Istanbul sits on two continents and blends Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and a buzzing modern city. Give it at least three days — four if you want to enjoy the Bosphorus slowly.
Top things to do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia — an architectural wonder; dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
- Blue Mosque — free to visit outside prayer times; women need a headscarf.
- Topkapı Palace — the Ottoman sultans’ palace with sweeping sea views.
- Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar — bargain politely and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Bosphorus cruise — take the public ferry for a cheap and beautiful ride between Europe and Asia.
- Kadıköy — the Asian side’s food markets and local cafés.
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in Istanbul a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in Istanbul
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in Istanbul and pick a room with free cancellation.
- Sultanahmet — walk to the main historic sights.
- Karaköy / Galata — trendy, central and close to the ferries.
- Beyoğlu / Taksim — nightlife, shopping and good transport.
- Kadıköy — local and relaxed on the Asian side.
Getting around
Buy an Istanbulkart and use it on trams, metro, buses and ferries. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet with Karaköy. From Istanbul Airport, the M11 metro and Havaist buses connect to the city; taxis can be slow in traffic.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to Istanbul and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for Türkiye before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Check visa rules for your passport before booking — some nationalities need an e-Visa.
- Carry some cash in lira for small shops and tips.
- Agree on the price or insist on the meter in taxis.
- Try a Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) at least once.
Plan your trip to Istanbul
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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