Istanbul
Istanbul, the cultural and historical heart of Turkey, is a city where East meets West, blending traditions, religions, and empires across millennia. Founded as Byzantium around 660 BCE by Greek settlers, it became Constantinople in 330 CE when Emperor Constantine made it the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. For over a thousand years, it flourished as the center of Byzantine power, renowned for its majestic Hagia Sophia, rich trade routes, and pivotal role in Christianity. In 1453, the city fell to Sultan Mehmed II, marking the rise of the Ottoman Empire, which transformed Istanbul into one of the most influential cities of the Islamic world, adorned with grand mosques, palaces, and bustling bazaars. For nearly 500 years, it was the beating heart of the Ottoman realm, a hub of art, science, and diplomacy. Today, Istanbul stands as a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis where ancient walls, Byzantine relics, and Ottoman masterpieces coexist with modern skyscrapers and lively districts, reflecting its enduring role as a bridge between continents and civilizations.
💡Istanbul: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Many travelers, including citizens of the US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, may require a visa or e-Visa to enter Turkey. Requirements vary by nationality, so it’s important to check current regulations before traveling.
✈️ Closest Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST) — the main international gateway, located about 40 km (25 miles) from the city center on the European side. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side is another major option for domestic and regional flights.
💬 Language: Turkish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and popular attractions, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases is helpful.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — Istanbul is generally more affordable than Western European capitals, though luxury dining and tourist-heavy areas can be pricier.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Turkey: ~US$4.00
💰 Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) | 1 USD ≈ 28 TRY (rates fluctuate).
☀️ Best Times to Visit: April to June and September to November — enjoy mild, pleasant weather, avoiding the summer heat and humidity.
🚆 Transportation: Metro, trams, buses, ferries, taxis, and ride-hailing apps.
🔌 Adapter: Turkey uses type C and F plugs. European adapters generally work; travelers from the US will need a plug adapter.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public areas. Many public squares and shopping centers also offer free WiFi.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments. ATMs are easy to find, but carrying some cash is useful for small vendors, street markets, and local eateries.
💸 Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. At restaurants, a 5–10% tip is common if service is good. Rounding up fares for taxis is polite.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Karaköy Cruise Terminals (Galataport), Istanbul, Turkey (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Istanbul is convenient and a great way to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant neighborhoods. The city spans both European and Asian sides, with historic areas like Sultanahmet, Galata, and the bustling Istiklal Avenue easily explored on foot.
For longer trips, Istanbul has an extensive public transport network, including metro lines, trams, buses, ferries, and funiculars. These connect the city’s districts, the airport, and popular attractions across both continents.
Taxis are plentiful, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber are widely used, offering a convenient alternative. Renting a car is less common in the city due to congestion, but can be useful for exploring nearby sites like Princes’ Islands, Belgrad Forest, or Bursa.
Tickets for public transport can be purchased with the Istanbulkart, a rechargeable contactless card valid for metro, tram, bus, and ferry rides. Day passes and multi-trip options are available for great value if you plan to use public transport extensively.
✈️ Istanbul Airport (IST) is located about 40 km (25 miles) from the city center on the European side and offers convenient access via public transport. The Havaist shuttle buses run regularly between the airport and key areas like Taksim, Sultanahmet, and the business districts, taking around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxis are readily available at the airport and typically take 40–60 minutes to reach the city center, costing approximately ₺400–₺500 (depending on traffic and destination).
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located about 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Istanbul’s city center on the Asian side. It primarily serves domestic and regional flights, as well as some international routes, and is a convenient entry point for travelers staying on the Asian side or exploring nearby areas like Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and the Princes’ Islands.
Public Transport: The HAVATAŞ shuttle buses run regularly between SAW and key points in Istanbul, including Taksim, Kadıköy, and Sultanahmet, taking approximately 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses and minibuses also connect the airport to surrounding neighborhoods.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are available 24/7 at SAW, with typical fares to the city center ranging from ₺450–₺550, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi and Uber are widely used for a convenient and reliable alternative.
🚇 Istanbul Cruise Port (Galataport) is one of the most modern cruise terminals in Europe, located right on the Bosphorus in the vibrant Karaköy district. The port is just a short walk (10–15 minutes) from iconic attractions such as the Galata Tower, the lively Istiklal Avenue, and the historic Sultanahmet area, which is easily reachable by tram, bus, or taxi.
Public transport connections are excellent — the T1 tram line stops nearby, linking Galataport with the Old City, including landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Ferries from Karaköy also connect to the Asian side of Istanbul, offering a scenic way to cross the Bosphorus.
Taxis are readily available at the terminal and provide convenient access to hotels, shopping districts, or further afield destinations such as the Grand Bazaar or Taksim Square. For visitors wanting a more independent experience, ride-hailing apps like Uber and BiTaksi are widely used in Istanbul.
🚌 Hop On Hop Off Istanbul operates one bus route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Istanbul
"Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents—Europe and Asia—separated by the Bosphorus Strait."
📸 Hagia Sophia: Standing at the crossroads of civilizations, Hagia Sophia is more than just a monument—it’s a living chronicle of Istanbul’s past. Built in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian, it was the largest cathedral in Christendom for nearly a thousand years. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it became a mosque, later a museum in the 20th century, and once again a mosque today. Its breathtaking dome seems to float above a sea of marble and mosaics, while layers of Christian and Islamic artistry coexist under one roof. Few places capture the story of empires, religion, and art so powerfully.
📸 Topkapi Palace: For centuries, this palace was the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire, home to sultans and their royal courts. Spread over four courtyards, the palace is a blend of grandeur and intimacy—lavish tilework, lush gardens, and halls filled with priceless artifacts. The Harem whispers stories of intrigue and luxury, while the Treasury holds dazzling jewels, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond and the famed Topkapi Dagger. It’s not just a palace—it’s a world within a world.
📸 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): With its six minarets piercing the sky and its cascading domes, the Blue Mosque is both an architectural marvel and a place of devotion. Step inside to find walls shimmering with over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles, illuminated by shafts of natural light. Built in the early 1600s, it continues to function as a mosque today, offering visitors a chance to feel both its serenity and its majesty.
📸 Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the maze of over 4,000 shops at one of the world’s oldest covered markets. Since the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar has been a hub of trade, culture, and craftsmanship. Jewelers, carpet-weavers, spice merchants, and antique dealers fill the vibrant passageways, each corner bursting with life. Bargaining is part of the tradition, and even if you don’t buy a thing, the experience itself is unforgettable.
📸 Basilica Cistern: Hidden beneath the bustling streets lies an underground wonder—an immense Byzantine cistern built in the 6th century to store water for the city. Dimly lit, with rows of marble columns rising from shallow waters, the cistern feels like stepping into a mysterious underworld. The famous Medusa-head column bases add a touch of legend and intrigue, making it one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric sights.
📸 Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Step into a world of intoxicating aromas—saffron, cinnamon, sumac, rose petals, and Turkish delights. Since the 1600s, the Spice Bazaar has been the city’s aromatic treasure chest, where traders once brought exotic goods from across the Silk Road. Today, it remains a feast for the senses and a perfect place to pick up edible souvenirs.
📸 Galata Tower: Rising above the historic Galata district, this medieval tower has watched over the city since 1348. Once used for defense, fire-spotting, and even daring flight experiments, it now offers one of the most spectacular panoramas of Istanbul. From its balcony, you can see the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and a skyline dotted with domes and minarets.
📸 Istiklal Street: The heartbeat of modern Istanbul, Istiklal Avenue stretches for nearly 1.5 kilometers through the lively Beyoğlu district. By day, it’s filled with shoppers, street performers, and cafés; by night, it comes alive with bars, music venues, and nightlife. Art galleries and cultural centers sit side by side with historic buildings, while the nostalgic red tram clatters along, tying the past and present together.
📸 Dolmabahçe Palace: A dazzling display of Ottoman ambition and European influence, Dolmabahçe Palace became the empire’s new administrative center in the 19th century. Its interiors are dripping with luxury—gold leaf, crystal staircases, and chandeliers so grand they seem almost impossible. Overlooking the Bosphorus, it was also the final residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, making it both historically and emotionally significant.
📸 Bosphorus Cruise: Few experiences capture Istanbul’s magic quite like a cruise on the Bosphorus. Gliding between Europe and Asia, you’ll see waterfront palaces, ancient fortresses, elegant mosques, and quaint fishing villages. The shifting light on the water, seagulls overhead, and the city skyline unfolding in both directions make it a journey as enchanting as the destination.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Istanbul’s food scene is a dazzling reflection of its role as a crossroads between Europe and Asia, blending centuries of Ottoman tradition with rich Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences. From sizzling street food like simit (sesame bread rings), döner, and roasted chestnuts to elegant meze spreads and slow-cooked lamb dishes, the city offers flavors both rustic and refined. Fresh seafood restaurants line the Bosphorus, while vibrant markets tempt with spices, olives, teas, and Turkish delights. Modern fusion eateries and chic cafés thrive alongside historic lokantas (traditional eateries), creating a citywide dining culture that is as social as it is flavorful.
🍽️ Meze Platters: A cornerstone of Turkish dining, meze includes a variety of small plates such as hummus, ezme (spicy tomato dip), stuffed grape leaves, and yogurt-based dishes. Perfect for sharing, it reflects the social spirit of Istanbul’s food culture.
🍽️ Kebabs: From smoky Adana kebabs to juicy shish kebabs and the famous döner, Istanbul offers endless variations of this grilled favorite. Each style has its own regional twist, making kebabs a must-try staple.
🍽️ Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich): Found near the Galata Bridge, this iconic Istanbul street food consists of freshly grilled fish, onions, and salad stuffed into warm bread—a simple yet flavorful taste of the Bosphorus.
🍽️ Menemen: A comforting Turkish breakfast dish made of scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, often enriched with cheese or sucuk (spiced sausage). It’s best enjoyed with fresh bread to soak up every bite.
🍽️ Baklava: This world-famous dessert layers delicate filo pastry with pistachios or walnuts, soaked in fragrant honey or syrup. Sweet, crunchy, and decadent, it’s a classic Ottoman treat still beloved today.
🍽️ Kumpir: A hearty street food favorite, kumpir is a baked potato stuffed with an array of toppings like cheese, sausage, olives, corn, and salads. It’s a fun, customizable meal perfect for a quick bite.
🍽️ Lahmacun: Sometimes called “Turkish pizza,” this thin, crispy flatbread is topped with minced meat, herbs, and spices, then rolled up with fresh vegetables and lemon juice. Light, flavorful, and affordable.
🥤 Ayran: A refreshing yogurt-based drink mixed with water and salt, ayran is the perfect cooling companion to Istanbul’s rich and spicy foods.
☕ Turkish Coffee: Thick, strong, and aromatic, Turkish coffee is a cultural ritual as much as a drink, often served with a piece of lokum (Turkish delight) and fortune-telling from the grounds at the bottom of the cup.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Uber
🚕 BiTaksi