Where Europe meets Asia: Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces, bazaars, and ferries across the Bosphorus.
Best months to visit
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Feb
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Apr
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Nov
Dec
Istanbul straddles two continents across the Bosphorus strait, and its history spans Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. You can see it all in a single walk around the Sultanahmet district.
Beyond the famous sights, it is a lively modern city of neighbourhood cafés, markets, and ferries that double as cheap sightseeing cruises.
Ideal stay
4 days
Budget
$$ · Mid-range
Currency
Turkish lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish
Main airports
Istanbul (IST), Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
Good for
History, food, markets, architecture
The full guide
Season by season, a day-by-day plan, where to stay, getting around, costs, and local tips — unlocks with a
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When to go
Spring (Apr–May)
Tulip season and mild weather — ideal for walking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and busy; Bosphorus breezes help.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm, clear days and thinning crowds.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool and rainy, with occasional snow; lowest prices.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome.
Day 2
Topkapı Palace, then the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
Day 3
Bosphorus ferry cruise, then Galata Tower, Karaköy, and İstiklal Avenue.
Day 4
Cross to the Asian side for Kadıköy's food market and Moda's seafront.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet
Steps from the historic sights; quieter at night.
Karaköy / Galata
Trendy cafés and restaurants, central for exploring.
Kadıköy
Local, lively Asian-side neighbourhood with great food.
Getting around
Get an Istanbulkart for trams, metro, buses, and ferries. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet with Karaköy. Traffic is heavy, so ferries and rail are often faster than taxis.
What it costs
Good value for food and transport. Major sights have significant entry fees, and prices can shift quickly with currency changes, so check current rates.
Good to know
Dress modestly for mosques; women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.
Mosques close to tourists briefly at prayer times — plan around them.
Haggle politely in the bazaars.
Travel information changes often. Prices here are rough guides, and transport, opening hours, and
entry requirements can change without notice. Confirm details with official tourism sites,
operators, and your government's travel advice before you book, and travel with suitable
insurance.
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