Turkey · Europe
Istanbul
Two continents, grand mosques and spice-scented bazaars
Last updated: 29 August 2026
Trip length
3–4 days
Best time
April–May and September–November
Mid-range budget
$75–120 / day
Overview
Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, Istanbul stacks Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur beside a thumping modern city. Call to prayer echoes over the domes of Sultanahmet, ferries crisscross the strait, and the food — from simit to slow-cooked kebabs — is reason enough to visit. It's big, layered and endlessly rewarding.
Where to stay & explore
Sultanahmet
The historic peninsula — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Sight-dense, touristy.
Beyoğlu & Karaköy
Across the Golden Horn: İstiklal Street, galleries, rooftop bars and the city's coolest cafés.
Kadıköy (Asian side)
A local, foodie neighbourhood of markets and meyhanes — a short, scenic ferry away.
Beşiktaş & Ortaköy
Bosphorus-front dining under the bridge, waterside mosques and lively weekends.
Top attractions
- Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Topkapı Palace and its harem
- Bargain in the Grand and Spice Bazaars
- A Bosphorus ferry between two continents
- A traditional hammam steam and scrub
Sample itinerary
Imperial Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar, ending with a hammam.
Palaces & the strait
Topkapı Palace, the Spice Bazaar, then a Bosphorus ferry cruise at golden hour.
Modern Istanbul
İstiklal Street and Galata Tower, then ferry to Kadıköy for market food and meyhane dinner.
Budget guide
Budget
$35–55 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range
$75–120 / day
Boutique stays, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
$220+ / day
Top hotels, fine dining, private guides
Approximate spend per person, per day, excluding flights.
Practical travel tips
- 1Get an İstanbulkart for cheap trams, ferries and buses across both sides.
- 2Mosques close to tourists during the five daily prayers — check times and dress modestly.
- 3The scenic public ferries cost a fraction of tourist 'cruises' and go the same way.
- 4Agree a price before any 'free' tea or shoe-shine, and haggle politely in the bazaars.
Plan your own Istanbul trip
Turn this guide into a personalised 3–4 days itinerary — with hotels, restaurants and hidden gems matched to your exact budget, in seconds.
Plan Istanbul with a human
Want a real person to check every booking, opening hour and price? Tell us about your trip and we'll come back within 48 hours. What's included
New to WanderlyMe? See how it works — plan together, smart daily routes, every place verified against Google.