- First impression of Istanbul
- How to get around Istanbul
- Best neighbourhoods to stay in Istanbul
- Top Istanbul hotels to spend a night
- Things to do and see in Istanbul
- Best time to visit Istanbul
- FAQs
First impression of Istanbul
Travel bug caught you yet? This Istanbul travel guide blog may do!
Here’s Istanbul, in all its glory. Snuck between two continents, one says it’s Europe and the other says, Asia. Each to their own, this Turkish city is a beauty unlike no other. It is the most famous city in Turkey.
One thing you will notice here is the cat population. Not like it is going to outrun humans someday (humour). But it is in large quantities. The locals don’t mind the cats, in fact, the people love their company.
There is no denying though! Cats here are fluffy and cute. You will find them seeking attention or sunbathing all day.
Oh, the places to see in Istanbul are so many. It may take more than a weekend to see them all.
The blue mosque is a unique appeal to many, it is an Instagram-able marvel. The old bazaars have an array of things to see. Soak into the Turkish spices, and navigate through the world’s first shopping mall. The list goes on!
So, when you are in Istanbul, breathe in the sea breeze. Make sure to watch the ships sail and catch iconic sunsets.
How to get around Istanbul
First, you need to get here, but how? Istanbul has two major airports on both sides. Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) is on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is on the Asian side. Although, the airport in the Asian part is bigger and more popular. With the Bosphorus strait separating the two lands, traffic can be intense. But how to travel within Istanbul? Here’s how –
The Tram
Trams are amazing and cheap. There are token machines in every station. Get the token and wait for the tram, it comes every free minute. You can get to any part of the city at ease and the best part is, you can ditch the traffic.
The Ferry
Water taxis are popular transport in Istanbul with locals travelling from the European part of the city to the Asian side, and vice versa. Although they can be a little expensive for everyday use. Ferry services are available for tourists, some hotels also provide free ferry service.
The Metro
The Metro services are the cheapest, especially if you wish to cross the strain. Metros save you time and money. It is the quickest way to get by.
The Uber
Uber and other taxis are available via an app but they can be pricey and the traffic may not be as good. But it is an option if you have a lot of things to carry and need a convenient way to get by.
Best neighbourhoods to stay in Istanbul
The Istanbul travel requirements you will need while coming is where to get accommodated? Hotels are available but the neighbourhood matters the most. You wouldn’t want to live hours away from some of the best spots, do you? Or far off the major attractions. So, here are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Istanbul.
Beyoğlu
Located in the European part is a trendy neighbourhood in Istanbul. The cobbled streets, boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are right around the corner. The popular tourist spot in Beyoğlu is the Taksim Square.
Sultanahmet
It is the best neighbourhood to stay in for tourists. It is close to popular tourist attractions in Istanbul like Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. Being near some of the prominent landmarks, it can get expensive. The Grand Bazaar is close by taking approx. 10 minutes on the tram.
Üsküdar
one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Istanbul is Üsküdar in the Asian part of the city. It has got expensive to cheap restaurants. Tons of bazaars, vantage points to see the cityscape and more. The interior of this neighbourhood has a quiet village-like ambience.
Top Istanbul hotels to spend a night
This one is tricky since there are different kinds of travellers. Some prefer luxury while others prefer comfort to the wallet price. Hotels keep updating and progressing over time. But based on the 2022 top hotels in Istanbul research, these made it to the list.
- St. Regis Istanbul
- 10 Karakoy
- Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus
- Park Hyatt – Macka Palas
- The W Hotel
- The Ritz Carlton Istanbul
- Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Things to do and see in Istanbul
If you stay in luxury hotels, leaving can be an option with so many facilities within the comforts of your reach. But if sightseeing is what you are after then do not miss these places. These are the best things to do and see in Istanbul.
- Explore the Hagia Sophia Museum
- Walk on the historical Topkapı Palace
- Sample the Turkish spices at the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
- Sigh at the beauty of the Blue Mosque
- Wander through the underground halls of Basilica Cistern
- Shop at the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
- Soak in the Architectural marvel of the Süleymaniye Mosque
- Witness the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace
- Embrace the blue tilework at the Rüstem Paşa Mosque
- Take a tour of Yedikule Fortress
- Get a panoramic view of the city from the Galata Tower
- Go for a cruise the Bosphorus Strait
- Try out Turkish cuisines at their quaint cafes and restaurants
- Experience a calming spa or a Turkish bath
Best time to visit Istanbul
For a traveller, there is no best time to travel. But to avoid moody weather, it is wise to check the forecast before planning your trip. The best time to visit Istanbul is during Spring from March to May and Autumn September to November. These months are ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature is mild and comfortable, even the weather will smile upon you.
FAQs
Yes, Turkey is open for tourists. But the travellers must follow the guidelines. Passengers have to provide a negative COVID-19 result. You can contact Nixtour holidays for more information.
The cost depends on the number of days you plan to stay in the country. It depends on your plans to explore. So for genuine cost details, get in touch with Nixtour consultants for hotel and flight booking details.
Yes, since the Covid is still a major concern, travellers are to provide negative COVID-19 results. Or PCR test taken in the last 72 hours and rapid antigen test taken in the last 48 hours. Fully vaccinated travellers are exempted provided the vaccination was done at least 14 days before arriving in Istanbul.
