Istanbul travel guide
Where Europe meets Asia, bazaars, mosques and the Bosphorus. The best time to visit Istanbul is June, July, August and September. A mid-range trip runs roughly $130/person/day before flights.
Best time to visit Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul is June, July, August and September. Here's the average temperature through the year:
Top things to do in Istanbul
Highlights from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.
Culture & sights
Nature & outdoors
Food & markets
A sample 4-day Istanbul itinerary
A sample plan. See the full 4-day Istanbul itinerary →
Istanbul travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?+
The best months to visit Istanbul are June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for sightseeing.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?+
Most travellers find 4 days ideal for Istanbul, enough to see the highlights without rushing. Add a day or two if you want day trips.
Is Istanbul expensive to visit?+
Budget roughly $130 per person per day for a mid-range trip in Istanbul (accommodation, food and activities), before flights. Costs scale up or down with your travel style.
What are the top things to do in Istanbul?+
Popular highlights include İskenderpaşa, Column of Marcian, Church of St. Polyeuctus and Aksaray station. There's a longer list above, or start a plan and swap things in.