Istanbul travel guide

Istanbul is the only city in the world straddling two continents: monumental mosques, historic bazaars and a Bosphorus that divides (and connects) Europe and Asia. It offers one of the best value-for-money ratios for a capital of this level.

Best time to visit

April-May and September-October are the ideal months: mild weather while avoiding both summer heat and damp winter cold.

What to see and do

Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque — the city's two landmark monuments, facing each other.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar — among the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Bosphorus cruise — the best way to see the city from both shores.
Topkapi Palace — the residence of the Ottoman sultans, overlooking the Golden Horn.
Karaköy and Galata — Istanbul's more modern side, with bars and the Galata Tower.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €40-65 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

Istanbul has an integrated network of trams, metro, funiculars and ferries, all usable with the rechargeable Istanbulkart; the ferry across the Bosphorus is also one of the cheapest (and most scenic) ways to cross between the two sides of the city.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet, in the heart of the old city, puts Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque within reach but is the most touristy area; Beyoğlu and Galata offer a more modern atmosphere, with bars, restaurants and nightlife; Kadıköy, on the Asian side, is less touristy and more authentic, with great prices and a good ferry connection.