Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul is a unique city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Rich in history and culture, it features stunning architecture from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. This vibrant metropolis blends Eastern and Western influences, making it a dynamic cultural and economic hub.

Istanbul through travelers' eyes

Istanbul was unlike any other city I’ve visited—the stunning Hagia Sophia, bustling bazaars, and delicious street food make it unforgettable. The city is full of history and lively culture, though navigating the busy streets can be challenging.

Camille Laurent

Camille Laurent

Istanbul’s historic sites are truly mesmerizing.

Mika Lin

Mika Lin

Exploring Istanbul’s mosques and palaces was a rewarding experience."

Taemin Jung

Taemin Jung

While Istanbul has incredible cultural wealth, navigating the busy streets and handling aggressive vendors was stressful. The city is vibrant but can feel chaotic for some travelers.

Hua Gao

Hua Gao

The mix of cultures and beautiful mosques made Istanbul feel magical.

Quang Hoang

Quang Hoang

Istanbul’s history and vibrant street life were captivating. Exploring the Grand Bazaar and relaxing by the Bosphorus were highlights. The locals’ warmth and the city’s energy made for an unforgettable trip.

Yinghua Liu

Yinghua Liu

Delicious food and beautiful mosques everywhere you go.

Clarissa Sim

Clarissa Sim

The crowds and noise could be overwhelming, but the city’s charm remains.

William Mai

William Mai

Istanbul’s rich culture fascinated me. The stunning palaces, vibrant bazaars, and mouthwatering cuisine made every day a delight. The city is busy, but its energy and friendly locals made the experience unforgettable.

Jason Le

Jason Le

Istanbul is full of history but tourist-heavy areas and noise made it exhausting. Still, some hidden gems gave me a great experience.

Ashley Zhang

Ashley Zhang

Istanbul at a glance

🌤️ Local Weather

Dec - Feb
3°C - 10°C
Frequent rainfall, and occasional frost can occur, though snow is rare.
Mar - May
5°C - 20°C
Rainfall decreases compared to winter, and the season features increasing sunshine hours.
Jun - Aug
17°C -28°C
Rainfall is low, and sunshine hours are long, though humidity can make it feel warmer.
Sep - Nov
9°C - 25°C
Rainfall increases in late autumn, and sunshine hours decrease, with more frequent cloudy and rainy days.

General Information

Time zone
GMT +03:00
Currency
Turkish Lira
Official languages
Turkish
Ideal trip length
5-7 days

Top Attractions

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a historic architectural marvel in Istanbul, originally a 6th-century Byzantine cathedral that later became a mosque, symbolizing both Christian and Islamic heritage.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is a famous Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul known for its blue tile interiors, six minarets, and stunning courtyard.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace is a sprawling Ottoman palace complex in Istanbul that served as the administrative center and residence of sultans, showcasing exquisite Ottoman architecture and imperial collections.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, offering a labyrinth of shops selling everything from spices to jewelry in Istanbul.

Istanbul: What travelers usually ask