Istanbul

Top Attractions

Istanbul is a vibrant, history-packed metropolis that bridges two continents — Europe and Asia. It’s one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its iconic architecture, lively markets, delicious street food, and a culture that blends East and West. From ancient empires to modern street art, every corner of Istanbul tells a story.

Must-Visit Attractions in Istanbul:

Hagia Sophia – – Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum — and now a mosque again. It’s full of history and amazing architecture.
Blue Mosque – Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and stunning domes. Free to enter and still active for prayer.
Topkapı Palace – Home of Ottoman sultans. Don’t miss the Harem and the dazzling treasury.
Grand Bazaar – A massive market with colorful stalls, spices, carpets, and souvenirs.
Basilica Cistern – An ancient underground water reservoir with cool lighting and Medusa heads.
Galata Tower – Offers panoramic city views. Reopened in May 2024 with timed entries.
Suleymaniye Mosque – These areas are packed with cafes, pubs, and shops.
Ortakoy Mosque & Bosphorus View – Great for sunset views and waterfront snacks.
Zeyrek Cinili Hamam – A newly restored 16th-century Turkish bath, now a mix of history and art.
Galataport District – A modern waterfront district in Istanbul with trendy cafes, art galleries and cruise terminals.

Best time to visit

April to June and September to early November are ideal — mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful cityscapes.
If you’re visiting in January, pack warm clothes — it’s low tourist season, but still magical with mist over the Bosphorus and less crowd.

Climate

Istanbul has a mild Mediterranean climate.
Winters (like Jan–Feb) are cool, with temps between 5°C to 12°C, sometimes rainy or snowy.
Summers are warm and dry, around 25°C to 30°C.
Spring and autumn are pleasantly breezy and perfect for walking around the city.

Travel to the city

Domestic Travelers They can reach Istanbul by air, road, or train. The city is well connected with all major Turkish cities like Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
International Visitors mostly arrive via:
Istanbul Airport (IST) – One of the busiest in the world, located on the European side.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – On the Asian side, serves budget and regional airlines.
Both airports offer taxis, shuttles, buses, and metro connections to the city center.
You can also arrive by:
International train (limited routes via Europe),
Cruise ships at Galataport,
Or long-distance buses if you’re coming from nearby countries.

Travel within the city

Getting around Istanbul is pretty smooth if you plan a little:
IstanbulKart: A must-have travel card for all public transport — valid on metro, trams, buses, ferries, and funiculars. Super cheap and easy to use.
Metro & Trams: Fastest and cheapest way to avoid traffic; key lines include M2 (metro) and T1 (tram to Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar).
Buses: Covers almost every part of the city but can get stuck in traffic.
Ferries: Great way to hop between the European and Asian sides — scenic and affordable.
Taxis: Available everywhere but always check the meter. Use trusted apps like BiTaksi.
Walking: In old city areas like Sultanahmet, walking is the best way to explore narrow streets and historic landmarks.

Helpful Tips

IstanbulKart is your all-access metro card — works on buses, trams, ferries, and metro.
Always carry cash and cards — some smaller shops still prefer cash.
Be respectful when entering mosques: remove shoes, and dress modestly.
Traffic is heavy during rush hours, so plan accordingly or use ferries for scenic shortcuts.
Use apps like BiTaksi for safe cab rides and Google Maps for public transport routes.

Language Spoken

Turkish is the official language.
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, shops, and hotels.
You might also hear Arabic, Russian, and French in popular districts due to international visitors.

Savor the Local Flavor

Balık Ekmek means “fish sandwich” and it’s one of Istanbul’s most iconic street foods, especially around the Galata Bridge and Karaköy. It usually features freshly grilled mackerel, stuffed into crusty bread with lettuce, onion, and a squeeze of lemon. Simple, flavorful, and super satisfying — it’s best enjoyed while watching ferries pass on the Bosphorus.
Originally a fishermen’s snack, it has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Affordable, tasty, and totally Istanbul.

Meze is a colorful selection of small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers before the main meal — kind of like Turkish tapas. A typical meze platter might include hummus, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), yogurt with herbs, eggplant salad, and spicy ezme. It’s all about sharing and tasting a little of everything, often served with fresh bread.

Meze is super popular in Istanbul’s seafood restaurants and pairs perfectly with a glass of rakı or lemonade. It’s not just food — it’s a relaxed, social dining experience.

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of paper-thin phyllo dough, filled with finely chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), and soaked in syrup or honey. It originated in the Ottoman Empire, with roots tracing back even earlier to Central Asia and the Middle East.

In Istanbul, you’ll find it freshly made in pastry shops — flaky, buttery, and sweet with just the right crunch. It’s often served during festivals, celebrations, or just enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea. Every bite of baklava feels like a mini celebration of Turkish dessert tradition!

Simit is a circular bread covered in sesame seeds, often called the “Turkish bagel,” but it’s lighter, crunchier, and has a toasty flavor. It’s been a part of Istanbul’s street food culture since the Ottoman Empire, with records of it being sold as early as the 1500s.

Simit is usually sold by street vendors and is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack, often with cheese, olives, or tea. Its outer crust is crisp while the inside is soft and slightly chewy — a simple, satisfying bite of local life.

Adana Kebap is a spicy, grilled minced meat skewer made from lamb or beef, originally from the city of Adana in southern Turkey. It’s seasoned with chili flakes, paprika, and garlic, giving it a smoky and slightly fiery taste. The kebap is typically served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and a scoop of bulgur or rice.

In Istanbul, it’s a street food favorite and often found in local kebab houses. If you love bold flavors and a bit of spice, this is a must-try.

Turkish tea (cay) is a strong, black tea served in small tulip-shaped glasses — it’s a daily ritual in Istanbul and offered everywhere from homes to shops. It’s usually served without milk and sweetened with sugar cubes.

Turkish coffee, on the other hand, is thicker and more intense, made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in a special pot called a cezve. It’s served unfiltered, with the coffee grounds settling at the bottom — and sometimes used for fortune telling! Both are more than just drinks; they’re symbols of hospitality and conversation.