🇹🇷
Istanbul Travel Guide
🇹🇷 Turkey · Middle East
Where East meets West across the Bosphorus — Istanbul is the world's only transcontinental city. Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, spice markets and some of the world's best street food make it unmissable.
📅Best TimeApril – May · September – November
💵Budget$50–120/day
💱CurrencyTurkish Lira (TRY)
🗣️LanguageTurkish
🛂Visae-Visa required for many countries ($50 / 90 days)
🏛️ Top Attractions in Istanbul
1
Hagia Sophia
2
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
3
Grand Bazaar (4,000+ shops)
4
Topkapi Palace
5
Bosphorus boat cruise
6
Galata Tower
7
Spice Bazaar
🍽️ What to Eat in Istanbul
🍴 Simit (sesame bread ring)
🍴 Balık ekmek (fish sandwich by Galata Bridge)
🍴 Iskender kebab
🍴 Baklava from Karaköy Güllüoğlu
🍴 Turkish breakfast spread
🍴 Çay (black tea) everywhere
💡 Insider Tips for Istanbul
✅
Istanbulkart (transit card) works on all public transport
✅
Haggling is expected in bazaars
✅
Dress modestly when visiting mosques
✅
Many scam artists around Sultanahmet — be aware
✅
Take the ferry across the Bosphorus — cheapest tour
✈️ Getting to Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST) — 45 min by metro to city center (TRY 100). Sabiha Gökçen Airport — 70 min via Havaist bus.
🤖
Ready to plan your Istanbul trip?
Our AI creates a complete day-by-day itinerary tailored to your budget and travel style — in seconds. Free, no sign-up.
✨ Generate My Itinerary — Free