Türkiye / Istanbul & Marmara / IstanbulIstanbul
Two Continents, Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus
Turkey's great city, on both banks of the Bosphorus, and where nearly every flight from India lands. Sultanahmet (the Old City) holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar within a short walk; across the Golden Horn, Galata and Beyoğlu have the tower, İstiklal Avenue and the rooftop bars, and public ferries cross to Kadıköy in Asia for the price of a metro ride. Indian restaurants are in Sultanahmet and around Taksim, and vegetarian meze and lentil soup are everywhere.
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome
- Topkapı Palace and the Harem
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus ferry to Asia
- Galata Tower and Karaköy
- Süleymaniye Mosque view over the Golden Horn
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- İstiklal Avenue and Taksim
- Turkish breakfast and baklava
- A hammam bath
Things to do
- Hagia Sophia & the Blue Mosque (outside prayer times)Morning · 2h 30m
- Topkapı Palace & HaremMorning · 3h
- Basilica CisternAfternoon · 1h
- Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar walkAfternoon · 3h
- Bosphorus cruise (public Şehir Hatları ferry or a tour boat)Afternoon · 2h
- Galata Tower, Karaköy & İstiklal AvenueEvening · 3h
- Ferry to Kadıköy for the Asian-side food marketEvening · 3h
- Traditional hammam (Çemberlitaş or Cağaloğlu)Evening · 1h 30m
- Süleymaniye Mosque and its terrace over the Golden HornMorning · 1h 30m
- Dolmabahçe Palace (closed Mondays)Morning · 2h 30m
- Balat and Fener lanes, with the Chora (Kariye) mosaicsAfternoon · 3h
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums and the Tiled Kiosk (restored in 2026)Afternoon · 2h
- Whirling dervish sema ceremonyEvening · 1h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – May, September – November
Worth knowing
Bayram Holiday: Buses and Flights Sell Out
Ramazan Bayramı (about 9-12 March 2027) and Kurban Bayramı (about 16-19 May 2027, often stretched to nine days off) send millions of Turks travelling. Intercity buses and domestic flights sell out and prices jump, coastal hotels fill, and some museums close on the first morning. Book transport and rooms early, and avoid travelling on the first and last days of the holiday.
Heads up
Mosques Close to Visitors at Prayer Times
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the other mosques close to sightseers for about 90 minutes at each of the five prayers, longest at Friday noon. Go early in the morning, and cover shoulders, knees and (for women) hair; scarves are lent at the door.
- Ramadan (Ramazan) — The fasting month, expected from about 8 February to 9 March 2027. Life for visitors carries on: restaurants, cafes and sights stay open, and alcohol is still sold in tourist areas. In conservative cities (Konya, Mardin) eat discreetly in daylight. At sunset the iftar meal fills restaurants and Sultanahmet's square becomes a night market; drummers wake the neighbourhoods before dawn.
- Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) — The holiday ending Ramadan (expected about 9-12 March 2027). Millions of Turks travel home: intercity buses and domestic flights sell out and prices jump, so book a few weeks ahead. Some museums close on the first morning; Istanbul's bridges and public transport are often free.
- Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) — The four-day feast of the sacrifice (expected about 16-19 May 2027), often stretched to nine days off. The biggest travel rush of the year: buses, flights and coastal hotels book out and fares double, and the Aegean and Mediterranean resorts fill with Turkish families. Avoid moving between cities on the first and last days.
- Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) · 29 Oct — The founding of the Republic in 1923: flags everywhere, parades in Ankara, fireworks over the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Government offices close; most sights and shops stay open.
- Istanbul Tulip Festival — Millions of tulips planted in Emirgan Park, Gülhane Park and along the city's roads, at their best for most of April. A good reason to visit Istanbul in spring, when it is mild and before the summer crowds.
Part of a longer route
Istanbul is a stop on 2 curated circuits through Türkiye.