Istanbul
All travel Destination Guide

Things to Do in Istanbul

Everything you need for an unforgettable Istanbul trip — skip-the-line tickets, airport transfers, hotels, car hire and cheap flights, all in one place.

Istanbul is one of the world's most rewarding destinations — and planning your trip is simple when tickets, transfers, stays and flights all live in one place. Below you'll find hand-picked Istanbul experiences and travel deals from trusted booking partners, refreshed regularly so you always see live availability and fair prices.

Where to stay

Hotels in Istanbul: see today's live prices

Browse every hotel in Istanbul on Trip.com with today's real prices, guest reviews and free cancellation on most rooms.

See hotels on Trip.com

Best areas to stay in Istanbul

Pick the neighbourhood that fits your trip, then compare live hotel prices.

Area photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Sultanahmet, Istanbul
1 Sultanahmet$
First-timers & sightseeing

Historic, quiet, postcard-perfect

Walk to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, with easy tram access and the best concentration of classic sights.

Hotels in Sultanahmet
Beyoğlu, Istanbul
2 Beyoğlu$$
Food, bars & culture

Lively, creative, nightlife-friendly

Stay near Istiklal Street and Galata for restaurants, museums, and quick access to Taksim metro and ferries.

Hotels in Beyoğlu
Karaköy, Istanbul
3 Karaköy$$
Stylish stays & transit

Trendy, compact, waterfront

Close to Galata Bridge, ferry piers, and the tram, making it practical for exploring both the old city and the Bosphorus.

Hotels in Karaköy
Kadıköy, Istanbul
4 Kadıköy$$
Local life & dining

Local, relaxed, energetic

A great Asian-side base with excellent food, ferries to the historic center, and easy metro and Marmaray connections.

Hotels in Kadıköy
In season now · October

Autumn wine & harvest tours in Istanbul

Harvest-season tastings, vineyards and fall colours. Book early, these sell out fast this time of year.

Before you fly

Your Istanbul trip checklist

0/3 done
  • Book with Airalo
  • Book with Kiwitaxi
  • Book with Viator

How much does a Istanbul trip cost?

Adjust your trip and the estimate updates instantly.

Nights

4

Travellers

2

Travel style

Currency

  • HotelTypical

    4 nights × 1 room

    $440
  • Airport transfersTypical

    Return trip × 1 car

    $90
  • Tours & ticketsTypical

    4 days × 2 people

    $320
  • Food & drinksTypical

    4 days × 2 people

    $320
  • Local transportTypical

    4 days × 2 people

    $64

Estimated total

$617 per person

$1,234

Typical costs are researched estimates, refreshed monthly. "Live" prices come from current partner fares. Exchange rates update daily.

Things to Do in Istanbul

Tours, tickets and attractions

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

4.9(173 reviews)· 3h

Explore the rich history of Istanbul with a 3-hour guided tour visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. Benefit from pre-reserved admission tickets that allow for seamless entry, avoiding long waits. This small-group experience, limited to a personal setting, makes for

from$131
View Deal
Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

5.0(3,748 reviews)· 5h 30m

Ready to taste the best food on both sides of Istanbul? Start with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast in Europe in the heart of the historic Old City, before you sail across to Asia and explore the vibrant streets of Kadıköy. With your foodie guide, you’ll make 8 delicious stops during yo

from$135
View Deal
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

5.0(10,496 reviews)· 7h

Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Squ

from$90
View Deal
Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius

4.8(654 reviews)· 2h

Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Cistern on a 3-hour guided tour. Explore in small groups with skip the line tickets included. Learn about Istanbul’s rich Ottoman and Byzantine history.

from$63
View Deal
Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

4.6(3,275 reviews)· 3h

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your service with your private VIP tables to ensure that the guests have an unforgettable night by hosting your tours with definite departures every evening, in your f

from$32
View Deal
ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

5.0(1,634 reviews)· 6h

Discover Ottoman and Byzantine history on this private Istanbul city tour, perfect for cruise passengers, first-time visitors, and travelers with limited time seeking a deeper cultural experience. Explore Istanbul’s Old City (Sultanahmet) with a private guide, visiting UNESCO World Heritage landmar

from$85
View Deal
Top attractions & tours in Istanbul
Experiences Istanbul
Trip.com

Top attractions & tours in Istanbul

Skip-the-line tickets, day trips and tours in Istanbul, with instant confirmation.

View Deal
Skip-the-Line Tickets in Istanbul
ExperiencesSkip-the-line entry Istanbul
Tiqets

Skip-the-Line Tickets in Istanbul

Museums, landmarks and top attractions in Istanbul — instant mobile tickets with Tiqets, skip the queue.

View Deal
Things to Do in Istanbul
ExperiencesBest-price guarantee Istanbul
Klook

Things to Do in Istanbul

Book top tours, attractions and activities in Istanbul with Klook — instant mobile tickets and a best-price guarantee.

View Deal
Private Istanbul Day Tour and Famous Grand Bazaar
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Private Istanbul Day Tour and Famous Grand Bazaar

4.9(40 reviews)· 4h

Experience Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry as you visit the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman Islamic architecture adorned with iconic İznik tiles. Step into Hagia Sophia, a monument where centuries of Christian and Islamic history meet under one magnificent dome. Walk through the Hippodrome,

from$95
View Deal
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show and Pickup
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show and Pickup

4.3(95 reviews)· 3h

Set sail on a magical Bosphorus Dinner Cruise in Istanbul and enjoy an unforgettable evening between Europe and Asia. During this 2.5-hour cruise you will admire Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and Maiden’s Tower. Enjo

from$39
View Deal
Troy Full-Day Guided Tour incl. Transfer, Ferry Tickets w/Lunch
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Troy Full-Day Guided Tour incl. Transfer, Ferry Tickets w/Lunch

4.7(157 reviews)· 17h

Go on an epic adventure by visiting the the legendary, ancient city of Troy. Begin your trip by getting picked up from your hotel accommodation in central Istanbul. You will get down at the town of Eceabat, where you will feast on a delicious meal at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will get to

from$143
View Deal

Airport Transfers in Istanbul

Get from the airport to your hotel, hassle-free

Airport Transfers in Istanbul
TransferFixed price, no surge Istanbul
Kiwitaxi

Airport Transfers in Istanbul

Pre-book a private airport transfer in Istanbul with Kiwitaxi — fixed price, flight tracking and no surge pricing.

View Deal

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Hand-picked stays and live rates

Hotels in Istanbul
HotelLive hotel prices Istanbul
Trip.com

Hotels in Istanbul

Browse every hotel in Istanbul with today's real prices, guest reviews and free-cancellation options.

from$13
View Deal

Car Hire in Istanbul

Compare rental cars at great prices

Local Car Rental in Istanbul with Localrent
CarLocal prices Istanbul
Localrent

Local Car Rental in Istanbul with Localrent

Rent from trusted local car-hire companies in Istanbul — honest prices, no hidden fees, free cancellation options.

from€24/day
View Deal
Car Hire in Istanbul with GetRentacar
CarFree cancellation Istanbul
GetRentacar

Car Hire in Istanbul with GetRentacar

Compare rental cars from local and global suppliers in Istanbul, with free cancellation on most bookings.

from$7/day
View Deal

Flights in Istanbul

Find your best fare

Flights from London to Istanbul
FlightLive fares Istanbul
Trip.com

Flights from London to Istanbul

See today's fares from London to Istanbul across all airlines, then pick your dates.

View Deal

Compare car & bike rentals for Istanbul

2 trusted brands side by side. Check two or three to get the best deal.

Localrent

Best for: Islands & local deals

Cars · Europe, Asia & islands

from €24/day

Local prices

GetRentacar

Best for: Flexible bookings

Cars · 10,000+ locations

from $7/day

Free cancellation

Find the cheapest eSIM for Istanbul

Real plan prices from each brand, cheapest first, for plans that last your whole trip.

Prices checked under 1h ago on each brand's site. Prices may change at checkout.

Istanbul travel FAQ

What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

The most popular Istanbul experiences are skip-the-line attraction tickets, guided city tours and day trips. You can book them above with instant mobile tickets from trusted partners like Tiqets and Klook — no printing required.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Istanbul?

A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest way to reach your Istanbul hotel. You'll find fixed-price, meet-and-greet airport transfers in the section above, so there's no haggling with taxis when you land.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

Istanbul rewards visitors year-round, but the shoulder-season months usually offer the best mix of pleasant weather, thinner crowds and lower prices. Compare live hotel and flight prices above to find the cheapest dates for your trip.

Do I need a visa to visit Istanbul?

Visa rules depend on your nationality and how long you stay, so always check your government's official travel advice before booking. Many travellers can enter visa-free or with a quick electronic authorisation.

How many days should I spend in Istanbul?

Most travellers spend 3–5 days in Istanbul to see the highlights without rushing. Booking your tours and transfers in advance helps you make the most of every day on the ground.

Explore more destinations

As featured on GKDeals

FerragamoTory BurchVinceMajeStuart WeitzmanValentinoKurt GeigerJimmy ChooMichael KorsCitizenTumiVersaceBulovaRebecca MinkoffFerragamoTory BurchVinceMajeStuart WeitzmanValentinoKurt GeigerJimmy ChooMichael KorsCitizenTumiVersaceBulovaRebecca Minkoff