Istanbul
Turkey
Overview
A transcontinental city straddling Europe and Asia, where Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman mosques, and bustling bazaars line the shores of the Bosphorus.
Cost of Travel
Daily budget guide for Istanbul — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
per person per day
per person per day
per person per day
Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.
Explore Istanbul
Best Turkey Trips – Private & Guided Tours Across Turkey | Official Site
Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed)
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
A former Turkish prison transformed into an intimate luxury hotel, steps from Hagia Sophia with garden views and exceptional service.
Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
A charming boutique hotel overlooking the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet with a rooftop terrace and views of the Blue Mosque.
Where to Eat
Mikla
New Anatolian
A rooftop fine-dining restaurant at the Marmara Pera hotel, reinterpreting Anatolian cuisine with Scandinavian precision and Golden Horn views.
Karakoy Lokantasi
Turkish
A stylishly revamped lokanta in Karakoy serving elevated Turkish home cooking — mezes, kebabs, and seasonal stews.
Travel Tips
- Visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque early morning to avoid queues
- Haggle in the Grand Bazaar — it's expected and part of the fun
- Take a Bosphorus ferry cruise at sunset for unforgettable views
- Try a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) — it's a feast
- Remove shoes and cover shoulders/knees when entering mosques
- The Asian side (Kadikoy) has excellent food markets and fewer tourists
Getting There & Around
The Istanbulkart works across metro, tram, buses, and ferries. The T1 tram runs through the historic peninsula. Metro is modern and accessible. Bosphorus ferries are scenic and accessible. Taxis are cheap but traffic is brutal — use rail. Uber operates as BiTaksi.
Book & Reserve
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