IstanbulTurkey
historicalculturalfoodshoppingarchitecture
The only city spanning two continents, Istanbul layers Ottoman mosques, Byzantine mosaics, rooftop terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, and a street food culture centred on fresh fish sandwiches and simit bread.
Best Time to Visit
April to May, September to November
Daily Budget
$40-90/day
budget tier
Weather
Mediterranean-continental mix. Hot summers (28-33°C), cold wet winters (3-9°C). Spring and autumn are perfect (15-23°C).
Top Things to Do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia — 1,500-year-old cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-mosque again
- Grand Bazaar — one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets (4,000+ shops)
- Bosphorus ferry cruise — sail between Europe and Asia for $1
- Blue Mosque — six minarets and 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles
- Topkapi Palace — Ottoman sultans' residence with Bosphorus views
Travel Tips
- 1.Get an Istanbulkart for transport — it works on ferries, trams, metro, and buses
- 2.The Asian side (Kadıköy) has better food, fewer tourists, and a local vibe — take the ferry
- 3.Turkish breakfast is a feast — find a local kahvaltı spot rather than a hotel buffet