Istanbul Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Founded more than 25 centuries ago at the point where Europe meets Asia, Istanbul's incredible mix of old and new, East and West, is bound to blow you away.

Turkey's largest city has far more to offer than just breathtaking scenery and a great climate. Situated on the Bosphorus Strait, it is where East meets West in terms of both geography and culture. It's also where modern and traditional Turkey collide. Shop in malls or bazaars, visit galleries or mosques, and spend your evenings in traditional taverns or fashionable nightclubs.This ancient city, one of the oldest in the world, has officially been called Istanbul since 1923, when Atatürk founded the Turkish Republic. First known as Byzantium, and later Constantinople, it served as the capital of Islam for centuries and was at the centre of some of the greatest realms in history: the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empires. It owes its prosperity in part to its strategic location at the point where the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea meet.To get a sense of Istanbul's diverse history head to the Old City on the Sultanahmet Peninsula. Here you'll find a wealth of architectural gems. If you need to orient yourself, the 14th-century Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) is a great place to start. Plot the historical changes in the city's political and religious landscape as you visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), the Hippodrome (Hipodrom) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). Don't miss the magnificent Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) either, formerly a cathedral and mosque and now an impressive museum.If you've still got plenty of energy, get ready to haggle at the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Or, if it's peace and quiet you're after, chill out in the underground Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi). Alternatively, cross the Golden Horn via the Galata Bridge to the New City for some retail therapy at one of the many modern shopping centres. Take in the atmosphere of Taksim Square while you're there as the professionals leave the skyscrapers the trendy young things arrive to hit the clubs.It's worth buying an Istanbulkart if you're going to use public transport, especially since it includes the ferry across the Bosphorus to see the Beylerbeyi Palace.A bridge between cultures, Europe's most populous city is also one of its most ancient and most beautiful. As soon as you arrive in Istanbul you'll understand why this fascinating city has prospered for so long.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque which includes a fountain, a mosque and a pond

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Sultanahmet Square to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Kalamış Marina, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
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Istanbul City Center

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a coastal town and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
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Agva

Agva is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agva Beach and Aglayan Kayalar Park.

Agva
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
The price is NZ$167 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$167
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"Good!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is NZ$454 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
NZ$454
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"It was a excellent"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Selectum City Atasehir

Selectum City Atasehir

5 out of 5
Dudullu Cd. 29, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (814 reviews)
"All good many thanks"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Selectum City Atasehir
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
G Tower Residences

G Tower Residences

Mimar Sinan Cd 35, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (291 reviews)
"Good breakfast and good room service."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

G Tower Residences
Grace Of Golden Stay Suit Taksim

Grace Of Golden Stay Suit Taksim

Atlama Sk., Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"The staff's interest and kindness was very good. Our satisfaction was integrated with the comfort of our room and the delicious breakfast. The facility is in a quiet, noiseless, safe location. With all these positive experiences we have had, we give full points and recommend it."

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

Grace Of Golden Stay Suit Taksim
The Marmara Suadiye Residence

The Marmara Suadiye Residence

Bagdat Street No:435 Suadiye, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (195 reviews)
"The apartment is very spacious and clean. It has all the amenties, except for a washing machine. We highly recommend it to other guests."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

The Marmara Suadiye Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Istanbul

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
195
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
81
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It’s a excellent city to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very nice city l will be coming back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Istanbul... been to over 40 countries and this is a favourite!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good food, friendly locals,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is excellent place to visit with so much variety and diversity in people and the best of all, the food. It is an ideal place for foodies.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful city but traffic

Cities near Istanbul