It is Istanbul’s unique blend of Western and Eastern heritage and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Experience the comforts of modern Turkey in its malls, galleries and clubs, and the delights of traditional Turkish bazaars, palaces, taverns and mosques. Istanbul’s natural beauty, with pleasant Mediterranean climate, completes its glorious appeal.Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has the Sea of Marmara to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Istanbul connects Europe with Asia and this strategic position evoked many power struggles. Under its previous names of Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman, the Byzantine, the Latin and the Ottoman empires and was once also the capital of Islam. The Turks started to call it Istanbul, a name that was made official when the Turkish Republic was proclaimed in 1923.The Sultanahmet peninsula, which is home to the Old City, reflects Istanbul’s diverse political and religious past, particularly in the architecture. The iconic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), for example, was once a Christian cathedral and later a mosque. Visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), Hippodrome(Hipodrom) and Blue Mosque(Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and save some of your liras for the souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Get a bird’s-eye view of it all from the top of the 14th-century Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) or visit nearby Miniatürk to see miniature versions of all these buildings. Cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern.Cross the Galata Bridge, spanning the Golden Horn, to visit Taksim Square and the New City. Enjoy modern skyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping malls and watch hip youngsters mingle with businessmen. Buy an Istanbulkart, for easy access to all public transport the ferry is a good way to see the Beylerbeyi Palace across the strait.Over 13 million people live in Istanbul, making it Europe’s most populous city, and it’s easy to see what the attraction is. Istanbul’s fusion of East and West, reflected in the culture, architecture, art and cuisine is truly unique.
Istanbul
Where to stay in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.
Taksim
Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
Kadıköy
Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.
Fatih
Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.
Beşiktaş
Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.
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Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023
Getting around Istanbul
The Sultanahmet district, which is packed with many of the city’s major sights, is easy and fun to walk around. Beyond this area, you can travel on various public transportation networks. As well as trams, trains, buses and a metro system, there are minibuses or shared taxis knows as Dolmuş. Standard taxis are available too. Alternatively, climb aboard a ferry or a sea bus for a more novel experience. Visit the Istanbul Electric Tram and Tunnel Company website. Browse Istanbul rental cars.
Best time to visit
Istanbul’s climate has a distinct pattern of four clear seasons, with very hot summers and low temperatures in winter. Visit in April or May or in September or November for warm but not uncomfortable temperatures. One advantage of coming in the fall is that you will get to see the changing colors of the city's foliage, which completely transforms the streets and green spaces.
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Hagia Sophia
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Grand Bazaar
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
Things to do
Monuments of Ottoman Empire Tour - Skip the Line Tickets
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Refreshment and Guide
2-Day Tour of Cappadocia, with Flights & Accommodation
Istanbul Turkish Bath in Ottoman Style at Hammam with Drinks
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
3-Day Ephesus, Pergamum & Pamukkale Tour by Plane
Reviews of Istanbul
4/5 - Good
Taxi drivers are very aggressive and arrogant towards tourists
5/5 - Excellent
Istanbul is a very vibrant city. It's an interest mix of cultures and played a key role throughout many points in history. We spent a week here after a week in Athens. 1 week was enough to enjoy our time and see the highlights in Istanbul.
5/5 - Excellent
This was not our first trip to Istanbul. We had visited many of the places before and were only there for a day and a half this trip.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful, clean city especially suited to couples or individual travelers. I would imagine it difficult to keep children interested in historical sites although plenty of outdoor walking. A multicultural destination where we felt welcome.
5/5 - Excellent
Very beautiful city we really enjoy our stay We definitely come back in the future..
4/5 - Good
The new airport is very far from town. Don't arrange a shuttle. They couldn't find us. Take a bus or a taxi if you are four people. They plan to have the metro connect to the airport next year.
Other places like Istanbul
- Taksim Square
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Grand Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- Topkapi Palace
- Bosphorus Bridge
- Mall of Istanbul
- Bosphorus
- Sultanahmet Square
- Istiklal Avenue
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Ataturk Olympic Stadium
- Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center
- Basilica Cistern
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Florya Beach
- Bahçeşehir Gölet Park
- Bağdat Avenue
- Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre
- Viaport Outlet Shopping
- Eminönü Square
- Egyptian Bazaar
- Ciragan Palace
- CNR Expo Center
- Emaar Square Mall
- Istinye Park
- Kadikoy Port
- Galata Bridge
- Pera Palace Hotel
- Medicana International Istanbul Hospital
- Ataköy Marina