Start your Turkish adventure in Istanbul, the country's vibrant heart where the Bosphorus Strait divides two continents.
Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, which once served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing its rich history and architectural splendor. Stroll through the sprawling Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans once ruled, and immerse yourself in the dazzling colors and aromas of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
“Istanbul – the constant beating of the wave of the east against the rock of the west.” – Susan Moody
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Top things to know about Istanbul
When to visit?: Ultimately, the best time to visit Istanbul depends on your preferences for weather and your tolerance for crowds.
If you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting in the spring or early autumn. We visited at the end of May.
Spring is often considered the best time to visit Istanbul. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, making it a beautiful time for sightseeing.
Tourist crowds are relatively smaller compared to the summer months.
However, if you enjoy hot weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), and vibrant summer festivals, then the summer months might be your preferred choice.
Keep in mind that Istanbul's climate can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish. English is spoken very well in Istanbul, even German!
Currency: The official currency of Türkiye is the Turkish Lira. Credit cards are widely accepted, and there are many ATMs to be found, but not all ATMs have an English option. If you plan on shopping in little markets or bazaars, cash is the way to go.
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Safety: Istanbul remains a popular and relatively safe tourist destination, but staying informed and taking common-sense precautions can enhance your safety during your visit.
How to get from Istanbul International Airport to the city center?
The cheapest way is to take the public transportation. A bus ticket from Istanbul's international airport to the city costs around €4 per person. You will need to buy an IstanbulKart to use the bus and metro. You can buy it at the airport at the yellow/blue machines. One card costs 50 TL, and you have to top it off.
We got one card for four people because it can be used by multiple people.
There are two bus companies to choose from: Havaist buses and IETT public buses. The Havaist shuttle buses offer a direct connection to Sultanahmet.
The bus stations are located at Level -2 at Istanbul International Airport. Here you can also purchase an IstanbulKart.
The Metro Line M11 now links Istanbul International Airport to the city and takes about 40 minutes. This Metro station is right outside of Exit 11 of the airport.
Keep in mind that the subway in Istanbul only operates from 6 a.m. until midnight.
Another way to get to your hotel in Istanbul is to use an airport pickup service from your hotel. Depending on where the hotel is, this might cost about €45 one way, up to €55 one way from SAW.
You can also decide to take a taxi, but be aware that this might take longer due to heavy traffic. On average, you will pay around 20 to €30, and, depending on traffic, it will take around an hour to get to your final destination.
Peak hours for traffic are from 7a.m to 9 a.m. and 5p.m to 8p.m.
Getting around in Istanbul
Istanbul is a huge city, but it is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the main tourist sites are within walking distance of each other.
Depending on where you are staying in Istanbul, the main way to get to most of the tourist attractions is to use the tram. It is simple to use because there are only 3 lines, and they only run on the European side of the city. You will pay only 15 Turkish Lira for the tram, and the length of the journey does not change the price.
The quickest way to get around is to use the Metro. It operates from 6:15 a.m. to midnight. There are seven Metro lines with easy connections to tram and funicular lines.
The M1 and M2 are the main Metro lines on the European side, and the M4 and M6 are the main Metro lines on the Asian side.
The M11 connects Istanbul Airport to the city.
The Marmaray Metro passes under the Bosphorus and connects the Asian side to the European side of the city.
The F2 Funicular Line is the second-oldest fully underground urban railway in the world.
If you want to see more of the city while getting from one place to another, use the bus. They are the large yellow buses. Keep in mind that traffic can be a problem when using the buses, especially during peak hours.
Another great way to get around Istanbul is to use the iconic ferry system. This is the cheapest way to get across the Bosphorus. Be aware that the ferry times are not as regular as the metro or tram, so be at the pier some time ahead of the scheduled departure times.
I do not recommend using a taxi in Istanbul. Some taxis might not even take you if the distance you want to travel is not long enough. Traffic is always a problem, and I have heard of tourists getting scammed by the cab driver.
Get Istanbul's public transportation card, the Istanbulkart. This card is the best way to pay for the Metro, Bus, Ferry, Trams, and even the orange public toilets.
You can buy it at the Istanbul Airport at one of the yellow and blue machines, which are located on the -2 arrivals floor. The card costs 50 Lira and can be used by up to 10 people. We used one card for four people.
You will need cash at the machines to load the card.
Tip: You can use the istanbulkart to enter all the public toilets. They are orange. Toilets can also be found at any mosque in the city.
Top 5 things to see and do in Istanbul
#1: Hagia Sofia:
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was once the largest Roman church in Istanbul and is the world's oldest cathedral. It was later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and then a mosque again.
All visitors, regardless of religion, are allowed to enter the mosque. There are just a few things to be aware of if you are planning to visit this impressive place:
Women have to wear a scarf to cover their heads, and no shorts or short skirts, and the shoulders have to be covered.
Men should also not wear shorts when entering the mosque.
You will also have to remove your shoes at the entrance before stepping onto the carpets inside. There are shelves where you can store your shoes, but I recommend bringing a bag and carrying your shoes with you. This will save some time when you are ready to leave.
Avoid visiting during prayer times because the mosque will be closed to tourists.
The Hagia Sofia is free to enter and open 24 hours a day, every day.
The best time to visit with the least number of tourists is in the early morning or at night. If you come during the day, be prepared to wait in a very long line!
Where to eat?
Offers delicious seafood and stunning views.
Enjoy stunning views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as you try thier traditional Turkish cuisine.
#2: Blue Mosque:
The blue mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii, and is one of the most breathtaking mosques of the Ottoman Empire in all of Türkiye.
Most of the mosques in Istanbul have 2 to 4 minarets, (are towers with balconies used to project the Muslim call to prayer), but the blue mosque has 6. Inside, you will see the recently restored blue tiles, which give it it's distinctive name.
Here, too, you will need to dress respectfully. Women must wear a headscarf, not wear shorts or short skirts/ dresses, and cover their shoulders.
You will also have to remove your shoes at the entrance.
I recommend bringing a bag for your shoes and carrying them with you.
The mosque is closed to tourists during prayer times.
Other than these times, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.
It is free to enter, so be prepared to wait in line for a while before you can get in. But, don't worry if the line seems extremely long, it tends to move fast.
Take the tram to Sultanahmet, from there, it is just a 5-minute walk. The Hagia Sophia is also just a 5-minute walk away.
Where to eat?
Offers delicious seafood and stunning views.
Enjoy stunning views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as you try thier traditional Turkish cuisine.
#3: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar:
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the biggest covered bazaar in the world. With over 4000 shops selling clothes, Turkish sweets, ceramics, iconic Turkish lamps, jewelry, and, of course, Turkish carpets, the many colors, sounds, smells, and lights can be quite overwhelming, but it is definitely an experience worth having.
The deeper you get into the market, the more quality goods can be found, and you will be able to get excellent bargains. You might also find a little shop selling Turkish coffee where you can have a seat and enjoy the hustle and bustle around you.
It is a common and accepted practice to bargain the prices, and you should do so, because the first offers you get will be way higher than the worth of the product you are trying to buy.
If a store has fixed prices displayed, you will usually not be able to bargain down the price.
The best way to pay for things in the Grand Bazaar is in cash! It is also here that you will find some of the best exchange rates in the city.
Because it is located in the Old City, you will be close to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Bazaar.
The easiest way to get there is to take a tram to the Beyazit-Kapalıçarşı.
Where to eat?
The Grand Bazaar is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is closed on Sunday.
The best time to visit is in the early morning or late in the afternoon.
We enjoyed this bazaar far more than the one in Antalya.
The Spice Bazaar:
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, and is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
You will feel like you are entering a mystic world of the Orient with the many aromas, the amazing colors of the herbs and spices, and the oriental architecture.
Most of the shops in the bazaar sell food, Turkish sweets, tea leaves, various nuts and dried fruits, and, of course, all sorts of spices. You will also find souvenir shops like the ones in the Grand Bazaar.
The T1 tram line and get out at Eminonu. From here, it is just a 5-minute walk to the bazaar.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 7p.m. Only religious holidays are exceptions.
#4: Galata Tower:
One of the most prominent buildings from the past in Istanbul is the iconic Galata Tower. At the top, you will find extraordinary panoramic views of the entire city.
The Tower is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The entrance fee is 350 Turkish liras as of 2023. There are usually long lines in front of the ticket office, which is an old red tram car, and also to get into the tower. If you visit in the morning or around lunchtime, there might be fewer people trying to get in.
There is an elevator that goes up to the 6th floor. From here, you will have to walk up some winding stairs to get to the observation terrace on the 8th floor. You can take the elevator back down, but the best way is to take the stairs all the way down.
On the way, there are little exhibits of artifacts that were found in and around the tower.
The closest metro station is Sishane, which is a five-minute walk from the base of the tower. From Taksim, take the M2 green line metro.
Be aware that the area of the Galata Tower is on a hill, and it can be quite a climb.
Avoid eating in this area. The prices are high, and the food isn't very good. Enjoy a coffee or tea instead.
Where to eat?
#5: Bosphorus Cruise:
A great way to take in the sights of Istanbul is to take a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Istanbul's European and Asian sides and links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
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The vibrant waterway of the Bosphorus offers a unique view of the city and of fabulous palaces and stunning mosques along the shoreline.
There are many tour companies offering tours at any time of the day. I recommend taking a sunset tour of the Bosphorus.
We paid around 30 euros per person for a 3-hour tour with drinks and snacks.
If you are on a budget or just do not want to be on a tour boat with other tourists, join the locals who cross the strait every day on one of the standard scheduled ferry services. One of the best routes to take is from Eminönü to Kadıköy, which takes you from Europe to Asia. It will cost around 7 to 12 TL according to the distance traveled, and you will need an Istanbulkart.
Best Hotels in Istanbul
A family-run hotel with great views of the Old City from the rooms. The Metro station and the old tram line are just a 10-minute walk away. And the Galata Tower is also just a 10- to 15-minute walk away.
Very friendly and helpful staff that will give you many helpful tips. Meet their cute and furry head of security, Mr. Osman.
A luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Istanbul, right next to Istiklal Street. It's just walking distance to the Galata Tower, and they have a great rooftop bar.
A historical boutique hotel located in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a 5-minute walk to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
Near the city center and just a few minutes away from the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia.
How much did 3 days in Istanbul cost?
We stayed at Doruk Palas Hotel and payed 1560€ for 3 Nights, had 3 Rooms for 4 people.
The flight from Vienna for 5people cost us around 1050€.
Food, Drinks and Aktivities cost us around 400€ for 3 days, 4 people.
Airport transfers through our hotel cost us about 100€.
* We paid for this Turkey vacation out of our own pocket. All tips given are our own. Some links are advertising links. This means that, if you book something through these links, we receive a small commission. Every month we donate 20% of our earnings to an animal shelter, animal sanctuary or animal welfare organization around the world.
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