Your guide to Istanbul
Istanbul highlights
A transcontinental city
On your city break in Istanbul, you can step foot on two continents, Europe and Asia. Intersecting the city is the Bosphorus Strait, a massive waterway separating the two. The European side is busier and a historic center of trade, while the Asian side is greener and more residential. To hit both on one ride, take a bus or taxi over the Bosphorus Bridge.
Turkish coffee
Originating in the Ottoman Empire, Turkish coffee is thick, strong and an important daily ritual for locals. Why not make it part of your stay in Istanbul too? All Turks have their favourite coffee spots. One Istanbul stalwart is Fazil Bey’s Turkish Coffee in Kadikoy Bazaar.
Whirling dervishes
Watching whirling dervishes perform the mystical Sufi ceremony of Sema is a special sight every traveller should witness. You can catch their rhythmic, spinning dances—which date back to the 13th century—at different locations across the city. But look out for regular performances at the Hodjapasha Dance Theatre, housed in a converted 15th-century Turkish bath.
Istanbul: Know before you go
| Language | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Turkish lira (₺) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (TRT) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Istanbul
Weather in Istanbul
March – May: Spring is slow to warm, but once it does, there’s no better time to see the city’s flowers in bloom. Don’t miss the Istanbul Tulip Festival in April.
June – August: Average temperatures hover around 26°C, but the humidity can make it feel hotter. Rain is unlikely, but be prepared for muggy conditions.
September – November: Pleasant daytime temperatures and chillier evenings call for layers. Head to the Belgrade Forest and Atatürk Arboretum for an eyeful of autumn foliage.
December – February: Pack an umbrella and a warm coat for Istanbul’s coldest and wettest season. Warm up with a visit to a steamy ‘hammam’ (Turkish bath).
Events in Istanbul
Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): See millions of tulips in full bloom during this popular spring festival centred around Emirgan Park. Besides admiring the colorful flowers, enjoy cultural events like art exhibits and live concerts.
Hıdırellez Festival (May): This traditional festival celebrates the arrival of spring with fire-jumping, folk dancing and tasty lamb dishes. It’s also a time for wish-making, with the spring season representing abundance and fertility.
International Istanbul Music Festival (June or July): Hear local and international musicians performing classical, opera, chamber and orchestral concerts at this cultural festival. The diverse venues include churches, museums, parks and concert halls.
Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim Race (August): Swimmers from around the world gather to compete in this open-water swimming race in the Bosphorus Strait.
The best neighbourhoods in Istanbul
Fatih
Istanbul’s historical center, Fatih is home to an abundance of world-famous attractions, including Sultanahmet (the former throne of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires) and the Grand Bazaar. There are lesser known points of interest worth exploring, such as the locally loved Wednesday market in Carsamba. And the neighbourhood is packed with traditional eateries serving kebabs, ‘lahmacun’ (mincemeat-topped flatbread) and other local staples.
Good for: History, shopping, traditional food
Beyoglu
Lively and cosmopolitan, Beyoglu brings together cultural attractions, innovative restaurants and an artsy vibe. As well as the Galata Tower, Taksim Square and the shop-filled Istiklal Street, Beyoglu is also home to a spirited nightlife scene in Cukurcuma. If you’re a foodie wondering where to stay in Istanbul, the restaurants here serve Turkish favourites and splurge-worthy haute cuisine, such as at the Scandi-Turkish eatery, Mikla.
Good for: Shopping, restaurants, nightlife
Sisli
A classy neighbourhood defined by cocktail bars, inviting shopping malls and a scattering of lesser known museums, Sisli has a sophisticated urban buzz. It’s considered one of the best areas to stay in Istanbul as it’s also home to Ihlamur Kasri, a stately palace with tranquil gardens. A choice of fine dining restaurants and cafes offer foodie experiences, while art galleries add a touch of culture.
Good for: Restaurants, shopping, culture
Things to do in Istanbul
Family friendly things to do
Families visiting Istanbul have endless options for excitement and relaxation. Miniaturk open-air museum captures sights from across Turkey, and a walk across the thrumming Galata Bridge is an adventure for everyone. There are many child-friendly museums in Istanbul, but the Rahmi M. Koc Museum stands out, with real aeroplanes, buses and even a submarine to explore.
Shopping
A city where traders have converged for centuries, the shopping in Istanbul brings together influences from across the world. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets on the globe – it’s absolutely huge and sells anything and everything. Elsewhere in the city, there are one-off boutiques and artisans selling original creative pieces. Head to the arty Cukurcuma neighbourhood for antiques and vintage clothes.
Take in the culture
Culture and history define Istanbul. Sultanahmet is home to some of the best attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. However, every neighbourhood has cultural sites like these on a smaller scale. Take your pick of museums in Istanbul too. For an offbeat option, The Museum of Innocence is a real-life companion to the book by Orhan Pamuk.
Nightlife
The Nightlife in Istanbul goes from low-key drinks accompanied by a ‘shisha’ (hookah), to party houses that carry on until morning. For clubs in Istanbul, Taksim is one of the liveliest parts of the city. For a quiet drink, find a cafe or bar by the Bosphorus. Remember that in the more traditional localities, alcohol is not served.
Places to eat
The city’s food scene runs the gamut from the latest and greatest trends to time-honoured traditional fare. One of the best restaurants in Istanbul is Ulus 29, which comes complete with stunning views of the Bosphorus. For a tasty kebab, get in line behind the locals at Sehzade Cag Kebap, and for delectable baklava, Karakoy Gulluoglu is your place.
Beaches
When it’s time to hit the beach in Istanbul, Florya Gunes Plaji is the city’s biggest, with golden sand and plenty of loungers. There are other beaches in the city, and many excellent ones nearby – make your way to Kilyos for a few other options.
Get ready for Istanbul
Budget
With the city’s beaches, parks and fascinating neighbourhoods, it’s easier than you might think to explore Istanbul on a budget. When you’re feeling hungry, expect to pay less than 500 Turkish liras (₺) for a simple meal in a restaurant. Thirsty? A coffee shouldn’t set you back more than ₺130.
Day trips from Istanbul
Take a break from the city’s bustling streets with a walk through the lush Belgrade Forest, an hour away by metro and bus. Or sink into relaxation mode at one of Termal’s famous hammams, 90 minutes away. For something different, drive an hour to explore Polonezköy, Istanbul’s ‘Polish village’.
Getting around Istanbul
Istanbul is a massive city connected by everything from trams and buses to cable cars and an underground funicular. Buy an Istanbulkart from a newsstand for a 40% discount on all fares. Traveling by ferry or water taxi across the Bosphorus Strait is a classic Istanbul experience not to be missed.
