeyi Palace was built between 1863 and 1865 under the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz. It served as a summer residence and state guesthouse. The waterfront palace was designed by Sarkis Balyan, who, along with other members of the Armenian Balyan family, designed such other icons as the Dolmabahçe and Çiragan Palaces. A confluence of Western and Eastern architectural styles, the interior of the lavish palace is filled with Turkish Hereke carpets; French Baccarat crystal chandeliers; and Chinese, Japanese, French and German ceramics, to name a few.

Previous travelers were astounded by the beauty and design of the palace, which exhibited wonderful craftsmanship. The palace's coffee shop was also recommended due to the stunning Bosphorus view.

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Büyükada Büyükada

U.S. News Insider Tip: This island is very popular on the weekends, so if you'd rather avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

The largest of Istanbul's Princes' Islands is certainly its most popular and is the best way to really take a break from the city's endearingly chaotic energy. Büyükada (which literally translates to 'large island') was a popular getaway for Istanbul's prosperous Greeks, Jews and Armenians who had lavish summer mansions built to accommodate their vacationing needs. Nowadays, these Ottoman-era mansions are some of the most important attractions on the island, and locals and visitors alike arrive in droves to stroll along the streets to gaze up at the historic architecture. Some of the most notable houses are located on Çankaya Avenue.

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For centuries Istanbul has captivated visitors and witnessed the rise and fall of empires that fought to seize its beauty. A sprawling metropolis, Istanbul is a mosaic of sights, where European panache greets oriental mystique, where ancient treasures sit alongside modern designs, and where traditions thrive in a contemporary world. The magnificent 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the mesmeric Grand Bazaar will draw you in, but it’s the city’s cosmopolitan vibe that brings comfort to modern-day sojourners.

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shop with stacks and stacks of colorful Turkish treats and shopkeeper in the background

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When’s the best time to go to Istanbul?

Tourism in Istanbul booms during the summer months of August and September, as do the room rates, humidity, and lines to enter major tourist attractions. For a more comfortable vacation, visit in spring or autumn when temperatures peak around 70°F and humidity is mild. Mid-April is by far the prettiest time of year, when over 14 million tulips bring color and life to the city as part of the Istanbul Tulip Festival.

How to get around Istanbul

Istanbul’s main international airport, Istanbul Airport (IST), located on the European shores. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), on the Asian side, also caters to a range of commercial airlines. International buses from Greece and Bulgaria, the Bosporus Express train between Bucharest and Istanbul, and the daily flotilla of luxury cruise liners also bring travelers to the shores of Istanbul.

Pack a pair of comfy walking shoes. Your two feet paired with Istanbul’s public transportation network is the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Most Istanbulites don’t own a vehicle because, at 3TL (US$1.50) per person per trip, the Metro (trains), trams, ferries, and buses are a faster, more affordable way to get through Istanbul traffic. Purchase an Istanbulkart for discounts on public transit, or revel in the pace of life in old Istanbul where most attractions are within easy walking distance. Taxis are available, as are dolmuşes (literally meaning “stuffed”), which are shared taxis traveling popular city routes.

Can’t miss things to do in Istanbul

No other city in the world spans two continents, so enjoy a progressive dinner over Europe and Asia. Start with fresh mezes (starters) in old Istanbul, then board the ferry in Karaköy for a 20-minute Bophorus cruise to Kadiköy in Asia. Enjoy your main meal near the street markets, and return to Europe to savor desserts in Beyoğlu.

Food and drink to try in Istanbul

Turkey’s mild climate, fertile lands, and proximity to fish from the Aegean, Black, and Mediterranean seas are peppered with the influences of 81 provinces and the speciality dishes of over 20 ethnic groups. A dash of flavor from eight neighboring countries is the legacy of the old Silk Road. Turkey once nourished the capital cities of the Latin, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. What you get today is an enchanting range of delicious cuisine. Turkey is one of the few countries in the world to produce enough food for its people and still have enough left over to export. So by all means go for seconds or thirds, and as we say in Turkey: Afiyet olsun (bon appetit)!

Culture in Istanbul

When in Turkey, every traveler should do what the locals do and practice keyif, the art of idle relaxation. You’ll see this everywhere—men and women relaxing and drinking endless supplies of Turkish çay (tea) served in tulip-shaped glasses. Turks know that good friends are made with keyif, so if you’re offered a çay, stay a while and delight in one of Turkey’s great cultural traditions.

Istanbul has a smorgasbord of festivals celebrating arts, culture, and cultivation. The International Istanbul Film Festival and Istanbul Tulip Festival are held in April, followed by the biennial Theater Festival from May to June. Music takes center stage from June to July with the International Istanbul Music Festival , Jazz Festival and Rock ‘n Coke . The Hidrellez Festival, held May 5 every year, welcomes spring to the northern hemisphere with a spontaneous party of Romany music and dancing in the backstreets of Sultanahmet.

Insider travel tips for Istanbul

While weather is often the most-discussed topic in many countries, in Istanbul it’s all about the traffic. "Çok trafik ya!” is heard often, meaning “Too much traffic!” Istanbulites accept that people run late to events, and they joke about the waylaid time phenomenon known as “Turkish time.” If you’re using the roads to get around, do plan ahead to avoid peak traffic (7am–9am and 4pm–7pm).

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Planning a trip to Istanbul ? If you want to know more about the impressive history of the city, how to get around , what to visit , which are the typical dishes served in Turkey, and many other first-hand tips and tricks that will help you plan your holiday. You'll find answers to all these questions and more in the guide to Istanbul.

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Why Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is one of the world's most visited cities and, having been the capital of three empires (the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ), it's a city that no traveler should miss. Fall in love with the history of former Constantinople and its natural wonders, the Golden Horn and the Bosphoru s.

Chaotic and serene at the same time, with more than 15 million inhabitants , Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. And each and every visitor is left astounded by a city on the crossroads of two continents: too Eastern to be European and too Western to be Asian.

A journey into the past itself, touring Istanbul, you'll find yourself in a historic and lively city between two seas , The Sea of Marmara and The Black Sea; between two continents , Europe and Asia, and between two worlds, the t raditional and the modern .

Visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque , sail the Bosphorus in a boat, browse the Grand Bazaar , and see the shadow of the splendor of the Ottoman Empire in the Topkapi Palace is something every world traveler should do once.

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Istanbul Bosphorus Boat Cruise On this cruise along the majestic Bosphorus Strait , you'll drift along Istanbul's main waterway and see the contrasts between the European & Asian sides .

Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Tour This skip-the-line tour of Hagia Sophia is ideal for discovering all the details of one of Istanbul's star monuments. A must to learn about the city's history!

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise Cruise along the Bosphorus and see landmarks including Galata Tower and Bosphorus Bridge. When you get to the Black Sea, take a swim and enjoy lunch on board.

A cruise along the Bosphorus is a must for every trip to Istanbul! We'll sail around the Golden Horn , the oldest quarter in this Turkish city .

Turkish Coffee Workshop Uncover the historic ritual of preparing traditional Turkish coffee in this exciting coffee workshop in Istanbul , and learn the secrets of this iconic drink.

Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Join us in Istanbul for a Bosphorus cruise and to visit the renowned Blue Mosque , marvel at the timeless beauty of Hagia Sophia , & tour the Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul Free Tour Admire the exterior architecture of opulent mosques and discover the amazing history of Istanbul with this guided tour. Plus, it's free!

Troy Day Trip On this day trip to Troy from Istanbul , we'll uncover the secrets of this ancient city which mixes reality with mythology . You'll love it!

Bosphorus Night Cruise + Dinner & Show Enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus as the sun sets, enjoying an exquisite dinner and traditional Turkish music and dancing .

Basilica Cistern Guided Tour On this tour of the Basilica Cistern , we'll visit this authentic gem in Istanbul and see how its columns store water. Welcome to the Submerged Palace !

Topkapi Palace Ticket With this skip-the-line ticket to the Topkapi Palace, you'll discover all about one of the highlights of Istanbul . An absolute must-see!

Istanbul E-pass Can't decide which monuments to see in Istanbul? Get the Istanbul E-pass and enjoy free entry to more than 60 attractions for 2, 3, 5, or 7 days!

Dolmabahçe Palace Guided Tour Enjoy a guided tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace during your stay in Istanbul. Explore one of the most opulent European-style palaces along the Bosphorus ,

Whirling Dervish Show The Sufi whirling, also known as Sama, is one of Turkey's best-known and most inspiring ceremonies. This 800-year old tradition is a personal and mystic voyage.

Blue Mosque Guided Tour With this guided visit to the Blue Mosque , we'll get to know its secrets and sacred spaces throughout Istanbul . Join us for a deep dive into the city's history !

Cistern Basilica & Blue Mosque Tour + Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace On this tour of the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern , we'll discover the history of two of the most iconic monuments in Istanbul . You'll love it!

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the First World War in Turkey with this essential day trip to the Gallipoli battlefields .

Istanbul Tourist Bus The Istanbul sightseeing bus is the best way to discover this magnificent city. Hop on and off at any of the stops to explore at your own pace.

Cappadocia 4-Day Tour On this 4-day tour to Cappadocia from Istanbul we'll pass through Ankara, Saratli, Uçhisar and the Goreme Valley , the jewels of Turkey .

Rhythm of the Dance Show Delve into Turkish culture through its folk music and dance , enjoying a show of traditional dances, belly dancing and live music. A truly memorable experience!

7 Day Turkey Classics Tour Discover Classical Turkey on a seven-day trip from Istanbul and explore its fascinating historic cities: Ankara, Pamukkale, Ephesus , and more.

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Suleymaniye Mosque . On this tour of the mosques of Istanbul , we'll visit some of its most important religious landmarks .

Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus 6-Day Trip Set off on a 6-day trip from Istanbul to Ankara and visit other historical cities including Saratli, Uçhisar, Göreme, Konya, Pamukkale and Ephesus .

Private Tour of Istanbul Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul on a private tour and choose which landmarks, museums and neighborhoods you want to visit.

Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise Enjoy the romantic landscapes of the Istanbul sunset with this luxury cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Unforgettable views await!

Istanbul Mosques & Palaces Tour On this tour of the mosques and palaces of Istanbul , we'll discover Ottoman architecture masterpieces and see emblematic buildings such as the Hagia Sophia!

In this pub crawl in Istanbul , we'll experience a wild night in the capital of Turkey as we let ourselves be swept away by the beat of the music.

Ticket to the Hagia Sophia Museum If you're in Istanbul, you can't miss the Hagia Sophia History Museum . Immerse yourself in a world of architectural and cultural marvels .

Cappadocia One Day Trip by Plane This one-day tour is ideal if you wish to discover the best areas of the historical region of Cappadocia if you are only in Istanbul for a few days.

Princes' Islands Full-Day Tour Immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul and the Ottoman dynasty on a full-day cruise to two of the Princes’ Islands: Kinaliada and Buyukada .

On this guided bus tour of Istanbul, we'll visit the city's most important places and enter the Topkapi Palace . Don't miss out!

Istanbul Asian Side Tour + Beylerbeyi Palace Cross the Bosphorus Bridge and explore the easternmost part of Istanbul with us on this tour of the city's Asian side. Let's go!

Private Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus On this private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus Strait , you'll be able to admire the beauty of Istanbul and see its iconic monuments while sunbathing in style!

Turkish Lamp Workshop If you're in Istanbul , don't miss out on this Turkish lamp-making workshop ! Learn how to craft one of Turkey's most popular traditional handicrafts .

On this food tour of Istanbul , we'll sample delicious traditional Turkish dishes as we explore this breathtaking city. You'll adore this Turkish cuisine.

Turkish Bath + Massage At DoubleTree by Hilton Indulge in a lavish experience with a Turkish bath and bubble massage at the exclusive DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Spa .

Hierapolis & Pamukkale Day Trip Visit the holiday destination for the Empire's nobles with this Hierapolis & Pamukkale Day Trip. You'll also stroll through the cotton castle of Pamukkale.

Bursa Excursion Do you know what the first capital of the Ottoman Empire was ? We'll learn about its firey history on this trip to Bursa from Istanbul!

Tour of the Galata District In this tour of Galata , we'll discover this district in the European part of Istanbul, which was separated from ancient Constantinople by the Golden Horn.

On this tour to Sapanca Lake and Masukiye, we'll get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul to enjoy nature and do a variety of cool activities!

Belly Dance Show + Dinner Wondering what to do in Istanbul? Feel the magic of the sensual belly dance and enjoy a Turkish folk performance with this spectacle, including a complete dinne

Golden Horn Boat Trip + Tour of Fanar On this tour, we'll visit the Greek quarter of Fanar , take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill and take a boat trip on the Golden Horn .

2-Day Trip to Cappadocia by Plane On this 2-day trip to Cappadocia , you'll fly from Istanbul to one of Turkey's most famous sites , which you will no doubt absolutely adore!

Istanbul Segway Tour Enjoy a fun ride on this segway tour through Istanbul while visiting the city's biggest attractions, like Topkapi Palace , Süleymaniye Mosque , and Hagia Sophia !

Princes' Islands Ferry Sail the waters of the Sea of Marmara on this ferry to the Princes' Islands . In just one day, discover this beautiful archipelago from Istanbul .

Mustafapaşa, Sobessos + Soğanli Valley Tour On this excursion to Mustafapaşa, Sobessos & Soğanli Valley, you'll travel back in time to discover Roman and Greek ruins and rock-hewn monasteries .

Istanbul Airport Shuttle Bus to Taksim & Aksaray Are you travelling to Istanbul ? With this bus service from Istanbul Airport to Taksim or Aksaray , you'll get to your destination quickly and conveniently!

Beylerbeyi Palace & Eyup District Tour Discover the Asian side of Istanbul on this half-day tour. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge and visit the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace , followed by a tour of Eyup.

Immerse yourself in Turkish culture and experience a Turkish bath in Istanbul ! Unwind and relax at the Cagaloglu Hammam , a lavish spa in the city center .

Your Istanbul guide

Our Istanbul guide has been created by travellers like you , to help you when planning your trip, and making the most of your time while saving money. The information and data here were updated in February 2024.

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Uniquely among the world’s cities, Istanbul stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to Istanbul a staggering wealth of attractions; these range from the masterpiece Byzantine church of Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofya) to the formidable city walls, and the domes and minarets of the Ottoman mosques and palaces that dominate the city skyline. Although no longer its capital, the city remains the vibrant economic, cultural and intellectual heart of modern Turkey, a bustling, go-ahead city where east really does meet west.

Arts, entertainment and festivals

The bosphorus cruise, city danger watch, i̇stanbul festivals, july/august, october/november, the land walls, the northwest quarter, the princes’ islands.

In conservative districts such as Fatih, bearded men sporting skullcaps and baggy shalwar -style trousers devoutly heed the call to prayer, while women wouldn’t dream of leaving the house with their heads uncovered. Yet across the water, the tidal wave of humanity sweeping down İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) includes young Turkish men and women in designer jeans and trainers who have rarely ever been to a mosque. In business districts such as Şişli, commuters arrive via the metro to work in high-rise office blocks, shop in state-of-the-art malls, and at weekends can be out clubbing until 6am.

Whether yours is the Istanbul of the Blue Mosque and the Topkapı Palace , or the Beyoğlu nightclubs and swish rooftop cocktail bars, the city takes time to get to know. Three to four days is enough to see the major historical sights in Sultanahmet and take a ferry trip on the Bosphorus . But plan on staying in Istanbul a week, or even two, if you want to fully explore the backstreets of the old city and the outlying suburbs and islands.

Brief history

In 2008, while digging the Yenikapı metro station, archeologists uncovered a Neolithic settlement dating back to circa 6500 BC. In popular tradition, however, the city was founded in the seventh century BC by Byzas , from Megara in Greece – hence the original name of Byzantium . Over the next thousand years, Byzantium became an important centre of trade and commerce, though not until the early fourth century AD did it reach the zenith of its wealth, power and prestige. For more than 350 years, it had been part of the Roman province of Asia. On Diocletian’s retirement in 305, Licinius and Constantine fought for control of the empire. Constantine finally defeated his rival on the hills above Chrysopolis (Üsküdar) and chose Byzantium as the site for the new capital of the Roman Empire in 330 BC. The hilly promontory, commanding the Bosphorus and easily defensible on its landward side, was a superb choice. It was also well placed for access to the troublesome frontiers of both Europe and the Persian Empire.

In 395, the division of the Roman Empire between the two sons of Theodosius I left what was now named Constantinople as capital of the eastern part of the empire. It rapidly developed its own distinctive character, dissociating itself from Rome and adopting the Greek language and Christianity . Long and successful government was interrupted briefly, in Justinian’s reign, by the Nika riots in 532. Half a century later, however, the dissolution of the Byzantine Empire had begun, as waves of Persians, Avars and Slavs attacked from the east and north. The empire was overrun by Arab invaders in the seventh and eighth centuries, and by Bulgars in the ninth and tenth. Only the city walls saved Constantinople, and even these could not keep out the Crusaders , who breached the sea walls in 1204 and sacked the city.

As the Byzantine Empire declined, the Ottoman Empire expanded. The Ottomans established first Bursa, then Edirne, as their capital, and Ottoman territory effectively surrounded the city long before it was taken. In 1453, Mehmet II (the Conqueror) – also known as Fatih Sultan Mehmet – besieged the city, which fell after seven weeks. Following the capture and subsequent pillage, Mehmet II began to rebuild the city, starting with a new palace and continuing with the Mosque of the Conqueror (Fatih Camii) and many smaller complexes. Tolerant of other religions, Mehmet actively encouraged Greek and Armenian Christians to take up residence in the city. His successor Beyazıt II continued this policy, settling Jewish refugees from Spain into the city in an attempt to improve the economy.

In the century following the Conquest, the victory was reinforced by the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent (1520–66), “the Lawgiver” and greatest of all Ottoman leaders. His attempted conquest of Europe was only thwarted at the gates of Vienna, and the wealth gained in his military conquests funded the work of Mimar Sinan , the finest Ottoman architect.

A century after the death of Süleyman, the empire began to show signs of decay. Territorial losses abroad combined with corruption at home, which insinuated its way into the very heart of the empire, Topkapı Palace itself. Newly crowned sultans emerged, often insane, from the institution known as the Cage, while others spent time in the harem rather than on the battlefield, consorting with women who increasingly became involved in grand-scale political intrigue.

As Ottoman territory was lost to the West, succeeding sultans became interested in Western institutional models. A short-lived parliament of 1876 was dissolved after a year by Abdülhamit II, but the forces of reform led to his deposition in 1909. The end of World War I saw Istanbul occupied by Allied troops as the victors procrastinated over how best to manage the rump of the once-great empire. After the War of Independence, Atatürk’s declaration of the Republic in 1923 and the creation of a new capital in Ankara effectively solved the problem.

The population of Greater Istanbul has increased twelvefold since the establishment of the Turkish Republic, and stands today at around 15 million. This rapid urban growth has left the city with more than its fair share of problems, from horrendous traffic congestion to housing and water shortages and rising crime rates. A UNESCO threat to revoke the city’s “World Heritage” status and place it on the “In Danger” list focused the minds of the government and local authorities on preserving the city’s glorious heritage, and Istanbul emerged from its year as a European Capital of Culture in 2010 with great credit.

Much else has been done to improve the infrastructure of one of the world’s leading cities. A government-backed housing scheme offers quality, affordable housing to low-income families in order, eventually, to replace the shanty-dwellings that have long ringed the suburbs. The European and Asian sides of the city were linked by a rail tunnel under the Bosphorus in late 2013, and the metro systems either side of the Golden Horn joined by a (controversial) bridge early in 2014. The Horn itself, once heavily polluted, has been cleaned up, and both anglers and cormorants can now be seen successfully fishing in its waters.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Turkey, created by local experts

4 days / from 1050 USD

Sensational landscapes of Cappadocia

3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? Four days filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip.

5 days / from 1100 USD

City & culture - Istanbul and Cappadocia

Explore two absolute highlights in Turkey - Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon.

9 days / from 2500 USD

Magical Turkey

Visit Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Anatolia before proceeding to Cappadocia with its volcanic scenery. After a few days in the valleys, continue to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus. Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

İstanbul hosts a decent range of annual cultural festivals , and matches other European cities for the breadth of its arts scene . State-subsidized theatre, opera and ballet make performances affordable for all, and there’s something going on almost every night at venues around the city. Music features heavily over the summer months, when international festivals draw musicians from all over the world.

Taking a boat trip up the Bosphorus, from the bustling quays of Eminönü to the quiet fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı, is a highlight of any visit to İstanbul. The long Bosphorus Cruise , run by the Şehir Hatları company ( t 444 1851, w sehirhatlari.com.tr ), leaves from the Boğaz Ferry Terminal just east of the Galata Bridge in Eminönü (daily: May–Oct 10.35am & 1.35pm, Nov–April 10.35am; one-way TL15, round-trip TL25).

In summer, especially at weekends, the queues to buy tickets can be very long, so allow at least half an hour, or, preferably, buy your ticket a day or two in advance. There are also often long queues to board, so late-comers end up sitting in the worst seats. The ferries are rather antiquated but comfortable enough, and you can buy snacks, sandwiches and drinks on board. The round trip, including a 2hr 30min lunch stop at Anadolu Kavağı, takes about seven hours.

The boat stops at Beşiktaş, Kanlıca (Asia), Yeniköy, Sariyer and Rumeli Kavağı (all Europe) and, finally, Anadolu Kavağı (Asia); the only stop on the return is Beşiktaş. You can leave the boat at any of the landings to explore the waterfront or hinterland, but most passengers do the return cruise. A shorter version is also available for TL10, departing from the same ferry terminal and covering the same distance with no stops (other than to pick up more passengers at Üsküdar). The tour takes around two hours, departing Eminönü at 2.30pm (April–Oct daily; Nov–March Sun & public holidays).

On Saturday nights only, between early June and mid-September, a night-time Mehtaplı cruise (TL20) makes an attractive alternative, with the great suspension bridges lit up like Christmas trees, and the lights of Asia and Europe twinkling on either side. The boat departs Eminönü at 7pm, reaching Anadolu Kavağı at 8.30pm, where it moors for dinner, before arriving back in Eminönü around midnight.

The private Turyol company also runs tours up the Bosphorus, as far as the Fatih bridge. Boats depart every hour on the hour on weekdays, more frequently at weekends, and the 1hr 30min round trip costs TL12.

Istanbul is undoubtedly far safer than most European or North American cities, and cases of mugging and assault against tourists are rare.

For the average visitor, pickpocketing is the main cause for concern: be particularly careful around Sirkeci station, the Eminönü waterfront, the Galata Bridge, and around Taksim (especially at night). Also avoid being on or around the Byzantine land walls at dusk/night. Be very careful, too, on public transport , particularly when it is crowded. If you feel anyone is harassing or attempting to pickpocket you, try calling out " imdat! "(meaning “help!”) and contact the tourist police.

Visitors should also be aware that political demonstrations sometimes turn into violent confrontations between police and protestors, as in the Gezi Park (part of Taksim Square) riots of 2013. Galatasary Meydanı, on busy İstiklal Caddesi, is the starting point for many protests.

İstanbul is home to Turkey’s best restaurants, including several that lavish time and skill on old Ottoman cuisine, and, thanks to the lengthy coastline, fish is a firm menu favourite. Snacks are ubiquitous, with kebab stands, pastry shops, fast-food outlets and cafés across the city catering to locals, workers and tourists alike. Restaurants around tourist honey-pot Sultanahmet tend to be of poorer quality, and are more expensive than elsewhere in the city.

The annual festival calendar is pretty full, especially between April and October. The most important modern art event is the International İstanbul Biennial , held on odd-numbered years. Organized by IKSV, the İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts ( w iksv.org ), it uses venues ranging from historic buildings like the Topkapı Palace to urban-chic warehouses.

International Film Festival

w film.iksv.org/en . Turkish, European and Hollywood movies premiere at İstanbul’s cinemas, mainly in Beyoğlu, plus the best of the non-English-speaking world’s releases from the previous year.

Tulip Festival

Week-long festival honouring the national flower, including concerts, arts events and competitions at different locations around the city. Over three million bulbs flower across the city, planted by the municipality.

w chilloutfest.com . Dance and electronica festival held in the incongruous surroundings of ultra-posh Kemer Golf and Country Club in Belgrade Forest.

Conquest Celebrations

w ibb.gov.tr . Week-long celebration of the Ottoman conquest of old Constantinople (May 29, 1453) – concerts by the Ottoman Mehter military band, fancy-dress processions and fireworks.

w millerfreshtival.com . Held in Maçka’s Kücükçiftlik Parkı, this festival mixes indie, dance and rock sounds, with both international and local acts and DJs.

International Puppet Festival

t 0212 232 0224. A celebration of Turkish Shadow Theatre, or karağoz – silent puppets perform behind a two-dimensional screen.

International Theatre Festival

w iksv.org . The year’s best Turkish plays (both local avant-garde and established theatre groups), and performances by visiting foreign theatres.

Efes Pilsen One Love

w icvb.org.tr/art-and-culture/ . Moderately alternative city-centre weekend-long festival, usually held at Santralistanbul, with plenty of DJ-led dance sets and performances from international bands such as Röyksopp and Klaxons, plus assorted home-grown acts.

The International Music Festival

w iksv.org . This hugely successful festival was launched in 1973 to celebrate Turkey’s fifty years of independence and brings top-notch orchestras and soloists from all over the world to perform in such atmospheric venues as the church of Aya Irene.

w sonispherefestivals.com . Two-day head-banging event for (mainly Turkish) heavy-metal lovers.

International Jazz Festival

w iksv.org . Two weeks of gigs and jamming sessions from world-class performers (with the definition of jazz stretched to include rock artists such as Lou Reed and Marianne Faithful).

Rumeli Hisarı Fortress Concerts

Nightly summer concerts within the walls of this Ottoman fortification overlooking the Bosphorus – a varied programme from classical to rock.

Rock N’ Coke

w rockncoke.com . Attracts major international acts – often a little past their prime – to the (defunct) Grand Prix track on the Asian side of the city.

İstanbul Arts Fair

w tuyap.com . A week-long fair selling the work of some fifty or so İstanbul galleries and visiting foreign artists – paintings, sculptures, pottery and fabrics.

International İstanbul Biennial

w iksv.org . Multimedia contemporary arts festival that usually runs mid-September to the first week in November. Held odd years: 2013, 2015, etc.

Akbank International Jazz Festival

w akbanksanat.com . Two-week festival concentrating on traditional jazz, with performers such as Dave Holland and Henry Threadgill. Events include film screenings, informal jamming sessions and drum workshops. Varied venues include the Byzantine church of Aya Irene and the Babylon Performance Centre in Beyoğlu.

Efes Pilsen Blues Festival

Two-day late-night blues festival – a showcase of new local talent and famous foreign bands.

Theodosius II’s land walls are among the most fascinating Byzantine remains in Turkey. Well-preserved remnants can still be found along the whole of their 6.5km length, though purists (and UNESCO) decry the fact that much of the recent work done on the walls looks like new-build rather than restoration.

The land walls were named after Theodosius II, and construction started in 413 AD. Stretching from the Marmara to Tekfur Saray, 2km further out than the previous walls of Constantine, they were built to accommodate the city’s expanding population. All citizens, regardless of rank, were required to help in the rebuilding following their collapse in the earthquake of 447 AD, in the light of the imminent threat of attack by Attila the Hun. The completed construction consisted of the original wall, 5m thick and 12m high, plus an outer wall of 2m by 8.5m, and a 20m-wide moat, all of which proved sufficient to repel Atilla’s assault.

Walking along the walls takes a little over two hours, though a full day allows time to enjoy it, and the adjacent sites, fully. Most of the outer wall and its 96 towers are still standing; access is restricted on some of the restored sections, though elsewhere there’s the chance to scramble along the crumbling edifice. As there are still plenty of run-down slums in this area, it’s best avoided at night (especially Topkapı).

The three principal sights can also be visited independently. The Yedikule fortifications , towards the southern terminus of the walls, are best reached by walking up from the suburban train station at Yedikule. The Kariye Museum , a former Byzantine church containing some of the best-preserved mosaics and frescoes in the world, just in from Edirnekapı and around 750m north of the Golden Horn, is easily accessed from the Ulubatlı M1 metro stop or the Pazartekke T1 tramstop, the Mihrimah Camii likewise – or take #28, #38E or #336E bus from Eminönü to Edirnekapı.

Kariye Museum

Formerly the church of St Saviour in Chora, the Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi) is decorated with a superbly preserved series of frescoes and mosaics portraying the life and miracles of Christ. Arguably the most evocative of all the city’s Byzantine treasures, it’s thought to have been built in the early twelfth century on the site of a much older church far from the centre: hence “in Chora”, meaning “in the country”. Between 1316 and 1321, the statesman and scholar Theodore Metochites rebuilt the central dome and added the narthexes and mortuary chapel.

The mosaics

Inside the church, the most prominent of the mosaics is that of Christ Pantocrator , bearing the inscription “Jesus Christ, the Land of the Living”. Opposite is a depiction of the Virgin and angels, with the inscription “Mother of God, the Dwelling Place of the Uncontainable”. The third in the series, located in the inner narthex, shows Metochites offering a model of the building to a seated Christ. Saints Peter and Paul are portrayed on either side of the door leading to the nave, and to the right of the door are Christ with his Mother and two benefactors, Isaac (who built the original church), and the figure of a nun.

The two domes of the inner narthex hold medallions of Christ Pantocrator and the Virgin and Child, while in the fluting of the domes there’s a series of notable figures – starting with Adam – from the Genealogy of Christ . The Cycle of the Blessed Virgin is located in the first three bays of the inner narthex. Episodes depicted here include the first seven steps of the Virgin; the Virgin caressed by her parents, with two beautiful peacocks in the background; the Virgin presented as an attendant at the temple, the Virgin receiving a skein of purple wool, as proof of her royal blood; Joseph taking the Virgin to his house, in which is also depicted one of Joseph’s sons by his first wife; and Joseph returning from a trip to find his wife pregnant.

The next cycle, found in the arched apertures of the outer narthex, depicts the Infancy of Christ . The mosaics can be followed clockwise, starting with Joseph dreaming, the Virgin and two companions, and the journey to Bethlehem. Apart from well-known scenes such as the Journey of the Magi and the Nativity, there are depictions in the seventh bay of the Flight into Egypt. In the sixth bay is the Slaughter of the Innocents, complete with babies impaled on spikes.

The Cycle of Christ’s Ministry fills the vaults of the outer narthex and parts of the south bay of the inner narthex. It includes wonderful scenes of the Temptation of Christ, with dramatic dialogue (Matthew 4: 3–10) that could almost be in speech bubbles, beginning “Devil: If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Christ: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

The frescoes

The main frescoes in the nave of St Saviour echo the mosaics, featuring the death of the Virgin over the door and, to the right, a depiction of Christ. The best known of all the works in the church, however, are the frescoes in the funerary chapel to the south of the nave.

The most spectacular of these is the Resurrection , also known as the Harrowing of Hell. It depicts Christ trampling the gates of Hell underfoot, and forcibly dragging Adam and Eve from their tombs. A black Satan lies among the broken fetters at his feet, bound at the ankles, wrists and neck. To the left, animated onlookers include John the Baptist, David and Solomon, while to the right Abel is standing in his mother’s tomb; behind him is another group of the righteous.

Other frescoes in the chapel, in the vault of the east bay, depict the Second Coming , while in the east half of the domical vault Christ sits in judgement.

With such a youthful population, a booming economy and relentless Westernization, it is not surprising that İstanbul is establishing a major reputation for clubbing . The best bars and clubs are in Beyoğlu, Taksim, Ortaköy and the richer Bosphorus suburbs such as Kadıköy. For a more traditional night out, head to a meyhane (tavern), where a fasil band might accompany your food and bottle of rakı. Alternatively, try a Türkü bar , where you can drink and listen to the plaintive sounds of Anatolian folk music. Both meyhanes and Türkü bars are enjoying something of a revival of late, but if you want something more familiar there are countless café-bars and modern nightclubs as well.

One of the least visited but most fascinating areas of the old city, the northwest quarter is bounded on the west by the major thoroughfare of Fevzi Paşa Caddesi, to the north by the land walls of Theodosius, to the east by the Golden Horn, and on the south by traffic-choked Atatürk Bulvarı. Once home to a cosmopolitan population of Muslims, Christians and Jews, it’s now a devoutly Muslim area, particularly in the district of Fatih , where you’ll notice many women in chadors and bearded men in şalvar pants, long baggy shirts and skullcaps (dress appropriately).

The most notable sights are a former Byzantine church, now the Zeyrek Camii ; two notable Ottoman mosques, the Fatih and Yavuz Selim ; the magnificent Byzantine mosaics in the Fethiye Museum , the spiritual centre of the Orthodox Christian world; the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate ; and the curious cast-iron church of St Stephen of the Bulgars . A spiritual centre of a different order awaits a couple of kilometres up the Golden Horn from the Patriarchate, the Eyüp area, sacred to Muslims worldwide as it boasts the tomb of Eyüp Ensari, standard-bearer of the Prophet Mohammed.

With their charming waterfront villages, fin-de-siècle architecture, wooded hills and rocky coves, the romantic Princes’ Islands have always been a favourite retreat from the mainland. Set in the Sea of Marmara between 15km and 30km southeast of the city, the islands are easily accessible by ferry from İstanbul, and can get very crowded in summer, especially at weekends. Cars are banned on the islands, so transport is either by foot, phaeton (horse-drawn carriage), hired bike or donkey. Their proximity to the city makes them an easy, enjoyable and very cheap day-trip, but accommodation is surprisingly expensive, and, on summer weekends, hard to come by.

The copper mines of Chalkitis ( Heybeliada ), famed in antiquity, are long since exhausted, but they remain visible near Çam Limanı. During the Byzantine era, numerous convents and monasteries were built on the islands, which soon became luxurious prisons for banished emperors, empresses and princes (often after they had been blinded). The islands were neglected by the conquering Ottoman Turks and became a place of refuge for Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities.

In 1846 a ferry service was established and the islands grew popular with Pera’s wealthy merchants and bankers, becoming İstanbul’s favourite summer resort after the establishment of the Republic in 1923. Mosques began to appear in the villages, and hotels and apartment buildings soon followed. A Turkish naval college was established on Heybeliada and Atatürk’s private yacht was moored here as a training ship.

Sivriada , uninhabited and unvisitable, gained public notoriety in 1911 when all the stray dogs in İstanbul were rounded up, shipped out there and left to starve, while Yassıada is best known as a prison island, used for the detention of political prisoners.

Shopping in İstanbul is an experience. Whether or not it’s a pleasant one depends on your ability to ignore the hustlers when you’re not in the mood, and to bargain hard when you are. Don’t miss the Grand Bazaar , a hive of over four thousand little shops. Equally interesting shopping districts scattered around the city include İstiklal Caddesi for clothes, Nişantaşı for upmarket international fashion; and the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and its environs for spices and sweets. Out of the centre, shopping malls have taken off in a big way, good for homeware and clothes. The covered bazaar is credit-card friendly, as are all shops except the smallest of grocers ( bakals ) or kiosks.

The mixed dockland area of Tophane is named after the Imperial Armoury – now housing a university – that churned out cannonballs for the Ottoman war machine. It’s dotted with venerable Ottoman buildings, most notably the Kılıç Paşa Camii , dating from 1780, and the more recent Nusretiye Camii (1822), both recently restored. It’s also well known for its large congregation of nargile (water-pipe) cafés.

İstanbul Modern

Turkey’s leading contemporary arts gallery, İstanbul Modern , is housed in a revamped warehouse on the edge of the Bosphorus, just in front of the Nusretiye Camii. The interior is all big, blank white walls and exposed ventilation pipes, with picture windows giving views across the Bosphorus to the Topkapı Palace. The collection includes the best of modern Turkish art, as well as some intriguing video installations from foreign artists. There’s a reference library, a cinema showing arts and independent movies, and a trendy café with a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.

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Along the Bosphorus
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The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Istanbul, Turkey | 2024

Where does one even begin with Istanbul? This sprawling metropolis of over 16 million people is unlike any other city I’ve ever been to before. If the world had to choose a single capital city, I truly think Istanbul would be a strong candidate. It is the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, and it shows in its diverse cultures, rich history, cuisine, and more. No matter what name it went by at the time, Istanbul has maintained a significant presence in global history for thousands of years. It is seriously one of the most fascinating places one could ever visit.

I had fallen in love with Istanbul over the years without ever setting foot in the city. Through books, video games, movies, and more, Istanbul has effortlessly captivated my imagination ever since I was a kid. Whether I was trying to invade Constantinople as Attila the Hun or playing as the Byzantines on Age of Empires II, Istanbul was entrenched into my life long before I even wanted to travel. Those years of buildup and expectation building still could not prepare me for how much I fell in love with Istanbul.

So much so that I’m typing this out from my new apartment on Istiklal Street, the chaotic heart of Istanbul. Istanbul can truly be an overwhelming city for first-timers, and each day here has been a learning experience. Don’t worry, though. I got y’all covered.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

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Like most cities of its size, Istanbul has its fair share of issues, but I found it overall to be pretty safe. Just keep your wits about you and you should be totally fine. Of course, there are some dodgy neighborhoods, but if you avoid them at night or altogether, you should be totally fine. As always, keep an eye out for pickpockets and always keep track of your valuables on public transportation. Turkish people are generally very welcoming and hospitable to travelers, at least in my experience. Respect the cultural norms and keep an open mind and open heart, and Istanbul will respond with love and hospitality.

Currency and money

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira. I’m not even going to bother looking up the current exchange rate because it is volatile and will likely change by the time I close out of the page. When I got to Turkey in September 2021, it was 8 lira to the dollar. By the time I left in December, it was 19 lira to the dollar. As of January 2024, it is a whopping 30 lira to the dollar.

There are tons of ATMs and money exchanges all over Istanbul, and the rates are typically fair. However, they’ll be less advantageous if you’re in tourist hotspots like the Grand Bazaar or Sultanahmet in general. The ones on Istiklal Street were reliable and close to the official exchange rate. Withdrawing money from ATMs is also pretty straightforward and you should have no issues finding one in the city.

Language Barrier

The main language of Turkey is Turkish, but in Istanbul, there’s a big melting pot of people. With so many countries represented, English becomes the common denominator. English is widely spoken. If the guy doesn’t speak English, they’ll hop on Google translate and speak into their phone and have the app translate it right then and there. It’s actually quite handy, and Turkey is the only place I’ve been to where people do this often.

As an English-speaker, you shouldn’t have any issues in Istanbul. The main tourist areas cater to English speakers. It’s also the language of the traveler. I’ve sat down with a group of a dozen people living in Istanbul from all over the world and despite English being none of our first languages, that’s what we’d have the conversation in. Don’t stress about a language barrier.

If you plan on staying in Turkey or Istanbul for a while, then a SIM card might be a good investment. I’ve found them to be quite expensive, so I started using the eSIM app called Airalo. The plans there are very affordable, with a 3 gigabyte data plan being about $8. Use code ELIJAH933 to get $3 off your first eSIM.

Travel Insurance

As always, before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels. They cover Turkey among the 190+ countries included in their coverage.

Istanbul might be one of the most well-connected cities in the world. It is literally the crossroads where Asia meets Europe, and getting to and from Istanbul shouldn’t be an issue. I’ve found Istanbul to be one of the most affordable cities to fly to. Turkish Airlines is one of my favorite airlines, and you’ll often find good deals to and from Istanbul from major cities around the world. Flying is the best way to get to Istanbul, even if you’re already in Turkey. Even if you only book a few days in advance, it shouldn’t be too hard to find an affordable flight. Pegasus Airlines is a budget airline in Turkey that I’ve used several times without any major headaches.

Istanbul has two airports. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) and the new Istanbul Airport (IST). Both are connected to the center of Istanbul by buses and taxis, although I personally prefer Sabiha Gokcen. Once you arrive in Sabiha Gokcen, you can use the Havabus to get to Taksim Square for 27 Turkish Lira, or about $3 USD as of November 2021. Havaist is the bus that services the new Istanbul Airport. Regardless of which airport you fly into, it shouldn’t be too difficult or expensive to get to the touristic centers of Istanbul.

Istanbul is a massive city. There are a ton of different neighborhoods to fit your taste. It can be overwhelming trying to narrow it down. Here’s a quick rundown of which neighborhoods I’d recommend, although you can read my more comprehensive guide to Istanbul’s neighborhoods .

Sultanahmet

For first-timers to Istanbul, this is probably where you should stay. It’s where most of Istanbul’s major attractions are. Being more touristy, the cost of living here is a bit higher but thankfully, hostels are still quite cheap. There are dozens of hostels in Sultanahmet. A dorm bed should cost around $10-15, and you can likely find private rooms for about $20-30 USD. I’d recommend Cheers Hostel .

My personal favorite neighborhood in Istanbul is the area by Galata Tower. It is trendy, walkable, and home to many cute restaurants, cafes, and vintage stores. If you plan on staying longer-term in Istanbul and have more money to spend, finding a place in Galata is a good idea. Hostel Le Banc is a fantastic hostel right next to all the action. Beytul Galata is an affordable and chic hotel that had no business only being $35 a night for its location and comfort.

One of Istanbul’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, Beyoglu is where I chose to settle down for a month. I got an apartment just steps away from Istiklal Street, the busiest in all of Turkey. It was one of the most balanced neighborhoods for a traveler looking to stay long-term. Beyoglu is still pretty affordable and well-connected to the rest of Istanbul by public transport. Istiklal Street has endless options for dining and shopping. The alleyways close to Istiklal are lined with plenty of bars and clubs.

On the Asian side, you’ll find one of Istanbul’s liveliest and trendiest neighborhoods. Speak to any local and they’ll gush on about how Kadikoy is the spot for dining, nightlife, and shopping. The scene here is young and international. If you plan on staying in Istanbul long-term, Kadikoy is an excellent neighborhood.

Cihangir is one of my favorite neighborhoods for coffee and breakfast. It is a lot quieter, especially before the afternoon when life in Istanbul really starts picking up. Roaming aimlessly will take you to a plethora of cute cafes, street art, and good views of the Bosphorus River and Istanbul. Cuppa and Valerie Coffee Company are two of my favorite cafes in Istanbul. Jumba Hostel is a great spot right next to the action of Cihangir.

Istanbul is one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in the world. I remember being a kid playing history games on my computer and falling in love with Istanbul, or Constantinople, Byzantium, or whatever the city was called at the time. I had an emotional moment when I first laid eyes on the Hagia Sophia for the first time. Don’t judge me.

Istanbul is a city with seemingly endless things to do. Whether you want to knock out the sights, explore cute neighborhoods, cafe-hop, or party hard, Istanbul is truly a treasure trove of things to do.

Topkapi Palace

Of all the touristy things to do in Istanbul, this one was my favorite. Topkapi Palace is vast, with many parts to it that could keep you busy for an entire day. The architecture here stunning, but the real beauty lies within. One could spend hours just gazing at the patterns on the ceilings and walls. The palace doubles as a museum, with entire buildings dedicated to religious artifacts, weapons, jewelry, and other things. The library was my favorite section of the palace grounds. If you have the museum card, make sure to visit the Harem Apartments and the 1700 year old Hagia Irene. Topkapi Palace alone honestly makes the museum card worth it.

National Archaeological Museum

Right next to Topkapi Palace, you’ll find the National Archaeological Museum. With how modern Istanbul feels, it’s easy to forget that this is a city with history dating back thousands of years. The archaeological museum has a great collection of artifacts from Istanbul’s storied past. Set aside a few hours for a visit to truly immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Right in the heart of Sultanahmet’s historic center, you’ll find the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. It’s part of Istanbul’s Museum Pass, so we decided to pay it a visit while we were in the area. It turned out to be one of the best surprises of our time in Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia

How can you not visit Istanbul without visiting its most iconic attraction? Ever since I was a kid playing video games set in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia has captivated my imagination. Seeing it in person for the first time was a beautiful moment, and I was as giddy as my seven year old self playing Age of Empires. It’s free to enter, and as marvelous on the inside as it is on the outside.

Blue Mosque

Right across from the Hagia Sophia, you’ll find the Blue Mosque. A staple to Istanbul’s unique skyline, this mosque is one of the most beautiful and grandiose in the city. It’s free to enter, and open to anyone outside of prayer hours.

Grand Bazaar

While specializing mostly in tourist fare these days, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is still a can’t-miss destination. It’s one of those destinations that can transport you back in time to the days when this was hub for artisans and merchants for hundreds of years.

Dolmabahce Palace

Talk about opulence. This palace in Besiktas is a can’t-miss while you are in Istanbul. It’s further away from the other tourist attractions of Sultanahmet, but it’s worth making the trek over. It is one of the most extravagant displays of wealth that you’ll find anywhere. The ceremonial hall might be the most beautiful room that I’ve seen anywhere. It costs 150 lira to enter as of November 2021, but I think it is worth it.

Galata Tower

Most of my time in Istanbul was spent living in the Galata area. The Galata Tower became very close to my heart, mostly because it was the main landmark guiding me on my drunk walks home. Once I got close to the tower, I knew I was home. It’s beautiful on the outside, but going inside and climbing to the top will give you some unforgettable views of Istanbul.

Galata Bridge

Sure, it’s just a bridge, but I never tired of walking up and down this bridge. The fishermen lining the bridge, the seagulls going wild, and don’t even get me started on the views at golden hour. I fell in love with Istanbul all over again every time I crossed this bridge. There are plenty of restaurants lining this bridge, so stop by for a meal or a glass of wine, or just take a stroll and take in all of the epic views.

Sulemaniye Mosque

While Istanbul is home to many mosques, this one is arguably the most beautiful. You’ll inevitably visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, but don’t miss out on Sulemaniye Mosque. The view from up here is absolutely incredible, to go along with its beautiful exterior and interior.

Bosphorus River Cruise

No trip to Istanbul is complete without exploring the city by sea. A Bosphorus River Cruise can be as cheap as 30 Lira ($3), although if you want a full experience with dinner at sunset, it can run you a little bit more. I’d recommend the company Turyol that sells tickets right from Eminonu Pier. The ride lasts about an hour and a half, and for $3, you really can’t go wrong.

Ataturk Kultur Merkezi (Ataturk Cultural Center)

One of my favorite hang out spots in Istanbul was the Ataturk Kultur Merkezi , right off of Taksim Square. It’s home to a lot of cultural displays, as well as a huge library that became my favorite work spot in Istanbul. It’s home to an opera house, a number of coffee shops, and plenty of cultural and historical displays. It’s also a beautiful building to just walk through.

Of course, this list barely scratches the surface. Istanbul has dozens of museums, palaces, and vast parks to explore. A day trip over to Prince’s Islands is a must. Roam through Yildiz Park and stick around for sunset. Peep into one of the many modern art museums. Catch a film at one of the indie cinemas. Go shopping, from fancy mega-malls like the Zorlu center, to one of many quirky thrift shops throughout the city. Heck, just hop on the metro to anywhere and wander through any of Istanbul’s many neighborhoods. The options in Istanbul are limitless. If you find yourself bored in Istanbul, you are the problem.

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. While I adore the history and culture of Istanbul, I love a good party, if you couldn’t tell by the blog name. My first week in Istanbul was an absolutely wild ride. It took me to underground raves to electronic festivals in the forests. I don’t think I went to bed before 4 AM that entire first week.

This is where I spent most of my time in Istanbul. If you’re just looking to get drunk and dance, Beyoglu has an excellent concentration of bars within walking distance with each other. It’s perfect for independent bar hopping or organized bar crawls. My personal favorite spot in Beyoglu was Gizli Bahce, a cozy and often crowded bar playing funky electronic beats across their two dance floors. For pre-gaming, I’d recommend Ispanak bar. If you want to get down to Turkish music, check out Eskici. More tourist-friendly music and fare would be found at Ritim, Backstreet, or Yuri Gagarin. Kastel is a popular spot for electronic shows, although it’ll usually cost some money to get in. Roxy is another personal favorite of mine just off of Taksim Square, and a few minutes walk away in Cihangir is the boujee rooftop bar, Rika.

Unfortunately, I can’t speak too much about the nightlife scene in other neighborhoods. Besiktas is one hell of a place to party, but I’m not familiar enough to really recommend the best spots. Vogue and Joker No. 19 are two spots that are popular among my local friends. You could just walk through the trendy Akaretler neighborhood of Besiktas and finding a number of poppin’ bars, restaurants, and clubs. As one of the main centers of Istanbul, you can’t go wrong with choosing Besiktas for a party.

Kadikoy is another lively neighborhood with a very youthful party scene. Just go bar-hopping, and you’re certain to find some great spots. It’s on the Asian side, though, so if you’re staying on the European side, it might be a trek finding your way home late at night.

Of course, the best parties can be found even further outside the tourist hubs. Internationally-renowned DJs often come to Istanbul for shows, so if you’re ready to rave, keep an eye out for who might be passing through. Klein Phonix and Vibe Bomonti are two of my favorite spots to frequent for a good electronic rave. You’ll find big shows and concerts at stadiums and arenas as well.

Public Transport in Istanbul – Istanbul Kart

Istanbul is a big city. While I was fine walking mostly everywhere, it did help having the public transportation card. The Istanbulkart allows you on the ferries, trams, buses, and metros all in one card. Rides are pretty affordable, too. I think you can get anywhere for pretty around 5 lira, or 50 cents. The card itself will cost you about 13 lira, and then you can load it up with cash and use it to your heart’s desire. I definitely recommend getting one of these so you can ferry over to the Asian side or take the tram to and from Sultanahmet.

Don’t use Uber or taxis, use BiTaksi

The most frustrating thing about Istanbul was how ordering an Uber or negotiating with a taxi was constantly an ordeal. Taxis would criminally overcharge you. I thought I could avoid this by using Uber, but the drivers there also ignored the set price by the app. They’d message you, ask where you are going, and then regardless of your answer, they’ll state a ridiculous price. The locals use the app BiTaksi. The prices there are cheaper and the drivers tend to stick to the rate listed on the app. Don’t take taxis or Ubers unless it’s a last resort. Avoid the headache and frustration.

Museum Pass

If you’re only in Istanbul for a short while, I recommend capitalizing on the Museum Pass . This allows you into 13 museums throughout Istanbul at a hugely discounted price. Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts alone makes the pass beyond worth it. If you want to save a lot of money and add a lot of culture to your Istanbul experience, get the museum pass.

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Blue Mosque Guide: History, Architecture, and Visitor Tips

The enigmatic jewel of ottoman grandeur: a glimpse inside the blue mosque.

Exterior view of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, showcasing its grand domes and six slender minarets against a clear sky.

If you find yourself enchanted by Istanbul tours and all that the city has to offer, the Blue Mosque stands as an unforgettable highlight. Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this iconic monument rises gracefully against the skyline, an architectural masterpiece that blends history, culture, and spirituality. Built in the early 17th century, its intricate design reflects the apex of Ottoman architectural elegance while offering a serene ambiance for visitors and worshippers alike. From its shimmering blue-tiled interior to its cascading domes and six minarets, let’s explore the wonders of this storied landmark with our comprehensive guide.

History of the Blue Mosque

Interior view of the Blue Mosque, showcasing its intricate blue tiles, grand domed ceilings, and elegant chandeliers illuminating the vast prayer hall.

The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and constructed between 1609 and 1616 to rival the neighboring Hagia Sophia. With this ambitious project, Sultan Ahmed sought to symbolize the might of the Ottoman Empire and establish his own legacy. His vision was brought to life by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, a disciple of the renowned Mimar Sinan. Although Sultan Ahmed died just a year after its completion, the mosque remains a lasting testament to his reign, holding both historical and spiritual significance for Istanbul.

Architectural Marvel

The Blue Mosque is named after the more than 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. The intricate floral patterns and shades of blue create a mesmerizing effect, emphasized by the sunlight filtering through more than 200 stained-glass windows. The mosque’s main dome, surrounded by smaller semi-domes, is supported by four massive pillars known as “elephant feet,” creating a spacious, airy atmosphere inside.

Externally, the mosque is adorned with six elegant minarets, an unusual feature since most mosques of the era typically had two or four. This architectural choice, initially controversial because it matched the minaret count of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, was later resolved when a seventh minaret was added to the latter. The courtyard, which is almost as large as the interior prayer hall, serves as an impressive transition space, with a central fountain for ablutions.

Visitor Tips for an Enriching Experience

Dress Modestly : The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship. Ensure your attire covers your shoulders and knees. Women are required to cover their hair with a headscarf, which can be borrowed at the entrance.
Timing : Plan your visit outside of prayer times to experience the mosque fully. The midday prayer is usually the busiest. Arrive early in the morning for a quieter experience.
Photography : While photography is allowed, be respectful and avoid using flash or taking pictures of people praying.
Footwear : You’ll be required to remove your shoes before entering. Bring a bag or use the provided shoe racks to keep your shoes safe.
Entry Fee : Although there’s no entrance fee, donations are welcome and contribute to the mosque’s maintenance.
Guided Tours : Consider joining a guided tour to better understand the mosque’s history and architecture. Many Istanbul tours include the Blue Mosque in their itinerary, giving you a chance to explore it with a knowledgeable guide.

Adventurer’s FAQ

Q1: Is the Blue Mosque the same as the Hagia Sophia? A1: No, they are separate landmarks. The Hagia Sophia is a former Byzantine basilica converted into a mosque, while the Blue Mosque was built centuries later as an Islamic place of worship.

Q2: Can non-Muslims enter the Blue Mosque? A2: Yes, the mosque is open to visitors of all religions outside of prayer times. Respectful attire and behavior are essential.

Q3: How long does it take to visit the Blue Mosque? A3: Most visitors spend around an hour exploring the mosque and its courtyard. Consider allowing extra time to relax and absorb the atmosphere.

Top Experiences & Tours in Istanbul

Guided Tour of Istanbul Landmarks : Explore the Blue Mosque alongside the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, diving deep into the city’s fascinating past.
Bosporus Cruise : Sail between Europe and Asia on a guided cruise, enjoying views of Istanbul’s skyline and iconic landmarks.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride : While not in Istanbul, a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys is a must-have adventure in Turkey.
Pamukkale Thermal Pools : Witness the white travertine terraces and bathe in ancient thermal waters for a unique natural experience.
Ephesus Day Trip : Wander through the ancient ruins of Ephesus and imagine life in this grand city of the Roman Empire.

Captivating Conclusion: The Timeless Serenity of the Blue Mosque

Beyond its visual beauty and historical gravitas, the Blue Mosque offers a sanctuary for reflection amidst the vibrant energy of Istanbul. Whether you’re marveling at its gleaming tiles or standing in awe of its grand architecture, this Ottoman gem is bound to leave a lasting impression. Step inside this serene oasis and immerse yourself in the timeless spirit of Istanbul tours.

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START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

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16 of the best beaches near Istanbul

Our turkey expert reveals the very best beaches in striking distance of istanbul’s bustling city centre, for when you need a moment of calm.

Bathers at Menekse near Florya Gunes beach

T here are echoes of Istanbul’s past as a glamorous seaside city everywhere, from the grand summer mansions on the Princes’ Islands, an archipelago in the sea of Marmara, to the waterfront promenades in inner-city districts. Before the city’s expansion from the 1950s onwards, many of the neighbourhoods that are now considered inner districts were beach resorts where the Istanbul elites would spend summers in their second homes. Although you may not immediately think of spending a day at the beach when you visit, you should: there are plenty of spots where you can take a dip in the surprisingly clean waters, party among the beautiful people at fashionable beach clubs, or simply lie back and escape the stresses of the city.

If you’re an early riser, make like the hardy old men who dive in for a morning swim in all seasons before going about their day. Slightly further afield, there are plenty of wilder beaches on the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara which can be easily reached in a day trip. Expect to pay entrance fees for the best spots — but there are still some lesser-known stretches that you can visit for free.

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1. Uzunya beach, Kilyos

This deep natural harbour on the Black Sea at the very tip of the Bosphorus Strait is the most Instgrammable of Istanbul ’s beaches. It has golden sands and a deep blue sea, and in the height of summer you can (almost) imagine you’re on the Med, although the bracing coldness of the water will bring you back to reality with a not-unpleasant jolt. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins playing in the bay.

2. solar beach, kilyos.

The best-known beach club on Istanbul’s Black Sea coast, Solar Beach hosts live music events every weekend throughout the summer, attracting a young, party-loving crowd. Swimming is way down on the list of attractions here, although the sea here is calmer than at many other nearby spots. There are beach volleyball courts and surfing lessons on offer, but if serious swimming is your thing, there is also an outdoor pool.

3. Kumbaba beach, Sile

A long stretch of sandy beach in the popular Black Sea resort town of Sile, Kumbaba was popular as far back as the Byzantine era, when bathers came to ease their rheumatism in its reputedly healing waters. These days its main attraction is its campsite, where you can pitch your tent or park up your caravan just metres from the water, which is the cleanest you’ll find around Istanbul.

4. Florya Gunes Plaji, city centre

This is the biggest public beach in the centre of Istanbul and a stark reminder that this metropolis of 16 million was once considered a seaside city. It’s surprisingly clean given its proximity to the churn of the city and the sheer numbers who visit it — come early if you decide to visit, especially on a weekend. Its location on the European side makes it the perfect place to unwind for a few hours before you head back into the whirl of urban life.

5. Eskibag beach, Buyukada

The biggest of the Princes’ Islands is often overcrowded in summer, but you can find a more secluded vibe at Eskibag, tucked away on the undeveloped southern tip of the island. You’ll have to take one of the electric buggies to get here, but once you arrive there’s everything needed for a full day of swimming and sunbathing. With its forest backdrop, it’s easy to forget you’re so close to the city.

6. Tirmata Beach, Kilyos

This beach club on Istanbul’s Black Sea shore is huge: 2,500 sun loungers and a large terrace and grassy area to boot. The restaurant serves up traditional Turkish cuisine – think grilled fish and mezze – and has a regular programme of live music. No wonder it’s a popular wedding venue for fashionable Istanbulites (if you’re planning a proposal, the club can arrange that too). This is one of the few beach clubs in the area with facilities specifically for children and there is a surf school catering to all levels.

7. Summer beach, Silivri

The beaches in Silivri, a small town on the Sea of Marmara just outside Istanbul, are easily reachable on a day trip but far less visited than those on the city’s Black Sea side. As a result, most of the spaces here are free to enter but still have great facilities and there’s an old-world seaside vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else in Turkey. Summer beach, with its long stretch of golden sand, is one of the most popular spots.

8. Sut Koyu beach, Burgazada

There are no facilities on this small pebble beach on one of the less-visited Princes’ Islands, but that means that you’re more likely to swerve the crowds if you come in July and August. It’s unknown even to most Istanbulites, and to reach it you’ll need a map and some decent shoes — though once you do you’re guaranteed one of the most peaceful spots in the city. There’s a small tea house a ten-minute walk away.

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9. Bizimkoy Fire Beach, Silivri

On the southwestern fringe of Istanbul, you’ll find a clutch of cute seaside towns that feel a million miles from the metropolis. The biggest and easiest to reach is Silivri, where there are a clutch of decent beaches: Bizimkoy has the youngest vibe, with a bar, regular live events, and a fun, friendly atmosphere that means you’ll almost certainly make new friends. The beach itself is a lovely stretch of golden sand on the generally calm Sea of Marmara; arrive early to get a spot right at the waterside.

10. Burc Beach, Kilyos

One of the best-kept and most beautiful beaches around Istanbul, this is the place to come for water sports, including windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s a private beach owned by Bosphorus University so you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee but it’s well worth it for its excellent facilities, sunset parties and festival vibe in the evening, when revellers gather around campfires on the sand.

11. Elio beach, Sedef Adasi

Sedef Adasi is the most exclusive of the Princes’ Islands since it’s not included on the route of the main ferries from the city centre. Take a smaller boat from the Bostanci ferry terminal on the Asian side of the city, then head for Elio: a small beach club which hosts live DJs and has a restaurant serving delicious Turkish and international dishes.

12. Agva, Sile

Some of the wildest coastal scenery in Turkey can be found around the village of Agva, a couple of hours’ drive from central Istanbul. This is the point where two rivers flow into the Black Sea and there are lots of lovely wooden guesthouses and restaurants built along the banks. Expect to uncover hidden bays, ancient ruins and caves in the area too, though the sea is often a little too rough for swimming.

13. Armutlu beach, Yalova

If you’re up for travelling a bit further out of Istanbul, venture towards the Yalova province on the Sea of Marmara. This region has become popular with tourists and second-home buyers from the Gulf in recent years due to its temperate climate and healing hot springs. Armutlu is a large, modern resort reminiscent of those on the Med and there’s plenty here to keep both children and adults entertained.

14. Cilingoz beach, Catalca

This beach is a nature park on the sea, where you can hike through protected forests before hitting the sand and the waves. It’s a paradise for wildlife and birdspotters, with hawks, woodpeckers and owls living here, and for anglers who can fish in the Cilingoz creek. Istanbulites love it as a picnic spot and there’s a small campsite for those who want to get away from the city.

15. Akcakese beach, Sile

One of the most unspoilt beaches on the Black Sea, Akcakese is a couple of natural bays fringed with white sand, against a backdrop of grassy bluffs. Facilities are basic but its draw is that it feels truly wild, in stark contrast to the brash beach clubs on other parts of the coast. There are camping spots available and some basic B&Bs in the nearby village.

16. Caddebostan beach, city centre

Don’t expect scale or luxury from this beach on the Asian side’s fashionable Kadikoy district — there are some changing cabins, a tea stall and that is it. But you can take your recommendation from the local old men who come here for early morning swims in all seasons. The water is cleaner than you might think and it’s a bracing way to start your day. You also find large grassy parks right behind — perfect for a picnic.

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The Ultimate Guide To Traveling From London To Istanbul

Last updated May 10, 2024
Difficulty Beginner

Category Travel

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Buckle up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey from London to Istanbul. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, this ultimate guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. From the best transportation options to the must-see attractions along the way, we've got you covered. Get ready to explore historical landmarks, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your passport and let's dive into this ultimate guide to traveling from London to Istanbul!

What You'll Learn

Flight options from london to istanbul, train and bus routes to travel from london to istanbul, ferry options for traveling between london and istanbul, tips for planning a trip from london to istanbul.

If you are planning a trip from London to Istanbul, you have several flight options available to you. Istanbul is a vibrant city full of history and culture, and it is well worth a visit. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, here are some of the flight options you can consider to get to Istanbul from London.

The most direct and popular option is to take a direct flight from London to Istanbul. There are several airlines that offer non-stop flights between the two cities, such as Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Pegasus Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the airline and the specific route. This is the most comfortable and quickest way to travel between the two cities, but it can also be the most expensive option.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider taking a connecting flight. Many airlines offer connecting flights from London to Istanbul, with layovers in cities like Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam. While this option may take longer, with a total travel time of around 6-8 hours, it can be significantly cheaper than a direct flight. However, be sure to factor in the layover time when planning your journey.

Another alternative is to consider flying to Istanbul from a regional airport in the UK. There are several regional airports in the UK that offer flights to Istanbul, such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. While this option may involve additional travel to the regional airport, it can be cost-effective and convenient if you live closer to these airports. It is worth checking if there are any direct flights or convenient connecting flights from your nearest regional airport.

When booking your flights, it is advisable to compare prices and check for any special offers or promotions. Online travel agencies and flight comparison websites can help you find the best deals on flights from London to Istanbul. Additionally, be sure to book your flights well in advance to secure the best prices and availability, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons.

Once you have booked your flight, make sure to check the baggage restrictions and any visa requirements for both the UK and Turkey. It is also recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance to allow for check-in and security procedures. Finally, remember to have all the necessary travel documents, such as your passport and boarding pass, readily available.

In conclusion, there are several flight options available to travel from London to Istanbul. Whether you choose a direct flight, a connecting flight, or a flight from a regional airport, planning ahead and comparing prices can help you find the best option for your needs. Enjoy your trip to Istanbul, and make sure to explore all the amazing sights and experiences this vibrant city has to offer.

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London and Istanbul are two vibrant and fascinating cities that are worth exploring. If you're looking to travel from London to Istanbul and want to experience a unique and adventurous journey, consider taking the train and bus routes. This mode of transportation allows you to witness the beautiful landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture along the way.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can travel from London to Istanbul using train and bus routes:

Start your journey by taking a train from London to Vienna. This train ride will take you through picturesque European countryside and allow you to enjoy the scenic views. Several train operators offer services from London to Vienna, such as Eurostar and ÖBB Nightjet. The journey takes approximately 14-16 hours, so make sure to plan accordingly and book your tickets in advance.
Once you arrive in Vienna, you will need to transfer to a bus that will take you to Budapest. The bus journey from Vienna to Budapest takes around 3-4 hours and offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two cities. There are multiple bus operators that run regular services on this route, including FlixBus and Regiojet. Again, it is advisable to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your seat.
Upon reaching Budapest, you will have some time to explore this stunning city before continuing your journey to Istanbul. Take this opportunity to visit popular attractions such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Fisherman's Bastion. Make sure to plan your time wisely to ensure you don't miss your connecting bus.
From Budapest, you will take a direct bus to Istanbul. The bus journey from Budapest to Istanbul typically takes around 24-30 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Bus companies like Eurolines Turkey and Metro Turizm operate on this route and offer comfortable buses equipped with facilities like Wi-Fi and reclining seats to make your journey as pleasant as possible.
During the long bus ride, make sure to bring some entertainment, snacks, and water to keep yourself comfortable and hydrated. Take breaks at rest stops along the way to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. It's also a good idea to bring some local currency for these stops, as not all places may accept credit cards.
Finally, after a long and adventurous journey, you will arrive in Istanbul! Take a moment to marvel at the city's rich history and bustling streets. Don't forget to try traditional Turkish cuisine and visit iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Please note that travel times and routes may vary depending on the season and availability, so it is essential to check for the most up-to-date schedules and book your tickets in advance. Also, keep in mind any visa requirements or travel restrictions that may be in place for your journey.

Traveling from London to Istanbul by train and bus may take longer than other modes of transportation, but it offers a unique and memorable experience. You'll have the chance to witness incredible landscapes, immerse yourself in different cultures, and make lasting memories along the way. So why not embark on this exciting adventure and create a travel story to remember?

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If you are planning a trip from London to Istanbul and looking for a unique and adventurous way to travel, consider taking a ferry. While it may not be the most common method of transportation, traveling by ferry offers a scenic and leisurely journey that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the various ports along the way. In this article, we will explore the ferry options available for traveling between London and Istanbul.

Eurostar and Ferry Combination:

One option for traveling from London to Istanbul is to take a combination of Eurostar and ferry services. Start your journey by taking the Eurostar train from London to a port city in Europe, such as Calais or Dunkirk. From there, you can board a ferry that will take you to various ports, including Venice and Athens. Once you reach Athens, you can then take another ferry to Istanbul. This option allows you to experience both the convenience of the Eurostar train and the charm of a ferry journey.

Direct Ferry from Italy:

Another option is to take a direct ferry from Italy to Turkey. Several ferry companies operate routes between Italy and Turkey, with departures from ports such as Venice, Bari, and Ancona. These ferries usually make stops at various ports along the way, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views and explore different cities during your journey. The duration of the ferry ride can vary depending on the route and the specific ferry company, but it typically takes around 2-3 days to reach Istanbul from Italy.

Cruise Ship:

If you prefer a more luxurious and leisurely journey, you can consider taking a cruise ship from London to Istanbul. Many cruise lines offer itineraries that include stops in various European ports before reaching Istanbul. These cruises often provide a range of amenities and entertainment options, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey in style. However, it's important to note that cruise ship routes can be subject to changes and availability, so it's best to check with the cruise line for the most up-to-date information.

Combination of Train and Ferry:

Alternatively, you can opt for a combination of train and ferry services to travel from London to Istanbul. Start your journey by taking a train from London to a port city in Europe, such as Venice or Athens. From there, you can then board a ferry that will take you to Istanbul. This option allows you to enjoy the comfort and convenience of train travel while also experiencing the unique charm of a ferry journey.

Check Ferry Schedules and Prices:

Before planning your trip, it's essential to check ferry schedules and prices. Ferry services may have specific departure times and limited availability, especially during peak travel seasons. It's recommended to book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred departure date and time. Additionally, compare prices from different ferry companies to find the best deal for your budget.

Traveling by ferry from London to Istanbul can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Whether you choose a combination of Eurostar and ferry, a direct ferry from Italy, a cruise ship journey, or a combination of train and ferry, the journey will undoubtedly offer breathtaking views and memorable moments. Remember to plan your trip in advance, check ferry schedules and prices, and prepare to embark on an exciting adventure across the sea.

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If you're looking to explore the vibrant city of Istanbul from London, there are a few things you need to consider before embarking on your journey. From choosing the right mode of transportation to ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, here are some valuable tips to help you plan your trip effectively.

Decide on the Best Mode of Transportation:

Air Travel: Flying is the most convenient and quickest way to reach Istanbul from London. Several airlines offer direct flights between the two cities, with a flight time of approximately 3-4 hours.
Train and Bus: If you prefer a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, you can consider taking a train or bus. However, this option will require multiple transfers and longer travel times.

Book Your Transportation in Advance:

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it is advisable to book your tickets as early as possible to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes. This is especially important during peak travel seasons.

Check Visa Requirements:

Before traveling to Istanbul from London, ensure that you have the necessary visa and travel documents. British citizens typically require a visa for entry into Turkey. You can apply for an e-visa online or obtain one upon arrival at the airport.

Plan Your Itinerary:

Istanbul is a vast city with numerous attractions to explore. Take the time to research and plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip. Popular attractions include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

Consider Currency Exchange:

Istanbul uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its currency. It is advisable to exchange your pounds to Turkish Lira before you travel to get a better exchange rate. Additionally, inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your debit or credit cards while in Istanbul.

Check Local Customs and Etiquette:

Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette in Istanbul to ensure you are respectful of the local culture. For example, dress modestly when visiting mosques and avoid public displays of affection.

Pack Accordingly:

Istanbul experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Pack suitable clothing and footwear for the season you'll be traveling in. Don't forget essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and any necessary medications.

Learn Basic Turkish Phrases:

While English is spoken in many tourist areas, it can be helpful to learn a few basic Turkish phrases. Locals appreciate the effort, and it can enhance your overall experience in Istanbul.

Research Transportation Options within Istanbul:

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries. Research and familiarize yourself with the transportation options within the city to facilitate your movements and save time during your trip.

Purchase Travel Insurance:

It is always prudent to have travel insurance when embarking on a trip abroad. Ensure that your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancelations, and any other unforeseen circumstances.

By considering these tips and planning ahead, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip from London to Istanbul. Enjoy exploring the rich history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere of this magnificent city!

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Frequently asked questions.

The average flight time from London to Istanbul is around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Several airlines operate flights from London to Istanbul, including Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Pegasus Airlines.

Unfortunately, there are no direct train services from London to Istanbul. However, you can take a train from London to Paris, and then continue by train to Istanbul via Munich or Belgrade.

Yes, besides flying and taking the train, you can also choose to travel by bus or car. However, keep in mind that these options may take significantly longer.

Yes, British citizens (and most other nationalities) require a visa to enter Turkey, including Istanbul. You can obtain an e-visa online before your trip or apply for a visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate.

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Entrance Fees of Istanbul's Main Tourist Attractions. Last updated: April 07, 2024 The entrance fees for Istanbul's main tourist attractions range from free to almost 1500 TL per person. Often children can go in for free, but different sightseeing spots have different age limits. The overview below also allows …. Continue Reading.
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's most visited cities and, having been the capital of three empires (the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ), it's a city that no traveler should miss. Fall in love with the history of former Constantinople and its natural wonders, the Golden Horn and the Bosphoru s. Chaotic and serene at the same time, with more than ...
Visit Istanbul: Travel Guide to Turkey
The weather is relatively mild and dry and the city will be awash with color. The next time we visit Istanbul, it will definitely be in April to take part in the tulip festival. JUNE-AUG: Apart from being the busiest time of the year, June till August can get pretty hot and humid — up to 28°C/82°F.
Istanbul and around
Explore two absolute highlights in Turkey - Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon. view trip ⤍. 9 days / from2500 USD.
The Backpacker's Complete Guide to Istanbul, Turkey
It's where most of Istanbul's major attractions are. Being more touristy, the cost of living here is a bit higher but thankfully, hostels are still quite cheap. There are dozens of hostels in Sultanahmet. A dorm bed should cost around $10-15, and you can likely find private rooms for about $20-30 USD.
Blue Mosque Guide: History, Architecture, and Visitor Tips
Top Experiences & Tours in Istanbul. Guided Tour of Istanbul Landmarks: Explore the Blue Mosque alongside the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, diving deep into the city's fascinating past. Bosporus Cruise: Sail between Europe and Asia on a guided cruise, enjoying views of Istanbul's skyline and iconic landmarks.
16 of the best beaches near Istanbul
3. Kumbaba beach, Sile. A long stretch of sandy beach in the popular Black Sea resort town of Sile, Kumbaba was popular as far back as the Byzantine era, when bathers came to ease their rheumatism ...
The Ultimate Guide To Traveling From London To Istanbul
Air Travel: Flying is the most convenient and quickest way to reach Istanbul from London. Several airlines offer direct flights between the two cities, with a flight time of approximately 3-4 hours. Train and Bus: If you prefer a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, you can consider taking a train or bus.

Istanbul Travel Guide

Best Time to Go

Things to Know

How to Get Around

Best Hotels

Corinne Hotel

Sirkeci Mansion

Pera Palace Hotel

The Bank Hotel

Splendid Palace Hotel

Best Restaurants

Ciya Sofrasi

Things to Do

Topkapi Palace

Galata Tower

Suleymaniye Mosque

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam

Best Shopping

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Arasta Bazaar

Souq Dukkan

Neighborhoods to Know

Apps to Download

Related Articles

42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul quick links

Essential Istanbul travel tips

1. Avoid visiting in summer

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

4. Travel insurance is a must

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

14. Tipping is standard

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

22. Hand cologne is a thing

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

28. Dress modestly to blend in

29. Never skip breakfast…

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

33. Embrace cat culture

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

39. Check prayer times in advance

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Where to stay in Istanbul

Turkey essentials

More Istanbul travel resources

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Welcome to Istanbeautiful, your practical city and medi guide to Istanbul, Turkey…

Things to Do in Istanbul (2024 Essential Attractions Insider Guide)