Istanbul Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Istanbul

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Baymari Suites Design

No:1/3 Çatal Sk. | Istanbul, 34153, TR

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Hotel Komana Binbirdirek

Binbirdirek Mahallesi Işıltı Sokak Numara:6 | Istanbul, 34122, TR

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Casa Nova Hotel

Barış Sokak No:3 No 10 | Istanbul, 34307, TR

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Shirisha Hotel Istanbul

Himaye-i Etfal Sok. Alemdar Mahallesi Himayei Etfal Sokak No:11 Sultanahmet | Istanbul, 34110, TR

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Hotel Kuk

Kartaltepe Distr. Teyyareci Nurettin Str.6bakirkoy | Istanbul, 34114, TR

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Charming Anatolian House in Çengelköy

Çengelköy Kalantor Sokak Ho:15 Üsküdar | Istanbul, 34680, TR

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Mukarnas Taksim Hotel

Katip Mustafa Celebi Mh. İpek Sk. No:6 34433 Beyoglu Istanbul Turkey | Istanbul, 34433, TR

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Great Fortune Design Hotel

Piyer Loti Cad. No:20 A | Istanbul, 34126, TR

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At a glance

Climate

Mediterranean

Languages

Turkish and English

Local currency

TRY (TRY)

Local time

01:18 (GMT+3)

Ideal trip length

4–7 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Sultanahmet

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Expected in restaurants (5-10%), not mandatory elsewhere.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kebap Meze Baklava Turkish Delight

When to visit Istanbul

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: June Busiest: May-Sep

Jan

40

Cold, some snow
Feb

45

Cold, wet
Mar

60

Cool, rainy
Apr

80

Mild, pleasant
May

90

Warm, sunny
Jun

95

Hot, clear skies
Jul

90

Very hot, dry
Aug

88

Very hot, dry
Sept

92

Warm, pleasant
Oct

85

Mild, cool
Nov

65

Cool, wet
Dec

50

Cold, wet

40

Jan Cold, some snow

45

Feb Cold, wet

60

Mar Cool, rainy

80

Apr Mild, pleasant

90

May Warm, sunny

95

Jun Hot, clear skies

90

Jul Very hot, dry

88

Aug Very hot, dry

92

Sept Warm, pleasant

85

Oct Mild, cool

65

Nov Cool, wet

50

Dec Cold, wet

Things to do in Istanbul

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Visit Hagia Sophia

Sultanahmet 2.5 hrs

Explore the architectural marvel, a former church, mosque, and now museum.

Indoors Good for children

Explore the Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet 1.5 hrs

Admire the stunning interior of this iconic Ottoman mosque with its blue tiles.

Indoors Good for children

Discover Topkapi Palace

Sultanahmet 3.5 hrs

Step into the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Wander the Grand Bazaar

Fatih 3 hrs

Get lost in one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

Indoors Good for children

Bosphorus Cruise

Eminönü 2 hrs

Enjoy scenic views of Istanbul's European and Asian sides from the water.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Spice Bazaar

Eminönü 1.5 hrs

Immerse yourself in the aromas and colors of spices, sweets, and dried fruits.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Climb Galata Tower

Beyoğlu 1 hr

Ascend for panoramic views of the city and the Golden Horn.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Experience a Turkish Bath (Hammam)

Various 1.5 hrs

Indulge in a traditional cleansing and relaxing spa experience.

Indoors

Istanbul itineraries

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For couples

2 Days in Istanbul — Romance

Discover the enchanting allure of Istanbul, hand-in-hand.

This intimate 2-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking a romantic escape amidst Istanbul's historic grandeur and vibrant culture. Explore ancient wonders, cruise the iconic Bosphorus, and savor exquisite cuisine, creating unforgettable shared memories in this city where East meets West.

2 Days 10 Stops

See the full plan