Europe · Destination Guide
Istanbul
Where East meets West — two continents, one city, and a street food scene that will wreck you in the best way.
Best time to visit:Apr–Jun or Sep–Oct
Currency:TRY (Lira)
Language:Turkish
Top Highlights
The must-do experiences in Istanbul, ranked by our travel team.
1Hagia Sophia
2Blue Mosque
3Grand Bazaar
4Topkapi Palace
5Bosphorus sunset cruise
6Galata Tower
7Balık-ekmek (fish sandwich) at the docks
8Spice Bazaar
1-Day · 3-Day · 7-Day Itineraries
Day-by-day guides for Istanbul — coming soon
Our team is building a full day-by-day guide for Istanbul — covering the best restaurants, neighborhoods, transit tips, and exact itineraries for 1, 3, and 7-day trips. In the meantime, our AI Trip Architect can build you a custom plan right now.
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Start Planning →← Browse Other GuidesQuick Tips
Getting there: Book 6–8 weeks ahead for best rates to Istanbul.
Best time: Apr–Jun or Sep–Oct for ideal weather and fewer crowds.
Currency: TRY (Lira). Notify your bank before traveling.
Language: Turkish. A few local phrases go a long way.