Istanbul

Istanbul

Turkey

East meets West where the Blue Mosque faces Hagia Sophia, fishermen cast lines from the Galata Bridge, and tea is always brewing. Learn more about Istanbul

Things to Do in Istanbul

All tours
Large historic building by the water with a seagull flying overhead under a blue sky
Water Sports & Activities
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Enjoy the Ottoman architecture by visiting the Dolmabahçe palace, and learn about our glorious history. In this tour, you will get to have a look to the history by being where it happened. Our professional tour guide will make sure that you learn everything you want/need to know personally. Then join our sunset cruise, which you will be on board an elegant yacht and enjoy the magnificent views as you nibble through snacks, lemonade and Turkish tea. As you pass through the heritage sites on Bosphorus, our guide will provide context. After a tiring day in the Istanbul, you can relax and enjoy the sunset from the best possible location on Bosphorus; the Maiden's tower. Enjoy the sunset above the Golden Horn as the Old Town turns into a silhouette.

From
€130.00
per person
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 Bosphorus Strait Istanbul Tour by Yacht tour image
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Set sail on a luxurious yacht for a 2.5-hour Bosphorus Sunset Cruise, where Istanbul’s skyline transforms into a spectacle of golden hues at dusk. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you glide between Europe and Asia, complemented by a delightful selection of Turkish treats including baklava and seasonal fruits. Experience live commentary that unveils the rich history of iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and Maiden’s Tower. This cruise is perfect for couples, families, and friends looking to capture the romance of Istanbul’s sunset. 2.5-hour luxury yacht cruise along the Bosphorus Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for convenience Taste traditional Turkish delicacies during the cruise Small group size ensures a personalized experience

From
€60.00
per person
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Private Old City Guided Tour tour image
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

This private guided tour aims to give you most important information about history of those beautiful monuments such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Hippodrome so what actually makes special about these places are the history behind of them and that is where the guide will be giving you all details about history and what happened in back of time until present day. The professional tour guide will ccompany you which will make things easier and comfortable in most of the touristic places, museums and palaces the tour guides have the priority can skip the lines. The best part is the tour is customizable for so you can add new places you would like to see or remove the places you don’t want to see.

From
€189.00
per person
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woman in black dress sitting on colorful cushions with fruit and tea on table overlooking city and sea with seagulls
Cultural & Historical
Viator
(9 reviews)

This special program is with flights instead of long bus journeys. The program includes all highlights of Turkey; Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus Pamukkale All our groups will be maximum 12 people , so travelers will experience a top-notch service. Visit Turkey’s top 4 must see attractions in 8 days! See the highlights of Istanbul, the city of Sultans. See the volcanic area of Pamukkale and later most beatiful ancient city of Ephesus. And geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty, Cappadocia!

From
€910.08
per person
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Istanbul Photoshoot at Top Spots tour image
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Enjoy your Istanbul trip with a local photographer, get quality of photos and immortalize your vacation by lasting photos. Photo shoot will be covered at -must see- locations; —Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Ortakoy Mosque— Receive all photos at same day, choose 40 photos to be edited and retouched within 1-2 days will be delivered. Beside having photos with iconic places you see around and interact with Turkish culture. • For further questions you can message me on IG: @picmeturkey • I provide this service individually. I am not reseller.

From
€114.00
per person
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Cappadocia Tour 2-Day 1 Night from Istanbul by Plane included Balloon Ride tour image
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(15 reviews)

Planning a trip to Cappadocia can be overwhelming. Avoid the stress of coordinating flights, ground transport, activities and accomodation with this comprehensive tour package. Instead of spending hours on a bus or train to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul, take a quick flight and make the most of your time with two full days of tours. You'll see all the highlights of this unique landscape and stay in a cave hotel for a truly memorable experience. Unlike some tours, a hot air balloon ride is included so you can see Cappadocia from a bird's eye view. See the best of Cappadocia in a whirlwind two-day tour Tour is capped at 12 people for a more intimate experience Skip the lines: entrance tickets to museums and attractions are included A licenced tour guide helps you make the most of your journey

From
€850.00
per person
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Interior view of a large historic building with a golden dome, arches, and Arabic calligraphy plaques
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Hiring a guided tour in Istanbul with a guide in Spanish is highly recommended. It provides historical and cultural context, and offers accurate information about the sites. The guides share interesting stories and anecdotes, making the experience vivid. They help to optimize time by leading directly to the key points. They overcome language barriers and offer access to exclusive places. They also give local recommendations and provide company and security. In summary, a guided tour in Spanish in Istanbul significantly enhances the experience and understanding of the city. We offer a unique city tour experience with our highly qualified and very friendly tour guides, with high quality restaurant options for lunch and in small groups.

From
€148.00
per person
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Istanbul Fine Dining Afternoon in 3 Historic Venues Private Tour tour image
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(10 reviews)

Embark on an unparalleled fine dining journey through Istanbul's rich Ottoman cuisine exploring historic venues transformed into exquisite establishments. Elevate your culinary adventure with a Luxurious Private Istanbul Food Tour! Step into a century-old restaurant within the historic bazaar, savoring cold appetizers and local wine. Continue the gastronomic odyssey in ancient cisterns, once serving the Sultan's palace, relishing hot appetizers paired with a curated wine. Culminate your experience on the historical Hamam's roofs, where a Michelin Guide-recognized chef (2023&2024) showcases mastery. Enjoy a sumptuous main course and decadent dessert, perfectly complemented by wine and coffee. The meticulously crafted menu includes cold and hot starters, a main dish, 3 glasses of local quality wine, dessert, and coffee. Note that restaurant selection may vary based on your booking time, preserving historical charm and ensuring a high-quality menu. Join Istanbul Luxury Food Tour!

From
€411.00
per person
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Large round plaque with Arabic calligraphy inside a historic building with arched windows
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Experience the vibrant essence of Istanbul by choosing a day tailored to your unique interests. Join a knowledgeable local expert who will accompany you on this captivating journey, ensuring your preferences are prioritized. Our professional guide will meet you at a designated location, ready to assist throughout your visit while sharing intriguing stories about the city’s most iconic historical landmarks. Discover the rich tapestry of food, culture, shopping, and history presented in an engaging and unforgettable way.

From
€199.00
per person
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Garden with flowers and fountain at sunset with a mosque featuring six minarets in the background
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(24 reviews)

Discover Istanbul with a local licensed Tour Guide. We'll organize a fully customized experience based on your requests and preferences. Travelers come from all over to visit the Constantinapol, some get here for the 1st time after years waiting for this trip, others will be here for the 100th time. We all have different expectations and ideas of what we would like to do once we land in Istanbul. With this Private Walking Tour, you can choose the number of things you will like to visit in 7 hours.

From
€129.00
per person
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Imperial Traces of Istanbul – Private Guided Signature Tour tour image
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(12 reviews)

Voyager of Istanbul tour which will enhance your point of view of Ottomans vs Byzantines. It's not only a tour from the past but also an outlook on the future and experience in Grand baazar in istanbul. •Hippodrome where Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators' fights with its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column and German Fountain. •Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of royal Iznik tiles • Face the highlight of the earth, St. Sophia, built in 537 A. D. - unlike any other construction in the globe-. • See Topkapi Palace where the great empire was ruled •See Underground Cistern where Dan Brown's book ''INFERNO '' ended up. •Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops. • Get the personalized experience of a private tour • Take your Photos as remarkable memory

From
€52.00
per person
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group of tourists walking on a paved square near historic buildings on a sunny day
Cultural & Historical
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Istanbul is very chaotic and going through a well-thought city route that covers a lot of good spots both hidden and must-see ones is a great opportunity to make. It would save a great time for the visitor and also localize the experience. You can learn a lot about the current news, trends, culture which might be broader and more open-minded that what you could find available on a blog post or a old time youtube vlog.

From
€86.46
per person
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Places to Stay in Istanbul

The Grand Tarabya Managed by Accor accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

5-star waterfront hotel in Sariyer with top spa facilities and highly rated comfort and cleanliness.

€202.67
per night
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The Peninsula Istanbul accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

5-star hotel in Karaköy with a signature infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus. High guest rating of 9.2/10 and luxury rooms with waterfront views.

€625.89
per night
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Tzl Suites Hotel Nişantaşı accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

5-star hotel in Şişli district with a 9.2 guest rating, offering attentive staff and high-end facilities.

€230.24
per night
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Hilton Istanbul Bomonti accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

5-star hotel in Şişli with Bosphorus views and highly rated guest comfort and service.

€135.03
per night
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Cronton Design Hotel accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

Cronton Design Hotel in Fatih features comfort and great value near historic sites from €201 per night.

€201.24
per night
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AJWA Sultanahmet - Preferred Hotels LVX Collection accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

AJWA Sultanahmet delivers Ottoman elegance near the Blue Mosque for $697/night.

€696.74
per night
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Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

5-star hotel in Besiktas with Bosphorus views and a guest rating of 9.0.

€601.97
per night
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JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea features sea-view balconies and scores 9/10 for comfort and cleanliness.

€194.20
per night
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Mula Hotel accommodation image
Hotel
Istanbul

5-star hotel in Fatih, Istanbul, rated 9/10 by guests. Luxury accommodation within walking distance of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

€511.14
per night
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Istanbul Travel Guides

All guides
Cycling in Istanbul: Routes, Rentals and Tips
Adventure & Outdoors

Cycling in Istanbul: Routes, Rentals and Tips

Cycling in Istanbul has a distinctive way to see the city. find routes, rentals, and tips for an enriching cycling visit.

Istanbul Water Sports and Activities Guide
Adventure & Outdoors

Istanbul Water Sports and Activities Guide

The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, spanning 31 kilometers through Istanbul. Kayaking tours along this route typically cost around 400 TRY per person, with average water temperatures ranging from 15°C in spring to 25°C in summer, making it ideal for water sports from May to September.

Hiking Near Istanbul: Trails for Every Level
Adventure & Outdoors

Hiking Near Istanbul: Trails for Every Level

Belgrad Forest, located 20 km north of Istanbul, features trails ranging from 3 to 16 km with entrance fees of 10 TRY. At Polonezköy Nature Park, 25 km from the city center, hikers can enjoy 11 km of marked paths amid average summer temperatures of 28°C.

Best Day Trips from Istanbul
Adventure & Outdoors

Best Day Trips from Istanbul

Princes' Islands lie 20 km southeast of Istanbul, reachable by ferry for 12-25 TRY one way, with Büyükada being the largest island at 5.4 km². The ferry trip takes about 1.5 hours, and average summer temperatures reach 28°C, making it a popular day trip destination outside the city.

Outdoor Activities in Istanbul: Adventure Guide
Adventure & Outdoors

Outdoor Activities in Istanbul: Adventure Guide

find outdoor activities in Istanbul, from Bosphorus cruises to hiking and cycling adventures.

Family Hotels in Istanbul: Where to Stay with Children
Family Travel

Family Hotels in Istanbul: Where to Stay with Children

find family hotels in Istanbul with amenities like play areas and babysitting services for a stress-free stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

The best time to visit Istanbul depends on your preferences. Located in Turkey, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings warmer temperatures and peak tourist season, while winter can be ideal for those seeking a quieter experience or specific seasonal activities.