Istanbul

Istanbul sits on both sides of the Bosphorus, the strait separating Europe and Asia. As Constantinople it was capital to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and hundreds of mosques remain from that era. Today it is Turkey's largest city and its economic center.

Why go to Istanbul

Few cities are as famous for standing on two continents, and few have been a capital for as long. In a single day you can walk through a Byzantine church, an Ottoman palace and a covered bazaar that has been trading for over five centuries, then take a public ferry across to Asia for dinner. Istanbul is also Turkey’s main gateway: most international flights land here, which makes it the natural start or end of a Turkey holiday.

🗺️ Plan your visit: Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city · Getting around · Travel tips · 3 days in Istanbul itinerary · Airport to city centre · Istanbul to Cappadocia · Spice Bazaar & Süleymaniye · Dolmabahçe Palace · Princes’ Islands · Sultanahmet · Balat & Fener · Archaeology Museums · Chora (Kariye) Mosque · Rumeli Hisarı

Top things to do

• Sultanahmet: the old city’s great sights stand within a short walk of each other: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Start early to beat the queues.
• The bazaars: lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar’s maze of covered streets, then follow the smell of spices to the Spice Bazaar by the Golden Horn.
• A Bosphorus cruise: the best way to see palaces, wooden mansions and fortresses on both shores. Public ferries are cheap; private and sunset cruises are more comfortable.
• Galata and Karaköy: climb Galata Tower for the view, then explore the cafés, galleries and street food around it.
• Balat and Fener: colourful houses, old churches and synagogues in one of the city’s most photogenic neighbourhoods.
• Kadıköy on the Asian side: a lively market district full of food shops and meyhanes, a 20-minute ferry ride from Eminönü or Karaköy.
• Princes’ Islands: car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara, an easy day trip by ferry.

Where to stay

🤔 Not sure which area? Read our comparison: Where to stay in Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Beşiktaş or Kadıköy

• Sultanahmet: walk to the main sights; best for a short first visit. Quieter in the evenings.
• Beyoğlu, Galata and Karaköy: boutique hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants, with easy tram and ferry links.
• Beşiktaş and Ortaköy: on the Bosphorus, with waterfront cafés and a more local feel.
• Kadıköy and Moda: on the Asian side, good value and very lively, with ferries to the old city.

Getting there and around

• Istanbul Airport (IST): the main international airport, about 40 km north-west of the centre. Airport buses, the M11 metro line, taxis and private transfers link it to the city.
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): on the Asian side, used by many low-cost airlines; the M4 metro, airport buses and taxis run to Kadıköy and Taksim.
• Istanbulkart: one rechargeable card for trams, metro, buses, the Marmaray rail tunnel and ferries.
• The T1 tram connects Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, Eminönü and Karaköy; ferries cross between Europe and Asia every few minutes.

👉 Full guide: Istanbul Airport to the city centre: transfers, buses, metro and taxis

Tours from Istanbul

Many visitors combine Istanbul with the rest of Turkey. Short flights reach Cappadocia for the hot-air balloons (see how to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia), and multi-day tours continue to Ephesus, Pamukkale and the Turquoise Coast. Closer to the city, Bursa and the Princes’ Islands make easy day trips.

When to go

April to June and September to November are the most pleasant months, with mild weather and blooming parks in spring (the tulip season is in April). July and August are hot and busy. Winter is cool and rainy, but museums are quieter and hotel prices lower.

Places to visit in Istanbul

Istanbul: frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Istanbul?

Three to four days is a good minimum: one day for Sultanahmet, one for the bazaars and a Bosphorus cruise, and one for Galata, Balat and the Asian side. With five or more days you can add the Princes’ Islands or a day trip to Bursa.

How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre?

Istanbul Airport (IST) is about 40 km from the centre. You can take the airport buses, the M11 metro line, a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. A transfer is the easiest choice with luggage or late at night.

Do I have to pay to visit Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia is a working mosque. Foreign visitors pay an entry fee and visit the upper gallery, and it closes to visitors during prayer times. Fees change, so check before you go and dress modestly (women cover their hair).

Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Istanbul is generally safe for visitors. As in any big city, watch your belongings in crowded places such as the bazaars and trams, use licensed taxis or transfers, and be wary of strangers inviting you to bars.

What is the best area to stay in Istanbul?

For a first visit, Sultanahmet puts you next to the main sights. Galata, Karaköy and Beyoğlu are better for restaurants and nightlife, and Kadıköy on the Asian side is lively and good value.

Can I visit Cappadocia from Istanbul?

Yes. Flights from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir take about an hour and a half, and many agencies sell one- or two-day Cappadocia tours from Istanbul that include flights, transfers and the balloon ride.

Card photos via Wikimedia Commons: MilenaBal, CC BY-SA 4.0; Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0; Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0; Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 3.0; Ank Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0; E4024, CC BY-SA 4.0; Mark Ahsmann, CC BY-SA 3.0; Ümit şimşek, CC BY 3.0; Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0; PapaYoung89, CC BY-SA 4.0; Benoît Prieur, CC0; Silar, CC BY-SA 4.0; Benreis, CC BY-SA 4.0; David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0; Moise Nicu, CC BY 3.0; Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0; Mehmet Yıkılmazsoy, CC BY-SA 4.0; R Prazeres, CC BY-SA 4.0; Hamdigumus, CC0; Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0; Alan Hilditch from Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, CC BY 2.0; Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0. Full credits on each guide page.