Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul

Domes and minarets on two continents, split by the Bosphorus.

  • All year
  • 3 nights
Explore on the map
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Things to do

3 days in Istanbul

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque early.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
  3. EveningTake a ferry across the Bosphorus at sunset, then dinner in Kadıköy.

Day 2

Take a Bosphorus cruise or visit the Princes' Islands.

Day 3

Explore the colourful streets of Balat, walk up İstiklal Avenue to the Galata Tower, and end with meze in a Beyoğlu meyhane.

What to eat

Simit, döner, fish sandwiches by the Galata Bridge and Turkish delight.

Local tips

Make the most of Istanbul

Beat the crowds

Visit the big sights around Sultanahmet right at opening time. The Grand Bazaar is calmer early on weekdays and closed on Sundays.

Best photo spot

The view of the old city skyline from the Galata Bridge or from a ferry across the Bosphorus at sunset.

Getting there

Get an Istanbulkart for trams, metro and ferries. A public ferry to the Asian side is the cheapest Bosphorus trip there is.

Don't miss nearby

The Balat and Fener districts, with colourful old houses on steep streets, are a different side of the city.

Good to know

Mosques close to visitors during prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair. Hagia Sophia charges foreign visitors an entry fee.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Istanbul

Our most hidden places around Istanbul: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Istanbul to take with you.

19 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Istanbul

Getting there

  • Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)30 km away
  • Istanbul Airport (IST)35 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay3 nights
CountryTurkey

Questions

Istanbul: good to know

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Domes and minarets on two continents, split by the Bosphorus.

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

Plan 3 nights. Our free 3-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

You can visit all year. Visit the big sights around Sultanahmet right at opening time. The Grand Bazaar is calmer early on weekdays and closed on Sundays.

How do you get to Istanbul?

The nearest airport is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), about 30 km away. Get an Istanbulkart for trams, metro and ferries. A public ferry to the Asian side is the cheapest Bosphorus trip there is.

What is there to see near Istanbul?

Nearby hidden places include Sozopol (189 km), Nesebar (210 km) and Varna (261 km).

More hidden places in Turkey (2)