Istanbul

Istanbul, in northwestern Türkiye, is the only city in the world that spans 2 continents and is a constantly evolving cosmopolitan intersection. From magnificent mosques to mouthwatering meze, from ancient architecture to contemporary clubs, you’ll be mesmerized by the dazzling array of cultural experiences on offer.

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. The city is also home to the Egyptian Bazaar, packed with colorful, aromatic spices, not to mention the gargantuan Istanbul Cevahir—one of Europe’s largest shopping malls.

What to see & do in Istanbul

what’s around Istanbul

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul

Where & what to eat in Istanbul

Food and dining in Istanbul offer the opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Turkish culture through food with a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian flavors. Restaurants here offer iconic kebabs and mezes, but street food like döner and simit are essential to Turkish culinary tradition. These can be had at takeout stands and trucks across the city. You'll want to experience Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight, which...

10 Great Restaurants in Istanbul
The great restaurants in Istanbul often specialize in Anatolian cuisine with Eastern and Western influences. However, the city’s diverse gastronomical landscape includes Aegean, Mediterranean and international fare. Meat and seafood may be popular, but there’s plenty on offer for vegetarians....
10 Great Restaurants in Istanbul
10 Best Local Restaurants in Istanbul
The best local restaurants in Istanbul serve home-style meals, delicious comfort foods and, of course, doner kebabs. If you want to sample the local cuisine without breaking the bank, you should consider visiting a local hotspot when exploring the Turkish...
10 Best Local Restaurants in Istanbul

Where to shop & what to buy in Istanbul

10 Great Things to Buy at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Here are some great things to buy at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which is one of the city’s main attractions. You can easily spend a day exploring the Bazaar’s multitude of covered streets, which house over several thousand different kiosks. It...
10 Great Things to Buy at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Istanbul
The best places to go shopping in Istanbul are well-varied and spread evenly throughout the city. It has more than a hundred malls and a plethora of boutiques tucked away down side streets and alleyways. Even so, it’s the history...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Istanbul

Where to go & what to do at night in Istanbul

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Istanbul
This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Istanbul gives you a varied taste of Turkish nightlife. This bustling city is full of activities, performances, bars and more. From relaxing cocktails and shisha on the water to rollicking nightclubs and markets, your nights are bound to result in great memories. You’ll also get to see some of Istanbul’s...
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Useful information

Istanbul Travel Essentials
Our Istanbul Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Türkiye. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need?...
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