Istanbul Travel Guide
Istanbul is one of the world's great city destinations, spread across Europe and Asia and connected by the Bosphorus. Historic mosques and palaces sit alongside busy neighborhoods, markets, ferries, restaurants and modern districts.
This Istanbul travel guide brings together our practical information about the city's main attractions, public transportation, airports, neighborhoods, accommodation and Bosphorus experiences.
Istanbul Travel Guides
Whether you are visiting Istanbul for one day or staying for a week, these guides cover the main parts of planning a trip to the city.
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata and other famous sights around Istanbul.
See Istanbul attractions → Getting Around Istanbul TransportationLearn how to use Istanbulkart, metro, tram, ferries and other public transportation around the city.
Getting around Istanbul → Arriving in Istanbul Istanbul AirportAirport transportation, M11 metro, Havaist buses and practical information for arriving at Istanbul Airport.
Istanbul Airport guide → Neighborhoods & Hotels Where to Stay in IstanbulCompare Sultanahmet, Taksim, Karakoy, Besiktas and other popular areas before choosing where to stay.
Compare Istanbul areas → Waterfront Istanbul The BosphorusFerries, cruises, waterfront neighborhoods and different ways to experience the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus guides → Before You Travel When to Visit IstanbulCompare Istanbul throughout the year and decide which season is best for your trip.
Best time to visit →Famous Places to Visit in Istanbul
Many of Istanbul's most visited historical attractions are concentrated around Sultanahmet, making the Old City a good starting point for first-time visitors.
Planning Your First Istanbul Trip
Three to four days gives first-time visitors enough time for the main historical areas, the Bosphorus and several neighborhoods.
Metro, tram and ferry services cover most areas visitors need. An Istanbulkart makes public transport easier.
Sultanahmet is the easiest place to begin if Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are high on your list.
Istanbul Public Transportation
Istanbul is large, but many visitor areas are connected by metro, tram and ferry. Understanding Istanbulkart and the main transport lines before arriving can save time during your stay.
See Istanbul from the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is part of everyday life in Istanbul as well as one of the city's main attractions. Public ferries cross between Europe and Asia throughout the day, while sightseeing cruises follow longer routes past palaces, waterfront neighborhoods, bridges and historic landmarks.
Compare Bosphorus cruise optionsWhere to Stay in Istanbul
Sultanahmet is convenient for historical attractions, while Karakoy, Galata and Taksim offer easier access to restaurants and nightlife. Besiktas and the Bosphorus neighborhoods are popular with travelers looking for waterfront hotels.
