Istanbul

Sights

• Hagia Sophia – Nearly 1,500 years old and now a mosque – women cover their hair.
• Blue Mosque – Six minarets and blue tiles – visit outside prayer times.
• Topkapi Palace – The sultans' palace overlooking the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
• Grand Bazaar – Thousands of shops under vaulted roofs – haggling is part of it.
• Basilica Cistern – An underground forest of columns from Byzantine times.
• Galata Tower – Panoramic views over the old city and the Bosphorus.

Food & nightlife

• Turkish breakfast – Lots of small plates with cheese, olives, eggs and simit.
• Balik Ekmek – Fish sandwiches right by the water at Eminönü.
• Meze and kebab – In the eateries of Kadiköy or Beyoglu.
• Baklava and tea – Sweet pastry with pistachios and a glass of tea.

Day trips

• Bosphorus cruise – By ferry between Europe and Asia up towards the Black Sea.
• Princes' Islands – Car-free islands with wooden villas, reached by ferry.
• Kadiköy – Take the ferry to the Asian side: market and cafés.

Good to know

When to go

April–May, September–October

Getting around

Metro, trams and Bosphorus ferries with the Istanbulkart.

Tipping

Around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Power

Plug type C/F, 230 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Plan your trip to Istanbul together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed