Istanbul

Istanbul travel guide overview

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, blending Byzantine and Ottoman monuments with buzzing markets, ferry rides and some of the best food in the region. This Istanbul travel guide covers when to go, where to stay near the main sights and how to split your time between the historic peninsula and the vibrant Asian side.

Best time to visit Istanbul

April to May and September to October bring pleasant temperatures, clear skies and manageable crowds — the best time to visit Istanbul. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is cold and can be rainy but atmospheric, with far fewer tourists at the major sights.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Sultanahmet is the classic first-timer base, walking distance from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Beyoğlu, around Istiklal Street and Galata, is livelier and better for restaurants and nightlife. Kadıköy on the Asian side is where locals eat and drink — great for a few nights of a longer stay.

Top things to do in Istanbul

Visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, wander through Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern, and haggle in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Take a Bosphorus ferry at sunset, cross to the Asian side for dinner in Kadıköy and try a traditional hammam experience.

• Visit major mosques outside prayer times
• Take a public ferry rather than a pricey tour boat
• Bargain politely in the bazaars — half the fun
• Book a hammam session for a truly local experience

What and where to eat in Istanbul

Start the day with a Turkish breakfast spread, snack on simit and stuffed mussels, and eat dinner at a meyhane over mezes and rakı. The Asian side, especially Kadıköy and Moda, has excellent seafood, kebab houses and dessert shops. Do not leave without trying baklava, künefe and Turkish coffee.

Getting around Istanbul

An Istanbulkart is essential — one card works on the tram, metro, funicular, buses and ferries. The tram covers the historic peninsula well. Ferries between the European and Asian sides are cheap, fast and scenic. Taxis are inexpensive but always insist on the meter.

A simple 4-day Istanbul itinerary

Day 1: historic peninsula — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi. Day 2: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus ferry at sunset. Day 3: Beyoğlu — Galata Tower, Istiklal Street and a hammam. Day 4: cross to the Asian side for Kadıköy market, Moda seafront and a long dinner.