Istanbul
What you need to know before you go
Istanbul, in northwestern Turkey, is the only city in the world that spans 2 continents and is a constantly evolving cosmopolitan intersections. From magnificent mosques to mouthwatering meze, from ancient architecture to contemporary clubs, you’ll be mesmerized by the dazzling array of cultural experiences on offer.
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. The city is also home to the Egyptian Bazaar, packed with colorful, aromatic spices, not to mention the gargantuan Istanbul Cevahir—one of Europe’s largest shopping malls.
What to see & do in Istanbul
Featured stories & fun stuff12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Istanbul has a timeless charm that owes much to its rich history. The city was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople. It served as a focal point of several ancient empires. Numerous architectural wonders, remnants of these empires, still...10 Romantic Ideas for a Honeymoon in Istanbul
Istanbul is an ancient city and has long been known for its exotic atmosphere, making it quite popular for honeymooners...9 Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids
You can find great things to do in Istanbul with kids below the city’s skyline of ancient architectural wonders. The...10 Free Things to Do in Istanbul
There’s plenty to enjoy in Istanbul for budget travelers. Grand monuments and some of the world’s most beautiful mosques are...10 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most picturesque cities you can visit whether you're interested in taking photos of impressive architecture...5 Best Soccer Stadiums in Istanbul
Istanbul soccer stadiums combine world-class facilities with some of the most vocal and passionate fans in all of Europe...10 Best Historic Things to See in Istanbul
Istanbul is an age-old city that's full of history, and you can explore it all whether you visit actual...How to Make the Most of Your Istanbul Soccer Trip
Istanbul soccer fans are some of the most passionate in Europe. Despite Turkey being relatively late to take up soccer...
Where & what to eat in Istanbul
Food and dining in Istanbul offer the opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Turkish culture through food with a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian flavors. Restaurants here offer iconic kebabs and mezes, but street food like döner and simit are essential to Turkish culinary tradition. These can be had at takeout stands and trucks across the city. You'll want to experience Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight... Read more
10 Great Restaurants in Istanbul
The great restaurants in Istanbul often specialize in Anatolian cuisine with Eastern and Western influences. However, the city’s diverse gastronomical landscape includes Aegean, Mediterranean and international fare. Meat and seafood may be popular, but there’s plenty on offer for vegetarians...10 Best Local Restaurants in Istanbul
The best local restaurants in Istanbul serve home-style meals, delicious comfort foods and, of course, doner kebabs. If you want to sample the local cuisine without breaking the bank, you should consider visiting a local hotspot when exploring the...
Where to shop & what to buy in Istanbul
10 Great Things to Buy at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Here are some great things to buy at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which is one of the city’s main attractions. You can easily spend a day exploring the Bazaar’s multitude of covered streets, which house over several thousand different kiosks. It...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Istanbul
The best places to go shopping in Istanbul are well-varied and spread evenly throughout the city. It has more than a hundred malls and a plethora of boutiques tucked away down side streets and alleyways. Even so, it’s the...
Where to go & what to do at night in Istanbul
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Istanbul
This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Istanbul gives you a varied taste of Turkish nightlife. This bustling city is full of activities, performances, bars and more. From relaxing cocktails and shisha on the water to rollicking nightclubs and markets, your nights are bound to result in great memories. You’ll also get to see some of...
Useful information
Istanbul Travel Kit
Our Istanbul Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need...
neighborhoods in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
Good for::CathedralsMuseumsHistorical
Zeytinburnu
Good for::BasketballSeaSportsTaksim
Good for::CafesTheatersShoppingOld City
Good for::CathedralsChurchesHistoricalMerter
Good for::SpasRecreationMarinasBesiktas
Good for::CafesShoppingCastleFatih
Good for::CathedralsHistoricalChurchesSisli
Good for::CafesShoppingBusinessAksaray
Good for::ShoppingCafesFamily-friendlyNisantasi
Good for::CafesShoppingDiningKadikoy
Good for::CafesShoppingTheatersOsmanbey
Good for::TheatersJazzHillsBeyoglu
Good for::CafesTheatersMuseumsBostanci
Good for::Beach viewShoppingGayrettepe
Good for::CheeseTrendyScenery
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