how to plan a trip to Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul travel guide with 10 things to do
Discover the unique and lesser-known attractions of Istanbul with this comprehensive guide. From visiting hidden neighborhoods to tasting local delicacies, this article provides insider tips to make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.
I’m going on record to say that Istanbul is one of my all-time favourite cities— a big call made by someone who’s on her way to her 60th country next year. But somewhere between the food, the friendly people, and the extraordinary cityscape, I fell in love deeper and deeper with Turkey’s capital city with every step {and ferry boat ride} I took. The colourful streets of Balat, charming corners in Karaköy, and ethereal sunsets from on the water made for some of the most magical travel memories of my year. Istanbul surprised me by just how swept-off-my-feet I felt by the end of my stay.
This post serves as a guide for those a little overwhelmed with the process of planning a trip to Istanbul. Those who might need a helping hand in outlining everything there is to see, where to eat, and how to get around this gleaming city.
getting a visa for Turkey ↴
The question I got asked repeatedly this summer was about how difficult it was to obtain a visa for Turkey— it wasn’t at all! In fact, an e-visa as a tourist cost me USD $20 and took 1 day to process. I printed my confirmation e-mail, but they didn’t require this at the airport {others were showing them their email confirmation}.
Apply for your Visa for Turkey here
best time to visit Istanbul ↴
There are two prime times for visiting Turkey: from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is comfortable and there are fewer crowds. I visited in August and the weather was a little on the warm side. However, there was only one day of rain during my entire stay in Turkey and the crowds weren’t terrible like many people have written online. Every Spring there is a Tulip Festival, so planning a springtime trip might be the way to go if you’re not into the heat.
getting to Istanbul ↴
BY AIR: The main airport that services the city is Istanbul Atatürk Airport {ISL, formerly known as IST}) on the European side of Istanbul. Getting from the Istanbul Airport to the city center or vice-versa is easy by 40-minute airport transit bus, which runs approximately every 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to note important is to know that you can show the name of your destination. The people at the airport can tell which bus you should take. Expect to pay between 15 and 25 TL {USD $2.50 – 4} depending on your destination.
BY TRAIN: You can also get to Istanbul via the overnight train from Sofia, Bulgaria. If it’s anything like the ride to Sofia from Istanbul, then I highly, highly recommend giving it a go. It’s both comfortable and affordable.
how to get around Istanbul ↴
Istanbul has a fantastic public transport system made up of ferry boats, trams, buses, and a metro network. Transport throughout the city is affordable and tickets can be purchased at most stops/stations, or from drivers {for those using the bus}. My suggestion is to get an Istanbul Kart which can be charged up and used on all varieties of public transport. These are available at the airport or around the city.
PRO-TIP: Whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, you only need to get 1 Istanbul Kart. You’re allowed to swipe a single card multiple times to pay for more than one person’s ride.
sim cards + wifi in Istanbul ↴
It’s easy enough to pick up a SIM card at the airport , but it was expensive {even by London standards}. Turkcell is often the recommended SIM card for internet-obsessed tourists in Turkey, however, it is costly.
where to stay in Istanbul↴
There are an overwhelming number of AirBnBs in Istanbul, some nicer than others. I didn’t even look at hotels, because the price tag and location of the AirBnB offerings in the city were so nice. Whether you’re looking for a private room or an entire apartment to yourself, there is Istanbul accommodation on the site to suit the needs of your stay.
We also love using Booking.com to book the best places to stay around the world.
what to see + do in Istanbul ↴
catch views at galata tower
Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower built on a hill overlooking almost the entirety of Istanbul. You are free to walk around the tower, but it will cost you to visit the top and catch the views. The tower opens at 9 AM and admission to the top costs 25 Turkish Lira {roughly USD $4}.
get that “Instagram” shot at Umbrella Street
It’s only a short walk from Galata Tower to the Karaköy neighbourhood, where there is no shortage of cocktail bars and cafés. This area also has plenty of photo potential thanks to its famous umbrella street. Honestly, I saw more impressive “umbrella streets” during my summer Euro-trip, but this one is mentioning to anyone on the hunt for that Instagram spot.
be amazed by the Hagia Sophia Museum
From the Blue Mosque, we already see our next stop; Hagia Sophia. This UNESCO museum belongs to the world’s greatest archaeological achievements. The interiors of Hagia Sophia will amaze you if you’re anything like me {i.e. love a good detail}. Hagia Sophia is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9AM- 7PM and tickets cost 60 TL {USD $11}. Avoid scams by not purchasing skip-the-line passes on the streets. Instead, if you’re in a time crunch or hate queues, order your tickets online in advance here.
stand in awe of the blue mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is probably Istanbul’s most famous landmark. The blue interior of the mosque is exquisite and is the source of the site’s nickname. In order to avoid tour groups, you’ll want to head here by 8:30AM. This will also insure you don’t disturb prayer times for locals. There is no fee for admission, but you must be covered {shoulders, knees, and hair}. If you aren’t dressed appropriately, there are coverings available free of charge for visitors to use.
ferry across the water to colourful Balat
Balat is one of the oldest districts in Istanbul. Its vibrant, hilly streets are home to rows of beautiful wooden houses, all painted colourfully. In recent years, Balat has seen a renaissance or sorts, becoming a trendy area of the city especially good for foodies and coffee lovers for Turkish food and strong drip. On our last night in Istanbul, we had dinner while it rained {the only night of rain on our entire summer trip through Europe, Northern Africa, and Turkey}, eating by candlelight in a beautiful pasta restaurant near the train station. That night, I looked at Luke and said between mouthfuls of pasta that I would so happily live in Balat.
café hop
The café culture in Turkey is fantastic, especially in its capital city. I was pleasantly surprised by both the trendy and modern cafés and the traditional coffee shops I stumbled into while exploring Istanbul.
READ ALSO: 8 of the best cafés + work spaces in Istanbul, Turkey {with a map}
delight the senses at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a maze of stalls and shops selling spices, nuts, oils, sweets, jewelry, and dried fruits. The bazaar isn’t open on holidays {national or religious}.
visit the city’s Grand Bazaar
For a feel of old-world Turkey, you have to visit the Grand Bazaar. Filled with lanterns, rugs, and jewelry, the Bazaar is a large indoor shopping space where vendors sell traditional products. Haggling is encouraged, but good luck! The merchants at the Grand Bazaar drive a very hard bargain and are expertly skilled in the art of negotiation. It is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!
feel like royalty at topkapi palace
Topkapi was once the giant palace residence for the sultans and their families. Today, the palace has been turned into a magnificent museum with all its intricate tiling and marble work preserved. Though there is an entrance fee of 60 TL {USD $11} and a separate ticket to visit the harem 35 TL {USD $6}, it’s well worth the money. Topkapi boasts four large courtyards with gardens, smaller buildings, and a gorgeous view over the water. But, for me, it was the harems that were extra impressive. The Topkapi Harem has 300 rooms, 9 Turkish baths, 2 Mosques, and its own hospital. The admission fee is worth it for the harem alone.
see the Colored Houses on Yerebatan Street
It’s only a 4-minute walk from Topkapi Palace to Yerebatan Street. This little block is filled with vibrant houses painted in all different colours, similarly to my beloved Balat. As you continue to walk down the road, the street quickly turns into shopping and hotels.
where to eat + grab coffee in Istanbul ↴
coffee + breakfast spots
Swedish Coffee Point
This small space has a variety of delicious baked goods and manual brew coffee that ranks it high on my list of best coffee spots in the city.
OPENING HOURS: Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM- 10:30PM, Fridays from 8:30AM- 11PM, Saturdays from 9AM- 11PM, Sundays from 9AM- 10:30PM
sirin firin | bakery
Great for an early morning coffee and bakery-fresh simit, you will not regret grabbing a seat outdoors and flipping through their magazine collection while watching others grab their ‘grams near Galata Tower.
OPENING HOURS: 6AM- 12AM daily
Muse coffee + Botanical
Tied with Journey for my favourite café is Muse, a botanical shop with a small café inside. Plants hang from shelves and the ceilings and the coffee here is dark and strong.
OPENING HOURS: Monday through Friday from 10AM- 7:30PM, Saturdays from 11AM- 7:30PM, closed on Sundays
This place was so good, we went back multiple times. Everything I ordered off the menu was fantastic in terms of both food and drink. If I were to base myself in Istanbul, this is the café you’d find me in working away at one of the large wooden tables with dim lighting and an overwhelming amount of both greenery and vinyl records decorating the space. I cannot say enough good things about Journey— you won’t want to miss it, especially if you’re vegetarian.
OPENING HOURS: 9AM- 2AM daily
Read: 8 of the best cafés + work spaces in Istanbul, Turkey {with a map}.
lunch + dinner joints
Pizzeria Pera
Located in the Beyoglu District of Istanbul, Pizzeria Pera is the ideal place to go for wood-fire pizza on a rainy night. While not the local cuisine, it sure makes for a romantic night out if you’ve already spent a week or more enjoying the delicious-ness of Turkish food.
OPENING HOURS: Monday through Saturday from 12PM- 10PM, closed on Sundays
fida café
Across the water in Balat is an array of cafés perfect for a cup of coffee or
OPENING HOURS: 9AM- 11PM daily
Dogaciyiz Gourmet
On a warm day in Istanbul, you can’t beat outdoor seating and Turkish food while people watching. There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
OPENING HOURS: 8AM- 9PM daily
Babel Café
Incredible, traditional Turkish food made by a family in the most cozy of atmospheres. The owner has recently established a sister café in London {what are the odds, right?!}, and spent a good bit of time guiding us through the menu as he poured us cool water. At his suggestion, we ordered the mezze platter and indulged in all the veggies, hummus, and various Turkish dips our stomachs would allow.
OPENING HOURS: 11AM- 2AM daily
safety in Istanbul ↴
I had been warned by family and friends that Turkey was a dangerous place unfit for a woman like me to be venturing off to— all of whom had, of course, never actually been to Turkey themselves, but had heard horror stories showcased on mainstream news outlets. In saying that, I am in no way trying to belittle the horrors that are occurring currently in the Southern part of Turkey. I went while tensions were high, but did my due diligence to research the areas of Turkey that weren’t facing such violent conflict. I never felt unsafe in Istanbul {or Turkey at large}. I never felt followed or threatened or intimidated. As a matter of fact, Morocco, a country highly recommended to me by many in the travel blogging community, felt much more “uncomfortable” to me than just about anywhere else I’d ever been {bar China}. Istanbul was warm and friendly, thus I hope you have read this guide and remember that every person’s experiences are different, but an open mind and an open heart always make for better adventures.
map ↴
Find everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Istanbul, Turkey on the map below.
