Istanbul

a large bridge spanning over a large body of water

a seagull sitting on top of a rock overlooking a city

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

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Istanbul

Turkey · Transcontinental city

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been a crossroads of empires for centuries, and its skyline of minarets, palaces, and bazaars still carries that weight. With 3,035 hotels, from Ottoman-style boutique stays to modern towers, it is easy to find a base for exploring the old city and the Bosphorus.

Known for: History · Culture · Architecture · Food · Urban life

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Featured hotels

Royal Stay Palace Hotel

5.0

Merkez, Ali Duran Sk. No: 6 Bahcelievler

(3 reviews)

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti

5.0

Silahsor Cad. No: 42 Bomonti Sisli

(25,019 reviews)

Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet

4

Emin Sinan Mah. Pertevpasa Sk Sultanahmet

(425 reviews)

The Grand Tarabya Hotel

5.0

Tarabya, Haydar Aliyev Cd. No: 154 Sariyer

(4,308 reviews)

Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel

5.0

Büyükdere Caddesi No: 76 Sisli

(4,594 reviews)

Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet

4

Sultanahmet, Sultanahmet Mah, Kennedy Cad. No: 12 Sultanahmet

(970 reviews)

GLK Premier Acropol Suites & Spa

5.0

Sultanahmet (Old City, Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No: 21) Sultanahmet

(466 reviews)

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

4

Cankurtaran, Ahırkapı Cd No: 10 Sultanahmet

(2,221 reviews)

Innova Sultanahmet Istanbul

4

Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No: 6 D: 8

(1,008 reviews)

Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, an IHG Hotel

5.0

Balabanağa, Fethibey Cd Laleli Laleli

(4,981 reviews)

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Tekstilkent

5.0

Oruçreis, Tekstilciler Cd. No: 3 Bayrampasa

(4,277 reviews)

Point Hotel Barbaros

5.0

Esentepe, Yıldız Posta Cd. No: 29 Sisli

(3,862 reviews)

View more hotels

Hotel tips for you

Staff Service: Travelers often say the staff at Istanbul hotels are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Breakfast Quality: Many hotel reviews in Istanbul single out breakfast as a standout part of the stay.
Taxi Meters: In Istanbul, taxis run on the meter by law; checking that it's on at the start of the ride is the norm.
Hotel Parking: Reviews at several Istanbul hotels mention parking being tight; getting around by transit or rideshare is often easier.

Top viewpoints

Galata Tower

Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

(217,353 reviews)

Egyptian Bazaar

Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(193,257 reviews)

Grand Bazaar

Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(189,094 reviews)

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(135,320 reviews)

The Blue Mosque

Cankurtaran, At Meydanı Cd No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(122,941 reviews)

Topkapi Palace Museum

Cankurtaran, Babı Hümayun Cad No: 1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(121,407 reviews)

Basilica Cistern

Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(98,079 reviews)

Dolmabahçe Palace

Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

(96,465 reviews)

Gülhane Park

Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cad., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(69,662 reviews)

Suleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye, Prof. Dr. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(67,566 reviews)

Galata Bridge

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

(42,894 reviews)

Sultanahmet Square

Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet Parkı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(36,915 reviews)

Top viewpoints

When to visit

October

20° / 14°

7 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

November

17° / 11°

9 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

DecemberRainiest month

12° / 8°

13 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

January

10° / 5°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

FebruaryColdest month

10° / 4°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

March

12° / 5°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

April

16° / 9°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

May

21° / 13°

9 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

June

27° / 18°

6 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

JulyWarmest month

30° / 22°

3 days of rain

Comfortable

Wind: Breezy

August

30° / 22°

3 days of rain

Comfortable

Wind: Breezy

September

26° / 18°

7 days of rain

Comfortable

Wind: Breezy

When to visit

Things to do

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

(1,599 reviews)

From $85

Things to do

Ready-to-go itineraries

2-Day Istanbul Highlights

2 days

Weekend in Istanbul

3 days

5-Day Istanbul Deep Dive

5 days

Create your own trip to Istanbul

How long are you going for?

Who's coming?

What are you into?

Anything else?

Create my itinerary

Frequently asked questions about Istanbul

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

These are some of the best-reviewed hotels in Istanbul:

Royal Stay Palace Hotel★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti★ 4.8 · 25,019 reviews
Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet

Ask about Istanbul in chat

Top viewpoints

Galata Tower

Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

(217,353 reviews)

Egyptian Bazaar

Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(193,257 reviews)

Grand Bazaar

Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(189,094 reviews)

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(135,320 reviews)

The Blue Mosque

Cankurtaran, At Meydanı Cd No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(122,941 reviews)

Topkapi Palace Museum

Cankurtaran, Babı Hümayun Cad No: 1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(121,407 reviews)

Basilica Cistern

Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(98,079 reviews)

Dolmabahçe Palace

Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

(96,465 reviews)

Gülhane Park

Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cad., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(69,662 reviews)

Suleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye, Prof. Dr. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(67,566 reviews)

Galata Bridge

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

(42,894 reviews)

Sultanahmet Square

Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet Parkı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

(36,915 reviews)

Frequently asked questions about Istanbul

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

These are some of the best-reviewed hotels in Istanbul:

Royal Stay Palace Hotel★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti★ 4.8 · 25,019 reviews
Imagine Istanbul - Sultanahmet

Things to do

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour

(1,599 reviews)

From $85

★ 4.8 · 425 reviews

The Grand Tarabya Hotel★ 4.7 · 4,308 reviews

Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel★ 4.6 · 4,594 reviews

Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet★ 4.5 · 970 reviews

What are the best luxury hotels in Istanbul?

Top-rated 5-star hotels in Istanbul:

Royal Stay Palace Hotel★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti★ 4.8 · 25,019 reviews
The Grand Tarabya Hotel★ 4.7 · 4,308 reviews
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel★ 4.6 · 4,594 reviews
GLK Premier Acropol Suites & Spa★ 4.5 · 466 reviews

What are the best tours and activities in Istanbul?

Popular, well-reviewed experiences you can book in Istanbul:

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour★ 5.0 · 1,599 reviews · From $85
İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt. Table★ 4.6 · 3,263 reviews · From $32
Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius★ 4.8 · 644 reviews · From $63
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour★ 5.0 · 10,442 reviews · From $90
Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry★ 5.0 · 3,721 reviews · From $135

What day trips can I take from Istanbul?

Full-day trips that start in Istanbul:

Small Group Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch & Tickets★ 4.8 · 103 reviews · 7 hr · From $160
Istanbul to Gallipoli Full Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers★ 4.9 · 664 reviews · 17 hr · From $149

What are some budget-friendly things to do in Istanbul?

Well-reviewed activities from $30 or less:

Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises★ 4.9 · 2,008 reviews · From $11
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition★ 4.0 · 537 reviews · From $26

İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt. Table

3 hr

(3,263 reviews)

From $32

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius

3 hr

(644 reviews)

From $63

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

(10,442 reviews)

From $90

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

5h 30m

(3,721 reviews)

From $135

Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

3 hr

(166 reviews)

From $130

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

2h 30m

(2,411 reviews)

From $46

Istanbul Gedikpasa Historical Turkish Bath with Privacy Option

60 min

(2,002 reviews)

From $57

WONDERS of ISTANBUL : Full Day Private Guided City Tour

(488 reviews)

From $75

ISTANBUL Full-Day PRIVATE Guided Tour; For the Top Historic Sites

(386 reviews)

From $80

Small Group Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour with Lunch & Tickets

7 hr

(103 reviews)

From $160

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

3h 15m

(1,104 reviews)

From $75

12°/ 12°

Overcast

8:00 PM local time (UTC+3)

Check weather

When to visit

October

20° / 14°

7 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

November

17° / 11°

9 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

DecemberRainiest month

12° / 8°

13 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

January

10° / 5°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

FebruaryColdest month

10° / 4°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

March

12° / 5°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

April

16° / 9°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

May

21° / 13°

9 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

June

27° / 18°

6 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

JulyWarmest month

30° / 22°

3 days of rain

Comfortable

Wind: Breezy

August

30° / 22°

3 days of rain

Comfortable

Wind: Breezy

September

26° / 18°

7 days of rain

Comfortable

Wind: Breezy