City Overview & History
See all (15)Visa Information
The cost of one entry visa for all nationalities is JD 10 (around $14) for…
Visa Information
When entering Italy, all foreigners must carry documentation to validate the reasons and duration of…
Visa Information
Citizens of selected countries may obtain visas at the Airport for a 30-day period. Other…
Hotels
See all (18)Hotel Amira
This boutique hotel is a couple blocks from the Sea of Marmara, and within walking…
Chillout Cengo Hostel
With a prime location right off Istiklal Avenue, one of Istanbul’s best shopping and entertainment…
Tulip Guesthouse
Tulip is a beautiful little guesthouse nestled in the ancient Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. The…
Neverland Hostel
This is a basic neat clean hostel/hotel that provides comfortable and affordable bed and breakfast…
Midtown Hotel Istanbul
The hotel is centrally located on the Lamartin Street, in the Talimhane area of Taksim.…
Shopping
See all (15)Egyptian Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar located in Eminönü is a must-see. It provides great color and atmosphere…
DösimTurkish Handwoven Carpets Sale Center
This expensive carpets center is run by the Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture. Artists and…
The Fine Art Shop
Here one can find silk scarves, tablecloths, ceramics and silver jewelry among much more. …
Abdulla Natural Products
Abdulla Natural Products has available terry- cloth towels, herbal olive-oil soaps and a bath set…
Avrupa Pasaji
This is a narrow gallery of artsy shops selling souvenirs from antique samovars to tiny…
Health & Safety
Health and Safety
Istanbul is generally a safe city but one should exercise normal precaution as anywhere in…
Places to Visit
See all (23)Binbirdirek Cistern
The Binbirdirek Cistern, also known as the Cistern of Philoxenos, is a subterranean reservoir near…
Rustem Pasha Mosque
The Rustem Pasha Mosque was designed by famed architect Mimam Sinan and built between 1561…
Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue is Istanbul’s answer to the Champs Elysees in Paris or Fifth Avenue in…
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace was built by the Sultan Abdulaziz between 1861 and 1865 as a summer…
What to do with kids in Tow
Rahmi M. Koç Museum This museum is located in magnificent buildings on the shore…
Restaurants
See all (17)Tarihi Meshur Sultanahmet Köfteçisi
The Tarihi Sultan Ahmet Koftacesi restaurant is a great place for authentic Turkish kebabs. It…
Sal Café Bar
The Sal Cafe Bar is the place to go to experience authentic Turkish nightlife. A…
Festivals
See all (21)Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair
Turkey’s most important art fair, the Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair is held at the Lütfi…
Istanbul Book Fair
The Istanbul Book Fair showcases all kinds of books. The fair takes place at the…
Turkish Republic Salsa Cup
The Turkish Republic Salsa Cup is organized by a number of associations and dance companies,…
Phonem by Miller
This is an annual one week festival held at various locations all over the city.…
International Motorcycle Fair
The Istanbul International Motorcycle Fair takes place every year at the Lütfi Kýrdar Rumeli Exhibition…
Organized Tours
See all (6)Byzas Tours
ToursIstanbul.com is run by Byzas Tours, which has expertise in providing customized private tours and…
Bigg Travel
Bigg Travel provides high quality guides and personalized service to customers. A number of tours…
Orion-Tour
Orion Tour offers many tours of Istanbul. These tours require a minimum of six people…
Bosphorous Cruises
A popular organized day trip is the cruise up the Bosphorus, which can be taken…
Credo Tours
This tour company organizes personalized 1- and 2-day tours of the city quite inexpensively. Tours…
Masjids
See all (66)Transportation - Getting Around
See all (8)Driving Tips
It is advisable not to drive in Istanbul because of traffic congestion and a lack…
From the Airport
Istanbul has two international airports. Atatürk International Airport is located on the European side, about…
Car for Hire
Car rental companies have offices at the airport as well as within the main city.…
Ferries & Sea Buses
Ferries and sea buses are used to cross the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, as…