Qurayo

Türkiye

Istanbul: itinerary & travel tips

Istanbul spans two continents and was for centuries the capital of the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. In a compact area you will find churches, mosques, palaces and bazaars, plus the Bosphorus, which shapes the city. For a short trip this is ideal: the main sights of the Old City are close together.

There are also the neighbourhoods beyond the Golden Horn and the Asian side with its own everyday life. Flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland take about three to three and a half hours, and in summer there is no time difference of more than one hour compared with Switzerland. Even three days are enough for a good first impression.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • Hagia Sophia

    The 6th-century building was a church, a mosque and is now a mosque again; its huge dome is a milestone of architecture.

  • Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

    Six minarets and thousands of blue Iznik tiles inside, directly opposite Hagia Sophia.

  • Topkapı Palace

    The residence of the Ottoman sultans with courtyards, harem and views of the Bosphorus.

  • Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

    One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops.

  • Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

    An underground Byzantine water reservoir with 336 columns and atmospheric lighting.

  • Süleymaniye Mosque

    The work of the architect Sinan sits on a hill and offers one of the finest views over the Golden Horn.

Where to stay

  • Sultanahmet

    For anyone who wants to reach the main sights on foot during a short stay, but doesn't look for much life in the evening.

  • Beyoğlu / Karaköy

    For anyone who likes cafés, bars, galleries and nightlife, with good metro and ferry connections.

  • Beşiktaş

    For travellers who prefer a more local feel on the Bosphorus, with ferries, markets and proximity to Dolmabahçe Palace.

  • Kadıköy

    For a day trip or stay on the Asian side with a market, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.

Best time to visit

The best times are April to May and September to October: mild to warm, often sunny and good for walking. In July and August it gets hot and humid, and accommodation prices are higher. In winter it is wet and cool, but the sights are quieter and hotels cheaper. Around religious holidays and holiday periods it can be busier and more expensive.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr ✓
  • May ✓
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep ✓
  • Oct ✓
  • Nov
  • Dec

Getting there

The main airport is Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, far north of the Old City. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side and is often served by low-cost airlines. You can get into the city by metro and bus, by shuttle bus or by taxi. Allow about 60 to 90 minutes and roughly 3 to 30 euros, depending on the mode of transport.

Getting around

You can explore the Old City well on foot; for longer distances there are the metro, tram (T1), ferries and buses. With the rechargeable Istanbulkart, journeys are much cheaper than with single tickets. A ferry ride across the Bosphorus is both transport and sightseeing.

Daily budget

budget

€35

mid-range

€80

per person, without accommodation. Food and public transport are cheap, while entry to the major museums, taxi rides and tourist restaurants in Sultanahmet cost relatively more.

Local tips

  • Don't visit mosques during prayer times, especially at midday on Fridays; cover your shoulders and knees, and women need a headscarf.
  • Take the ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy to Kadıköy instead of a tourist boat; it is cheap and runs frequently.
  • Go to Hagia Sophia or Topkapı Palace early in the morning to avoid the longest queues.
  • Haggling is common in the Grand Bazaar; first check prices in several shops, and eat in the side streets rather than on the main routes.

FAQ

How many days do you need for Istanbul?

Three days are enough for the Old City, Beyoğlu and a Bosphorus cruise. With four days you have time for Kadıköy or other neighbourhoods.

Which neighbourhood is best to stay in?

Sultanahmet is closest to the main sights. Beyoğlu and Karaköy offer more restaurants and nightlife.

Is Istanbul expensive?

For travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, food and public transport are mostly cheap. Hotels in good locations and entry fees can be higher depending on the season.

How do I get from the airport into the city?

From Istanbul Airport you can take the metro or shuttle buses, or alternatively a taxi. The journey usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Do I need a visa as a German, Austrian or Swiss citizen?

For short tourist stays, a valid passport or ID card is usually enough. Check the current entry requirements before your trip with the Federal Foreign Office or the embassy.

Plan your own trip to Istanbul

Your dates, your pace, your wishes – Qurayo plans every day with real places and routes.

Plan a trip

More destinations