Istanbul, a vibrant city straddling Europe and Asia, is a captivating destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling bazaars. The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Typical trips to Istanbul span around 3 to 5 days, allowing visitors to explore its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, historic sites, and lively culinary scene, making it a must-see for travelers interested in cultural immersion and urban exploration.
With over 270 tours available in the TripWays catalog, Istanbul offers a wide range of experiences. Highlights include more than 200 cultural and theme tours that delve into the city’s rich heritage, nearly 190 bus or minivan tours providing convenient transport and sightseeing, and over 170 luxury and special occasion tours perfect for those seeking exclusive experiences. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or gastronomy, Istanbul’s diverse tour options ensure a memorable visit.
The best time to visit Türkiye is generally during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller.
A typical visit to Istanbul lasts between 3 to 5 days, which allows ample time to explore the city's main attractions and experience its culture.
Tour prices in Istanbul vary widely depending on the type and length of the tour, with options ranging from budget-friendly half-day tours to more expensive luxury experiences.
Popular areas to stay in Istanbul include Sultanahmet for historical sites, Beyoğlu for nightlife and shopping, and Kadıköy on the Asian side for a more local experience.
Popular day trips from Istanbul include visiting the Princes' Islands, exploring the ancient city of Troy, and touring the historic town of Edirne.
Istanbul is served by two major airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), with numerous international and domestic flights connecting the city to destinations worldwide.
These days, Hippodrome is known as Sultanahmet Square for the new generation. Around this square, some beautiful museums and mosques multiply Hippodrome's glory. This is a great chance to discover the ancient character of this city and see the original face of Turkey. Several hotels have been built around the Hippodrome, so you can admire the greatness of it from your room's window every day.
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Chora Church is one of the most distinguished historic sites in Istanbul, Turkey. The Church of Chora is very old, and it has experienced many incidents and has been rebuilt several times. One of the most costly renovations to the church took place in the 12th century after an earthquake almost completely destroyed it. The last renovations of this church have been done to turn it into a mosque for Muslims. In Byzantine times, this church was one of the most important churches, and people came from different places to watch and worship in it.
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The Princes’ Islands are a cluster of 9 islands southeast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara., known for its horse-drawn carriages (phaetons). Among these islands, Büyükada is the biggest and most famous one, attracting millions of tourists annually.
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Out of all the cities in the world, Istanbul is known to have the most cisterns. And it's not just about quantity! The cisterns laying under the streets of this city each have their own unique story and structure. But if you only want to visit one cistern in your life, we recommend this breathtaking underground palace, named Basilica Cistern. It won't disappoint!
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Topkapi Palace Museum is located between the Golden Horn and the Marmara Sea in Istanbul in the region of Sultan Ahmed and has a great view of the Bosphorus Strait. The palace has three gates, the Imperial gate (Bab Humayoon), Bab Selam, and Bab Sa'ada. The palace has four courts and 17 exhibitions. Get the map to decide about your tour.
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The Istanbul Aquarium is placed in the Aqua Florya mall, located near Yesilkoy. Since it’s close to the Ataturk Airport, you can plan on visiting there right after you land in Istanbul or before you jet out. You would be able to watch planes flying over the mall.
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