🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Hagia Sophia
- ✓Blue Mosque
- ✓Topkapi Palace
- ✓Grand Bazaar
- ✓Galata Tower
- ✓Basilica Cistern
- ✓Bosphorus Cruise
- ✓Spice Bazaar
Also check attractions in other Türkiye cities:
Istanbul
Istanbul
A crossroads between Eastern and Western civilizations, an ancient city that still conveys the glory of Byzantium and Ottoman times
🌐Other Cities in Türkiye
Recommended Hotels in Istanbul
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Four Seasons Sultanahmet
- ★Ciragan Palace Kempinski
- ★Raffles Istanbul
- ★The Vault Karakoy
- ★Pera Palace Hotel
- ★Sumahan on the Water
- ★Hotel Empress Zoe
- ★White House Hotel Istanbul
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Mikla
$$$Contemporary Turkish fine dining with Bosphorus views
•Ciya Sofrasi
$$Authentic Anatolian regional cuisine, Kadikoy
•Nusr-Et Steakhouse
$$$$Famous Salt Bae's premium steakhouse
•Hamdi Restaurant
$$Traditional kebabs with Golden Horn views
•Karakoy Lokantasi
$$Modern Turkish mezze and mains
•Pandeli
$$Historic restaurant in Spice Bazaar since 1901
Also check restaurants in other Türkiye cities:
🛍️ Shopping
- •Grand BazaarTraditional market
4,000+ shops: carpets, ceramics, jewelry, leather, textiles. Bargaining essential. Start at 50% of asking price.
- •Spice BazaarFood market
Turkish delights, spices, teas, nuts, dried fruits. Quality varies - compare prices between shops.
- •Istiklal AvenueShopping street
Pedestrian street with international brands, local boutiques, bookshops. Take historic red tram.
- •Nisantasi DistrictLuxury shopping
High-end boutiques, designer brands, trendy cafes. Istanbul's fashion district.
- •Arasta BazaarSouvenir market
Near Blue Mosque. Smaller, less crowded than Grand Bazaar. Good for quality souvenirs.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Buy Istanbulkart for public transport - works on metro, trams, ferries
- • Bargain at bazaars but not in regular shops with price tags
- • Learn basic Turkish phrases - locals appreciate effort
- • Mosque visits: free but dress modestly, remove shoes, avoid prayer times
- • Best views: Galata Tower, Pierre Loti Hill, rooftop restaurants
- • Avoid taxi scams: use apps (BiTaksi, iTaksi) or agree price beforehand
- • Try street food: simit (sesame bread), balik ekmek (fish sandwich), roasted chestnuts
- • Cross to Asian side for authentic local experience away from tourists
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
April - May, September - November
💰Daily Budget
$60-120/day
👥Popular With
History LoversCulture EnthusiastsFoodiesCouplesSolo Travelers
🗓️Recommended Stay
4-7 days
🌐Timezone
UTC+3
💬Local Language
Turkish, some English
💱Currency
TRY (Turkish Lira)
📅Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage
🌅
Morning2h
🎭
Hagia Sophia
💡 Arrive at opening (9 AM) to avoid crowds. Free entry. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes.
🌅
Morning1h
🎭
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed)
💡 5 minutes walk from Hagia Sophia. Free entry. Closed during prayer times. Scarf for women provided.
☀️
Afternoon3h
🎭
Topkapi Palace & Harem
💡 Ottoman palace with treasury and harem. Separate ticket for harem. Beautiful Bosphorus views.
🌙
Evening1.5h
🎭
Sultanahmet Square & Basilica Cistern
💡 Underground Byzantine cistern with Medusa heads. Atmospheric lighting. Can get crowded.
💡Tips
- •Buy Istanbulkart for public transport - works on metro, trams, ferries
- •Bargain at bazaars but not in regular shops with price tags
- •Learn basic Turkish phrases - locals appreciate effort
- •Mosque visits: free but dress modestly, remove shoes, avoid prayer times