Sultanahmet
The old city and historic heart — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Basilica Cistern all within walking distance. Ideal for a short first visit, though its restaurants lean touristy.
Best time to visit
When to visit Istanbul
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the sweet spots: mild weather, blooming parks, and shorter queues at the sights. Summer is hot and packed with tourists; winter is cold and rainy but the quietest and best value — and the city has a charm of its own in the rain.
JanuaryCold
FebruaryCold
MarchGood
AprilGreat
MayGreat
JuneGreat
JulyHot
AugustHot
SeptemberGreat
OctoberGreat
NovemberGreat
DecemberCold
Great
Good
Hot
Cold
Where to stay: Istanbul's districts in brief
Swipe to explore the districts — or use the arrows.
Beyoğlu & Taksim
Modern Istanbul — İstiklal Street, Galata Tower, cafés, restaurants, and a street life that never stops. A superbly central base with easy transport everywhere.
The Bosphorus shore
Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, and Bebek: strait views, Ottoman palaces, and waterfront cafés — the prettiest choice for relaxed stays and honeymoons.
Kadıköy
The Asian side and the city's local face — a legendary food market, young café culture, and gentler prices. Take the ferry across even if you don't stay there.
Eminönü & Fatih
The Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, and Galata Bridge — the heart of traditional shopping and the best launch point for old-city walks.
Getting around Istanbul
Get an Istanbulkart the moment you arrive — it works on trams, metro, buses, and ferries, and saves a lot versus single tickets. The T1 tram passes most old-city sights from Sultanahmet to Eminönü. The finest way to travel is the ferry between the European and Asian shores: a short ride, a token fare, and a view money can't buy. The streets are hilly — bring comfortable shoes.
The city has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side — the main hub — and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, served mostly by low-cost carriers. Check which one you land at when booking — they are far apart.
Eating in Istanbul
Start the day with a full Turkish breakfast and endless tea, work through the kebab family, grab a balık ekmek fish sandwich by Galata Bridge, and finish with künefe or baklava. Kadıköy hides the best local eateries, and in the Grand Bazaar never buy before you haggle — bargaining is part of the culture. Halal food is the default across Türkiye, and sand-brewed Turkish coffee is an experience in itself.
Where to stay
Istanbul hotels on the map
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Flights
Compare live Jeddah and Riyadh fares to Istanbul — real-time prices from airlines and agencies.
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Pick your shore and district — Sultanahmet for history, Taksim for buzz, the Bosphorus for views.
Search hotelsFrequently asked
How many days do I need in Istanbul?
4–5 days cover the old city, a Bosphorus cruise, and a day on the Asian side without rushing. Add a day for the Princes' Islands or a Bursa trip.
Do I need a visa for Türkiye?
Visa rules vary by nationality and change over time — check the current e-visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
What should I wear to visit mosques?
Modest dress covering shoulders and knees, a headscarf for women inside mosques, and shoes off at the door. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are working mosques — avoid prayer times for sightseeing visits.
How do I pay? Do I need cash?
Cards work at hotels, restaurants, and most shops. Carry lira in cash for bazaars, small eateries, and ferries — and haggle in the markets with a smile.
Which airport should I choose?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is closer to the main European-side sights and hosts Turkish Airlines; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is often cheaper via low-cost carriers but farther from the old city. Weigh the fare against transfer time and cost.
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