Istanbul

Where East meets West in stunning contrast

Istanbul stands as a bridge between continents where ancient traditions shape daily life. The city’s skyline mixes minarets with modern towers along the Bosphorus Strait. Markets like the Grand Bazaar showcase fabrics, spices and crafts from many cultures. Historic mosques such as Hagia Sophia reflect layers of history through their architecture. Cafés serve tea alongside street food like simit and kebabs. Public ferries move between neighborhoods, connecting people across water and time. Istanbul’s streets carry stories in every corner, inviting visitors to explore its diverse heritage.

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City in Turkey

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.2

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	6

Read details

3/5

Tourist areas have decent English speakers, especially in hotels, restaurants, and major attractions. However, in local neighborhoods and markets, English proficiency drops significantly. Learning a few Turkish words can be helpful.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Istanbul Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

World-class for history and cultural crossroads. Visit grand mosques and palaces, cruise the Bosphorus, explore bazaars and enjoy vibrant food culture.

Place score

8.7

Best at:

Local cuisine

Street food

Historic sites

Guided tours

Large cities

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

Turkey – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Turkish Lira (TRY) £1 ≈ TRY 66.29
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payment is common in urban areas, but smaller vendors in rural regions may only accept cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary but not mandatory in Turkey. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% is typical. Tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and guides are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not widely accepted, though it is allowed in some urban areas and tourist zones.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public areas and transport, with designated outdoor smoking zones available.

Republic Day (October)	Expect parades and national celebrations.
Eid al-Fitr (Varies)	Closures and family gatherings are common.
Eid al-Adha (Varies)	Similar closures and festive activities across the country.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	BiTaksi, Uber
Other:	Turkey offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Bargaining is common in markets, and modest dress is appreciated in religious sites.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Istanbul, Turkey

🌥️

Jan

🌥️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	April - July, Sep. - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, Aug.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Istanbul Tulip Festival runs April, with millions of tulips blooming in the city's parks

Ramadan: daytime food options limited, some restaurants closed until sunset, major sights stay open

Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha): many shops closed for several days, transport and hotels heavily booked as locals travel

Don't miss

🕌 Admire the grand Hagia Sophia’s domes and mosaics
🚤 Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
👑 Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and its imperial treasures
🛍️ Shop for spices and crafts in the Grand Bazaar
💦 Relax in a traditional Turkish hammam experience
🌇 Watch the sunset over the skyline from Galata Tower

You've been here?

Why travel to Istanbul?

Istanbul is a dream for history lovers, foodies and culture seekers. The city's layers of history unfold through landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, while lively markets and cozy tea houses offer an authentic local experience. The food scene is incredible, from sizzling street kebabs to delicate baklava. However, Istanbul can be overwhelming – traffic is chaotic and crowds are constant, especially in tourist hotspots. Scams targeting visitors exist, particularly in taxis and some bazaars, so a bit of street smarts goes a long way. But if you embrace the city's energy, it's one of the most rewarding destinations in the world.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Hagia Sophia
One of Turkey's most iconic landmarks, this massive Byzantine cathedral now serves as a grand mosque within Istanbul. Despite heavy tourist crowds, its sheer scale and layered history offer a profound glimpse into the city's complex past.
2 Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque's interior is famous for its thousands of blue tiles and six minarets. It stands on a historic peninsula, surrounded by bustling streets and offering stunning views of the Bosphorus from its courtyard.
3 Galata Tower
This historic tower in Galata offers panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and Bosphorus strait. Surrounded by vibrant cafes and cobblestone streets, it stands as a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
4 Basilica Cistern
This ancient underground reservoir features towering columns and submerged chains, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Visitors often flock to see the historic architecture, but exploring the quieter corners reveals even more of Istanbul's hidden charm and depth.
5 Topkapi Palace
This historic Ottoman palace complex features grand courtyards, intricate mosaics and expansive halls that showcase centuries of imperial life. Visitors explore opulent chambers, beautiful gardens and museums within this UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul.
6 Dolmabahçe Palace
7 The Chora
8 Süleymaniye Mosque
9 Topkapi Palace

🎡Places for activities

1 Istanbul Aquarium
2 Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
3 Rahmi M. Koç Müzesi

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Emirgan Park
2 Belgrad Forest
3 Golden Horn
4 Prince Islands
5 Camlica Hill
6 Atatürk Arboretum
7 Gülhane Park
8 Yildiz Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Grand Bazaar
A sprawling market covering over 60 streets, the Grand Bazaar offers thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices and antiques. Its maze‑like layout invites exploration, while historic architecture frames bustling trade.
2 Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar
3 Zorlu Center
4 Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Center
5 Mall of İstanbul
6 Erenköy Yayla Market
7 Jewelry Street

🎈Events

Istanbul Tulip Festival (April)
Istanbul Music Festival (June)
Istanbul Jazz Festival (July)
Istanbul Biennial (September-November, every two years)
Republic Day Celebrations (October 29)
Ramadan Festivities (dates vary)
Kurban Bayramı (dates vary)
Istanbul Film Festival (April)
Istanbul Marathon (November)
Shopping Fest (June-July)

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Carry an Istanbulkart for trams, metros and ferries; it simplifies all transport.
Stay in Sultanahmet for history or Beyoğlu/Karaköy for nightlife, cafés and easier access to modern Istanbul.
Dress modestly and carry a light scarf for mosque visits; check prayer times to avoid closures during your sightseeing.
Take the public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy at sunset for budget-friendly Bosphorus views and authentic local neighborhood vibes.

How to travel to Istanbul

Istanbul is served by two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Both have shuttle services, taxis and public transport connections. High-speed trains and long-distance buses link Istanbul with other cities in Turkey.

Access summary

From Istanbul Airport (IST): Metro or shuttle bus to center, about 45–90 minutes.
From Ankara: Intercity buses to Istanbul main terminals, roughly 6–8 hours.
From Izmir: Domestic flights to Istanbul airports, usually about 1 hour.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul has accommodation for all budgets. Sultanahmet is best for first-time visitors who want to stay close to major sights, while Beyoğlu and Karaköy offer a more local and trendy vibe. The Asian side, particularly Kadıköy, is quieter and more affordable.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Zeyn Otel Istanbul

9.7

Windsor Hotel Convention Center Istanbul

8.4

ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel

8.8

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Center

8.6

Dosso Dossi Hotels & SPA Golden Horn

8.2

Demiray Hotel & Spa Old City

Dosso Dossi Hotels & Spa Downtown

8.3

Wanda Vista Istanbul

8.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Istanbul

Public transport is well-developed, with trams, metro, ferries and buses. The Istanbulkart is a must-have for easy access to all transport. Taxis are common but can be tricky – always insist on the meter. Walking is great in historic areas but expect hills and cobblestones.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-42 %

Daily expenses in Istanbul are around 42% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-62 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to TRY) is 62% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£38	£77	£199
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£15	£30	£60
🍝 Food per day	£20	£43	£128
🚕 Transportation per day	£3	£4	£11

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£16
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£7.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£7
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£6
☕ Cappuccino	£2.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£3.10

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.60
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£7
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.90

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£6
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£43
🤧 Cold medication	£2.50
💇 Basic haircut	£6.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Istanbul is generally safe, but beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist scams. Taxis sometimes overcharge, so use ride-hailing apps. Avoid political protests, as they can escalate quickly.

Health & Medical

Healthcare is good, with modern hospitals and pharmacies widely available. Tap water is technically safe but not recommended for drinking – bottled water is better. No special vaccinations are required.

Accessibility

Public transport is improving but not fully accessible. Many streets have steep hills and uneven pavements, making wheelchair access difficult. Major attractions often have ramps but can still be challenging.

Tap water

Tap water is treated and safe for locals but not always great for tourists. Bottled water is widely available and cheap. Public drinking fountains are rare.