Istanbul

Two continents on the Bosphorus

Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

Recommended stay: 3–4 days
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
Airports: IST · SAW

Istanbul at a glance

Istanbul spans two continents, with mosques, palaces, bazaars and ferries crossing the Bosphorus. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace and Kadikoy are linked by metro, tram and ferry. The Princes' Islands, Bursa, Sile and Anadolu Kavagi are day trips. The two airports are Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). An Istanbulkart is valid on the metro, trams, buses and ferries.

Quick information

Recommended stay3–4 days

Best time to visitApril to June and September to November

AirportsIST · SAW

Budget travelRooms and reserved palace or ferry days move the total most. Check prices shortly before your trip instead of relying on a fixed estimate.

Spring and autumn are comfortable for Sultanahmet's courtyards, bazaar lanes and ferry decks without the height of the summer heat. In summer, save the cistern, palaces and mosque interiors for midday. Winter is milder than inland Turkey, though rain can obscure the views.

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

M11 metro (Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport)

Metro link between the airport and Gayrettepe, with connections to the city's metro network

Fare by number of stations (Istanbulkart or single-use ticket)Transport

Must-see sights

Hagia Sophia

Blue Mosque

Topkapi Palace

Sights

One-day itinerary

Morning: Visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque around worship and visitor access.
Lunch: Have lunch in Sultanahmet and pause before continuing underground.
Afternoon: Visit Basilica Cistern, then choose the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar.
Evening: Walk along the Eminönü waterfront and have dinner nearby.

Itineraries

Best areas to stay

Sultanahmet
The heart of the historic peninsula, with quieter evenings than Beyoglu. Reaching Kadikoy requires a ferry crossing.
Best for
First visits, mosques and walking
Karakoy / Galata
Galata
Steep streets above the Golden Horn, a short tram ride from Sultanahmet.
Best for
Tower views and ferry rides
Beyoglu / Taksim
Beyoglu
Convenient for airport buses from IST; the main mosque interiors require a tram or funicular journey.
Best for
A livelier evening stay
Kadikoy
Markets and waterfront cafés, with convenient connections from SAW. Sultanahmet is reached by ferry and tram.
Best for
An Asian-side stay with ferries

Approximate budget

Budget
Varies
per day, per person
Simple rooms, street food and Istanbulkart; excludes travel to Istanbul.
Mid-range
Varies
per day, per person
Comfortable room, restaurants, Istanbulkart and selected palaces.
Comfort
Varies
per day, per person
Central stays, frequent dining, private transfers and a reserved ferry or palace day.

Airports

Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

IST
Istanbul Airport
40 km from city centre
SAW
Sabiha Gokcen Airport
45 km from city centre

Airport to city transport

Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

OptionTimePrice

IST

M11 metro (Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport)ISTThe station has lifts and signs to the arrivals level. Check the current operating hours, as first and last trains differ by direction.
Metro link between the airport and Gayrettepe, with connections to the city's metro network
Fare by number of stations (Istanbulkart or single-use ticket)
Details
The station has lifts and signs to the arrivals level. Check the current operating hours, as first and last trains differ by direction.
Havaist airport busISTHavaist runs several routes between the airport and the city. Buy tickets online in advance or at the boarding stop, and follow the Transport Floor signs on arrival.
Direct buses to areas such as Taksim, Kadıköy, Sultanahmet, Aksaray and Bakırköy; the time depends on traffic
Fare depends on the route
Details
Havaist runs several routes between the airport and the city. Buy tickets online in advance or at the boarding stop, and follow the Transport Floor signs on arrival.
Licensed airport taxiISTTaxis operate around the clock from the stands on the arrivals floor and at the exit gates. Use the taximeter and licensed vehicles only.
A road journey to the city; the time depends on traffic
Taximeter tariff set by the city authority
Details
Taxis operate around the clock from the stands on the arrivals floor and at the exit gates. Use the taximeter and licensed vehicles only.

SAW

M4 metro (Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen)SAWThe airport station has three entrances, including one at the terminal. At Kadıköy the M4 connects with the T3 tram and ferries, and at Ayrılık Çeşmesi with Marmaray. Check current operating hours.
Direct metro line from Kadıköy
Fare by number of stations (Istanbulkart or single-use ticket)
Details
The airport station has three entrances, including one at the terminal. At Kadıköy the M4 connects with the T3 tram and ferries, and at Ayrılık Çeşmesi with Marmaray. Check current operating hours.
Havabus shuttleSAWHavabus shuttles wait in front of the terminal exits at arrivals level. Confirm the current fare and timetable on the Havabus website.
Direct shuttles to Kadıköy and Taksim; the time depends on traffic
Shuttle fare
Details
Havabus shuttles wait in front of the terminal exits at arrivals level. Confirm the current fare and timetable on the Havabus website.
TaxiSAWTaxis wait in front of the terminal at arrivals level. The airport is a long way from Taksim and the old city, so a taxi suits groups or heavy luggage.
A road journey via the TEM motorway; the time depends on traffic
Metered fare
Details
Taxis wait in front of the terminal at arrivals level. The airport is a long way from Taksim and the old city, so a taxi suits groups or heavy luggage.

Getting around

Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

OptionTimePrice

Istanbulkart, metro, tram and walkingLoad an Istanbulkart. Sultanahmet is easy to explore on foot; Galata and Kadikoy require a tram, metro, funicular or ferry. Check the last metro and ferry services.
Best for Sultanahmet, the bazaars, Galata and Kadikoy
Istanbulkart rules
Details
Load an Istanbulkart. Sultanahmet is easy to explore on foot; Galata and Kadikoy require a tram, metro, funicular or ferry. Check the last metro and ferry services.
Ferry and taxiCity ferries are everyday transport, not only sightseeing. A car is unnecessary on the historic peninsula.
For Bosphorus crossings and late returns
Istanbulkart or taxi fare rules
Details
City ferries are everyday transport, not only sightseeing. A car is unnecessary on the historic peninsula.

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Istanbul at a glance

Quick information

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

Must-see sights

One-day itinerary

Best areas to stay

Sultanahmet

Karakoy / Galata

Beyoglu / Taksim

Kadikoy

Approximate budget