Istanbul
City guide · Updated 2026
Istanbul is the only major city in the world that sits on two continents, split by the Bosphorus strait that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and that triple inheritance is visible on almost every street — Roman cisterns beneath Byzantine churches beside Ottoman mosques. Give it at least three full days; a week is better.
Top things to do
- Hagia Sophia & the Blue Mosque — Face each other across Sultanahmet Square; visit early or late to avoid the worst crowds, and dress modestly (both are active or recently active mosques).
- Topkapı Palace — The Ottoman court for four centuries; the Harem and the terrace views over the Golden Horn are worth the extra ticket.
- Basilica Cistern — A floodlit underground Roman water store with the famous Medusa-head columns.
- Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar — Best for atmosphere; haggle gently and step into the quieter side lanes.
- Bosphorus ferry — The cheapest great experience in the city: ride a public ferry between Eminönü, Karaköy, Üsküdar and Kadıköy at golden hour.
Best time to visit
April–May and September–October are ideal — mild, dry and less crowded, with the famous tulips (April) or crisp autumn light. July and August are hot and busy; winter is cool and grey but atmospheric, with the lowest prices and short queues.
Getting around
Buy an İstanbulkart (a single rechargeable card) the moment you arrive — it works on the metro, tram, funicular, ferries and buses, with cheaper transfers. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet to Karaköy and the Galata Bridge; the M2 metro connects Taksim, Şişhane and Vezneciler. Ferries are the fastest, most scenic way to cross between the European and Asian sides. From the airports, the M11 metro (IST) and Havaİst buses are reliable; allow plenty of time in traffic.
Where to stay
- Sultanahmet — Walk to the headline sights; quieter at night, very touristy by day.
- Beyoğlu / Galata / Karaköy — Best for nightlife, cafés, design hotels and İstiklal Street energy.
- Kadıköy (Asian side) — Local, lively and full of great food; a short ferry from the centre.
What to eat
Start the day with a simit and Turkish tea, then work through balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwiches) by the Galata Bridge, köfte, lahmacun, and a proper meze spread at a meyhane with rakı. Save room for baklava and a thick Turkish coffee. Kadıköy and Karaköy have the most exciting modern food scenes.
Practical tip
Distances look short on a map but the hills and traffic slow you down. Cluster sights by neighbourhood — Sultanahmet one day, Beyoğlu and the Bosphorus another, the Asian side a third — and lean on ferries to skip road congestion.