Istanbul

Bosphorus ferries, bazaar mornings & meyhane nights

Browse Istanbul

Find hotels in Istanbul Book tours & experiences

Istanbul is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Bomonti Flea Market, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Food lovers should not miss Ciya Sofrasi and Karakoy Lokantasi. Below you will find 43 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Istanbul at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Bomonti Flea Market and Hagia Sophia
Where to stay: Kadikoy and Sisli
Local picks: 43 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Istanbul

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Istanbul: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Istanbul? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from monument-packed Sultanahmet to lively Beyoglu, trendy Karakoy…

Local tips3 Days in Istanbul: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 3-day Istanbul itinerary: imperial Sultanahmet, the bazaars and a Bosphorus cruise, plus the local Asian side and…

Where to stay in Istanbul

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Beyoglu

Asmali Cavit

A beloved old-school meyhane in Asmalimescit where Istanbullus settle in for a long night of raki and meze, cold starters, grilled fish and warm conviviality. Tables are tight and the atmosphere is everything; reserve.

★ 4.6

Fatih

Balat

The old Jewish and Greek quarter along the Golden Horn, now Istanbul’s most photogenic neighbourhood, tumbling streets of rainbow houses, antique shops, cafes and crumbling grandeur. Come for a leisurely wander and endless photos.

★ 4.6

Balat

Balat Sahil

A cheerful seafood meyhane on the Golden Horn in Balat, where you can while away an evening over raki, cold meze and the day’s fish with the water lapping alongside. Relaxed, local and lovely at sunset.

★ 4.5

Sultanahmet

Basilica Cistern

A vast, eerie sixth-century underground reservoir, its forest of columns rising from dark water, lit low and hauntingly beautiful, with two carved Medusa heads at its far end. A cool, atmospheric escape from the Sultanahmet crowds.

★ 4.6

Sultanahmet

Blue Mosque

The magnificent early-17th-century imperial mosque famous for the blue Iznik tiles lining its interior and its six slender minarets. Free to enter (dress modestly and mind prayer times); breathtaking facing Hagia Sophia across the square.

★ 4.7

Bomonti

Bomonti Flea Market

A Sunday-morning treasure hunt with around 200 stalls piled high with old cameras, vinyl, books, clothing, watches, leather jackets and curiosities of every kind. When the rummaging tires you out, refuel with Turkish tea and a gozleme.

★ 4.4

Bosphorus

Bosphorus Cruise

The definitive Istanbul experience, cruising the strait that divides Europe and Asia, past Ottoman palaces, fortresses and wooden waterside mansions. Options run from short hops to full-day ferries up to the Black Sea.

★ 4.7

Bosphorus

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

An evening cruise along the Bosphorus with dinner and often live music and dancing, the palaces, bridges and minarets glittering on both shores. Touristy but genuinely romantic; a memorable last night in the city.

★ 4.4

Sultanahmet

Cheers Hostel

A friendly, long-running hostel in the heart of Sultanahmet with dorms, private rooms and a cosy rooftop bar looking to the Blue Mosque. The affordable, sociable base a short walk from every major sight.

★ 4.5

Fatih

Chora Church (Kariye)

A modest former church hiding the most exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in Istanbul, glowing with gold across every surface. Out in the old-city walls and gloriously uncrowded; a favourite of those in the know.

★ 4.7

Kadikoy

Ciya Sofrasi

A world-renowned Kadikoy restaurant reviving forgotten regional Anatolian recipes, its counter groaning with a daily-changing spread of stews, stuffed vegetables and unusual kebabs. Point at what you fancy; it is one of the most rewarding meals in the city.

★ 4.7

Besiktas

Dolmabahce Palace

The extravagant 19th-century palace where the late Ottoman sultans traded Topkapi for European grandeur, all crystal staircases, gilt and the world’s largest Bohemian chandelier. Guided visits only; the Bosphorus setting is spectacular.

★ 4.6

Sultanahmet

Four Seasons Sultanahmet

A characterful five-star in a converted neoclassical former prison, moments from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with a lovely courtyard and rooftop views over the old city. Impeccable and unbeatably located for the sights.

★ 4.8

$$$

Eminonu

Galata Bridge

The bustling double-decker bridge over the Golden Horn, its top deck lined with rod-to-rail fishermen and its lower deck with fish restaurants and cafes. A quintessential slice of Istanbul life, best at sunset with the mosques in silhouette.

★ 4.4

Galata

Galata Tower

The chunky medieval stone tower that crowns the Galata skyline, with a 360-degree balcony looking over the old city, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Book a timed ticket and go near sunset for the best light.

★ 4.5

Galata

Georges Hotel Galata

A chic little townhouse boutique on one of Galata’s prettiest streets, with elegant rooms and a rooftop restaurant looking to the tower and the Golden Horn. Stylish, personal and in the heart of the Galata-Karakoy buzz.

★ 4.6

Fatih

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets on earth, a labyrinth of 4,000 shops under painted vaults, selling carpets, lamps, gold and ceramics. Touristy and dizzying, but an essential experience; haggle hard and enjoy getting lost.

★ 4.4

Fatih

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar Tour

A guided way to make sense of the overwhelming Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, with the history of the covered markets, the hidden hans (caravanserais) and tips on carpets, tea and haggling without getting lost.

★ 4.6

Book your trip to Istanbul

Find the best hotels and book tours and experiences, all in one place.

Find hotels in Istanbul Book tours and experiences

Istanbul travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Istanbul at a relaxed pace. See our Istanbul itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Istanbul?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Istanbul guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Istanbul is worth visiting year-round.