Travel Guide to Istanbul, Türkiye

Ra's Travel Guide to Istanbul

A city that occupies two different continents, Europe and Asia; a complete travel guide to Istanbul.

Table of Contents

Once Constantinople turned Istanbul during the Byzantine Era. Today it is one of the largest cities in the world that connects both Europe and Asia and serves as a global meeting point. Istanbul was ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and then Ottomans, which blends the ancient, historical, and modern. The influence of the kingdoms, culture, history, and religion is visible throughout the city in the architecture and food. Get ready to wander the endless winding streets, befriending the many stray cats and dogs, sipping Turkish coffee, listening to the call to prayer, and immersing into Istanbul’s atmosphere. This complete travel guide to Istanbul will help Istanbul capture your heart.

Getting to Istanbul, Türkiye: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

The easiest and most common way to reach Istanbul is by plane at one of the two international airports: New Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side. Istanbul serves as a global meeting point for the world so there are thousands of international and domestic flights arriving and departing every day from major airlines and budget airlines. If you’re traveling around the world, you’re highly likely to have a connection at this airport at some point. Upon arrival, there are buses, taxis, shuttles, and car rentals available to help you reach the city center. It is important to note that the airport is about 40 minutes to 1 hour away from the center of Istanbul without traffic.

If you choose to reach Istanbul by land, you have several options to choose from. Many companies offer trains and buses to Istanbul from countries in Europe and the Middle East. Once you reach Istanbul, you can connect with Türkiye’s own buses or trains to take you to another city within the country. It is also possible to drive to Istanbul from Europe, the Middle East, or Russia. Istanbul is very well connected by highways and there’s even a “road to Istanbul” that will take you directly from a country in the Balkan region to Istanbul. To enter Istanbul you will need to cross two borders. Istanbul is extremely crowded and prone to long traffic jams, which is something to consider when deciding to road trip to the capital.

Another option is by the sea. Many companies offer ferries and car ferries from the Greek Islands or from Italy to Türkiye which come into Çesme port near Izmir. From Istanbul, some ferries connect to Bandirma near Balikesir, to Mudanya near Bursa, to Yalova, or to Marmara Island. Or you can enter the city from one of the many cruises that visit Istanbul.

When I visited Istanbul, I flew direct with Turkish Airlines. I had connected through Istanbul’s airport before and it is huge, which is something to be aware of if you have a close connection. I was linking with a guided tour group around the country, starting in Istanbul, so I had pre-arranged for a shuttle to take me to the city center meeting point for the tour group, which cost me about $30.

In planning my travel routes, assessing costs, and considering transportation methods, I frequently rely on Rome2rio. This invaluable tool offers comprehensive information, including potential route combinations and suggestions for stops along the way, facilitating a customized and well-informed travel experience. Rome2rio link

Where to Stay in Istanbul, Türkiye?

In a sprawling metropolis with over 15 million residents, Istanbul offers a variety of regions to choose from when selecting your base location. The city provides numerous hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and long-term rentals catering to various budgets and preferences. Navigating the city map might seem overwhelming when deciding on a neighborhood to stay in, but I've narrowed down the options for you:

Sultanahmet: Ideal for first-time visitors.
Eminonu/Sirkeci: Best suited for families.
Beyazit/Laleli: Offers affordable accommodation near major tourist attractions.
Karakoy: A newly developed neighborhood known for its nightlife.
Beyoglu: Centrally located with a plethora of restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Galata: Perfect for those seeking vibrant nightlife.
Taksim Square: Ideal for shopping enthusiasts.
Sisli/Nisantasi: A modern business district featuring new skyscrapers.

During my visit to Istanbul, I stayed in a 3-star hotel in the city center, a mere 20-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia. The accommodation was selected by the tour company overseeing my Türkiye adventure. While not the most luxurious option, it offered inclusive breakfast, proximity to a tram stop, and easy access to many main tourist attractions on foot.

Guides to Türkiye

Authentic Turkish Souvenirs

Best Places to Visit in Türkiye

Getting Around Istanbul, Türkiye

Car

I strongly advise against driving in Istanbul whenever possible. The city faces severe traffic congestion, lacks parking spaces, has expensive fuel, and features challenging roads to navigate. If renting a car is necessary for country-wide travel, I recommend doing so directly from the airport when heading to your next destination. Ensure you possess an international driver’s license and are acquainted with local driving laws.

Bus

Among the most convenient and popular modes of transportation for both tourists and locals. It's crucial to pay attention to your route or use Google Maps during your bus journey as buses do not provide maps. Tickets for one, two, five, or ten rides can be acquired at ticket counters or authorized vendors. For extended stays, consider purchasing an Istanbulkart card, valid on buses, trams, metros, and ferries, available for purchase or top-up at various locations.

Tram

Not only an efficient means of city travel but also an excellent way to enjoy a scenic tour of Istanbul. While four lines cover the city, the Bagcilar Kabatas (T1) Tram is commonly used by tourists, stopping at landmarks like the Galata Tower, Istanbul Modern, and the Hagia Sophia. Single-ride tickets cost 15 Turkish Lira, or you can use the Istanbulkart card.

Metro

Istanbul boasts 11 metro lines for citywide commuting. However, they are not closely located to major tourist attractions, necessitating combining the metro with other transport options. Single-ride tickets are approximately 20 Turkish Lira, while Istanbulkart holders pay 9.90 Turkish Lira per ride.

Taxi

Taxis are abundant in Istanbul, known for their affordability, yet drivers may attempt to scam foreigners. To avoid this, verify that the taxi is from a legitimate company, ensure the meter is functioning, and confirm the fare verbally or in writing before agreeing to the ride. Cash is necessary. Another option is having the hotel or a local guide arrange the taxi, a safer choice to prevent scams. Uber is also available in Istanbul.

Ferry

Vapurlar ferries, an excellent way to reach Prince’s Islands and an affordable option for touring the Bosphorus. For ferry rides, purchase a one-way ticket or use your Istanbulkart card.

Walking

Istanbul, though expansive, offers a rich tapestry of attractions spread across various neighborhoods. Strolling through main areas like Sultanahmet and Eminönü, as well as exploring alleys and bazaars, is enjoyable. However, to fully optimize your time and explore numerous tourist spots, utilizing the aforementioned transportation options is essential. While Istanbul is relatively safe, exercise caution, particularly if you're a solo female, especially when walking late into the evening.

What to Do in Istanbul, Türkiye?

Walking Tour

There’s so much to see, do, and learn during your visit to Istanbul. A great way to do so is through a guided walking tour of the city. Due to the city’s size, it’s impossible to cover everything in one tour. Therefore many tour companies offer different themes and attractions in different tours. While many companies offer guided tours of the city, I highly recommend booking a free walking tour (link). These are usually guided by locals who do the tours as a passion project, interested in meeting fellow travelers. The price of the tour is set by you at the end with your cash tip.

Hagia Sophia

The crown jewel of Istanbul that you cannot miss. From a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque, to a secular museum, and now back to a mosque again the Hagia Sophia has a lot of history and is one of the most important mosques in Türkiye. Visitors are not required to pay to enter, so only a certain amount of people are allowed in at once every 30 minutes. People will start lining up outside early, so I recommend visiting the mosque earlier in the day rather than later unless you want to wait in line for hours. It is incredibly important for visitors to follow the rules and dress code to enter the mosque. If you don’t you will not be allowed to enter or removed.

Grand Bazaar

Established in 1461, the Grand Bazaar is the largest bazaar in the country spanning 4,000 vendors and 66 labyrinthine streets and alleys. This is a great place to get your souvenir shopping done, or just to admire even if you don’t purchase anything. It’s a really unique experience. However, be aware of many fake designer products or products made in China. Also, as a woman expect to be catcalled by the men working in the shops, potentially harassed, or catcalled. Be even more careful if you’re a solo female traveler.

The Blue Mosque

The other incredibly important mosque in Istanbul is located near the Hagia Sophia which is known for its blue exterior and beautiful interior. This mosque is still an active mosque with many people entering for the 5 calls to prayer. In between prayer, non-Muslims can enter via a side door. You will need to follow the dress code and rules otherwise you will not be allowed to enter. Once inside, you can admire the floral and geometric motifs with the colors of cobalt blue, green, red, and yellow.

Topkapi Palace and Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Construction of the palace began in 1453 and was chosen by Sultan Mehmed II for the strategic importance of the location. For centuries, many of the wealthy sultans from the Ottoman Empire resided in the palace, making it the heart of the empire. Today, the palace is a major visiting point for people to learn about the palace’s history, admire the architecture and several elegant exhibits, and explore Istanbul Acheology Museums which are located on the grounds of the palace.

Galata Tower

Built in the mid-14th century, the tower was once a fire tower, barracks, and a dungeon. Since then, it has remained a prominent part of Istanbul’s skyline. This is one of the spots for the best views of Istanbul and a great place to take aerial photos of the city.

Bosphorus River Cruise

The Bosphorus River runs through the center of Istanbul, splitting the two continents of Europe and Asia. Many companies and tours offer these cruises with different setups, but the main one leaves from Eminonu and travels north towards the Black Sea. In the afternoon, you can have lunch in the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi where you can walk fifteen minutes uphill to the Yoros Castle. A budget-friendly alternative is to take the ferry, as mentioned above, where you can also get great views of the city at a cheaper price.

Spice Market

Only a 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar is the large spice market. The air smells delicious and you can visit and purchase from hundreds of vendors. The market was established in the 1600s, selling popular spices along the Silk Road. This is a great place to purchase your spice souvenirs to bring home or if you are interested in trying to recreate your favorite Turkish dishes.

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam

For a day of relaxation, try the famous Turkish Hamam experience, where you can get a massage, bathe, and revitalize your skin. This Hamam was built by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan between 1578 and 1583 to serve the levends (marine forces in the Ottoman navy). It was only reopened in 2012 after undergoing a major restoration and has been in operation since then.

Basilica Cistern

An ancient underground chamber that once provided an early water filtration system for Istanbul. The underground area is huge, capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water, and is about 2 football fields in size. Guided tours are also available for you to learn about the history of this unique city gem and especially about the iconic Medusa heads at the base of one of the 336 marble columns that provide support.

This comprehensive travel guide to Istanbul unveils the enchanting blend of ancient history, diverse culture, and modern vibrancy that defines this magnificent city. From the iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the bustling markets and serene Bosphorus River, Istanbul offers an immersive experience for every traveler. Navigate the labyrinthine streets, savor Turkish coffee, and embrace the city's rich tapestry. Let this guide be your companion as you unravel the treasures of Istanbul, where every step tells a tale and every corner reveals a piece of its extraordinary charm. Istanbul awaits, ready to captivate your heart and leave you with indelible memories of its unique allure. Safe travels!

Travel Tip

Women, make sure to always have a scarf with you so you can cover your hair when entering mosques and certain religious sites to avoid having to buy a scarf on the spot.