Istanbul

Travel Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque
Turkey’s largest city is both European and Asian and has been part of many empires. As a result, Istanbul is modern and traditional, familiar and exotic.

It is Istanbul’s unique blend of Western and Eastern heritage and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Experience the comforts of modern Turkey in its malls, galleries and clubs, and the delights of traditional Turkish bazaars, palaces, taverns and mosques. Istanbul’s natural beauty, with pleasant Mediterranean climate, completes its glorious appeal.

Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has the Sea of Marmara to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Istanbul connects Europe with Asia and this strategic position evoked many power struggles. Under its previous names of Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman, the Byzantine, the Latin and the Ottoman empires and was once also the capital of Islam. The Turks started to call it Istanbul, a name that was made official when the Turkish Republic was proclaimed in 1923.

The Sultanahmet peninsula, which is home to the Old City, reflects Istanbul’s diverse political and religious past, particularly in the architecture. The iconic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), for example, was once a Christian cathedral and later a mosque. Visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), Hippodrome (Hipodrom) and Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and save some of your liras for the souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Get a bird’s-eye view of it all from the top of the 14th-century Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) or visit nearby Miniatürk to see miniature versions of all these buildings. Cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern.

Cross the Galata Bridge, spanning the Golden Horn, to visit Taksim Square and the New City. Enjoy modern skyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping malls and watch hip youngsters mingle with businessmen.

Buy an Istanbulkart, for easy access to all public transport the ferry is a good way to see the Beylerbeyi Palace across the strait.

Over 13 million people live in Istanbul, making it Europe’s most populous city, and it’s easy to see what the attraction is. Istanbul’s fusion of East and West, reflected in the culture, architecture, art and cuisine is truly unique.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
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Agva

Agva is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agva Beach and Aglayan Kayalar Park.

Agva
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is ¥38,068 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥38,068
¥42,636 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"A gem in the center of the best shopping, dining and entertainment area of Istanbul. Taksim and Gakata are only minutes away walking. The staff is exquisite and extremely helpful and cordial. The hotel is clean and classy"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ¥24,607 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥24,607
¥75,791 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,049 reviews)
"This was my first time in Turkey and we stayed about 9 days. I was very pleasantly surprised to find this hotel so close to everything. We walked almost everywhere: Hagia Sophia, Blue Dome Mosque, Basilica (which were 20 feet from the hotel), Grand Bazaar, and close by to restaurants that you did ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
The price is ¥14,975 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
¥14,975
¥16,773 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,083 reviews)
"The hotel was welcoming, safe, and had all the amenities I needed. We loved the breakfast and staff. I’ll return again."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
G Tower Residences

G Tower Residences

Mimar Sinan Cd 35, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (316 reviews)
"Thank you Aras the best reception man in G Tower . All time helped me to get my best apartment with the great view, Aras is very professional with finding solutions to issues I asked for , I have been here in G Tower for 50 days. Aras and the team of G Tower helped me to stay comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

G Tower Residences
Elits Suits

Elits Suits

3 Osmanli Bulvari, yenisehir mahçosmanli bulvari.no13, Istanbul, pendik
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
5.6/10 (174 reviews)
"Very good people"

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025

Elits Suits
The Marmara Suadiye Residence

The Marmara Suadiye Residence

Bagdat Street No:435 Suadiye, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (199 reviews)
"The apartment is very spacious and clean. It has all the amenties, except for a washing machine. We highly recommend it to other guests."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

The Marmara Suadiye Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Cities near Istanbul