Istanbul

Istanbul bridges two continents historically and geographically, home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, vibrant bazaars, and world-renowned Turkish cuisine.

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Population: 15,701,602
Timezone: Europe/Istanbul
Nearest airport: ISL

Guide to Istanbul

Things to do Where to stay Best time to visit Getting around Food & drink Budget Safety Weather

Suggested itineraries

5-day itinerary

5 Days in Istanbul: Two Continents, One City

Top attractions

Hagia Sophia

A Byzantine architectural masterpiece built in 537 AD, which has served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and was reconverted to a mosque in 2020. One of history's greatest monuments.

moderate

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is an Ottoman masterpiece built between 1609 and 1616, named for its more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior.

free

Landmarks & places

Hagia SophiaSultan Ahmed MosqueTopkapı PalaceSüleymaniye MosqueGalata TowerBosphorus BridgeGrand BazaarMaiden's TowerChora ChurchŞehzade Mosque

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