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 pond, a mosque and a fountain

Sultanahmet

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

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

4/5(72 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque 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 which includes a bridge, a river or creek and cruising

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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$188 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$188
26 July - 27 July
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! (1,044 reviews)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 18 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$510 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
NZ$510
12 Aug - 13 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! (1,013 reviews)
"We loved our stay. This staff was amazing - esp with kids, that made our stay! - the Michellin star restaurant Aotya was great and the hotel was clean.. we would def come back here next time we visit Istanbul."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is NZ$253 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$253
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,038 reviews)
"Excellent choice to discover the old part of Wuropean Istanbul. Staff are efficient and very friendly. Amenities are very good and views during breakfast on 6th floor are amazing. Highly recommended !!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
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! (299 reviews)
"Close to metro. Scenery. Services. Cleanness. Transportation."

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8 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
Elits Suits

Elits Suits

3 Osmanli Bulvari, yenisehir mahçosmanli bulvari.no13, Istanbul, pendik
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
5.6/10 (172 reviews)
"Very good people"

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Elits Suits
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.

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Cities near Istanbul