Destination
Istanbul, Turkey
Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces, the Grand Bazaar and ferries across the Bosphorus in a city that spans two continents.
Trips to Istanbul from every city
No live trip to Istanbul right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | fine |
| February | fine |
| March | fine |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | best |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | fine |
| December | fine |
- April: Tulip festival fills Emirgan Park and the parks of Sultanahmet
- July, August: Hot and humid, but the Bosphorus breeze and long evenings help
Where to stay in Istanbul
- Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı on foot.
- Karaköy / Galata: Galata Tower, cafés and galleries at the foot of Beyoğlu.
- Beyoğlu / Cihangir: Nightlife, meyhanes and the Istiklal shopping street.
- Beşiktaş / Nişantaşı: Bosphorus palaces, upscale shopping and the big hotels.
- Kadıköy (Asian side): Food markets and local life a ferry ride across the strait.
What to do in Istanbul
- Stand under the dome of Hagia Sophia
- Haggle in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar
- Take a Bosphorus ferry from Eminönü
- Tour Topkapı Palace and its harem
- Scrub down in a historic hammam
- Eat fish sandwiches by the Galata Bridge and a meze dinner in a meyhane
Good to know
| Airports | Istanbul Airport (IST), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | Europe/Istanbul |
| Kind of trip | city, history, culture, food, shopping |
Questions about Istanbul
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April, May, June, September and October.
Do US citizens need a passport for Istanbul?
Yes. Istanbul is in Turkey; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Istanbul on the ground?
Istanbul is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.