Top things to do in Istanbul
Attractions, tours, and activities in Istanbul
Recommended museums in Istanbul
Where to find art and culture in Istanbul
Istanbul: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Istanbul
-
Old City Sultanahmet
0.3 miles from downtown
Begin your adventure in Sultanahmet Square: the gateway to the historic center. In Topkapi Palace, Byzantine artifacts shine proudly in the display cases. Hagia Sophia’s mosaics are time-worn, reflecting the history of a space that has been both mosque and church across 1.5 millennia. Funky bars and cozy cafes summon you to come enjoy a drink.
Places to stay from $6 a night
-
Taksim
2 miles from downtown
Street culture, energetic cafes and antique stores with unique treasures await in this cosmopolitan district. Fashionistas will have a field day at the boutiques on Istiklal Avenue. Concerts, movie theaters and exhibition centers provide family-friendly entertainment, and the trendy clubs and bars bring out the glamourous after dark.
Places to stay from $6 a night
-
Ortakoy
4.2 miles from downtown
Ortakoy’s residents are youthful and cosmopolitan. Among the swathes of modern art galleries, you'll find eateries tempting you with delicious local delicacies. One of the area's oldest buildings is the Turkish Bath, followed by the neo-Baroque Ortakoy Mosque. Take a cruise across the Bosporus, or shop for trinkets at the emporiums.
Places to stay from $39 a night
-
Kadikoy
3.8 miles from downtown
To stay in Kadıköy means immersing yourself in traditional Turkish culture, and it’s a fast ferry ride from this residential district to the city’s prime attractions. Elaborate wooden houses that creak with the passing of time, and remnants of the Roman Empire await as you wander the streets. Indulge in mouth-watering Turkish Delights from Akustik Market.
Places to stay from $7 a night
-
Besiktas
3.9 miles from downtown
Fragments of the Ottoman Empire remain in this district on the coast. Picnic or play in the flower-filled groves of Yildiz Park, followed by a walk to Ortakoy – inviting cafes by day and plush clubs by night. Salute the sea at the Turkish Naval Museum, see and be seen in trendy Bebek and Kurucesme, or crown your day at Dolmabahce Palace.
Places to stay from $14 a night
-
Sisli
3.3 miles from downtown
Sisli is a large district on the European side of Istanbul, near the Bosporus Bridge. A mix of mosques, churches and synagogues make the area eclectic. The Trump Towers and Cevahir Shopping Mall are reminders of the growing tide of commercialism sweeping through the area. The narrow streets of Nisantasi are loaded with boutiques and galleries.
Places to stay from $7 a night
-
Topkapi
2.4 miles from downtown
Take a decent pair of walking shoes to navigate the 3.4-mile stretch atop the 8th-century City Walls of Constantinople. Make sure to spend some time at Kara Ahmet Pasha Mosque, a medieval learning center that houses painstakingly detailed mosaics. The area maintains its scholarly nature, with many cafes and student haunts.
Places to stay from $14 a night
-
Asian Side
6.6 miles from downtown
The Asian side of Istanbul lives on the edge of the past and present. Kadıköy is a mix of scents and sounds; in Moda, buy tapas-style food from a quirky street vendor, then wander past tattoo parlors and street art for a live exhibition of urban Istanbul flow. Buy branded clothing on Bagdat Avenue, then dine out in style.
Places to stay from $7 a night
-
European Side
1.9 miles from downtown
Several districts make up this area. The salty sea air blows through the medieval ruins of Rumelihisari fortress, which makes for an unforgettable coastal stroll. Sisli has peculiar monuments like Ihlamur Palace (an Ottoman Summer Palace) and the Atatürk Museum (devoted to the life of Turkey's first president) that are worth a visit.
Places to stay from $6 a night
About Istanbul
Including tips for the best time to visit Istanbul
Istanbul is a timeless crossroads of cultures, religions, and civilizations, the meeting point of Europe and Western Asia.
Greek, Persian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences are all over the city to this day. The breathtaking Hagia Sophia stood as an ornate church for over 1,000 years before being converted into an Imperial Mosque, which it remained for another 500 years. There's also Topkapi Palace, an extravagant complex of courtyards, halls, and terraces with beautiful views over the Bosphorus Strait. Today, both structures are religious museums that draw in millions of visitors every year.
The Blue Mosque is another striking example of Byzantine-Ottoman blended architecture, with its domes, towering minarets, and blue İznik tiles covering the interior. For a full view of the mosque’s design, enter through the crumbling remains of a Roman-era hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square.
However, Istanbul’s oldest landmarks can easily be overlooked. Several hundred ancient cisterns lie deep beneath the ground where water was delivered from a local reservoir through 12 miles of aqueducts. The largest of these is the Basilica Cistern, which you can explore along raised wooden platforms.
Back on ground level, the Grand Bazaar will blow you away with its maze-like network of artisanal shops and cozy teahouses. Work up an appetitie while exploring, before grabbing a Dürüm wrap on a street corner, or some delicious meze in a bistro-style restaurant in Sultanahmet.
Tonight
From per night
This weekend
From per night
Next weekend
From per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.16 |
| Language | Turkish |
| Average weekend price | $117 per night |
| Average weekday price | $113 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Istanbul
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Istanbul
-
Taksim Square
2.1 miles from downtown
-
Blue Mosque
0.2 miles from downtown
-
Topkapi Palace
0.6 miles from downtown
-
Grand Bazaar
0.4 miles from downtown
-
Hagia Sophia
0.3 miles from downtown
-
Istiklal Street
2 miles from downtown
-
Bosphorus Bridge
4 miles from downtown
-
Galata Tower
1.2 miles from downtown
-
Pierre Loti
3.8 miles from downtown
-
Suleymaniye Mosque
0.8 miles from downtown
Istanbul reviews
What other travelers say about Istanbul
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti - Excellent location, close to...
August 27, 2025
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti - Excellent location, close to shopping centers and historical places. Nice suite and good view with balcony. Breakfast at the hotel was a highlight—an extensive buffet with a mix of Turkish and international options. There was something for everyone: fresh fruits, pastries, cheeses, hot dishes, and live cooking stations. The quality and variety were impressive. Public transportation and taxis are readily available, and many attractions are just a short ride away. Executive lounge was superb and had good option all day around for food and drink. Sauna, Stem bath, Swimming pool were excellent. It is really an excellent place to stay.
Istanbul is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history,...
August 27, 2025
Istanbul is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. From the stunning architecture of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the lively streets of the Grand Bazaar, every corner tells a story. The Bosphorus offers breathtaking views, while the local cuisine—especially the kebabs and baklava—is simply unforgettable. It’s a city full of charm, energy, and heartwarming hospitality.
At first, I wasn’t sure about traveling to Istanbul because...
August 26, 2025
At first, I wasn’t sure about traveling to Istanbul because I felt a bit insecure, but once I arrived it was the complete opposite. It’s a magnificent city, with very warm and attentive people. The food options are endless, with an incredible variety of dishes and countless desserts, all at very good prices. Transportation is fast, convenient, and not expensive. I loved the city and will definitely return.
Never short of something to do or see here this beautiful...
August 25, 2025
Never short of something to do or see here this beautiful city is full of history culture and wonderful people you cannot just visit once and will not be disappointed! We have visited more than 6 times now and still have more to see! Highly recommend the hop on bus tour to get a sneak preview of some of the best sites then make your way around those that interest you!
My recent stay in Istanbul was truly memorable.
August 25, 2025
My recent stay in Istanbul was truly memorable. The city offers a perfect blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From the breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea to the bustling energy of the Grand Bazaar and the tranquility of its mosques, Istanbul balances tradition and modernity in a unique way. The people were welcoming and helpful, and the food was an experience in itself — from fresh seafood to authentic Turkish delights. Whether for business or leisure, Istanbul is a city that leaves a lasting impression and calls you back again.
Istanbul is an amazing city to visit, it is very picturesque...
August 24, 2025
Istanbul is an amazing city to visit, it is very picturesque and historic. It is like it takes you back in time and you feel all the legacy behind the city and religious importance. There are many beautiful mosques and historical Islamic saints to pay respects to and obtain benefit from. Public transport (metro, train and ferry) and taxis are extremely well priced. Food is expensive especially in tourist spots but you can look around and find good value spots too e.g. in Sirkici. Topkapi, Ayub Sultan, Fatih mosque, Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed), Sulemania mosque, Ertugrul Tekke mosque (resting place of Shaykh Zafir), the Bosphorus cruise and Princes Islands were highlights. The whirling dervishes was also mesmerising and well worth experiencing. In summary Istanbul is both a holiday and spiritual experience.
Popular places to stay in Istanbul
Stay in some of the best accommodations Istanbul has to offer
-
HaciBayramHotel Old City Sultanahmet, Istanbul
From $271 per night
-
Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel Old City Sultanahmet, Istanbul
From $225 per night
-
White House Hotel Istanbul Old City Sultanahmet, Istanbul
From $322 per night
-
Zeyn Otel Istanbul Old City Sultanahmet, Istanbul
From $89 per night
-
Four-G Hotel Old City Sultanahmet, Istanbul
From $187 per night
-
Other accommodations in Istanbul
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Istanbul
-
Apartments
From $10 per night
-
Villas
From per night
-
Cottages
From per night
-
Serviced Apartments
From $10 per night
-
Vacation Homes
From per night
-
Guest houses
From $15 per night
-
Hostels
From $6 per night
-
B&Bs
From $9 per night
-
Homestays
From $17 per night
-
Boats
From per night
-
Self-catering Accommodations
From $7 per night
