Istanbul
The only city in the world that straddles two continents — 2,700 years of history, the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus
Explore Istanbul
The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus strait.
Things To Do in Istanbul
Ancient monuments, bazaars, Bosphorus cruises and the finest food in Turkey.
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is the greatest building of the Byzantine world — a 6th-century cathedral built by the Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, which served as the largest church in the world for nearly 1,000 years. Converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, then a museum, and reconverted to a mosque in 2020. The interior — with its vast dome, golden mosaics and sheer scale — is one of the most extraordinary spaces in the world.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years — a vast complex of courtyards, pavilions, kitchens, the Imperial Harem and the Treasury (which contains the Topkapi Dagger, the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Throne of Nadir Shah). The palace overlooks the confluence of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara — one of the most strategic and beautiful locations in the world.
Bosphorus Cruise
A cruise along the Bosphorus — the 31km strait that divides Europe and Asia — is one of the great experiences of Istanbul. The shores are lined with Ottoman palaces (Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi), wooden summer houses (yalıs), fortresses (Rumeli Hisarı, Anadolu Hisarı) and fishing villages. The public ferry from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı is the cheapest and most authentic way to do it.
Grand Bazaar & Spice Market
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets — 61 covered streets, 4,000 shops and up to 400,000 visitors a day. It has been trading continuously since 1461. The nearby Spice Market (Mısır Çarşısı) is smaller but more atmospheric — a riot of colour and smell, with stalls selling spices, dried fruits, Turkish delight and lokum.
Sultanahmet & the Old City
Sultanahmet is the historic heart of Istanbul — a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome (the ancient chariot-racing track), the Basilica Cistern (a vast underground Byzantine water cistern with 336 marble columns) and the Archaeological Museum. Everything is within walking distance. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), with its six minarets and 20,000 Iznik tiles, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Beyoğlu, Galata & the Modern City
Beyoğlu, on the north side of the Golden Horn, is Istanbul's modern heart — the Galata Tower (a 14th-century Genoese watchtower with panoramic views), İstiklal Avenue (a 1.4km pedestrian street with shops, restaurants and the famous red tram), the Pera Museum and the best restaurants and bars in the city. The Karaköy neighbourhood, at the foot of the Galata Tower, has become one of the most fashionable areas in Istanbul.
Istanbul Travel Guide
Istanbul is one of the world's great cities — the only city in the world that straddles two continents, with a history spanning 2,700 years as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. It is a city of extraordinary contrasts — ancient and modern, European and Asian, secular and religious.
The historic heart of Istanbul — Sultanahmet — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing some of the most important buildings in the world. The Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD, is the greatest building of the Byzantine world. The Blue Mosque, built in 1616, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The Topkapi Palace, the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, is one of the most fascinating museums in the world.
But Istanbul is much more than its monuments. The city has a population of 15 million and is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the world. The food scene is extraordinary — from street food (simit, balık ekmek, döner, midye dolma) to world-class restaurants. The nightlife is excellent. The shopping — from the Grand Bazaar to the boutiques of Nişantaşı — is superb.
The Bosphorus is the defining feature of Istanbul — a 31km strait that divides Europe and Asia, lined with Ottoman palaces, wooden summer houses and fishing villages. A cruise along the Bosphorus is one of the great experiences of the city.
Istanbul is best visited as a city break — 3 to 5 days is ideal. It can be combined with a beach holiday in Antalya or Bodrum (1 hour by flight) for a perfect combination of culture and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
3 to 5 days is ideal for a first visit. Day 1: Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern). Day 2: Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Bosphorus cruise. Day 3: Beyoğlu, Galata Tower, İstiklal Avenue, Karaköy. Days 4–5: Dolmabahçe Palace, Princes' Islands, Chora Church, Balat neighbourhood.
Is Istanbul safe for tourists?
Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. The main tourist areas — Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Karaköy — are well-policed and busy with visitors. As with any major city, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas (Grand Bazaar, public transport). Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April to June and September to November are the best times — mild temperatures (15–22°C), fewer crowds than summer and beautiful light. July and August are hot (28–32°C) and very busy. December to March is cold and wet but the city is atmospheric and much less crowded.
Ready to book Istanbul?
We search Travelpack and JTA Holidays simultaneously. Call us and we'll find you the best deal.