Istanbul Turkey Tourism (2024) Travel Guide Top Places

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6 Days / 5 Nights

Honeymoon Special Turkish Delights: Istanbul’s ...

Istanbul(3N) → Cappadocia(2N)

$ 1,137

20% off

$909/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

Discover Turkey Tour Package

Istanbul(2N) → Ankara(1N) → Cappadocia(2N) → Safranbolu(1N) → Istanbul(1N)

$1,119/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

9 Day Turkey Itinerary with Topkapi Palace Tour

Istanbul(4N) → Cappadocia(2N) → Pamukkale(1N)

$ 1,390

-6% off

$1,478/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

The Best of Istanbul: From Ancient Ruins to Mod...

Istanbul(2N) → Kusadasi(2N) → Antalya(2N) → Cappadocia(2N)

$ 1,468

19% off

$1,179/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

Glorious Istanbul Turkey Family Holiday Package

Istanbul(3N) → Antalya(2N) → Cappadocia(2N)

$ 1,492

16% off

$1,240/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

6 Day Turkey Tour with Sunset Dinner Cruise

Istanbul(3N) → Cappadocia (2N)

$ 1,119

17% off

$927/person

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Istanbul Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 4-6 days

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"Where Heritage Meets Modernity"

Istanbul Tourism

Although not the official capital of Turkey, Istanbul is still very much the heart of all activities in the country. It is Turkey's largest and most populated city and also the center of tourism. Istanbul is located on both sides of the Bosphorus and thus lies in both Europe and Asia. Its iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and scenic waterways create an enchanting tapestry of cultural diversity.

The Bosphorus Strait, the thin dividing waterway between Europe and Asia, divides Istanbul into different parts. Most of the beautiful historical structures are located around Sultanahmet Square (old city). New Istanbul is the city's main business district, housing skyscrapers, mansions, and picturesque neighborhoods. Across the Bosphorus is the Asian side, while off the coast of the Asian Side is the Princes' Islands.

Istanbul is known for the marvelous structures of Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Dolmabahe Palace. Almost all of these buildings today serve as museums, providing insight into the grand lives of the emperors and kings and the spectacular Byzantine and later European architecture. Istanbul also has some splendid gardens, such as the Gulhane and the Emirgan, which come alive during spring when the tulips bud and the colors flourish. Cruises along the Bosphorus Strait are a hugely popular activity with spectacular views of the cityscape. Istanbul is also a shopper's paradise, with one of the world's first shopping malls, the Grand Bazaar, and several streets dedicated to small stores and stalls. Istanbul's culinary scene tantalizes with delectable Turkish delights, from savory kebabs to sweet baklava, showcasing a blend of flavors from across the country.

Known as Byzantium and Constantinople throughout history, Istanbul has always been one of the most important European cities. Today, it is the 7th largest city in the world and one of the most heavily populated. Accessible through its efficient transport systems, Istanbul invites visitors to navigate its rich history, vibrant culture, and contemporary vibrancy, promising an immersive journey through time, tradition, and modernity at every turn.

Istanbul Museum Pass: This 5-day pass costs TL 2250 and includes free admission to over 12 museums and discounts on activities and attractions. Buy online to avoid long ticket counter queues. However, you still need to stand in line to enter the attractions.
Istanbul Tourist Pass: This pass includes entrance to 100 attractions, including guided tours or skip-the-line facilities at some attractions. It is available for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days, starting from EUR 140. It can be bought online at https://istanbultouristpass.com/.
Istanbulkart: It is a public transport smart card used to buy tickets for buses, trams, suburban trains, metros, local ferries, etc. It costs TL 70(plus the recharge amount) and is available at kiosks and small corner shops. Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists as you can use one card for multiple people (up to 5 passengers). Read more about Istanbulkart
Carry Cash: Carry cash in Turkish Lira as only cash is accepted at ticket kiosks of public transport. No credit cards or foreign currencies are accepted. At the Grand Bazaar and other markets, many shops don’t accept credit cards.
Accommodation: Stay in Sultanahmet, Beyoglu(Taksim), and Kadikoy, with major attractions nearby. More luxurious hotels can be found in the western suburbs and on the Bosphorus. Harbiye is also a popular place to stay.
Dressing: Carry a headscarf. It is a must for visiting any mosque in Istanbul.
Itinerary Planning: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and Hippodrome are all situated in the same compound in Sultanahmet and can be visited together.
Taksim Square, Istikal Avenue, Cicek Pasaji and Galata Tower can be visited together. Either walk from Taksim Square to Galata Tower or take a tram that runs from Taksim to near Galata. Reaching Galata Tower involves a steep uphill walk.
Taxi Scams: Taxis that wait near a bus station or at Yenikapı ferry terminal are usually a tourist trap. Insist on going by the meter.

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Things To Do In Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

Grand Bazaar

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Bosphorus River Cruise

Galata Tower

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Exchanging Money in Istanbul

Though most of the big currencies are accepted in Turkey, several money exchange booths exist in the city's commercial areas. You can exchange currency in most tourist areas, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, around Taksim Square, and Istiklal Cadessi. Rates are best at Grand Bazaar. Hakan Doviz, Ozkan Doviz, and many other services provide this option. Most banks provide exchange services as well. You can also use ATMs, however, charges may be applied so it's best to check with your bank first.

Istanbul Neighbourhoods

Sultanahmet: Home to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, making it the historical center of Istanbul.
Beyoglu and Taksim Square: Bustling area famous for Istiklal Avenue, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. It also hosts an array of bars, clubs, theaters, and live music venues, making it a vibrant nightlife destination.
Karakoy: Flourishing as a cultural district known for its contemporary art galleries, trendy cafes, and restored warehouses turned into chic restaurants.
Besiktas: Vibrant area known for its bustling markets, lively cafes, and the famous Besiktas JK football stadium.
Kadikoy and Moda: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering a laid-back vibe with a blend of culture, hip cafes, and a thriving food scene. Kadikoy's markets offer diverse products, from fresh produce to vintage finds, showcasing a more local and authentic Istanbul.
Uskudar: Known for its historical landmarks, mosques, and waterfront promenades, providing serene views of the Bosphorus.
Cihangir and Cukurcuma: Trendy and bohemian area attracting artists, intellectuals, and expats, with a mix of antique shops, stylish cafes, and art galleries.

Shopping in Istanbul

Shopping in Istanbul is a vibrant and eclectic experience, blending traditional markets, modern malls, and unique boutiques.

Explore the iconic Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets and ceramics to spices and jewelry. Find an array of Turkish goods like handmade carpets, intricate ceramics, colorful lanterns, and intricately designed textiles, making it a treasure trove for souvenirs.
Immerse yourself in the fragrant Spice Bazaar, showcasing an assortment of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delight, offering an aromatic experience for the senses.
Visit trendy districts like Nisantasi or Istiklal Avenue, housing chic boutiques, designer stores, and fashion outlets, catering to contemporary tastes.
Explore modern shopping malls like Kanyon, Zorlu Center, or Istinye Park, featuring international brands, upscale shops, and entertainment facilities.

In markets like the Grand Bazaar, bargaining is part of the shopping experience. Engage in friendly negotiation for better deals, but remember to do so respectfully. Local markets in Istanbul are held on different days of the week, following a rotating schedule - Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

Istanbul Customs

Though liberal clothing is acceptable in tourist areas, it is best to dress modestly whenever you're heading out in Istanbul. Avoid wearing very revealing clothing.
Make sure to use your right hand to give or take things, as the left hand is used for hygiene functions.
Tipping is expected in places where the service charge is not included in the bill, in the region of 10%. Small tips of TRY 2-3 are enough for porters or taxi drivers.

History of Istanbul

Istanbul has a long heritage and has been an important city throughout its history. It formally begins with the rule of the Greek settlers back 660 BCE, when they established Byzantium where Istanbul is today. It changed a few times, going to the Persians once and then regained by the Greeks as part of the Athenian Empire. After gaining independence in 355 BCE, it became a part of the Roman empire in 73 CE. When Constantine the Great became the emperor of the Roman empire, he had special plans for a city to be built in place of Byzantium.

This city, Constantinople, was declared the capital of the Byzantine empire in 330. It grew exponentially during this period, and the Hagia Sofia was also built during this time. After the onset of the 11th century and the death of Basil II, Constantinople declined and was conquered and sacked by Villardouin and Enrico Dandolo in the Fourth Crusade. However, the city was recovered in 1261 by the Byzantines. Constantinople now was an extremely weak city, and in 1453 was strategically conquered by the Ottomans under Sultan Ahmed II. Many of the cathedrals of the city were converted into mosques and it became the capital of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1517. The city grew greatly during the 19th century, but by the end of the century, the decline began. It was plagued with civil wars and then finally World War I resulted in the French, British and Italian occupation of the city. The last Ottoman emperor, Mehmed VI was exiled and the Republic of Turkey was established in 1922, with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as the president. The city, due to its turbulent past, wasn't made the capital and Ankara was preferred. Istanbul began to grow rapidly in the second half of the 20th century, as there was a lot of migration into the city looking for jobs and opportunities. As the population increased dramatically, the different villages around the city were combined and many modern buildings were built to form the city we see today.

Nightlife in Istanbul

Istanbul is a major European city and has a great array of options with regards to nightlife. There are several clubs along the Bosphorus which are known for their up-scale crowd and exclusivity. If not that, head over to Beyoglu which is widely considered to be the nightlife hotspot of Istanbul with clubs and bars catering to all sorts of tastes. There are several good options in Galatsaray and Ortokoy as well.

Where to Stay

For Budget Travelers: Kadıköy Centre and Moda on the Asian side and Sirkeci on European side of Istanbul are known for their lively atmosphere, affordable eateries, and decent budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
For Nightlife Enthusiasts: Nişantaşı's, Galata and Karaköy are famous for their buzzing nightlife scenes. Students and those seeking a budget-friendly night out will find Beşiktaş and Moda perfect.
For Families: Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, and Taksim are close to the main attractions and convenient for elderly people and kids.
For Vegetarians and Vegans: Cihangir, Kurtuluş/Osmanbey, and Beşiktaş on the European side, and Moda on the Asian side boast a variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and even vegan supermarkets.
For Long-Term Visitors: Bomonti/Feriköy, Kurtuluş/Osmanbey, Moda, and Cihangir offer plenty of long-term rental apartments and hotels suitable for business or long term travelers.

Tips to Visit Istanbul

Sim: Sim Cards of Vodafone, Avea or Turkcell are available at kiosks at the airport and around the city.
Wi-Fi: Free public wifi is available in most city centres and squares.
Opening Hours: Most museums in Istanbul are closed on Monday and Wednesday. All mosques close to non-Muslims 5 times a day during prayer time for 90 minutes. Avoid visiting Hagia Sophia on Friday because of the crowd.

Transport Cards in Istanbul

Istanbul City Card: It allows you to use all public transportation and is ideal for tourists visiting Istanbul for a short duration and planning to use public transport a lot. Available for 1,3,5,7,15 days and costs 210 TL to 1500 TL. But can be used for 1 person only and cannot be topped off. Machines are located throughout the city, from where these cards can be bought.
Istanbulkart: It is multi-purpose transportation card, covering all major forms of public transportation, including the nostalgic tram on Istiklal Caddesi. It can be bought from yellow vending machines available at major transit stops, including Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, as well as metro and tram stations throughout the city. The cost of an anonymous card is 70 TL with a top up limit of 500 TL per month. It can be bought or reloaded only in cash. Most public transportation in Istanbul no longer accepts cash, making Istanbulkart essential for seamless travel.

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Istanbul Photos

Bosphorus Strait which divides Istanbul into Europe and Asia

Istanbul's most picturesque building, the Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque

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FAQs on Istanbul

What are the things to do in Istanbul?

The top things to do in Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace, SÙleymaniye Mosque, Bosphorus Strait. You can see all the places to visit in Istanbul here

What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

March to May and September to November are considered the best times to visit Istanbul. The Turkish city experiences spring in the former months and autumn in the latter. A patch of blue sky will follow you everywhere if you’re vacationing in either of the two seasons. During these seasons, the city is blessed with a spell of good weather. The climate in Istanbul is by and large a juxtaposition of oceanic, humid subtropical and Mediterranean. There are three different climate zones in the city, owing to its large size. That being said, Istanbul encounters four distinct seasons, namely the autumn season from September to November, the winter season from December to February, the spring season from March to May and finally the summer season from June to August. July is the hottest month in the year, while December is considered as the wettest period. Thunderstorms in the summer are usually followed by drizzling. The light spells of rain will certainly not derail your travel plans.

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What is the local food in Istanbul?

Istanbul caters to cuisines from all kinds. It has many restaurants, popular street foods, as well as tons of fast food joints. Though while you're here, you must try some local dishes, such as the simit, which is like a Turkish bagel, and unbelievably delicious; the balik-ekmek is a fish sandwich which is a hugely popular street food; d_ner which is a meat prepared on a vertical rotisserie; the lahmacun or the Turkish pizza; and of course you cannot leave without trying the Turkish Kebabs. You will discover many amazing street foods throughout the city as you go on exploring.
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How much does a package cost for Istanbul?

The packages for Istanbul start at INR 58485 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the top hotels in Istanbul?

There are 3205 in Istanbul which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Istanbul are Galateia Residence, I'zaz Lofts, Hidden Garden Suites, Balat House, Apartment Bosphorus, Manzara Bosphorus. You can see all the hotels in Istanbul here

What are the places near Istanbul?

The top places near to Istanbul are Ankara which is 349 km from Istanbul, Pamukalle which is located 343 km from Istanbul, Izmir which is located 327 km from Istanbul, Antalya which is located 481 km from Istanbul, Cappadocia which is located 565 km from Istanbul

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Istanbul Travel Packages

Honeymoon Special Turkish Delights: Istanbul’s ...

Discover Turkey Tour Package

9 Day Turkey Itinerary with Topkapi Palace Tour

The Best of Istanbul: From Ancient Ruins to Mod...

Glorious Istanbul Turkey Family Holiday Package

6 Day Turkey Tour with Sunset Dinner Cruise

Istanbul Travel Essentials

"Where Heritage Meets Modernity"

Istanbul Tourism

Must Know Before You Travel to Istanbul

Things To Do In Istanbul

Top Hotels In Istanbul

More on Istanbul Travel

Exchanging Money in Istanbul

Istanbul Neighbourhoods

Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul Customs

History of Istanbul

Nightlife in Istanbul

Where to Stay

Tips to Visit Istanbul

Transport Cards in Istanbul

Best Time to Visit Istanbul

Top Stories about Istanbul Tourism

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