Istanbul
About the destination
Istanbul: a unique city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia
Istanbul is the only city in the world spread across two continents. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and over 20 million tourists visit each year to experience millennia of history. A vacation in Istanbul is a journey through the ages: from Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman palaces and modern streets.
Top Attractions in Istanbul: What You Must See
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque — a masterpiece of 6th-century Byzantine architecture, once again a mosque. Its massive dome and shimmering mosaics captivate the imagination.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) — famous for its six minarets and thousands of hand-painted tiles that give it a celestial hue.
Topkapi Palace — the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, home to immense treasures and offering views of the Bosphorus.
Basilica Cistern — a 6th-century underground reservoir with 336 columns. An atmospheric site familiar from many films.
Grand Bazaar — one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world: 4,000 shops on 61 streets.
Spice Bazaar — a realm of spices, sweets, and tea. Ideal for souvenirs.
Süleymaniye Mosque — the pinnacle of architect Sinan’s work, towering over one of Istanbul’s seven hills.
Dolmabahçe Palace — a sumptuous 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus, featuring a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier.
Kariye Museum (Chora Church) — famous for its stunning 14th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Galata Tower — a medieval stone tower with panoramic views of the Old City and the Bosphorus.
İstiklal Avenue — a 1.4 km pedestrian thoroughfare with shops, galleries, and a historic tram.
What to See in Istanbul in 3 Days
A compact itinerary: Day 1 — Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Cistern); Day 2 — Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar, walk along Galata Bridge; Day 3 — Dolmabahçe, Taksim, İstiklal, and Galata Tower. Optionally, add a Bosphorus ferry cruise.
When to Go to Istanbul
The best times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November): mild weather, fewer tourists. Summer (June–August) is hot and crowded; winter (December–February) is rainy but budget-friendly.
Istanbul Weather by Month
The climate is Mediterranean. Summers are hot (up to +30°C), winters are cool (around +5–10°C), with more rain in winter. For comfortable travel, choose May, June, or September.
How Much Does a Trip to Istanbul Cost?
Prices in Istanbul offer variety. Budget hotel: 500–1000 ₺/night, mid-range: 1000–2500 ₺, luxury: from 2500 ₺. Lunch at a local eatery: 100–200 ₺, dinner for two: 600–1200 ₺. Public transport: 15–20 ₺ per ride (cheaper with Istanbulkart). Museum entry: 200–500 ₺. Hagia Sophia is free during prayer times for worshippers; tourists pay to enter the upper gallery.
How to Get to Istanbul
Direct flights from Tashkent to Istanbul are available (check schedules). The city is served by two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. From IST: metro M11, Havaist buses, or taxi; from SAW: metro M4 or Havabus. Public transport in Istanbul is efficient: tram T1 passes major attractions, metro, ferries, dolmuş. Buy an Istanbulkart for discounts.
Useful Information
- Currency: Turkish lira (₺, TRY).
- Language: Turkish; English and Russian are understood in tourist areas.
- Safety: generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowds and pushy vendors.
- Etiquette: remove shoes when entering a mosque; women are advised to cover their heads; clothing should cover shoulders and knees.
- Tip: get an Istanbulkart — it works on all transport and saves money.
Vacation in Istanbul with Onyx Tour
Onyx Tour helps you find a great tour to Istanbul — with flights, hotel, and visa included. Book your trip with Onyx Tour and discover the city on two continents.
