Istanbul

Bosphorus ferries, bazaar mornings & meyhane nights

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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.

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

Sultanahmet

Hagia Sophia

The awe-inspiring former basilica turned mosque turned museum turned mosque again, and for 1,000 years the largest cathedral on earth. Its vast dome, golden mosaics and layered Christian-Islamic history are unforgettable; a ticket now covers the upper galleries.

★ 4.8

Sultanahmet

Hotel Amira Istanbul

The Amira is a consistently well-reviewed boutique hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet, a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, known for warm service, a generous breakfa

Sultanahmet

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

A superb, underrated trio of museums beside Topkapi, home to the astonishing Alexander Sarcophagus, ancient Near Eastern treasures and Ottoman tilework. Calm, air-conditioned and a highlight for history lovers.

★ 4.6

Beyoglu

Istanbul Modern

Turkey’s leading modern and contemporary art museum in a striking Renzo Piano building on the Karakoy waterfront, with a mirrored roof terrace and Bosphorus views. A refreshing dose of the contemporary between the ancient sights.

★ 4.5

Beyoglu

Istiklal Avenue

Istanbul’s grand pedestrian boulevard, running from Taksim Square down to Tunel, thronged day and night with shoppers, buskers and the nostalgic red tram. Duck into the side streets and passages for meyhanes, bars and live music.

★ 4.3

Beyoğlu

İstiklal Street

Kadikoy

Kadikoy Food Tour

A guided graze through the fantastic food market of Kadikoy on the Asian side, tasting cheeses, fish, Turkish delight, pickles and street food, with a local unpacking the city’s food culture. The tastiest way to cross to Asia.

★ 4.8

Kadıköy (Asian side)

Kadıköy Market

Karakoy

Karakoy Gulluoglu

The most famous baklava counter in Istanbul, run by the Gulluoglu family since 1949, its trays of glistening pistachio and walnut baklava cut fresh to order. Grab a portion and a tea and eat it on the spot; it is that good.

★ 4.4

$$$

Karakoy

Karakoy Lokantasi

A handsome turquoise-tiled institution in Karakoy, a casual lokanta of ready-made Turkish dishes by day that turns into a buzzing meyhane of meze and raki by night. Dependable, warm and always full; book for dinner.

★ 4.3

$$$

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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.