Map of Istanbul, Turkey

🏰 What to do in Istanbul

Experience the magic of Istanbul through a diverse range of activities, blending history, culture, and modernity in a vibrant cityscape.

• Best Budget Activity in Istanbul:

  Visit the Grand Bazaar: Explore the labyrinth of shops, stalls, and vendors in one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Istanbul:

  Hagia Sophia Museum: Marvel at the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church turned Ottoman mosque, now a museum showcasing stunning mosaics and history.

• Best Luxury Activity in Istanbul:

  Bosphorus Cruise: Sail along the iconic Bosphorus Strait on a private yacht cruise, offering panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, majestic palaces, and bridges.

🍽️ Where to eat in Istanbul

Indulge in Istanbul's culinary scene with a mix of traditional and modern flavors. Don't miss out on iconic dishes like kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish tea.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Istanbul:

  Sultanahmet Köftecisi•$:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Istanbul:

  Ciya Sofrasi•$$:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Istanbul:

  Mikla•$$$:

• Best Budget Bar in Istanbul:

  Mandabatmaz•$:

  Turkish coffee

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Istanbul:

  Limonlu Bahçe•$$:

  Fresh lemonade or cocktails

• Best Luxury Bar in Istanbul:

  360 Istanbul•$$$:

  Panoramic views and signature cocktails

🕌 What to see in Istanbul

Delve into the historical wonders and architectural marvels that make Istanbul a captivating blend of East and West, where ancient meets modern in a symphony of sights and sounds.

• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosqu:

  Admire the stunning blue tiles adorning this iconic mosque's interior and experience its grandeur against the backdrop of the historic Sultanahmet Square.

• Hagia Sophia:

  Step into the architectural masterpiece of Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman craftsmanship, showcasing stunning domes and intricate mosaics.

• Topkapi Palace:

  Explore the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans, where exquisite gardens, courtyards, and artifacts offer a glimpse into the empire's grandeur.

• Grand Bazaar:

  Lose yourself in the vibrant chaos of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, brimming with treasures, spices, and artisanal crafts.

• Galata Tower:

  Ascend this medieval stone tower for panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, and the historic peninsula, capturing the city's timeless beauty from above.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Istanbul

Get ready to indulge in Istanbul's diverse shopping scene, offering everything from traditional bazaars to modern malls, where you can find unique souvenirs, stylish fashion items, and exquisite Turkish treasures.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Istanbul:

  Istanbul's Grand Bazaar: Dive into the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace with a myriad of shops selling spices, textiles, ceramics, and more at bargain prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Istanbul:

  Istiklal Avenue: Wander along Istiklal Avenue, a lively pedestrian street lined with boutique shops, international brands, bookstores, and cafes, offering a mix of trendy fashion and local finds.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Istanbul:

  Nisantasi: Explore the upscale district of Nisantasi, known for its designer boutiques, luxury brands, high-end shops, and chic cafes, catering to those seeking sophisticated fashion and lavish indulgence.

🚇 Getting Around Istanbul

• Public Transport

  Istanbul offers a variety of public transportation options to help visitors navigate the city efficiently. The most commonly used modes of transport include buses, trains, trams, and the metro. - Buses: Public buses are a popular way to get around the city, with an extensive network covering most areas. Fares are paid using an electronic card called Istanbulkart, which can be purchased at kiosks and provides discounted fares for multiple journeys. Prices start at 3.50 TL. - Trains: The Marmaray and Istanbul Metro are the main train services in the city, connecting various neighborhoods and key locations. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with tickets starting at 4 TL. - Metro: The Istanbul Metro is a rapid transit system that covers a large part of the city, making it a convenient option for travelers. Fares are integrated with the Istanbulkart system.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Istanbul is well-connected to nearby locations through several transportation hubs. - Train Stations: The main train station in Istanbul is Sirkeci Terminal, serving both domestic and international routes. - Bus Terminals: Esenler Otogar is the primary bus terminal in the city, offering connections to other parts of Turkey. - Airports: Istanbul has two main airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, providing domestic and international flights.

• Rental Services

  - 🚗 Car Rentals: Popular car rental companies in Istanbul include Avis, Budget, and Hertz, with prices starting at 100 TL per day. - 🚲 Bicycle Rentals: Bike rental services are available in popular tourist areas like Kadikoy and Sultanahmet, with prices starting at 20 TL for a few hours.