Once known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul's position on the Silk Road has made it an economical, historical and cultural center, serving as an imperial capital multiple times for the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. With both Asian and European sides to the city, there's a lot to explore. The old walled neighborhood of Sultanahmet is home to some of the most recognizable sights, such as the Hagia Sophia, with its dazzling mosaics and the enormous dome that has covered this space since the sixth century, when it was a Roman basilica. You'll also want to experience Topkapi Palace—containing lavish interiors and many Christian and Islamic relics—as well as the Blue Mosque and the giant underground Basilica Cistern. City views of the river suggest the next step: A Bosphorous cruise, navigating along the vast expanse of water that unites two continents, provides a wonderful way to see the banks of the Golden Horn. To delve into the local culture, as well as for help with haggling, visitors can take a private tour of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, containing some of the richest smells in the world. For longer visits, tours from Istanbul can take visitors far and wide to the remarkable rocky landscapes of Cappadocia, the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, and even to the WWI sites of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Spring is a beautiful time to explore Istanbul, when dolphin sightings are possible along the Bosphorus and the International Tulip Festival casts a wave of color through the city’s parks. To avoid the crowds, visit in fall when the cruise ships have left and the humidity drops—travelers on a budget will appreciate the post-summer drop in prices, too.
Istanbul is famous for its traffic, but there are ways to beat the rush. Ride from Taksim Square to Tünel Square on the historic tram line. Metro lines pass through tourist attractions in Sultanahmet. Head to the Princes’ Islands or the Asian side of the city in a ferry crossing the Bosphorus. And there are two funicular lines, one running between Karaköy and Tünel Square and the other between Karaköy and the buzzy pedestrian thoroughfare of Istiklal.
To avoid the crowds at the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet, visit instead the no-less-stunning Eyup Sultan Mosque—constructed by the Ottomans in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1800 after an earthquake. After your visit, follow the steps through the adjacent cemetery to the historic Pierre Loti café, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Golden Horn.
Known for centuries as Constantinople, Istanbul was capital of the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire, then later home to generations of sultans as center of the Ottoman Empire. Both civilizations left magnificent buildings and artworks, like the Hagia Sophia. Istanbul is also the only city in the world that straddles two continents.
...MoreYes, but only barely. Count on a full day for knockouts like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet, and earmark half a day for Topkapi Palace. Factor in souvenir shopping in the Grand Bazaar and a photo stop at Galata Tower, and you’ll leave already planning your next Istanbul trip.
...MoreNothing says “must-see” like the sights of Sultanahmet. But many travelers prefer quieter corners of the sprawling city, like the colorful, winding alleys in the old Greek and Jewish enclaves of Fener and Balat. You can also take a day trip out to the Princes’ Islands by public ferry.
...MoreIf you’re itching for activities beyond the usual sightseeing circuit, consider a soak in a hammam (Turkish bathhouse); a ferry ride to either the Princes’ Islands or the hip, restaurant-filled neighborhood of Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city; or a Turkish delight and coffee shopping spree in the Spice Bazaar.
...MoreYes, you’ll find English being spoken among shopkeepers and restaurant staff in many tourist areas, including Sultanahmet. Young people also often learn English as a second or third language. But if you want to get off the tourist track, learning a few basic Turkish words and phrases is a must.
...MoreIstanbul is massive and full of blockbuster sights. Avoid a “must-see-everything” approach and give yourself time to explore the city—it’s a wanderers’ paradise. Take advantage of the metro and public ferry. And while most locals in Istanbul are lovely, be watchful of potential scammers in tourist districts.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 98 |
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Number of Tours | 2,596 |
Number of Reviews | 39,469 |
Currency | TRY |
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