Istanbul

Where Europe meets Asia on the Bosphorus.

Türkiye · Europe / Asia ·

19.7M international visitors (2025)

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Istanbul spans two continents, with Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, grand bazaars and a vibrant food scene.

Top attractions in Istanbul

Hagia SophiaFifteen centuries of history under one dome.
Blue MosqueSix minarets and blue İznik tiles; visit outside prayer times.
Topkapı PalaceSultans' palace, treasury and harem.
Grand Bazaar and Spice BazaarThousands of shops under historic domes.
Bosphorus cruisePalaces and waterfront mansions between two continents.
Galata and KaraköyTower views, cafés and galleries.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet for sights, Karaköy or Beyoğlu for food and nightlife.

LuxuryFour Seasons SultanahmetOld City

Mid-rangePera Palace HotelBeyoğlu

ValueHotel AmiraSultanahmet

Get hotel rates for Istanbul

Getting there and around

From the airport. Istanbul Airport (IST): M11 metro or Havaist bus, 45–75 min to the center. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side.

In the city. Tram T1 links the main sights; ferries cross between Europe and Asia.

Train and bus tips

İstanbulkart for tram, metro, Marmaray and ferries.
Ferries between Europe and Asia are cheap and scenic.
High-speed trains to Ankara about 4.5 hours.
Long-distance buses cover all of Türkiye.

Events, nightlife and sports

AprilIstanbul Tulip FestivalMillions of tulips in the parks.

June–JulyIstanbul Jazz FestivalConcerts across the city.

Autumn (odd years)Istanbul BiennialContemporary art.

VariesRamadan eveningsIftar gatherings around Sultanahmet.

Nightlife and parties. Rooftop bars in Karaköy and Galata, clubs in Beyoğlu, Bosphorus-side venues in summer.

Sports. Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş football derbies; Istanbul Marathon crosses continents (November).

Dates change every year; check official sites before booking. The concierge can get tickets.

What to eat

Kebab and pideBalık ekmek (fish sandwich)MezeBaklavaTurkish breakfast

R Travel tours

Tours we're preparing for Istanbul. Leave your email and we'll tell you first when they open.

Coming soonOld City essentialsFull day

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı and the Grand Bazaar.

Skip-the-line entry
Licensed guide
Lunch included

Coming soonBosphorus sunset cruise2.5 hours

Private yacht between Europe and Asia at golden hour.

Private yacht option
Palaces from the water
Drinks on board

Coming soonCappadocia balloon getaway2 days

Fly to Cappadocia for a sunrise hot-air balloon flight and cave hotel.

Round-trip flights
Balloon ride
Cave hotel night

Practical info

When to go

April–May and September–November.

Money

Turkish lira (TRY)

Language

Turkish

R Travel tip

Get an İstanbulkart for trams, metro and ferries.

Good to know

Women cover hair in mosques; scarves are provided.
Bargaining is expected in bazaars.
Traffic is heavy; use trams and ferries.

Opening hours, prices, event dates and entry rules change. Check official sites before you go. Written by the R Travel team.