Istanbul, Turkey • Europe
Istanbul
Where Europe meets Asia - imperial mosques, ancient bazaars and ferries crossing the Bosphorus between two continents.
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Quick facts
April to May and September to October are the best months - mild, pleasant weather, blue skies and fewer crowds. Summer is hot, humid and busy, while winter is cool, grey and occasionally snowy, but quiet and atmospheric with the lowest prices. Spring also brings the city's famous tulips.
About Istanbul
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Things to Do in Istanbul
7Hagia Sophia
A 1,500-year-old wonder that has been a cathedral, a mosque, a museum and a mosque again, crowned by one of the world's great domes.
Blue Mosque
The graceful 17th-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famous for its six minarets and the blue Iznik tiles that give it its name. Free entry.
Topkapi Palace
The opulent palace of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years, with treasury, harem, courtyards and sweeping views over the Bosphorus.
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, a labyrinth of 4,000 shops selling carpets, lanterns, gold, spices and ceramics.
Basilica Cistern
An atmospheric underground Byzantine reservoir of 336 columns, eerily lit and home to the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Bosphorus Cruise
A ferry ride up the strait between Europe and Asia, past Ottoman palaces, fortresses and waterside mansions - the city's best-value experience.
Spice Bazaar
A fragrant, colourful 17th-century market near the waterfront, piled high with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit, tea and sweets.
Where to Eat in Istanbul
5Ciya Sofrasi
A celebrated Kadikoy restaurant reviving forgotten Anatolian regional dishes, served canteen-style and bursting with flavour.
Karakoy Lokantasi
A handsome tiled bistro in Karakoy beloved for its meze, seafood and raki at lunch, turning livelier by night.
Van Kahvalti Evi
A Cihangir favourite for a sprawling eastern-Turkish breakfast of cheeses, honey, eggs and endless tea.
Hamdi Restaurant
A classic for southeastern kebabs and pistachio baklava, with a rooftop view over the Golden Horn and Galata.
Hafiz Mustafa 1864
A historic sweet house since 1864 for baklava, Turkish delight and milk puddings, with branches across the old city.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
5Ciragan Palace Kempinski
A restored Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus with an infinity pool over the water, a spa and legendary service.
Four Seasons Sultanahmet
An intimate luxury hotel in a former neoclassical prison, steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Georges Hotel Galata
A chic boutique hotel in a restored Galata townhouse, with a rooftop restaurant and views of the old city skyline.
The Marmara Pera
A reliable, central hotel in Beyoglu with a rooftop pool and bar, handy for nightlife, dining and the tram.
Cheers Hostel
A friendly hostel in the old city with a cosy rooftop terrace bar overlooking Hagia Sophia, and private and dorm rooms.
Istanbul Itineraries
1Classic 4 Days in Istanbul
A two-continent loop through the imperial monuments of Sultanahmet, the great bazaars, a Bosphorus cruise and the cafes of Beyoglu and Kadikoy.
View day-by-day planIstanbul Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $450 - $1,100 | $450 - $1,100 | $450 - $1,100 |
| Accommodation | $30/night | $90/night | $300/night |
| Food | $18/day | $40/day | - |
| Activities | $25/day | $25/day | $25/day |
| Local Transport | $5/day | $5/day | $5/day |
| Daily Average | $60 | $140 | $380 |
Local currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Istanbul Travel FAQ
Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.