Holidays to Istanbul

For centuries, Turkey’s megacity has existed at the intersection of Europe and Asia. It is a brilliant mosaic of sights, sounds and cultural influences unlike anywhere on the planet. The best holidays in Istanbul integrate past and present. From its Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches to grand bazaars, trend-setting spas and multifaceted food scene, see why the city where East meets West will do more than meet your expectations.

Istanbul holiday highlights

Fatih

A transcontinental city

On your city break in Istanbul, you can step foot on two continents, Europe and Asia. Intersecting the city is the Bosphorus Strait, a massive waterway separating the two. The European side is busier and a historic center of trade, while the Asian side is greener and more residential. To hit both on one ride, take a bus or taxi over the Bosphorus Bridge. 

Turkish coffee

Originating in the Ottoman Empire, Turkish coffee is thick, strong and an important daily ritual for locals. Why not make it part of your holiday in Istanbul too? All Turks have their favourite coffee spots. One Istanbul stalwart is Fazil Bey’s Turkish Coffee in Kadikoy Bazaar.

Whirling dervishes

Watching whirling dervishes perform the mystical Sufi ceremony of Sema is a special sight every traveler should witness. You can catch their rhythmic, spinning dances—which date back to the 13th century—at different locations across the city. But look out for regular performances at the Hodjapasha Dance Theatre, housed in a converted 15th-century Turkish bath. 

Istanbul: Know before you go

Language

Turkish

Currency

Turkish lira (₺)

Time zone

UTC+3 (TRT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Istanbul

Weather in Istanbul

March – May: Spring is slow to warm, but once it does, there’s no better time to see the city’s flowers in bloom. Don’t miss the Istanbul Tulip Festival in April.

June – August: Average temperatures hover around 26°C, but the humidity can make it feel hotter. Rain is unlikely, but be prepared for muggy conditions.

September – November: Pleasant daytime temperatures and chillier evenings call for layers. Head to the Belgrade Forest and Atatürk Arboretum for an eyeful of autumn foliage.

December – February: Pack an umbrella and a warm coat for Istanbul’s coldest and wettest season. Warm up with a visit to a steamy ‘hammam’ (Turkish bath).

Events in Istanbul

Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): See millions of tulips in full bloom during this popular spring festival centred around Emirgan Park. Besides admiring the colorful flowers, enjoy cultural events like art exhibits and live concerts.

Hıdırellez Festival (May): This traditional festival celebrates the arrival of spring with fire-jumping, folk dancing and tasty lamb dishes. It’s also a time for wish-making, with the spring season representing abundance and fertility.

International Istanbul Music Festival (June or July): Hear local and international musicians performing classical, opera, chamber and orchestral concerts at this cultural festival. The diverse venues include churches, museums, parks and concert halls.

Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim Race (August): Swimmers from around the world gather to compete in this open-water swimming race in the Bosphorus Strait.

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The best neighbourhoods in Istanbul

Fatih

Istanbul’s historical center, Fatih is home to an abundance of world-famous attractions, including Sultanahmet (the former throne of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires) and the Grand Bazaar. There are lesser known points of interest worth exploring, such as the locally loved Wednesday market in Carsamba. And the neighborhood is packed with traditional eateries serving kebabs, ‘lahmacun’ (mincemeat-topped flatbread) and other local staples.

Good for: History, shopping, traditional food

Beyoglu

Lively and cosmopolitan, Beyoglu brings together cultural attractions, innovative restaurants and an artsy vibe. As well as the Galata Tower, Taksim Square and the shop-filled Istiklal Street, Beyoglu is also home to a spirited nightlife scene in Cukurcuma. If you’re a foodie wondering where to stay in Istanbul, the restaurants here serve Turkish favourites and splurge-worthy haute cuisine, such as at the Scandi-Turkish eatery, Mikla.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, nightlife

Sisli

A classy neighbourhood defined by cocktail bars, inviting shopping malls and a scattering of lesser known museums, Sisli has a sophisticated urban buzz. It’s considered one of the best areas to stay in Istanbul as it’s also home to Ihlamur Kasri, a stately palace with tranquil gardens. A choice of fine dining restaurants and cafes offer foodie experiences, while art galleries add a touch of culture.

Good for: Restaurants, shopping, culture

Things to do in Istanbul

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

Family friendly things to do

Families visiting Istanbul have endless options for excitement and relaxation. Miniaturk open-air museum captures sights from across Turkey, and a walk across the thrumming Galata Bridge is an adventure for everyone. There are many child-friendly museums in Istanbul, but the Rahmi M. Koc Museum stands out, with real aeroplanes, buses and even a submarine to explore.

Shopping

A city where traders have converged for centuries, the shopping in Istanbul brings together influences from across the world. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets on the globe – it’s absolutely huge and sells anything and everything. Elsewhere in the city, there are one-off boutiques and artisans selling original creative pieces. Head to the arty Cukurcuma neighbourhood for antiques and vintage clothes.

Take in the culture

Culture and history define Istanbul. Sultanahmet is home to some of the best attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. However, every neighbourhood has cultural sites like these on a smaller scale. Take your pick of museums in Istanbul too. For an offbeat option, The Museum of Innocence is a real-life companion to the book by Orhan Pamuk.

Nightlife

The Nightlife in Istanbul goes from low-key drinks accompanied by a ‘shisha’ (hookah), to party houses that carry on until morning. For clubs in Istanbul, Taksim is one of the liveliest parts of the city. For a quiet drink, find a cafe or bar by the Bosphorus. Remember that in the more traditional localities, alcohol is not served.

Places to eat

The city’s food scene runs the gamut from the latest and greatest trends to time-honoured traditional fare. One of the best restaurants in Istanbul is Ulus 29, which comes complete with stunning views of the Bosphorus. For a tasty kebab, get in line behind the locals at Sehzade Cag Kebap, and for delectable baklava, Karakoy Gulluoglu is your place.

Beaches

When it’s time to hit the beach in Istanbul, Florya Gunes Plaji is the city’s biggest, with golden sand and plenty of loungers. There are other beaches in the city, and many excellent ones nearby – make your way to Kilyos for a few other options.

Plan your holiday to Istanbul

Budget

With the city’s beaches, parks and fascinating neighbourhoods, it’s easier than you might think to plan a cheap holiday to Istanbul. When you’re feeling hungry, expect to pay less than 500 Turkish liras (₺) for a simple meal in a restaurant. Thirsty? A coffee shouldn’t set you back more than ₺130.

Day trips from Istanbul

Take a break from the city’s bustling streets with a walk through the lush Belgrade Forest, an hour away by metro and bus. Or sink into relaxation mode at one of Termal’s famous hammams, 90 minutes away. For something different, drive an hour to explore Polonezköy, Istanbul’s ‘Polish village’.

Getting around Istanbul

Istanbul is a massive city connected by everything from trams and buses to cable cars and an underground funicular. Buy an Istanbulkart from a newsstand for a 40% discount on all fares. Traveling by ferry or water taxi across the Bosphorus Strait is a classic Istanbul experience not to be missed.

FAQs about Istanbul holidays

During your city break in Istanbul, you'll hear the locals talking mostly in Turkish.
Istanbul is considered a safe city to travel to and thousands of people take holidays in Istanbul every year. As with all large cities, always be aware of your surroundings and the latest official travel advice.
You'll be using the Turkish lira (TRY) while on your trip to Istanbul. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider carrying some cash for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
The hottest month in Istanbul is August, which sees maximum temperatures of 30ºC (86ºF).
Plan your Istanbul holiday for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 2ºC (36ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Your city break in Istanbul can differ in price based on anything from your travel dates to trip length. To find a great deal on Istanbul flights and hotels, stay flexible with your departure plans and keep an eye open for discounts and sales.
With around 9 cm of rainfall, January is the wettest month. If you're going on your Istanbul holiday then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Dine at one of the best spots in town, relax in a local cafe, or shop till you drop at the local stores.
To visit all the famous sites on a city break in Istanbul, spend at least three days here. Make it longer if you want to get to know some of the neighbourhoods better. If you have time, continue onto the Princes’ Islands for a few days to totally switch gears. The islands are mainly car-free, with horse-drawn carriages and lots of walking trails.
Whether your thing is history, culture, or anything in between, there's no shortage of things to do in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just some of the reasons this city's worth checking out.
May is when ticket prices are cheapest, so start searching for Istanbul flights and hotels then. Use the money you save to upgrade to a more luxurious hotel room or extend your trip by one or more nights.
Istanbul is often hot and sunny, but it’s cool during some months of the year. Check the weather before you travel, and pack a coat and sunscreen if needed. Good walking shoes are a must and modest dressing is encouraged. As there are plentiful markets, consider travelling light and shopping for essentials while there.