Istanbul
Visited in April 2015
At a glance
- Country
- Turkey
- Region
- Istanbul Province
- Population
- 15.7 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to November
- Main airport
- Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Coordinates
- 41.01°N, 28.98°E
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Overview
Istanbul straddles two continents across the Bosphorus strait, and for centuries it was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Its skyline of domes and minarets is one of the most recognisable in the world.
The historic peninsula of Sultanahmet holds the big sights, but cross the Galata Bridge or take a ferry to the Asian side to see the modern city at play.
Things to see
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Photo: Adli Wahid, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hagia Sophia
A 1,500-year-old church turned mosque, with one of the great domes of world architecture.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famous for its blue İznik tiles. Visit outside prayer times.
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Photo: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0 Topkapı Palace
The Ottoman sultans' palace, with the harem and treasury.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Basilica Cistern
A vast underground Byzantine reservoir supported by 336 columns.
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, with thousands of shops.
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Galata Tower
A medieval stone tower with a viewing gallery over the Golden Horn.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bosphorus cruise
Sail between Europe and Asia past palaces and waterside mansions.
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Photo: Robot8A, CC BY-SA 4.0 Spice Bazaar
Turkish delight, spices and tea near the Galata Bridge.
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Photo: Maris Teteris, CC BY 3.0 Turkish bath (hamam)
Try a traditional steam and scrub in a historic hamam.
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Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ferry to Kadıköy
Cross to the Asian side for its food market, cafés and nightlife.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet
Right among the historic sights; quieter in the evenings.
Hotels in SultanahmetKaraköy
Trendy waterfront area with cafés and design hotels, close to the old city by tram.
Hotels in KaraköyBeyoğlu
Lively area around İstiklal Avenue, with nightlife and rooftop bars.
Hotels in BeyoğluKadıköy
On the Asian side, local and relaxed, with great food.
Hotels in Kadıköy
Getting around
Get an İstanbulkart for the trams, Metro, buses and ferries. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet with Karaköy, and ferries are the best way to cross the Bosphorus.
Istanbul Airport is about 40 kilometres from the centre; the M11 Metro and Havaist coaches run into town. Sabiha Gökçen airport serves the Asian side.
When to go
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are warm and pleasant, and April brings the tulip festival. Summer is hot and busy; winter is cool and rainy but quieter.
Plan your trip to Istanbul
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.