Istanbul Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Istanbul
Traveling to Istanbul in Turkey for the first time can be overwhelming to new travelers. With so many tourist attractions and so many places to stay, having a leg up in terms of what to expect can make all the difference.
From its natural wonders to the manmade cultural additions, Istanbul has so much to offer its visitors. We’ve put together a guide that will help you plan your trip, so you can spend more time enjoying the city knowing what to expect. Let’s take a look!
Top Attractions in Istanbul
Istanbul is located right on the edge of Europe, and is considered the cultural capital of Turkey. With a population of nearly 15 million people (2019), there is so much to experience within the city limits.
With so much to experience, here are three of the top attractions that are a must-see during your stay.
Take a Trip Through the Hagia Sophia
Now considered more of a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has some of the greatest architectural beauty available in all of Istanbul. With almost 1500 years of history hidden within its walls, it offers an incredible experience to travelers.
Originally constructed in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia houses centuries of cultural and religious influences from Islamic inscriptions to large mosaics born of the Christian faith. Spend hours discovering the history that makes Istanbul the perfect destination for travel; It’s truly one of the most remarkable places to see in the whole city.
Explore the Wonders of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is considered one of the world’s largest museums and is home to well over a million different pieces of history. Broken into three areas, the museum consists of the following:
- Archaeological Museum
- The Tiled Kiosk Museum
- Museum of the Ancient Oriental Works
Artifacts from Around the World
You can see the history of the world on full display, with many different pieces of historical artifacts not limited to only Turkey. Some of the displayed works include origins from:
- Egypt
- Rome
- Greece
- Both the Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations
- Syria
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-see for your visit. Get lost in the history of Turkey and its surrounding areas right in Istanbul.
Spend Your Time Shopping in the Grand Bazaar
Located in the district of Faith lies one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world: The Grand Bazaar. Considered the most visited tourist attraction, The Grand Bazaar is the perfect attraction for Tourists looking to do some shopping abroad.
With over 4,000 different shops spread across 61 individual covered streets, The Grand Bazaar offers a shopping experience you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking for some authentic Turkish décor for your home or to try some of Turkey’s incredible local foods, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here, and more.
The Experience Flying into Istanbul Airports
If you’re flying into Istanbul for the first time can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your whole trip. The Istanbul Airport, located on the European side, is relatively new and serves all of the commercial passenger needs for the city.
This newer, replacement airport is set to be able to serve over 90 million people a year, so expect terminals to be busy and loud. The airport itself is home to over 55,000 square meters of Duty-Free Shops, so you’ll be able to do some shopping as soon as you land.
This new massive airport is also home to a 451-room hotel, so you can stay right at the airport if you so choose. Istanbul Airport offers plenty of modern luxuries due to its recent construction, so you’ll have access to most of the amenities you’re already used to, with the cultural offerings of Istanbul just a stone’s throw away!
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Istanbul
If you are looking to visit Istanbul on a budget, here are three tips to keep the flight cost down, so you can save your money for your experience.
1. Book in Advance:
If you’re planning a vacation, be sure to book your flight at least three weeks early, so you can get a better price on your tickets. The further in advance, you book your flight, the better chance you’ll score a below-average cost on your flight.
2. Book your flight for March
Book your flight for March, as it’s considered an off-season month and is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul. Beware of flights from May to July, as this is the busiest time for flights to Istanbul.
3. Shop for prices.
Shop for prices. Don’t just choose the first one you find; use the plethora of resources available out there to find the best price you can, and score the cheapest tickets available.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
If you’re looking to experience what Istanbul has to offer outside of the airport, there are plenty of areas to stay. Here are some of the more popular places visitors choose to stay when they visit Istanbul.
Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet, also known as Istanbul Old Town, is the perfect area to stay if it’s your first visit to Istanbul. Sultanahmet is in close proximity to many of the attractions Istanbul has to offer, including the Grand Bazaar we mentioned previously. Due to the lack of nightlife, evenings in this area are calm and great for those with families.
Galata
Galata is the perfect area for you if you’ve been to Istanbul before, and you’re keen to get in on what the city’s nightlife is like. Hidden within the large buildings lies a large selection of pubs and night clubs that stay open until the wee hours of the morning. There’s always something to experience in the area of Galata.
Karakoy
Karakoy is the best place to stay for visitors looking to get the best experience at an affordable price. Karakoy boasts many restaurants of both international and Turkish influence and even gives visitors the ease of access to Istanbul’s Modern Art Museum.
The Arnavutkoy district
The Arnavutkoy district is the place to stay if you’re looking to stay close to the airport. If your stay is short, or your flights out are early, you can stay close to the airport without missing what Istanbul has to offer.
Once you’ve picked an area of Istanbul, it’s time to find a place to stay.
Popular Hotels in those areas
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay within each area, there are plenty of hotels that you can choose from to rest your head at the end of the day. Take a look at some of the available hotels below.
Hotels Available in Sultanahmet
Golden Istanbul Royal Hotel: Located near the Blue Mosque, you’ll get to experience the culture of Istanbul right outside your hotel room doors. There’s plenty to do in the immediate area, so you’ll never have to drive far to experience some of the best parts of the city.
Kalyon Hotel: This hotel is just a minute’s walk from Hagia Sophia and boasts plenty of amenities for its guests. They offer affordable rooms and direct access to some of the largest cultural points of interest the city has to offer.
Hotels Available in Galata
Pera Palace Hotel:
The perfect oriental and neo-classical themed hotel gives you immediate access to some of the city’s greatest nightlife. The perfect amount of simplicity, with a touch of class and delight!
Inqlusif Hotel: Located right near the Galata Tower, Inqlusif Hotel allows its visitors to experience the best entertainment available. This is the perfect budget-friendly hotel for those looking to see the city at night.
Hotels Available in Karakoy
The House Hotel:
Get a 5-star experience, with a view that overlooks the Golden Horn. This premiere hotel is an experience in itself.
Royal Tophane: Budget-friendly with excellent service, look no further than the Royal Tophane.
Hotels Available in Arnavutkoy
Airside:
Almost on top of Terminal 1, these premiere hotels offer a premium experience to all their visitors and have some of the best amenities available in the city!
Airport Guest House: Perfect accommodations for those looking to stay close to the airport, but keep the cost down.
Popular Airbnb Accommodations in These Districts
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience away from hotels, here are some of the most popular Airbnb spots available within each district.
Best Airbnbs Available in Sultanahmet
Bright Double Room 1: This one bedroom, one bathroom with two beds, is the perfect escape while not being too far away from the hustle and bustle, without losing the amenities.
Best Airbnbs Available in Galata
Apartment: 4 studio apartments connected together; each one is the best place for two guests. Boasting each their own private bedroom, bathroom, and bathroom, you’ll get a sense of privacy while you blend in with the locals.
Best Airbnbs Available in Karakoy
Apartment: Located right in the center of Constantinapolis, breakfast is served at this one-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment. With amenities and destinations right around the corner, you won’t have to travel far to experience the beauty of Istanbul.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul
Since Istanbul is so large, there is always something to do within the city limits. While the sky is the limit, here are a few things you can do to fill your time in the city.
Tour the City of Istanbul
Whether it’s your first-time visiting Istanbul or you’re considered a regular visitor, taking a walking tour to see what the city has to offer is a perfect adventure. These tours are typically led by locals who know the best places to stop, and you’ll be introduced to some of the best spots Istanbul has to offer. Not to mention these tours are typically free!
Visit the Galata Tower
Built in 1348, the Galata Tower is the perfect adventure for those who seek the best views. Once you make the trek to the top, you’ll face the most beautiful 360-degree view of Istanbul accessible anywhere. The tower even boasts its own little restaurant so you can refuel before you continue your journey.
Eat and Drink to Your Heart’s Content!
Experience Turkey through the delicious foods Istanbul has to offer. With hundreds of assorted bars and restaurants, you’ll find everything from Turkish cheeses to baklava. There isn’t enough time in the world to experience some of the most delicious food and beverages available scattered throughout the city.
Relax in the Bathhouses
If you’re looking to relax on your vacation, then it’s worthwhile to check out one of the hammams, or bathhouses. Relax in style with clay masks and experience the best exfoliation techniques available throughout Istanbul. While most bathhouses are separated for gender, there are select ones available for couples looking to share the experience.
Now You’re Ready to Explore Istanbul
Visiting Istanbul, Turkey is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and this guide will help you get started in the right direction. There are so many different attractions and places to see we didn’t mention in this guide, so be sure to do as much research as you can before your visit.
We hope this guide serves you well as you prepare to embark on your journey to Istanbul. Whether you’re looking to experience the history hidden within the museums, or just looking to do a bit of shopping abroad down at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul has plenty to offer even the most experienced travelers.
