A megacity straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul lines up Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and Bosphorus cruises. Here's how to enjoy it in 3 days or more.
Istanbul at a glance
Population
15.8 M
Airports
IST · SAW
Ideal stay
3 to 5 days
Budget / day
€40-160
Flight Paris
~3h30 direct
Time diff
+2h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
The only city on two continents
The Bosphorus splits the European bank from the Asian one. Crossing by ferry is part of the experience.
Three days minimum for Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar all sit in the historic district. Count 5 days to add Beyoglu and the Asian side.
The Istanbulkart makes it easy
One rechargeable card for tram, metro, bus and ferries. Buy it right at the airport.
Proper dress in mosques
Shoulders and knees covered, headscarf for women. Many mosques lend a scarf at the entrance.
The city comes alive late
Bazaars, Beyoglu terraces, evening cruises: Istanbul lives well into the night.
Must-see
Byzantine basilica turned mosque. A 31m dome, golden mosaics, 1,500 years of history.
Six minarets and 20,000 blue İznik tiles. Facing Hagia Sophia, free entry.
Home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Harem, treasury and Bosphorus views.
4,000 shops under painted vaults. Carpets, copper, jewellery, haggling required.
Underground Byzantine reservoir, 336 columns and two upside-down Medusa heads.
Ottoman spice market: saffron, Turkish delight, apple tea, dried fruit.
The strait between Europe and Asia: palaces, fortresses and wooden mansions from the ferry.
14th-century Genoese tower and a 360° view. The trendy İstiklal and Karaköy district.
Masterpiece by architect Sinan, on the third hill. Views over the Golden Horn.
Çemberlitaş or Cağaloğlu: scrub and foam under a star-pierced dome.
Choose your district
The historic heart, walking distance from the major monuments. Convenient but very touristy. From €35/night.
★ Recommended
The lively, trendy district around İstiklal. Bars, cafés, design. From €45/night.
Nightlife
Asian side, local and authentic. Market, meze bars, fewer tourists. From €30/night.
Authentic
Buzzing district on the Bosphorus, student and lively. Good connections. From €40/night.
On the Bosphorus
Former port gone chic: galleries, boutique hotels, restaurants. From €60/night.
Trendy
Getting around
Tram & metro
The T1 tram links Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and Karaköy. Fast and air-conditioned.
Bosphorus ferry
The nicest way to cross from Europe to Asia. Vapur between Eminönü and Kadıköy.
Istanbulkart
Single rechargeable card for tram, metro, bus, funicular and ferries. Bought at stations.
Taxi (BiTaksi, Uber)
Insist on the meter. BiTaksi and Uber apps avoid haggling and detours.
Climate & crowds
01
Jan
02
Feb
03
Mar
04
Apr
05
May
06
Jun
07
Jul
08
Aug
09
Sep
10
Oct
11
Nov
12
Dec
Spring
Apr to May · 15-22°C, mild · Ideal: tulips, terraces, moderate crowds
Summer
June to Aug · 28-32°C, hot · Fair: hot and touristy, waterfront life
Autumn
Sept to Oct · 18-24°C, bright · Ideal: the best light, softer prices
Winter
Nov to March · 5-10°C, rain · Avoid: cool and rainy, but few crowds
How much
Backpacker
€40
per day
Comfort
€95
per day
Premium
€230
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
1h by ferry · Car-free, by bike
2h30 away · First Ottoman capital
📍 1h15 flight · Balloons and tuff
FAQ
Laura Petit ✓
·Europe specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.