Istanbul Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Istanbul
A delightful fusion of European and Asian culture awaits in the capital of Turkey. A fantastic array of historic buildings intersperse a dynamic, modern city.

Istanbul offers the best of old and new, of both East and West. Shoppers will be kept occupied by the best department stores and luxury boutiques, while the city also displays its rich heritage with the many bazaars, mosques, and palaces. The warm climate of the eastern Mediterranean makes this a very easy place to enjoy and to fall in love with.

Historically, Istanbul is identified as the point where Europe meets Asia, at the crossing of the Bosphurus Strait, and has a population of over 13 million people. It was also the centre of power for the Byzantine Empire. More recently the Ottoman Empire, whose rule stretched at one point from Persia to the gates of Vienna, made it its capital. Ottoman rule was in turn succeeded by the establishment of modern-day Turkey in 1923.

All of this rich history is reflected in the complex and fascinating development of the city's diverse built heritage. First on many itineraries is a visit to the Old City where you'll trace the repeated rises and falls of Istanbul and its empires among the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), the Hippodrome (Hipodrom) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) – a survivor from the 14th century – offers views over these and much of the other architecture of interest throughout the city. The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Carsı) is the beating heart of life here, and is also a wonderful place to pick up souvenirs. Miniaturk allows you to see the city in miniature, while you can enjoy some well-earned cool chillout time at the underground Basilica Cistern.

Crossing the straits into the New City, you are met by a very different experience – modern-day Turkey. Contemporary Western design is to be found in the many skyscrapers, the shopping areas and the vibrant nightclubs. Taksim Square is the centre of this part of the city, with business executives rubbing shoulders with the cool young people of Istanbul.

Public transport is very easily accessible – an Istanbulkart allows you access to it all. Make good use of it, and see the Beylerbeyi Palace from the ferry across the Bosphurus Strait.

Istanbul offers centuries of history and change, alongside all of the conveniences and attractions of a modern city. The past and the present are linked in this fascinating melting pot of cultures.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque which includes a fountain, a mosque and a pond

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Sultanahmet Square – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

4/5(72 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
Galata Tower which includes a city and heritage architecture

Istanbul City Center

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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Kadıköy

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Istanbul Toy Museum, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a coastal town and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
Istanbul which includes a city, a marina and a sunset

Fatih

4.5/5(230 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.

Fatih
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$232 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$232
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,457 reviews)
"This hotel is perfectly located to Old Town sites (literally minutes to walk everywhere), while still quiet and quaint. The staff were all very attentive, especially when our daughter took a tumble and needed some ice/mending. The hotel itself is older (though well kept and updated), so sound insulation ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is AU$505 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$505
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (784 reviews)
Review
"The staff very respectful and nice. The hotel room was very clean, and comfortable to stay. The overall of the stay was very pleasant."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
5 out of 5
Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. NO. 19, Macka Besiktas, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is AU$456 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$456
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"Just great"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Superior Living Batisehir
The Superior Living Batisehir
Goztepe Mah Batisehir G3 Block, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this spa residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mall of Istanbul and Ataturk Olympic Stadium ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (53 reviews)
"The only thing that keeps this property from getting a 5 star is their so called offer for breakfast. It is not worth the price. They offered subtandered poor quality food. They served the same food every day. They served boiled eggs, beans, upside down eggs, sausages and potatoes, bread and cheeses. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

The Superior Living Batisehir
Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Maslak 1453, Maslak District, Sogut Street No:20AA C15, Sariyer
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Bosphorus Bridge ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (185 reviews)
"I had to book this additional night just to be able to check out at 4 pm because the front desk employee said they are fully booked and can not give me a late checkout so infront of him I booked an additional night and told him apparently you are not fully booked and informed the manager of what ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sep. 2023

Somerset Maslak Istanbul
G Tower Residences
G Tower Residences
Mimar Sinan Cd 35, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Mall of Istanbul and Florya Beach are ...
8/10 Very Good! (129 reviews)
"Amazing place..literally perfect"

Reviewed on 24 Feb. 2024

G Tower Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Istanbul

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
195
" "5 - Excellent 67.94425087108014%
4 - Good
81
" "4 - Good 28.222996515679444%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 3.484320557491289%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.34843205574912894%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Feb 2020

It’s a excellent city to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Jan 2020

Very nice city l will be coming back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

Love Istanbul... been to over 40 countries and this is a favourite!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Jan 2020

Good food, friendly locals,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Dec 2019

This is excellent place to visit with so much variety and diversity in people and the best of all, the food. It is an ideal place for foodies.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Dec 2019

Beautiful city but traffic

Cities near Istanbul