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.

Ortakoy

The Stay Bosphorus

A sleek, design-led hotel right on the Bosphorus at Ortakoy, with a waterfront terrace and rooms looking across to Asia. A calmer, glamorous base away from the old-city crowds, with the strait at your feet.

★ 4.6

$$$

Karakoy

The Vault Karakoy

A striking design hotel in a monumental former bank on Karakoy’s old banking street, its soaring lobby and vault details intact. Handsome rooms and a hip neighbourhood of galleries, cafes and nightlife on the doorstep.

★ 4.6

Sultanahmet

Topkapi Palace

The opulent seat of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries, a series of courtyards, jewelled treasuries and tiled pavilions above the Bosphorus. Pay the extra for the Harem, the most beautiful part; allow half a day.

★ 4.7

Sultanahmet

Turkish Hammam Experience

Sweat, scrub and soak the traditional way in a centuries-old hammam, with a vigorous exfoliating scrub and a cloud of soap foam under a marble dome. Historic bathhouses like Cagaloglu and Kilic Ali Pasa make it a memorable ritual.

★ 4.6

Cihangir

Van Kahvalti Evi

A Cihangir favourite for the full Turkish breakfast experience, a table groaning with cheeses, honey with clotted cream, olives, eggs, jams and fresh bread in the eastern Van style. Go hungry and go with friends.

★ 4.6

Beyoglu

Whirling Dervishes Ceremony

A hypnotic Sufi Sema ceremony, the spinning, white-robed whirling dervishes turning in meditative prayer to haunting music. Authentic performances (such as at the Galata Mevlevihanesi) are a moving window into Turkey’s mystical tradition.

★ 4.5

Kadikoy

Yanyali Fehmi

A Kadikoy market fixture serving some of the best Ottoman and Turkish home cooking in the city since the early 1900s, hearty stews, stuffed vegetables and slow-cooked classics. Old-fashioned, generous and thoroughly local.

★ 4.5

Before you go

Things we recommend sorting before any trip. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel medical insuranceSafetyWing's Nomad Insurance works like a subscription: pay by the month, cover in most countries worldwide, and you can sign up even after your trip has started.Check prices on SafetyWing

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.