Istanbul

Istanbul is the only major city in the world on two continents, a metropolis of more than 15 million people stretched along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. For 1,600 years it was the capital of empires, and its skyline of domes, minarets and palaces is the reason most visitors come. It is also a modern, restless city of ferries, markets, rooftop bars and neighborhoods that each feel like a different town. The best way to plan it is by area, not by a long list: the old city first, then Beyoğlu and Galata, then the Bosphorus and the Asian side.

Istanbul at a glance

The four areas

Sultanahmet: the old city

This is the historic core, and a UNESCO component in its own right. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome are all within walking distance. Come early, because the area fills with tour groups by mid-morning. Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and Hagia Sophia has its own ticketing and prayer-time rules, so check both before you set out.

Beyoğlu, Karaköy and Galata

Across the Golden Horn, this is the city’s café, gallery and nightlife district. Galata Tower stands above it, and it is open every day from 08:30 to 18:30, with a Ministry ticket of 30 euros (October 2026). Istiklal Avenue is the long pedestrian spine, and the streets around Karaköy have the best coffee and the newest restaurants.

Beşiktaş and the Bosphorus

Dolmabahçe Palace, the last Ottoman palace, is here on the European shore, and it is closed on Mondays. From Beşiktaş, a short ferry or a walk along the water leads to Ortaköy and the bridges. A ferry up the Bosphorus is one of the best things you can do in the city.

Kadıköy and the Asian side

Kadıköy is a short ferry ride from Karaköy or Eminönü, and it has the Moda neighborhood, the produce market and some of the city’s best food. It is also the terminus of metro line M4 to Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

How long to stay

Four days lets you cover the old city, the bazaars and Galata, and the Bosphorus without rushing. With two days, take Sultanahmet in one and Galata plus a Bosphorus ferry in the other. Add a day for the Asian side or a day trip. We lay out a day-by-day plan in a things to do in Istanbul guide that follows.

A four-day plan (suggested)

• Day 1. Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, with Topkapı Palace in the afternoon (not Tuesday).
• Day 2. The bazaars, the Süleymaniye Mosque and Eminönü, then dinner in Karaköy.
• Day 3. Galata Tower and Istiklal Avenue, then a Bosphorus ferry at sunset.
• Day 4. Dolmabahçe Palace (not Monday) and Beşiktaş in the morning, then Kadıköy and Moda by ferry.

Food and drink

Istanbul is a great place to eat. Breakfast is an event, with the spread served on Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı in Beşiktaş and in Kadıköy. Fish sandwiches by the water, kebab and meze houses, baklava shops and tea gardens fill the rest of the day. Our food guide covers what to order, and our culinary tours page lists local operators.

When to go

Istanbul is mild and dry from May to September, and wet and cool in winter. April to June and September to October are the best months, with highs between about 17°C and 27°C and fewer rainy days. July and August are the hottest, at highs near 30°C, and December to February have 14 to 16 rainy days a month.

Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Istanbul station, 1950 to 2025. These are long-term averages.

Two public holidays fall in the 2027 travel season: Ramazan Bayramı on 9 to 11 March and Kurban Bayramı on 16 to 19 May, according to Turkish press reports of the religious affairs calendar. Topkapı Palace is closed on the first day of Ramazan Bayramı, and Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on the first day of both holidays. Domestic travel is heavy around holiday weekends. See our best time to visit guide.

Getting to Istanbul

Istanbul has two main airports. Istanbul Airport handled 84,457,421 passengers in 2025, and Sabiha Gökçen handled more than 48 million. Compare flights into both for your dates. Sabiha Gökçen has a direct metro link: line M4 runs from Kadıköy, with 23 stations over 33.5 km, and reached the airport on 2 October 2022. Istanbul Airport is further out, so check the current metro, bus and taxi options for your arrival time. Heading on to Cappadocia? See our Istanbul to Cappadocia guide, coming soon.

Getting around

Public transport runs on the İstanbulkart, a rechargeable card, which costs 165 lira, with a full single ride at 46.20 lira on 17 October 2026. Contactless Mastercard, Troy and Visa cards can also be used at the gates, at a fare based on the single-use ticket price. Fares change, so check the tariff before you travel. Ferries are the best way to cross the Bosphorus and the best views come from the water. Use registered, metered or app-based taxis, and avoid drivers who approach you. See our getting around guide.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet puts you next to the old city sights. Beyoğlu and Karaköy are better for restaurants and nightlife, Beşiktaş for the Bosphorus, and Kadıköy for a more local feel. See our where to stay guide.

Safety and entry

Istanbul is visited by millions each year, and most visits go smoothly. Governments advise caution. The UK says street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the tourist areas, that terrorists are likely to try to attack in Turkey, mainly in the southeast, Ankara and Istanbul, and that regular demonstrations take place in Istanbul and other cities. Heavy rain has also caused flooding. Canada asks visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye, warns of a common scam where tourists are invited to bars and face a large bill, and notes pesticide poisoning cases in Istanbul tourist accommodations. Many parts of Türkiye experience earthquakes. Read the current advice from your own government and our safety guide.

For entry, the UK and Canadian governments say their citizens can visit for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Other nationalities should check their own government’s advice and our visa requirements guide.

Day trips and onward travel

Istanbul is a base for Bursa, Edirne and Çanakkale, where Troy is. The Princes’ Islands are a ferry ride away from the city. For the wider trip, see our itineraries guide and Cappadocia.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

Four days covers the main areas. With two days, focus on Sultanahmet and one other area.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

April to June and September to October. July and August are the hottest, and winter is wet.

Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Millions visit each year, but governments advise caution. The UK says pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, and Canada asks visitors to exercise a high degree of caution. Read your own government’s advice.

Which airport should I use?

Istanbul has two main airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen. Compare flights into both. Sabiha Gökçen has a metro link on line M4 from Kadıköy.

Do I need a visa for Istanbul?

It depends on your passport. The UK and Canadian governments say their citizens can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Check your own government’s advice.

Which museums are closed on which day?

Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Dolmabahçe Palace on Mondays. Check each site before you plan your route.

Plan your Istanbul trip with local operators

Browse the Turkey operators directory and filter by region to compare operators for tours and transfers in Istanbul. Ask each for a written quote.

Sources: UNESCO, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TÜİK, MGM, İstanbulkart (İBB), UK and Canadian government travel advice. Updated October 2026.