Istanbul

Travel Guide
Istanbul
Turkey’s largest city is both European and Asian and has been part of many empires. As a result, Istanbul is modern and traditional, familiar and exotic.

It is Istanbul’s unique blend of Western and Eastern heritage and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Experience the comforts of modern Turkey in its malls, galleries and clubs, and the delights of traditional Turkish bazaars, palaces, taverns and mosques. Istanbul’s natural beauty, with pleasant Mediterranean climate, completes its glorious appeal.Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has the Sea of Marmara to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Istanbul connects Europe with Asia and this strategic position evoked many power struggles. Under its previous names of Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman, the Byzantine, the Latin and the Ottoman empires and was once also the capital of Islam. The Turks started to call it Istanbul, a name that was made official when the Turkish Republic was proclaimed in 1923.The Sultanahmet peninsula, which is home to the Old City, reflects Istanbul’s diverse political and religious past, particularly in the architecture. The iconic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), for example, was once a Christian cathedral and later a mosque. Visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), Hippodrome(Hipodrom) and Blue Mosque(Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and save some of your liras for the souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Get a bird’s-eye view of it all from the top of the 14th-century Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) or visit nearby Miniatürk to see miniature versions of all these buildings. Cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern.Cross the Galata Bridge, spanning the Golden Horn, to visit Taksim Square and the New City. Enjoy modern skyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping malls and watch hip youngsters mingle with businessmen. Buy an Istanbulkart, for easy access to all public transport the ferry is a good way to see the Beylerbeyi Palace across the strait.Over 13 million people live in Istanbul, making it Europe’s most populous city, and it’s easy to see what the attraction is. Istanbul’s fusion of East and West, reflected in the culture, architecture, art and cuisine is truly unique.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
Default Image

Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views

Fatih

4.5/5(2,609 area reviews)

Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.

Fatih
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
5 out of 5
Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. NO. 19, Macka Besiktas, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is $291 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$291
includes taxes & fees
$260 per night
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Lobby servers are not very friendly & took awhile for them to come to our table each time we sat down. Food was good though."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is $331 per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$331
includes taxes & fees
$295 per night
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Our stay at the Ritz Carlton surpassed our expectations, the staff were amazing, friendly and polite, who couldnt do enough for us. The facilities were first class, and we managed to use the pool, sauna and steam room. The veiw from the breakfast room, was simply stunning."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
Tayakadin Mah. Terminal Cad. No.1, Arnavutkoy, Arnavutköy, Istanbul
The price is $377 per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
$377
includes taxes & fees
$336 per night
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Stay at this hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Istanbul Airside
"Good value, quiet, and clean. Staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Maslak 1453, Maslak District, Sogut Street No:20AA C15, Sariyer
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (232 reviews)
"Good Value in Maslak"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024

Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
Ayazaga Mah, Kemerburgaz St 6A No.7V/101, Sariyer, Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Bosphorus Bridge ...
9/10 Wonderful! (177 reviews)
"Great place to stay when in Istanbul"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024

Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
The Superior Living Batisehir
The Superior Living Batisehir
Goztepe Mah Batisehir G3 Block, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (107 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay here! Veysel and emne were very helpful and made the stay alot more easier nd enjoyable! Would recommend it!"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

The Superior Living Batisehir
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Istanbul

The Sultanahmet district, which is packed with many of the city’s major sights, is easy and fun to walk around. Beyond this area, you can travel on various public transportation networks. As well as trams, trains, buses and a metro system, there are minibuses or shared taxis knows as Dolmuş. Standard taxis are available too. Alternatively, climb aboard a ferry or a sea bus for a more novel experience. Visit the Istanbul Electric Tram and Tunnel Company website. Browse Istanbul rental cars.

Best time to visit

Istanbul’s climate has a distinct pattern of four clear seasons, with very hot summers and low temperatures in winter. Visit in April or May or in September or November for warm but not uncomfortable temperatures. One advantage of coming in the fall is that you will get to see the changing colors of the city's foliage, which completely transforms the streets and green spaces.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Istanbul

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3131
" "5 - Excellent 64.59665772642872%
4 - Good
1378
" "4 - Good 28.429956674231484%
3 - Okay
236
" "3 - Okay 4.868991128533113%
2 - Disappointing
47
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9696719620383742%
1 - Terrible
55
" "1 - Terrible 1.1347225087683104%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Taxi drivers are very aggressive and arrogant towards tourists

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Istanbul is a very vibrant city. It's an interest mix of cultures and played a key role throughout many points in history. We spent a week here after a week in Athens. 1 week was enough to enjoy our time and see the highlights in Istanbul.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was not our first trip to Istanbul. We had visited many of the places before and were only there for a day and a half this trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Melissa

Beautiful, clean city especially suited to couples or individual travelers. I would imagine it difficult to keep children interested in historical sites although plenty of outdoor walking. A multicultural destination where we felt welcome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very beautiful city we really enjoy our stay We definitely come back in the future..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The new airport is very far from town. Don't arrange a shuttle. They couldn't find us. Take a bus or a taxi if you are four people. They plan to have the metro connect to the airport next year.

Cities near Istanbul