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 · November

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

Tours & Day Trips in Istanbul
ExperiencesInstant confirmation Istanbul
KKday

Tours & Day Trips in Istanbul

Find tours, day trips and attraction tickets in Istanbul with KKday — instant confirmation on most bookings.

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

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

4.9(183 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
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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(3,771 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
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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(10,599 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$75
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Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius

4.8(669 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
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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(3,306 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
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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(1,670 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$74
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

5.0(1,131 reviews)· 3h 15m

Discover Istanbul with the hidden spots. Enjoy the breathtaking Istanbul view at a local rooftop, try different Turkish street foods, have a traditional Turkish dinner in a 140-years-old historic family restaurant, meet with fun people around the world and explore Istanbul like a local! Make sure to

from$79
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Authentic Sema Ceremony at Kasımpasa Mevlevihanesi
ExperiencesFree cancellation Istanbul
Viator

Authentic Sema Ceremony at Kasımpasa Mevlevihanesi

4.8(115 reviews)· 50 min

What Makes Our Experience Unique? ✅ A Historic 17th-Century Mevlevihane Unlike many Whirling Dervish performances, our Sema Ceremony takes place in the sacred setting of the historic Kasımpaşa Mevlevihanesi. ✅ A True Spiritual & Cultural Journey This is not just a show but an authentic Sufi ritual

from$32
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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.

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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$11
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Car Hire in Istanbul

Compare rental cars at great prices

Compare Car Rental in Istanbul with Economybookings
CarNo hidden fees Istanbul
Economybookings

Compare Car Rental in Istanbul with Economybookings

Compare car hire from top brands across Istanbul, airport and downtown — all-inclusive prices, no hidden fees.

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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€23.04/day
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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
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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.

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Cheapest car hire in Istanbul

Live rates at Istanbul Airport, from US$23/day. Change the dates to compare every partner.

3 days
Cheapest
Fiat Egea

Fiat Egea

Midsize car · or similar

3.6
53Automatic
  • Car type likely to be substituted
  • Instant confirmation
  • Unlimited mileage
Ok Mobility

Ok Mobility

via Trip.com

US$23/day

≈ US$69 for 3 days

View deal
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

Station wagon · or similar

4.1
52Automatic
  • Includes Third Party Liability
  • Instant confirmation
  • Full to Full
QCAR Mobilite

QCAR Mobilite

via Trip.com

US$23/day

≈ US$69 for 3 days

View deal
Ford Tourneo

Ford Tourneo

Mid-size van · or similar

4
54Automatic
  • Under 1 year
  • Open 24 hours
  • Car type likely to be substituted
Enterprise

Enterprise

via Trip.com

US$47/day

≈ US$141 for 3 days

View deal
Peugeot 2008

Peugeot 2008

Small SUV · or similar

3.9
53Automatic
  • Open 24 hours
  • Includes Third Party Liability
  • Instant confirmation
Alamo

Alamo

via Trip.com

US$66/day

≈ US$198 for 3 days

View deal
See all 25 cars and 5 partners

Compare car & bike rentals for Istanbul

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

QEEQ

Best for: Lowest price search

Cars · Worldwide

Low-price search

Economybookings

Best for: All-inclusive pricing

Cars · 30,000+ locations

No hidden fees

Localrent

Best for: Islands & local deals

Cars · Europe, Asia & islands

from €23.04/day

Local prices

GetRentacar

Best for: Flexible bookings

Cars · 10,000+ locations

from $7/day

Free cancellation

Trip.com

Best for: Big-brand airport rentals

Cars · Worldwide airports

Free cancellation on most cars

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.

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