Istanbul Travel Guide
East meets west in an explosion of taste, colour, and history in Istanbul, a city both ancient and modern. Although it isn’t the capital city of Turkey, there’s no doubt it’s the cultural epicentre of the country. Istanbul is a thriving metropolis with dozens of nationalities represented in its ever-growing population. Despite its international and storied past, the city has a strong sense of its own culture, which easily entrances every visitor.
Even though the city carries a heavy history, Istanbul has plenty of life pulsing through it – there are over 15 million residents and almost that many visitors a year. It’s not just those interested in the city’s past that will find excitement here – there are a plethora of incredible attractions, a thriving and diverse nightlife, and some insanely beautiful stretches of coastline just a short drive from the heaving bazaars and malls.
Get ready to jump in the original cultural melting pot… Istanbul is waiting for you.
Istanbul Travel Guide
East meets west in an explosion of taste, colour, and history in Istanbul, a city both ancient and modern. Although it isn’t the capital city of Turkey, there’s no doubt it’s the cultural epicentre of the country. Istanbul is a thriving metropolis with dozens of nationalities represented in its ever-growing population. Despite its international and storied past, the city has a strong sense of its own culture, which easily entrances every visitor.
Even though the city carries a heavy history, Istanbul has plenty of life pulsing through it – there are over 15 million residents and almost that many visitors a year. It’s not just those interested in the city’s past that will find excitement here – there are a plethora of incredible attractions, a thriving and diverse nightlife, and some insanely beautiful stretches of coastline just a short drive from the heaving bazaars and malls.
Get ready to jump in the original cultural melting pot… Istanbul is waiting for you.
Soundtrack of the city
A slice of Istanbul life
3 course meal for 2: £15.38
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A regular cappuccino: £1.14
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A medium beer: £1.46
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One-way (Local Transport): £0.26
A slice of Istanbul life
-
3 course meal for 2: £15.38
-
A regular cappuccino: £1.14
-
A medium beer: £1.46
-
One-way (Local Transport): £0.26
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Istanbul
Istanbul isn’t just varied in its cultural influences – the weather here, while mostly temperate and arid, is subject to many different microclimates thanks to the city’s topology. This is mostly true when it comes to rain: in the southern reaches of the city rainfall is almost half that of the northern edges.
Despite its generally moderate temperatures, winter can get quite cold here, and summer is prone to being very warm. In recent years, urban heatwaves are more frequent, so it’s always best to plan days around shaded or inside activities during this period.
Discover the real Istanbul
Istanbul is sprawling and hectic in all the best ways. With everything from vast, tree-lined boulevards to winding allies that are older than most countries, ancient mosques to modern bars serving up innovative and strong mixes, and an electric nightlife alongside illustriously aged Hammams. With all of this going on it can be easy to get lost or led astray by someone else who seems like they know what they’re doing, and the number of tourists visiting the city means there’s a vast network of less than scrupulous tour operators to look out for. We know the real Istanbul, and our knowledge will make sure you get the best out of your trip without the hassle.
Stunning ancient armouries and beautifully ornate mosques; glorious sunsets on the beach and shaded hiking trails; vast bazaars that have been running for centuries and tiny, independent, forward-thinking boutiques: Istanbul has literally everything you could want in a holiday and then some. The duality of the city is most obviously symbolised by the Bosporus, splitting the city between Asia and Europe – crossing this on a boat is an attraction in itself – and there’s plenty to see & do on both sides.
Baklava, kebabs, humus; vast meze platters ready for you to dip into; raki to wash it all down with: Turkish food is delicious as it is varied, and in Istanbul you can get the best of it. There are plenty of high-end restaurants that will serve up a night to remember alongside world class food, but there are also an uncountable number of tiny stalls that will sell you the most appetising thing you’ve ever had in your life – and then be impossible to find the next day. And that’s before we get started on the hopping taverns and chic bars that dot the city. Istanbul is truly a foodie’s paradise.
It can be overwhelming to figure out what you want to fit into your Istanbul experience, but we’ve done the legwork to make sure you don’t have to stress. With our guides and tips, you’re sure to plan something authentic, exciting, and unforgettable.
- See & do
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Stunning ancient armouries and beautifully ornate mosques; glorious sunsets on the beach and shaded hiking trails; vast bazaars that have been running for centuries and tiny, independent, forward-thinking boutiques: Istanbul has literally everything you could want in a holiday and then some. The duality of the city is most obviously symbolised by the Bosporus, splitting the city between Asia and Europe – crossing this on a boat is an attraction in itself – and there’s plenty to see & do on both sides.
- Food & Drink
-
Baklava, kebabs, humus; vast meze platters ready for you to dip into; raki to wash it all down with: Turkish food is delicious as it is varied, and in Istanbul you can get the best of it. There are plenty of high-end restaurants that will serve up a night to remember alongside world class food, but there are also an uncountable number of tiny stalls that will sell you the most appetising thing you’ve ever had in your life – and then be impossible to find the next day. And that’s before we get started on the hopping taverns and chic bars that dot the city. Istanbul is truly a foodie’s paradise.
- Guides & tips
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It can be overwhelming to figure out what you want to fit into your Istanbul experience, but we’ve done the legwork to make sure you don’t have to stress. With our guides and tips, you’re sure to plan something authentic, exciting, and unforgettable.
- Map View
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