Türkiye
Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city on two continents, straddling the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia with 2,700 years of history as Byzantium, Constantinople, and the Ottoman capital. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace crown the old city, while across the Golden Horn, Beyoğlu buzzes with galleries, rooftop bars, and the nostalgic tram of Istiklal Street. Ferries stitch the…
Istanbul is the only city on two continents, straddling the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia with 2,700 years of history as Byzantium, Constantinople, and the Ottoman capital. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace crown the old city, while across the Golden Horn, Beyoğlu buzzes with galleries, rooftop bars, and the nostalgic tram of Istiklal Street. Ferries stitch the city together, the Grand Bazaar has traded for five centuries, and the food — from kebabs to baklava to Bosphorus fish restaurants — is unforgettable. The Spice Bazaar's pyramids of color, the ferry commute past palaces and fortresses, and a scrub in a 500-year-old hammam are essential Istanbul rituals. Neighborhoods like Balat (colorful houses), Moda (seaside cafés), and Nişantaşı (designer shopping) show the city's many faces, and the Princes' Islands make a perfect car-free escape.
Weather in Istanbul
Live from the forecast — current conditions, hourly, and the 7-day outlook.
Top attractions
Neighborhoods
Sultanahmet
The old city of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi.
Beyoğlu (Pera)
Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, galleries, and nightlife.
Karaköy
Trendy waterfront of cafés and design shops.
Kadıköy
The Asian side's lively market and food district.
Bebek & the Bosphorus
Upscale waterfront villages along the strait.
Where to stay
Live pricing and availability are not connected — check the property’s official site.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Çirağan Palace Kempinski
Pera Palace Hotel
Georges Hotel Galata
Where to eat
Live pricing and availability are not connected — check the property’s official site.
Mikla
Karaköy Lokantası
Hamdi
360 Istanbul
Balikçi Sabahattin
Good to know
Getting around
Istanbul Airport (IST) connects by metro and Havaist buses; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) serves the Asian side. Get an Istanbulkart for trams, metros, and ferries — the cross-Bosphorus ferries are both transport and sightseeing. Traffic is heavy; allow extra time for road journeys.
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October