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4 weeks ago
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Destination guide
Istanbul: two continents, one legendary city
Istanbul unfolds on both banks of the Bosphorus, among Ottoman domes, the buzz of the Grand Bazaar and the scent of freshly poured tea. Ferries glide from one continent to the other as the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops of Sultanahmet. This guide gathers the essentials: what to see, when to come, where to stay and the tips that will make your trip flow.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Hagia Sophia
A Byzantine basilica, an imperial mosque and a museum across fifteen centuries, its vast dome remains one of the most admired architectural feats in the world.
The Blue Mosque
Facing Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque dazzles with its six minarets and more than twenty thousand İznik tiles that wash its interior in blue.
Topkapı Palace
Home to Ottoman sultans for centuries, it holds garden courtyards, the harem and a treasury of jewels, with commanding views over the Golden Horn.
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, with thousands of stalls of carpets, ceramics and jewellery; nearby, the Spice Bazaar perfumes the air.
A Bosphorus cruise
The strait dividing Europe from Asia is best seen from the water, past marble palaces, fortresses and the elegant wooden waterside mansions known as yalıs.
The flavours of Istanbul
From the harbour fish sandwich to meze, kebab and baklava, Istanbul's cooking is enjoyed on the street with a strong glass of çay in hand.
When to go
Istanbul shines in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the queues shorter. Summer is hot and crowded, while winter, grey and cold, has its own wistful charm and the lowest prices of the year.
Spring (March-May)
Pleasant temperatures, parks in bloom and the famous tulip festival in April. It is one of the best times to walk the city before the summer rush arrives.
Summer (June-August)
Long days, humid heat and plenty of life: waterside terraces along the Bosphorus, nightlife and longer queues at the big monuments. Carry water and seek shade at midday.
Autumn (September-November)
Mild weather and golden light return, with fewer tourists than summer. Ideal for wandering the neighbourhoods, crossing by ferry and savouring the food unhurried.
Winter (December-February)
Grey skies, occasional rain and, now and then, snow on the domes. It is the quietest, most affordable season, perfect for hammams, covered bazaars and hot tea.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Sultanahmet
The historic heart, with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı a few minutes' walk away. The easiest choice for first-time visitors who want everything close by.
Beyoğlu (Galata, Taksim and İstiklal)
Istanbul's modern face: İstiklal Avenue, the Galata Tower, galleries, cafés and a lively nightlife. Perfect for those after atmosphere, restaurants and good connections.
Kadıköy (Asian side)
Across the Bosphorus, a local, easy-going district with a food market, bars and fewer tourists. Ideal for living the city like a local, reached by a pleasant ferry ride.
Beşiktaş and Ortaköy
Waterside, elegant and with views over the Bosphorus and Dolmabahçe Palace. It blends seafront walks, good restaurants and nightlife; a solid base for families and couples.
Nişantaşı and Şişli
The chicest area for shopping, with boutiques, department stores and fashionable cafés near Taksim. Comfortable and well connected, it suits those who prioritise shopping and city life.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Get around with the Istanbulkart
This rechargeable card works on the metro, tram, buses and ferries. Crossing the Bosphorus by ferry is not only practical but one of the city's great pleasures.
Carry some cash
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it helps to have liras for taxis, small stalls and the bazaar, where good-humoured bargaining is part of the experience.
Book tickets ahead
At major sites such as Hagia Sophia or Topkapı the queues can be long. Check opening hours and tickets on the official websites and plan the most popular visits in advance.
A safe city, with common sense
Istanbul is welcoming and safe for travellers; just watch your belongings in busy spots like İstiklal or the tram, and choose bottled water to drink.
A few words of Turkish help
English is spoken in tourist areas, but a merhaba (hello) or a teşekkürler (thank you) opens many doors, especially on the Asian side and in the markets.
Comfortable shoes and a scarf
The hills and cobbles call for comfortable shoes. Pack a light scarf too: mosques require covered shoulders and, for women, a covered head, and shoes off at the door.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
Three or four days cover the essentials of the historic centre and a Bosphorus cruise. With a week you can explore the Asian side, the quieter neighbourhoods and the Princes' Islands.
