food
Kadıköy Market Food Tour by Secret Food Tours
An immersive exploration of the vibrant Kadıköy food market on the Asian side, sampling local specialties like lahmacun, menemen, and traditional Turkish sweets.
Istanbul Travel Guide
Istanbul is a mesmerizing metropolis that uniquely straddles two continents, serving as a vibrant bridge between Europe and Asia. It is a city where ancient imperial history seamlessly blends with a fast-paced, modern lifestyle, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait.
About Istanbul
Founded as Byzantium around 660 BCE, the city later became Constantinople, the illustrious capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium. Its strategic location made it the ultimate prize for empires, eventually falling to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, who transformed it into the heart of their own vast, multi-continental empire until the founding of the modern Republic of Türkiye in 1923. Throughout these centuries, the city has served as a critical nexus for trade, religion, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Istanbul’s culture is a rich tapestry woven from its diverse imperial past, reflected in its stunning architecture, from Byzantine mosaics to grand Ottoman mosques. The city is a sensory delight, famous for its bustling bazaars, the aromatic scent of spices, and a world-class culinary scene that ranges from traditional street food like _simit_ and _döner_ to sophisticated meze platters. Art and music thrive here, with a deep-seated tradition of hospitality that often involves sharing endless cups of Turkish tea or coffee.
Practical info
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish
Time zone
UTC+3 (Turkey Time)
Climate
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
Quick facts
- Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia.
- It has served as the capital city for three distinct major empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
- The city is affectionately known as the 'City of Cats,' where thousands of friendly felines are cared for by the local community as part of the urban fabric.
- The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, containing over 4,000 shops.
- The Hagia Sophia has undergone multiple transformations, serving as a cathedral, a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again over its 1,500-year history.
Top things to do in Istanbul
The 15 attractions, museums, viewpoints, and experiences travelers visit most.
food
Street Food Crawl in Kadıköy Market
Explore the vibrant Asian side of Istanbul by tasting local street food favorites like lahmacun, midye dolma (stuffed mussels), and kokoreç in the bustling Kadıköy market area.
music
Museum of Gazhane (Müze Gazhane) Evening Concerts
This repurposed gasworks factory is the coolest cultural hub in Kadıköy right now. Catch an outdoor concert or a contemporary art exhibition here on a warm evening; it's where…
landmarks
Dolmabahçe Palace
A lavish 19th-century palace blending Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, serving as the final residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
landmarks
Basilica Cistern
An atmospheric 6th-century underground water reservoir supported by 336 marble columns. It features famous Medusa head carvings and ambient lighting.
nightlife
Craft Beer Tasting at a Moda Microbrewery
Istanbul's craft beer scene is exploding, and Moda is the epicenter. Join a guided tasting at a local microbrewery to sample unique brews infused with local ingredients like…
shopping
Independent Designer Shopping in Çukurcuma
Skip the malls and head to Çukurcuma to find unique, handmade jewelry, clothing, and home goods from local independent designers. It’s the best place to find a souvenir that…
nightlife
Wine Tasting at Sensus Wine & Boutique
Sample a curated selection of rare and high-quality Turkish wines in a rustic, stone-walled cellar located near the Galata Tower.
culture
Contemporary Istanbul Art Gallery Tour (Beyoğlu)
Instead of the big museums, spend an afternoon gallery-hopping through the backstreets of Beyoğlu. You'll find cutting-edge contemporary art from emerging Turkish artists that…
culture
Turkish Coffee Reading Workshop
Learn the cultural tradition of 'fal' (coffee reading) from a local practitioner. It's a fun, niche experience that dives into the folklore and social history behind this…
adventure
Kayaking on the Bosphorus (Beykoz)
Experience the Bosphorus from the water level rather than a crowded ferry. Kayaking along the quieter shores of Beykoz gives you a completely different perspective on the city's…
adventure
Traditional Ottoman Archery Intro Session
Learn the ancient art of Turkish thumb-draw archery at a dedicated training facility. It’s a fascinating, high-focus activity that connects you to the historical martial…
music
Contemporary Dance Performance at Alan Kadıköy
Alan Kadıköy is the city's new hub for experimental performing arts. Catch a contemporary dance or avant-garde theater piece here to see the modern, artistic side of Istanbul…
landmarks
Historical Architecture Sketching Tour of Karaköy
This isn't a standard walking tour; it's a slow-paced architectural sketching walk. You'll stop at various Art Nouveau and Neoclassical buildings in Karaköy to sketch their…
adventure
Bosphorus Night Kayaking (Beykoz)
Experience the Bosphorus from a completely different perspective by paddling under the moonlight. This guided night tour takes you along the quieter, more scenic northern shores…
Plan a trip to Istanbul
Pick a length and we'll lay out the days — walkable routing, restaurants, opening hours included.
Nearby destinations
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Istanbul?
The currency in Istanbul, Turkey is Turkish Lira (TRY).
What language is spoken in Istanbul?
Turkish is the primary language spoken in Istanbul.
What's the weather like in Istanbul?
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
Most travelers spend 2–5 days in Istanbul. With 44+ attractions and 0+ noteworthy restaurants, three days hits the highlights, while five lets you dig into neighborhoods and day trips. Use the Periplo iPhone app to lay out a day-by-day plan.
What are the must-see things to do in Istanbul?
Top picks include Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern.
Plan Istanbul in your pocket
Open the Periplo iPhone app for a day-by-day itinerary, offline maps, and live event picks tuned to your taste.
Download on the App Store