There’s not a soul in the world who hasn’t been captivated by Istanbul’s impeccable allure. What was once considered the world’s epicenter has now grown into an ultra-modern city that never lost its historical charm.
Roughly sixteen million live in Turkey’s most popular city, ultimately making Istanbul one of the busiest hubs in the world. As soon as you land at Istanbul Airport, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about! But before you start traveling, you’ll definitely want to check out our Istanbul travel guide.
As previously mentioned, Istanbul is one of the busiest and most visited cities in the world. After all, everyone wants to see the metropolis that has a 1,700-year spanning history, being the capital of not one but four empires. Additionally, Istanbul is also quite large, meaning it’s not easy to navigate on a tight timeframe like when you travel for work. However, there is no need to get discouraged! Our Istanbul travel guide covers everything you need to plan a seamless trip, including attraction recommendations and helpful tips.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Due to our commonly packed schedules, summer is usually the most ideal time for traveling. Luckily, Istanbul is pleasant year-round, but summer might be a bit tricky. The weather is usually warm and the sun can be quite scorching, making the air quite dry. The last thing you want to do is wait in line to get to the Hagia Sophia under the August sun.
For that reason, the best time to visit Istanbul is in spring (mid-March to May) and fall (September to early November). The temperatures are really enjoyable, with the occasional showers that usually don’t last very long.
Even if rain is in the forecast, rest assured you’ll have spectacular photos of the Bosphorus in a dramatic setting. If you’re up for a real adventure, visiting Istanbul during winter is always a good idea. The snow makes the city even more beautiful!
How to plan a trip to Istanbul?
The goal of our Istanbul travel guide is to make planning easier for you, so let’s start with the essentials – booking flights and accommodation.
No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll most likely find a direct flight to Istanbul. This is because the city is home to Istanbul Airport, Europe’s largest and one of the busiest international airports in the world.
There’s also the Sabiha Gokcen Airport, situated in the Asian part of the city, which is smaller but equally as busy. That said, be sure to check where you’re landing before proceeding to further reservations.
Finding a place to stay in Istanbul is relatively easy. But, as with any major city, you might want to make your bookings as early as possible since prices tend to skyrocket during peak season.
Keep in mind that Istanbul is quite large, meaning you need at least three days to scratch its surface. Simply put, the longer you stay, the better. But rest assured, the city will always keep you coming back for more!
What to do in Istanbul?
If we talk about all the things you can do in the city, our Istanbul travel guide will be never-ending! To save you some time, we’ve rounded up some of the attractions and landmarks you don’t want to miss out on.
However, before getting into what to do in Istanbul, we recommend you start your adventure with a guided walking tour. Local guides will show you the iconic places, as well as some hidden gems. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions for places to eat and local tips.
Now, let’s explore the best things to do in Istanbul!
- Visit The Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul. It is the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire, though it was converted into a mosque in 2020. Interestingly enough, when you first step inside it, your eyes might need a little more time to adjust as the architectural details are truly something else. That’s why Hagia Sophia isn’t the type of place you just zoom through. Instead, you should enjoy every moment spent here.
As far as touring goes, it’s best to opt for a guided tour instead of a solo one due to the lack of signage. Additionally, be sure you’re dressed modestly. Your clothes should cover everything up to the ankles, and women must cover their heads with a scarf.
- Climb The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is yet another architectural marvel that we had to include in our Istanbul travel guide! It was built around the 14th century and serves as an iconic city symbol to this day. At the top, you can see Istanbul from a different perspective and the climb isn’t so challenging, meaning mostly everyone can do it.
- See The Blue Mosque
Be prepared to pick up your jaw from the floor as soon as you see the gorgeous Blue Mosque. This landmark is just as captivating as the Hagia Sophia, only it features a more distinct style, characterized by blue tiles, huge domes, and elephantine columns. Remember that this is a place of worship, so modesty is a must.
- Walk Through The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is nothing short of legendary! It was first established in 1461 and currently features over 4,000 vendors and 66 maze-like streets. You can literally buy anything you can imagine here, from delicious food and the ever-famous Turkish delights to fabrics and intricate jewelry. Don’t be surprised if you spend a whole day here!
Travel hacks & tips for Istanbul
Before you set off and put this Istanbul travel guide to use, you might want to get familiar with some tips that will surely make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
- Even if you’re used to drinking coffee first thing in the morning, you might want to wait for it in Istanbul. Namely, cay is the famous tea-drinking “tradition” that the locals do before eating breakfast and drinking the iconic Turkish coffee. Two or three pots are regularly served, but it’s not uncommon for a dozen cups to be served before you begin eating!
- It’s smart to have cash on you at all times. Most places in Istanbul accept credit cards, but some of the older ones are cash-only. Keep in mind that ATMs in Istanbul usually take a 5% fee for every withdrawal you make, so plan your finances accordingly.
- When it comes to getting around the city, stick to public transport. The metro is well-developed and will get you away from the crowds that usually happen within the city. And trust us – driving a car in Istanbul should be considered an extreme sport!
- Despite being modern, Istanbul is somewhat conservative, so avoid wearing revealing clothes and flashy jewelry. The city is known for being safe, but pickpockets are not uncommon.
Istanbul has so many opportunities for you to enjoy a trip of a lifetime. From mesmerizing architecture to delightful treats, the city will provide a sensation like no other! If you enjoyed this Istanbul travel guide and frequently want to discover our work-smart strategies, wellness tips, and travel hacks, subscribe to our newsletter.
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