Istanbul: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Istanbul Travel Guide

A City on Two Continents

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia, and for more than 1,500 years it was the capital of two great empires, the Byzantine and the Ottoman. That history is written into the skyline of domes and minarets on the historic peninsula, while across the Golden Horn, Beyoğlu and Karaköy buzz with galleries, rooftop bars and meyhane taverns. Ferries are the city's lifeline and its best free entertainment: a crossing at sunset, with simit in hand and gulls overhead, is a quintessential Istanbul moment.

When to Visit

April to June and September to November are the sweet spots. Spring brings the Istanbul Tulip Festival in April, when parks such as Emirgan blaze with colour, and autumn is warm, golden and less crowded. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, with long queues at major monuments, though Bosphorus breezes and the Princes' Islands offer relief. Winter (December–March) is cool, rainy and occasionally snowy, but it is the quietest and often cheapest time, and the city's museums, hammams and cosy cafés come into their own.

Top Attractions

1. Hagia Sophia – Built as a cathedral in the sixth century, later a mosque, then a museum, and once again a mosque. Dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – Named for the blue İznik tiles inside; it faces Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square.
3. Topkapı Palace – The Ottoman sultans' palace, with treasury, harem and terraces overlooking the Bosphorus. Allow half a day.
4. Grand Bazaar – One of the oldest covered markets in the world, a labyrinth of carpets, lamps, ceramics and jewellery.
5. Basilica Cistern – A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with atmospheric lighting and the famous Medusa-head columns.
6. Bosphorus cruise – Public ferries or tour boats pass waterfront palaces, mansions and the Rumeli Fortress.
7. Galata Tower and Karaköy – Views over the old city, then cafés and art galleries in the streets below.
8. Spice Bazaar and Süleymaniye Mosque – Fragrant stalls near the Eminönü docks, then the hilltop mosque by the architect Sinan.

Food to Try

Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) is an event: cheeses, olives, tomatoes, eggs, honey and kaymak cream, with endless tea. Try simit (sesame bread rings), balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwiches) at Eminönü, lahmacun, pide, İskender kebab and mantı dumplings. Meze spreads are excellent for vegetarians, with dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, ezme and aubergine purée. Finish with baklava, künefe or Turkish delight, and a cup of Turkish coffee.

Getting There and Getting Around

Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is the main hub for Turkish Airlines, linked to the city by the M11 metro and Havaist buses. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side handles many low-cost flights. The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable card for metro, tram, buses, ferries and the funiculars. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet with Eminönü and Karaköy, while the Marmaray rail tunnel runs under the Bosphorus. Traffic can be severe, so rail and ferry usually beat taxis. If you do use a taxi, insist on the meter or use an app.

Where to Stay

• Sultanahmet: Next to the major monuments, ideal for a short first visit, though quiet in the evenings.
• Beyoğlu, Galata and Cihangir: Lively, creative and full of restaurants and nightlife.
• Karaköy: Trendy waterfront district with boutique hotels and easy tram and ferry access.
• Kadıköy and Moda (Asian side): Local, foodie atmosphere with ferries to the old city; often better value.
• Beşiktaş and Ortaköy: Bosphorus-side neighbourhoods near palaces and cafés.

Budget Tips

• Ride public ferries instead of tour cruises for Bosphorus views.
• Eat at lokanta (home-style canteens) and street stalls.
• Many mosques are free to enter; consider a museum pass if you plan to see several paid sites.
• Bargain politely in the bazaars, and compare prices between stalls.
• Hotels are often cheaper in winter and outside major holidays.

Practical Information

• Visa: Many nationalities can enter Türkiye visa-free or with an e-Visa; Indian passport holders generally need an e-Visa or sticker visa, with conditions depending on other visas held. Check the official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa site.
• Currency: Turkish lira (TRY). Prices change frequently with inflation; cards are widely accepted.
• Language: Turkish. English is spoken in tourist areas.
• Safety: Istanbul is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and the "shoe-shine" or "let's go for a drink" scams around Taksim and Sultanahmet.
• Etiquette: Women should carry a scarf to cover their hair in mosques; everyone should cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes.

For flights into IST or Sabiha Gökçen and hotels on both continents, voyagiro.com compares 27+ booking sites for free.