Istanbul Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
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 which includes a fountain, a mosque and a pond

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

4/5(354 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Kalamış Marina, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
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Istanbul City Center

4/5(122 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 showing a bridge, a coastal town and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4/5(81 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

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
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
The price is Rp1.747.726 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
Rp1.747.726
Rp1.957.454 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,055 reviews)
"A wonderful overall experience"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is Rp4.228.216 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp4.228.216
Rp4.735.601 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Amazing service and staff, great restaurants, comfortable and spacious rooms, great pool"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is Rp2.220.701 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
Rp2.220.701
Rp2.487.185 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,037 reviews)
"It's in the old part of the City."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
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
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (314 reviews)
"Thank a lot Ruya And Aras . All is perfect"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

G Tower Residences
Grace Of Golden Stay Suit Taksim

Grace Of Golden Stay Suit Taksim

Atlama Sk., Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Taksim ...
7.6/10 Good! (9 reviews)
"The staff's interest and kindness was very good. Our satisfaction was integrated with the comfort of our room and the delicious breakfast. The facility is in a quiet, noiseless, safe location. With all these positive experiences we have had, we give full points and recommend it."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Grace Of Golden Stay Suit Taksim
Elits Suits

Elits Suits

3 Osmanli Bulvari, yenisehir mahçosmanli bulvari.no13, Istanbul, pendik
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a sauna. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
5.6/10 (172 reviews)
"Very good people"

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2025

Elits Suits
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Istanbul