Istanbul Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Istanbul
A delightful fusion of European and Asian culture awaits in the capital of Turkey. A fantastic array of historic buildings intersperse a dynamic, modern city.

Istanbul offers the best of old and new, of both East and West. Shoppers will be kept occupied by the best department stores and luxury boutiques, while the city also displays its rich heritage with the many bazaars, mosques, and palaces. The warm climate of the eastern Mediterranean makes this a very easy place to enjoy and to fall in love with.

Historically, Istanbul is identified as the point where Europe meets Asia, at the crossing of the Bosphurus Strait, and has a population of over 13 million people. It was also the centre of power for the Byzantine Empire. More recently the Ottoman Empire, whose rule stretched at one point from Persia to the gates of Vienna, made it its capital. Ottoman rule was in turn succeeded by the establishment of modern-day Turkey in 1923.

All of this rich history is reflected in the complex and fascinating development of the city's diverse built heritage. First on many itineraries is a visit to the Old City where you'll trace the repeated rises and falls of Istanbul and its empires among the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), the Hippodrome (Hipodrom) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) – a survivor from the 14th century – offers views over these and much of the other architecture of interest throughout the city. The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Carsı) is the beating heart of life here, and is also a wonderful place to pick up souvenirs. Miniaturk allows you to see the city in miniature, while you can enjoy some well-earned cool chillout time at the underground Basilica Cistern.

Crossing the straits into the New City, you are met by a very different experience – modern-day Turkey. Contemporary Western design is to be found in the many skyscrapers, the shopping areas and the vibrant nightclubs. Taksim Square is the centre of this part of the city, with business executives rubbing shoulders with the cool young people of Istanbul.

Public transport is very easily accessible – an Istanbulkart allows you access to it all. Make good use of it, and see the Beylerbeyi Palace from the ferry across the Bosphurus Strait.

Istanbul offers centuries of history and change, alongside all of the conveniences and attractions of a modern city. The past and the present are linked in this fascinating melting pot of cultures.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Balabanaga Mahallesi, Fethibe, Laleli-Fatih, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ₹7,775 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
₹7,775
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent service"

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2023

Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, an IHG Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is ₹28,726 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
₹28,726
per night
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and 5 restaurants. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Hagia Sophia are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (613 reviews)
"Everyone at the hotel was very pleasant and helpful. The breakfast buffet was excellent with lots of choices and great coffee . We would definitely return ."

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2023

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ₹15,729 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
₹15,729
per night
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the property condition in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,102 reviews)
"Great hotel option for staying in the old town and lots of great sites within walking distance. Rooms can be a bit small but this seems consistent with most hotels in this area of Istanbul and unless you're an early riser, the hotel can be noisy in the morning. We'd definitely stay again though!"

Reviewed on 22 Sep 2023

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
G Tower Residences
G Tower Residences
Mimar Sinan Cd 35, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mall of Istanbul and 212 Istanbul ...
8/10 Very Good! (98 reviews)
"Everything was good in this hotel but the only problem was area and the entire hotel and I believe they are building a metro and that taxi driver told me it’s ben 4 years they have not done yet soo it’s nothing the owner kf g tower can do"

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2023

G Tower Residences
Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Maslak 1453, Maslak District, Sogut Street No:20AA C15, Sariyer
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Bosphorus Bridge are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (162 reviews)
"I had to book this additional night just to be able to check out at 4 pm because the front desk employee said they are fully booked and can not give me a late checkout so infront of him I booked an additional night and told him apparently you are not fully booked and informed the manager of what ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Grand Residence by NewInn
Grand Residence by NewInn
Basaksehir Mah., Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv., Sarikamis Cd. No:1, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this spa apartment in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mall of Istanbul and Başakşehir Fatih Terim ...
7.4/10 Good! (75 reviews)
Over all good
"Over all good but the employee at the desk down should be more helpful and welcoming tourist people as most of the gest is foreigners"

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2023

Grand Residence by NewInn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Istanbul

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1220
" "5 - Excellent 67.96657381615599%
4 - Good
453
" "4 - Good 25.23676880222841%
3 - Okay
91
" "3 - Okay 5.069637883008356%
2 - Disappointing
11
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6128133704735376%
1 - Terrible
20
" "1 - Terrible 1.1142061281337048%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

Beautiful city and people very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

Not too much to do as you can see all sights in 2-3 days. But nice place to go and relax

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Mar 2020

One of the best city breaks we have made helped by the staff of the hotel highlighting the city attractions and areas of interest.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Mar 2020

Very nice place and people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

I recommend this hotel to anyone , Istanbul is a great city

5/5 - Excellent

Debra
9 Mar 2020

Istanbul is a very unique city. It is modern and traditional and is able to fuze the two elements beautifully. Turkish people are really friendly, welcoming and helpful. A great city which offers many great site seeing places to see.

Cities near Istanbul