Istanbul
What you need to know before you go
Istanbul, in northwestern Türkiye, is the only city in the world that spans 2 continents and is a constantly evolving cosmopolitan crossroad. From magnificent mosques to mouthwatering meze, from ancient architecture to contemporary clubs, you’ll be mesmerized by the dazzling array of cultural experiences on offer.
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. The city is also home to the Egyptian Bazaar, packed with colourful, aromatic spices, not to mention the gargantuan Istanbul Cevahir—one of Europe’s largest shopping malls.
What to see & do in Istanbul
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in Istanbul include a wide range of spiritual and historic sites, art and culture, a vibrant culinary tradition, museums and incredible shopping to thrill anyone. The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are two of the most popular spiritual sites, dating to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The Topkapi Palace Museum offers documents, ephemera, artefacts and exhibits tracing the history of the city in a building dating... Read more
12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Istanbul has a timeless charm that owes much to its rich history. The city was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople. It served as a focal point of several ancient empires. Numerous architectural wonders, remnants of these empires, still...10 Best Historic Things to See in Istanbul
Istanbul is an age-old city that's full of history, and you can explore it all whether you visit actual...10 Free Things to Do in Istanbul
There’s plenty to enjoy in Istanbul for budget travellers. Grand monuments and some of the world’s most beautiful mosques are...10 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most picturesque cities you can visit whether you're interested in taking photos of impressive architecture...10 Romantic Ideas for a Honeymoon in Istanbul
Istanbul is an ancient city and has long been known for its exotic atmosphere, making it quite popular for honeymooners...9 Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids
You can find great things to do in Istanbul with kids below the city’s skyline of ancient architectural wonders. The...10 Best Spas in Istanbul
Turkish baths are famous across the world, and many of the best spas in Istanbul are tourist attractions as well...5 Best Football Stadiums in Istanbul
Istanbul football stadiums combine world-class facilities with some of the most vocal and passionate fans in all of Europe...How to Make the Most of Your Istanbul Football Trip
Istanbul football fans are some of the most passionate in Europe. Despite Türkiye being relatively late to take up football...
Where & what to eat in Istanbul
Food and dining in Istanbul offer the opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Turkish culture through food with a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Restaurants here offer iconic kebabs and mezes, but street food like döner and simit are essential to Turkish culinary tradition. These can be had at takeaway stands and trucks across the city. You'll want to experience Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight... Read more
10 Best Local Restaurants in Istanbul
The best local restaurants in Istanbul serve home-style meals, delicious comfort foods and, of course, doner kebabs. If you want to sample the local cuisine without breaking the bank, you should consider visiting a local hotspot when exploring the...10 Great Restaurants in Istanbul
The great restaurants in Istanbul often specialise in Anatolian cuisine with Eastern and Western influences. However, the city’s diverse gastronomical landscape includes Aegean, Mediterranean and international fare. Meat and seafood may be popular, but there’s plenty on offer for vegetarians...
Where to shop & what to buy in Istanbul
Shopping in Istanbul takes many forms, from large shopping centres to covered markets and free-standing independent boutique gift and souvenir shops. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest markets of its kind in the entire world, encompassing 61 covered streets and more than 4,000 shops. It's often considered among the finest shopping malls in the world. Misir Çarşısı is also a massive covered market, this one... Read more
10 Great Things to Buy at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Here are some great things to buy at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which is one of the city’s main attractions. You can easily spend a day exploring the Bazaar’s multitude of covered streets, which house over several thousand different kiosks. It...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Istanbul
The best places to go shopping in Istanbul are well-varied and spread evenly throughout the city. It has more than a hundred malls and a plethora of boutiques tucked away down side streets and alleyways. Even so, it’s the...
Where to go & what to do at night in Istanbul
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Istanbul
This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Istanbul gives you a varied taste of Turkish nightlife. This bustling city is full of activities, performances, bars and more. From relaxing cocktails and shisha on the water to rollicking nightclubs and markets, your nights are bound to result in great memories. You’ll also get to see some of...
Useful information
Istanbul Travel Essentials
Our Istanbul Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Türkiye. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need...