Why go to Istanbul
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, and feels like a capital of both. Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces and bazaars give way to buzzing cafés in Karaköy and Kadıköy.
Best time to visit Istanbul
April to May and September to October are warm and bright, with tulips in spring. Summer is hot and busy. Winter is cool and rainy but atmospheric, with fewer visitors at the major sights.
Top things to see
Hagia Sophia
Fifteen centuries under one dome; now a working mosque, with paid visitor access to the gallery.
Topkapı Palace
Seat of the Ottoman sultans, with harem and treasury.
Blue Mosque
Six minarets and İznik tiles; closed to visitors at prayer times.
Basilica Cistern
An underground forest of columns.
Grand Bazaar
Thousands of shops under painted vaults.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan's masterpiece with Golden Horn views.
Things to do in Istanbul
- Cruise the Bosphorus on a public ferry
- Cross to Kadıköy on the Asian side for food and markets
- Bathe in a historic hammam
- Walk İstiklal Avenue and up to Galata Tower
- Visit the Spice Bazaar at Eminönü
Local experiences
- Drink çay in tulip-shaped glasses with a view
- Eat a balık ekmek (fish sandwich) by the Galata Bridge
- Haggle politely in the bazaar
- Try a simit and a Turkish breakfast spread
Where to eat in Istanbul
Dishes to try: kebabs, meze, simit, lahmacun, baklava, Turkish breakfast, künefe.
Çiya SofrasıAnatolian
Regional home cooking in Kadıköy.
Karaköy GüllüoğluBaklava
From a family of baklava makers dating back to the 1800s.
PandeliOttoman
Turquoise-tiled dining room above the Spice Bazaar.
HamdiKebab
Pistachio kebabs with Golden Horn views.
Where to stay in Istanbul
Çırağan Palace KempinskiLuxury
An Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus.
Pera Palace HotelHistoric
Grand hotel from the 1890s, linked with Agatha Christie.
Sirkeci MansionMid-range
Friendly hotel near the old city's sights.
Best areas to stay
Sultanahmet
Walk to the great monuments.
Karaköy and Galata
Trendy cafés, galleries and views.
Beyoğlu
Nightlife and İstiklal Avenue.
Kadıköy
Local life on the Asian side.
4 days in Istanbul
Day 1: Sultanahmet
Day 2: Palace and bazaars
Day 3: The Bosphorus
Day 4: The Asian side
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Tulip FestivalApril
Millions of tulips in parks such as Emirgan.
Istanbul Jazz FestivalJuly
Concerts across the city.
Getting around
Buy an İstanbulkart for trams, metro, buses and ferries. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet with Karaköy. Ferries are the most scenic way to cross between continents.
Practical information
- Plug types
- C, F (guide)
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Emergency
- 112
- Tap water
- Most locals drink bottled or filtered water
Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants is customary. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Dress modestly and carry a scarf for mosques
- Traffic is heavy; use trams and ferries when you can
- Check opening days; many palaces close on Mondays or Tuesdays
- Tea is offered often in shops: accepting doesn't oblige you to buy
Istanbul travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The best months are usually Apr–May, Sep–Oct. April to May and September to October are warm and bright, with tulips in spring. Summer is hot and busy. Winter is cool and rainy but atmospheric, with fewer visitors at the major sights.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
Plan on 4 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Istanbul?
The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Istanbul cost per day?
Roughly US$70 per person per day on a budget, US$170 mid-range and US$500 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Istanbul?
Local favourites include kebabs, meze, simit, lahmacun, baklava, Turkish breakfast, künefe.
What plug adapter do I need for Istanbul?
Istanbul uses plug type C, F at 230 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.
More in Europe
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