Istanbul travel guide
Meet IstanbulIstanbul weather reportGetting into IstanbulTop attractions in IstanbulGetting around Istanbul Where to eat in IstanbulPage 2: More information on Istanbul
Meet Istanbul
Istanbul is a heaving metropolis that literally bridges the gap between east and west. It straddles the Bosphorus, thus occupying a spot in both Europe and Asia. As a city of extremes, with everything from frenetic nightlife and panoramic belly-dancing clubs to tranquil, fountain-filled parks and a sleek Modern Art museum, there is something for everyone.
Istanbul’s landscape is dotted with minarets as the city is home to over 2,500 mosques. During the course of a day, the melodic echoes of the muezzins’ calls to prayer permeate the city, but Istanbul’s atmosphere is not only defined by religion. An undeniable aura of fun and spice pervades the entire city, imbuing everything from haggling over shoes in the Grand Bazaar to munching on corn on the cob in the streets with a fresh exuberance.
Taking in the modern aspects of Istanbul, such as the pumping nightclubs and designer boutiques can be complimented by indulging in authentic Turkish experiences, including a visit to a hammam (Turkish bath) or an evening spent smoking fragrant tobacco from a nargile and drinking thick, sweet coffee. Perhaps the most beautiful moment in Istanbul is dusk at Eminönü harbour, where you can pause for a second to take in the scent of grilled mackerel mingled with the sea air, as the world passes you by.
Istanbul weather report
Istanbul has a temperate climate, with warm, sunny weather from May to September. It is hottest during July and August and can experience low temperatures and rain between November and February.
The best time to visit is in late Spring or early Autumn, but check weather reports because there is a possibility of thunderstorms.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Istanbul
Two airports serve Istanbul, Atatürk International Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), which is where most budget airlines land. Atatürk is near the city centre and the easiest way to get there is to take the Metro or tram towards Aksaray and then change at Zeytinburnu for a tram to Eminönü or Sultanahmet.
From Sabiha Gökçen allow around an hour for the journey to the city centre, which can either be reached by taxi or by taking the E10 bus to Kadıköy, from where you can catch a quick ferry to Eminönü.
Many hotels offer free airport transfer if you are staying a certain number of night, so be sure to check before you fly.
Top attractions in Istanbul
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Istanbul offers many ways to occupy your time whether you are looking for an authentic Turkish café or fashionable designer boutiques. But the best way to begin your Istanbul trip is to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city by a visit to the Topkapı Palace.Built in 1461 by Sultan Mehmet II, the palace housed the headquarters of the Ottoman Empire as well as the private living quarters of the sultan for the next 400 years. Allow a good half day to explore this treasure trove of Islamic architecture, whose highlights include a glittering collection of jewels and religious relics, and a palace within a palace, the harem.
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In the centre of Sultanahmet lies Sultanahmet Park, separating two of the most famous structures in Turkey. One is the famous Blue Mosque with its iconic six minarets. Completed in 1616, and with its ornate interior decorated with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, the mosque is still in use today. The other building is the Haghia Sophia, a 6th century church that was turned into a mosque when the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453. Haghia Sophia has been a museum since 1934, and it truly is a wonderful building, with its mix of intricate Christian mosaics and Islamic architecture.
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For as much shopping as you could ever wish for, head to the Grand Bazaar. With over a square mile of covered shopping arcades, it is easy to lose track of time while haggling over traditional Turkish tiles, tea sets, leather goods and just about anything else you can think of. Also be sure to leave time to visit the Spice Bazaar, where the fragrance of spices and fresh tea hang in the air and samples of Turkish Delight are handed out freely.
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There are plenty of excursions that will take you further afield, including visiting the Maiden’s Tower, a medieval tower that sits in the Bosphorus between the European and Asian sides of the city and the Dolmabahçe Palace with its grand ceremonial staircase and rococo décor.
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Night time attractions include strolling down the bustling Istiklal Caddesi in the trendy Beyoğlu section of the city. Take in the magnificent minaret-filled views from the Galata Tower or watch the whirling dervishes at the nearby Galata Mevelevihanesi.
Getting around Istanbul
Istanbul’s transport system is varied. There is an underground network, buses, trams and ferries. Trams offer the simplest way to get around and experience the city at the same time. Tickets cost 1.50 YTL per journey, but it is possible to get an Akbil tag which stores credit and saves about 10%.
Ferry rides are a fun way to get about, as well as an option for taking a relaxing boat ride. Taking the commuter ferry is a much cheaper way to travel further afield than the cash-hungry tourist rides.
There are plenty of taxis in Istanbul, but beware of dishonest drivers eager to swindle a flustered tourist.
Where to eat in Istanbul
Istanbul offers a variety of cuisine to suit most tastes and palates. The most informal and authentic option is to purchase balık ekmek, grilled mackerel on bread, from one of the many vendors along the river. With some salt, salad and splash of lettuce, this is a tasty and economical meal. There are also numerous mobile stalls around the city offering boiled or grilled corn on the cob, which make for a tasty snack.
If actual restaurants are more your thing, Doy-Doy serves traditional Turkish fare, including kebabs and lahmacun, while offering views of the Blue Mosque from a roof-top terrace, and all at good prices. Slightly more pricey is the well-known Pandeli, situated in the Spice Bazaar’s old guardhouse and decorated with blue tiles. Its specialties include aubergine börek and sea bass. Mikla is an expensive restaurant in Beyoğlu, situated at the top of the Marmara Pera Hotel complete with a rooftop cocktail bar and pool.
The inventive Turko-Finnish chef Mehmet Gürs serves up a tempting concoction of modern Turkish and Scandinavian fare. If you travel further out to Ortaköy, be sure to eat at the stylish Banyan, a waterfront Southeast Asian fusion restaurant where the setting combined with the food makes it a meal to remember.