Istanbul

Travel Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul

Turkey’s largest city is both European and Asian and has been part of many empires. As a result, Istanbul is modern and traditional, familiar and exotic.

It is Istanbul’s unique blend of Western and Eastern heritage and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Experience the comforts of modern Turkey in its malls, galleries and clubs, and the delights of traditional Turkish bazaars, palaces, taverns and mosques. Istanbul’s natural beauty, with pleasant Mediterranean climate, completes its glorious appeal.Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has the Sea of Marmara to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Istanbul connects Europe with Asia and this strategic position evoked many power struggles. Under its previous names of Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman, the Byzantine, the Latin and the Ottoman empires and was once also the capital of Islam. The Turks started to call it Istanbul, a name that was made official when the Turkish Republic was proclaimed in 1923.The Sultanahmet peninsula, which is home to the Old City, reflects Istanbul’s diverse political and religious past, particularly in the architecture. The iconic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), for example, was once a Christian cathedral and later a mosque. Visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), Hippodrome(Hipodrom) and Blue Mosque(Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and save some of your liras for the souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). Get a bird’s-eye view of it all from the top of the 14th-century Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) or visit nearby Miniatürk to see miniature versions of all these buildings. Cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern.Cross the Galata Bridge, spanning the Golden Horn, to visit Taksim Square and the New City. Enjoy modern skyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping malls and watch hip youngsters mingle with businessmen. Buy an Istanbulkart, for easy access to all public transport the ferry is a good way to see the Beylerbeyi Palace across the strait.Over 13 million people live in Istanbul, making it Europe’s most populous city, and it’s easy to see what the attraction is. Istanbul’s fusion of East and West, reflected in the culture, architecture, art and cuisine is truly unique.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Kalamış Marina, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge showing a coastal town, a river or creek and cruising

Beşiktaş

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
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Istanbul City Center

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Istanbul showing a marina, a sunset and general coastal views

Fatih

Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.

Fatih
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is HK$2,028 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
HK$2,028
HK$2,272 total
7 Nov - 8 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
Really a 5 star property. Staff was outstanding.

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cad No: 1 Taksim, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is HK$1,424 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
HK$1,424
HK$1,595 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
Beautiful property and great staff. Room was not equipped with new amenities and toilet paper was not replaced.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul

CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul

5 out of 5
Gümüssuyu Mah. Inönü Cad. No:8, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
Clean room with great view of bosphorus sea, helpful staff with fast service, very good break fast. Located very close to bosphorus and also a 5 minute walk to taksim square

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elits Suits

Elits Suits

3 Osmanli Bulvari, yenisehir mahçosmanli bulvari.no13, Istanbul, pendik
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
5.6/10 (187 reviews)
Very good people

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2025

Elits Suits
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul

Karayollari Mh. Abdi Ipekci Cad. No: 30, Kucukkoy Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (246 reviews)
Good size of the apartment, modern and clean decor and comfortable staying.

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Element Suites

Element Suites

Sehit Muhtar Mah Turan Cad Cevza Sok 2, Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
5.4/10 (307 reviews)
It was good special thanks for Mr. Ahmad the Afghani guy and to the manager

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Element Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Istanbul

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1220
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
453
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
91
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
11
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
20
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city and people very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not too much to do as you can see all sights in 2-3 days. But nice place to go and relax

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of the best city breaks we have made helped by the staff of the hotel highlighting the city attractions and areas of interest.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very nice place and people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I recommend this hotel to anyone , Istanbul is a great city

5/5 - Excellent

Debra

Istanbul is a very unique city. It is modern and traditional and is able to fuze the two elements beautifully. Turkish people are really friendly, welcoming and helpful. A great city which offers many great site seeing places to see.