Istanbul holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports and health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Flights from the UK to Istanbul typically take between three hours and 45 minutes to four hours, depending on your departure airport.

Istanbul is two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three hours ahead in winter – so when it's 9am in the UK during summer, it's 11am in Istanbul.  

Must-see attractions include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque – AKA the Sultan Ahmed Mosque – the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. The Spice Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, and a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait are also popular things to see and do. The historic Sultanahmet District contains many of the city's most famous landmarks.

The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish lira. While some tourist establishments may accept euros or US dollars, you'll get better value using the local currency, especially in markets, local restaurants, and for public transport.

The best time to visit Istanbul is between April and May, and September and November, when the weather is mild and temperatures sit between 15°C and 25°C. June through to August can be hot and humid, while December to February can be cold, rainy, and occasionally snowy.

Popular areas to stay in include Sultanahmet, which is close to major historical sites. Beyoglu and Taksim are known for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Karakoy is a trendy waterfront district. And Besiktas offers a more local experience with good transport links. For luxury stays, the Bosphorus shoreline flaunts upscale hotels with camera-worthy views.

Istanbul uses European-style two-pin plug sockets – types C and F. You'll need to bring a European travel adapter to use UK electrical appliances.

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network including trams, metros, funiculars, ferries and buses. The Istanbul Card, or Istanbulkart, can be used across all public transport and offers discounted fares. Taxis are easy to catch but traffic can be heavy. Avoid driving yourself as traffic and parking can be challenging.

Istanbul is perfect for retail therapy, from the historic Grand Bazaar – one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets – to the aromatic Spice Bazaar. There are also modern shopping malls like Istinye Park and Cevahir. Popular purchases include Turkish carpets, ceramics, lanterns, textiles, leather goods, jewellery, and Turkish delight.

When visiting mosques, both men and women should dress modestly. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees – scarves are usually provided at major mosques if needed. Men should wear long trousers, and everyone must remove their shoes before entering.

Must-try dishes include kebabs, kofte meatballs, pide – AKA Turkish pizza – and lahmacun, a thin meat-topped flatbread. Other local dishes include baklava, Turkish delight, and fresh seafood from the Bosphorus. Don't miss experiencing a Turkish breakfast, and tea and coffee. Street food like sesame bread rings and roasted chestnuts are also popular snacks.

Yes, several day trips are possible from Istanbul. Popular options include visits to Princes' Islands, the ancient city of Troy, the Ottoman-era city of Edirne, or the seaside town of Şile. Longer day trips can take you to Bursa or even Gallipoli.

Yes, you can easily visit both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in a single trip, because it’s one of the few cities in the world that spans two continents. The city is divided by the Bosphorus Strait, with about two-thirds of the population living on the European side and one-third on the Asian side. Crossing between continents can take as little as 20 minutes by ferry, making it a popular and unique experience.

Istanbul is known for its hospitality and welcoming attitude toward visitors. Locals are generally friendly and often willing to help tourists navigate the city. The tourism infrastructure is well-developed with many signs in English, and staff in hotels, restaurants, and major attractions who speak English.

A minimum of three or four days is recommended to see Istanbul's major highlights, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. For a longer experience that includes both the European and Asian sides, boat trips on the Bosphorus, and time to explore neighbourhoods beyond the city centre, five to seven days is plenty.

Sultanahmet is ideal for first-time visitors, as it's home to major attractions like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace – you'll save time and transport costs with these sites within walking distance. Beyoglu, a neighbourhood that includes Taksim, Galata, and Karakoy, offers lively nightlife, lots of dining options, and a more local atmosphere with excellent public transport links. Sultanahmet is quieter in the evenings, while Beyoglu is livelier, with more entertainment options.

The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are different in their origins and history. The Hagia Sophia was built in 537CE as a Byzantine Christian cathedral and later converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. It served as a museum for much of the 20th century before being reconverted to a mosque in 2020. The Blue Mosque was built in 1616 as an Ottoman mosque from the beginning. Architecturally, the Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome and Byzantine mosaics, while the Blue Mosque is famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles that give it its nickname.

Yes, a Bosphorus cruise is definitely worth it, and considered one of Istanbul's essential experiences. It offers unique perspectives of the city from the water, showcasing both the European and Asian shores lined with historic palaces, wooden Ottoman mansions, modern villas, and impressive fortresses. The cruise provides a geographical understanding of Istanbul's layout and the strategic importance of the strait. It's also a relaxing break from the city's busy streets, with refreshing breezes and beautiful views, especially during sunset cruises.

Istanbul locals favour neighbourhoods away from tourist centres. Kadikoy on the Asian side is a food lover's paradise, especially the market area and streets around Moda. In Besiktas, small eateries serve authentic Turkish cuisine at reasonable prices. Locals frequent the backstreets of Karakoy for trendy cafes and modern Turkish restaurants. The Kurtulus and Ferikoy neighbourhoods offer diverse ethnic cuisines including Armenian and Greek specialties. For traditional meyhanes – or taverns – locals head to Nevizade Street near Istiklal Avenue or Cicek Pasaji.

Yes, you can easily cross between Europe and Asia via ferry in Istanbul. The main ferry routes connect European Istanbul from piers at Eminonu, Karakoy, Besiktas and Kabataş to Asian Istanbul – Uskudar and Kadikoy. These ferries run frequently throughout the day, with departures every 15-20 minutes during peak hours. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and offers spectacular views of Istanbul's skyline, making it not just a practical transportation option but also a scenic mini-cruise on the Bosphorus.

Yes, Uber is available in Istanbul, but it operates differently than in many other countries. Rather than connecting riders with private drivers, Uber in Istanbul works with licensed yellow taxi drivers. When you request an Uber, you'll get a regular Istanbul taxi, but with the convenience of the Uber app for booking, tracking your route, and cashless payment. The service is called "Uber Taksi" and follows the same metered fares as regular taxis, plus a small booking fee.

The most convenient options from Istanbul Airport to the city centre are airport taxis and the Havaist airport shuttle buses. Taxis provide door-to-door service with a fixed rate system based on your destination – it’s approximately 350-450 Turkish lira to Sultanahmet or Taksim. The Havaist buses are comfortable, affordable – about 30-45 Turkish lira – and serve major destinations including Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. The journey takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and your destination. For budget travellers, the M11 metro line connects to the city's metro network but requires transfers to reach central areas.

December in Istanbul is cool and often rainy with average temperatures ranging from 5°C  to 10°C. The city is less crowded with tourists, offering a more authentic experience and shorter lines at major attractions. Christmas isn't widely celebrated in this predominantly Muslim country, but New Year's Eve is a major celebration with fireworks over the Bosphorus. December brings festive decorations along Istiklal Avenue and in shopping malls. Indoor activities like museums, the Grand Bazaar, and visiting the Turkish baths are popular. And hotel rates are generally lower, except during the New Year period.

Yes, shops and mosques remain open during Ramadan in Istanbul. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions maintain normal business hours, especially in tourist areas. Mosques are not only open but are particularly active during Ramadan with additional prayers, especially the evening tarawih prayers. Major tourist sites like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia continue regular visiting hours for tourists, though they may be busier with worshippers at prayer times. In non-tourist neighbourhoods, some small local businesses might adjust their hours slightly, opening later or closing earlier.

Tulips typically bloom in Istanbul from late-March to early-May, with mid-April usually being the peak blooming period. The exact timing varies each year depending on weather conditions – a warm spring can bring earlier blooms, while cooler temperatures may delay flowering. The Istanbul Tulip Festival is generally held throughout April to coincide with peak bloom times. This is when the city's parks and gardens are at their most colourful, with millions of tulips creating spectacular displays.

Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, particularly Visa and Mastercard. Most hotels, restaurants, larger shops, shopping malls, and tourist attractions accept card payments. American Express and Discover have more limited acceptance. Smaller establishments, local markets, street vendors, and some traditional shops in areas like the Grand Bazaar may only accept cash. Always carry some Lira for smaller purchases, transport, and places that don't accept cards.

English proficiency varies widely in Istanbul. In tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoglu, you'll find that hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, and those working in major attractions generally speak functional to excellent English. Younger Turks, especially those with university education, often speak English well. However, in residential neighbourhoods, local markets, and when interacting with older residents or service workers outside tourist zones, English knowledge may be limited or non-existent. Having a translation app and learning a few basic Turkish phrases is helpful for a smoother experience.

No, shorts are not acceptable when visiting mosques in Istanbul. Both men and women must cover their legs at least to the knees – full-length pants or skirts are preferable. Women must also cover their heads, shoulders, and necks. Major tourist mosques like the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque provide coverings, like long skirts and headscarves, at the entrance for visitors who aren't appropriately dressed, but it's more respectful to arrive properly attired. Some smaller mosques may not have coverings available and might deny entry if you're wearing shorts.

Istanbul can be a rewarding destination for solo female travellers with proper preparation and awareness. Many women travel alone in Istanbul successfully and safely. The city has good public transportation, lots of accommodation options catering to solo travellers, and many group tour opportunities for meeting others. As in any major city, staying aware of your surroundings, dressing somewhat modestly in non-tourist areas, and following basic safety precautions will help ensure a positive experience.

For a romantic stay in Istanbul, consider the waterfront areas along the Bosphorus like Ortakoy, Bebek, or Arnavutkoy, which offer pretty views and intimate restaurants. The historic Çiragan Palace Kempinski and Four Seasons Bosphorus provide luxury waterfront experiences. In the old city, boutique hotels in converted Ottoman mansions in Sultanahmet offer easy access to major sites. The Galata neighbourhood features charming hotels in historic buildings with rooftop terraces overlooking the Golden Horn. For a more local romantic experience, consider the tree-lined streets of Cihangir or the Asian side's waterfront in Uskudar.