Fascinating, cosmopolitan and at times mysterious: this is Istanbul, a city with a unique and invaluable historical and architectural heritage. Here, where Europe meets Asia, a city was born thousands of years ago that not only became an important centre for the history and economy of many peoples but also served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Also known as Constantinople or Byzantium, Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city and, although it is not the state capital, it remains the principal financial, industrial and cultural centre. The city is a true metropolis that stretches between Thrace (in Europe) and Anatolia (in Asia), making it the only city in the world that belongs to two continents.
Its strategic position on the Bosphorus Strait has always made it a highly coveted territory and an important commercial crossroads. Istanbul has a truly ancient history, but it was around the 7th century BC that it was occupied by Greek colonists from Megara, and the city (known at that time as Byzantium) began to develop rapidly, becoming a focal point of disputes during the Peloponnesian Wars.
Renamed Constantinople by the Emperor Constantine, Istanbul was also known as “the second Rome” or “New Rome” and was one of the greatest cradles of Christianity until the Ottoman conquest in the mid-15th century. During Ottoman rule, the city became not only a crossroads of commerce and cultures but also one of Europe’s largest and wealthiest cities.
Today, Istanbul is a bustling megalopolis and heavily visited, yet it has managed to preserve an ancient city centre rich with sites of interest. Its historical and architectural heritage reflects the various rulers, populations and cultures that have succeeded one another over the centuries, allowing you to take a genuine journey back in time.
We can start by saying that the best times to visit Istanbul are undoubtedly the shoulder seasons. In summer, the days are long and cultural and musical events multiply, making Istanbul a vibrant and lively destination. The summer months, however, are also very hot and humid, with temperatures in July and August that can exceed 30°C, making it difficult to visit sites of interest.
Winter, on the other hand, is cold and damp, characterised by minimum temperatures that can sometimes drop below freezing, with the possibility of snowfall due to arctic air masses. The winter months are also usually the wettest. Spring and autumn months have milder and more comfortable temperatures and are usually less popular with tourists. In particular, in spring the city “comes alive”: flowers adorn the buildings, tulips (the city’s symbolic flower) bloom and panoramic terraces open, allowing you to dine whilst admiring the cityscape from above.
Always check the weather forecast before departing to know what to pack.
Another detail to consider when planning a trip to Istanbul is certainly the month of Ramadan. Although Istanbul is an international and very touristy city, the majority of its people are of Islamic faith, so during the Ramadan period (dates of which vary according to the lunar calendar), the city experiences a different and more spiritual atmosphere. At lunchtime, some restaurants may be empty, others even closed, as the faithful observe fasting from dawn to dusk. Turkish families gather after sunset to dine together or have a picnic in the park: at this time of day the city comes alive and becomes very lively.
Istanbul is a megalopolis boasting numerous sites of historical and architectural interest that tell much about the city’s long history. In particular, some of the most famous attractions (the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace) are located in a historic area, now pedestrianised, that welcomes visitors from around the world each day interested in learning more about this city’s wonders. Whether you’re in Istanbul for a weekend or a longer stay, remember that this destination has many sites to visit spread across different areas, so the advice is to plan an itinerary to optimise your travel. Here, we suggest five must-see stops during a visit to the city.
The Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, named after Sultan Ahmet, who ordered its construction between 1609 and 1617. The international name of Blue Mosque comes from the fact that the walls, columns and dome of the religious building are decorated with over 21,000 tiles in blue and turquoise that, together with the windows, create elegant plays of light. The tiles used here came from the city of Iznik, the ancient Nicaea.
Another distinctive feature of this mosque is that at the time of its construction, Sultan Ahmet had requested six minarets, the same number as those at the Kaʿba Mosque in Mecca, something many of the faithful considered an affront. To resolve the matter, it was decided to add a seventh minaret to the Mecca mosque.
Hagia Sophia, or Aya Sofya, was built as the Church of Divine Wisdom in 537 by Emperor Justinian and was at the time considered the most important religious building in Constantinople. In the mid-15th century, when Mehmed the Conqueror took the city, the church was converted into a mosque. With the rise of Atatürk, the mosque was then transformed into a museum in 1935, and only in 2020 did President Erdoğan choose to convert it back into an Islamic place of worship.
Hagia Sophia is considered one of the greatest surviving masterpieces of Byzantine architecture and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Inside, you are immediately struck by the decorations made with magnificent mosaics composed of approximately 30 million coloured tiles, mostly gilded, which create stunning plays of light and shadow. The building has retained over the years its basilical layout, to which the mihrab, the prayer niche, and the pulpit for the Imam’s sermons have been added.
Just next to the Hagia Sophia Basilica, overlooking the Bosphorus, stands Topkapi Palace, known in Turkish as Topkapi Sarayi. The complex, extending over almost 700,000 square metres, is enormous and was the residence of the sultans and the seat of power of the Ottoman Empire for more than 4 centuries, until 1856.
Commissioned by Mehmed II, the palace was inaugurated in 1465 but was later enlarged by successive rulers. Inside are four courtyards that house buildings of great interest, such as the arms rooms, the kitchen, the harem, the royal stables, the treasuries and the Archaeological Museum.
In particular, the Treasury houses some truly precious objects, such as the 86-carat Kasikci Diamond, the Topkapi Dagger and the throne covered with gold leaf and gemstones. Also located in the complex’s garden is the Church of Saint Irene (or Church of Peace), which was commissioned by Emperor Constantine as the first church of Constantinople and has now been converted into a museum.
It is impossible to miss a visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, said to be the world’s largest covered market. Built by Mehmed II around the mid-15th century, the complex was later expanded several times over the years until it reached its current size. Known in Turkish as Kapali Carsi, the bazaar extends over an area of over 40,000 square metres and houses almost 4,000 shops where you can find objects and products of every kind.
Inside you will also find a few small bars serving Turkish coffee, tea and local typical sweets, a mosque and a bank. Comprising over 60 streets and 18 entrances, the Grand Bazaar is a place where it is truly easy to get lost among the numerous shops and the calls of merchants. This is certainly the place to buy some souvenirs of your Istanbul trip, but remember to always haggle on prices!
The Hippodrome of Istanbul, or Atmeydani, was commissioned around the 3rd century AD by Emperor Septimius Severus, but was later enlarged by Constantine I, who wanted to make the city a “New Rome”. The hippodrome’s dimensions were approximately 400 metres in length by 130 metres in width and it could accommodate around 100,000 people; details that made it second only to Rome’s Circus Maximus.
Initially built as a place for entertainment where chariot races and contests took place, it later became a site where government and popular gatherings occurred, which sometimes turned into rebellions, such as the Nika Riots, which arose to overthrow Emperor Justinian. During this uprising, the city was ravaged for several days and the Hagia Sophia Basilica was partly destroyed.
The disorder was stopped by General Belisarius, who ordered the death of nearly 30,000 rioters who were slaughtered right at the Hippodrome. Once decorated with columns and statues, most of these have been destroyed or removed to other cities over time. Unfortunately, the site lost its function over the centuries and was used as a quarry for materials for the construction of new buildings. What remain intact at the site are: the Obelisk of Theodosius (built by Pharaoh Thutmose II and brought to Constantinople by Theodosius I), the Serpent Column (from the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi), and the Column of Constantine VII.
Discover Istanbul through the eyes of expert guides who will take you on a tour of the city's hidden treasures. Participating in a guided visit or a free tour will allow you to capture the true essence of Istanbul.
The free tours are a viable alternative to traditional guided tours. They work like this: participation is free and at the end of the visit you can leave a tip at your discretion. Below you will find our favourite free tour, otherwise you can see the full list by visiting this page.
Given its location and the large number of connections, the best way to reach Istanbul is certainly by air. Until 2018, Istanbul had two airports: Atatürk International Airport, which stood on the European side of the city, and the smaller Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side. In 2019, Atatürk Airport was closed and a new terminal, known as the Istanbul International Airport, was opened on the European shore of the Black Sea.
Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines operate direct flights connecting Istanbul with many European cities as well as many other international destinations. Another alternative that some travellers consider is arriving in the city by train. Istanbul is connected by rail to several countries, including Greece, Bulgaria and Germany.
Istanbul has become a very popular tourist destination in recent years, so accommodation prices have increased, often adjusting to “more Western” rates. That said, it is still possible to stay in the city at reasonable prices, especially if you book in advance and avoid peak tourist seasons.
The best area to stay remains the old quarter in the Fatih district, in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, where the main sites of interest such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque are located. Hotels in this area have mid-to-high prices but allow you to reach the main attractions on foot without the stress of traffic. Here you’ll find small, simple guesthouses, new boutique hotels with all modern comforts and a few hostels.
Another area very close to Sultanahmet Square is that of the Grand Bazaar, where you can find slightly more economical options in a strategic location that allows you to reach Hagia Sophia on foot. Another alternative is to stay in the more modern and newer part of Istanbul where numerous hotels at various price levels are located, with Taksim Square in particular hosting the main international hotel chains.
Istanbul is an enormous and genuinely chaotic city, and road traffic can make journeys between different neighbourhoods difficult and time-consuming. To avoid getting stuck in traffic for hours, the best approach is to plan your movements carefully and use public transport wherever possible, such as trams and the metro. Istanbul’s underground railway boasts eleven lines, with eight on the European side of the Bosphorus and three on the Asian side.
There’s also the Marmaray line (or Commuter Train B1), which stretches 76.6 km and includes a tunnel beneath the Bosphorus strait connecting the European and Asian parts of the city. Alongside the metro, there are two tram lines at street level, three funiculars and several bus routes. However, the best way to soak up the city’s atmosphere is to explore on foot: walking allows you to witness genuine glimpses of everyday life in the city.
Istanbul stands in north-western Turkey along the Bosphorus Strait, with the natural harbour of the Golden Horn nestled at its southern tip and fronting the northern coastline of the Sea of Marmara. The city thus spans two continents, Europe and Asia, connected by the Bosphorus Bridge and three other suspension bridges.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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