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Türkiye · Marmara

Istanbul travel guide

Domes, bazaars and the Bosphorus between two continents

The Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus. Photo: Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 30mflight from London
ISTnearest main airport
26° in Augwarmest month
6° in Jancoolest month

Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus strait. The old city of Sultanahmet holds the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops under its painted domes.

Across the Golden Horn, Beyoğlu and Karaköy have rooftop bars and cafés. A ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side is one of the best-value trips in any city.

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What Istanbul is known for

  • Hagia Sophia

    A 1,500-year-old church, then mosque, under a vast dome.

  • The Grand Bazaar

    One of the world's oldest covered markets.

  • The Bosphorus

    Ferries between Europe and Asia.

  • Street food

    Simit, fish sandwiches and baklava.

Top things to do in Istanbul

  1. 1

    Hagia Sophia

    The great domed building at the heart of the old city.

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  2. 2

    The Blue Mosque

    Six minarets and blue Iznik tiles inside. Closed to visitors at prayer times.

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  3. 3

    Topkapı Palace

    The Ottoman sultans' palace, with the harem and treasury.

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  4. 4

    The Grand Bazaar

    Carpets, lamps and spices. Haggling is expected.

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  5. 5

    A Bosphorus cruise

    Public ferries or cruises past palaces and waterside mansions.

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  6. 6

    The Basilica Cistern

    A vast underground Byzantine water store with Medusa heads.

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Where to stay in Istanbul

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Best time to visit Istanbul

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. April, May, September and October: mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
5.8 C6°J6.5 C6°F8.6 C9°M12.1 C12°A17.4 C17°M22.3 C22°J25.1 C25°J25.5 C26°A21.9 C22°S17 C17°O12.3 C12°N7.8 C8°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Istanbul, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 30m from London to IST, and flights from most UK airports.

Trams, the metro and ferries are cheap with an Istanbulkart. Istanbul Airport is about an hour from the centre.

Find flights to Istanbul (IST)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Women need a headscarf in mosques, and everyone should cover shoulders and knees.
  • Agree a price before any shoe-shine or "friendly" bar invitation: scams target tourists.
  • Use metered taxis or a taxi app.
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Istanbul FAQ

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

Three or four days for the main sights, the bazaars and a Bosphorus trip.

Is Istanbul safe?

Generally yes. Watch for pickpockets and bar scams in tourist areas.

More places in Türkiye

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