Istanbul Airport (IST) — European Side The Istanbul Airport (since 2019) is located 35 km north of the city center and is one of the largest airports in the world. All major airlines (Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian) fly here. Impressive terminal, but far out. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) — Asi

Istanbulkart The Istanbulkart is your most important purchase: A rechargeable chip card valid for all public transport (metro, bus, tram, ferry, Marmaray). Price: about 3€ for the card + credit. Single ride: about 0.50€ (instead of 1€ single ticket). Available at machines in all metro stations and m

German Citizens German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days within 180 days. A valid passport or ID card is sufficient. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date (recommendation, not always checked). Currency & Money The of

Istanbul is a generally safe city for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The main risks are petty crime and scams — both avoidable with common sense. What to watch out for Pickpocketing: On tram line T1 (Sultanahmet line), in the Grand Bazaar, and on İstiklal Street. Keep valuables

Mosque Etiquette & Ramadan

Visiting Mosques Most mosques in Istanbul are open to visitors — free of charge and also for non-Muslims. Some rules: Remove shoes: Always. Bring a plastic bag or use the ones provided. Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees (men and women). Women: headscarf (often distributed at the entrance). Prayer

What to pack? Comfortable shoes: Istanbul is hilly, and the cobblestone streets in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Headscarf/Scarf: For mosque visits — women need a headscarf, a light scarf is sufficient (also distributed at the entrance, but having your ow

Home Travel GuidesIstanbul

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Travel Guide Istanbul

Your Complete Travel Guide to Istanbul

Region:Marmara Region, Turkey

Language:Turkish

Currency:Turkish Lira (TRY)

Best Travel Time:Apr–May / Sep–Oct

Flight Time:2.5–3 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (up to 90 days)

Last updated: 20 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 35 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Istanbul Complete — 5 Days

5 Days

The perfect first-time visitor tour: all highlights in 5 days — mosques, palaces, bazaars, Bosporus ferry, hamam, and Turkish breakfast. The ideal rhythm.

SultanahmetBeyoğluBosporusKadıköyPrinzeninseln

Long Weekend — 3 Days

3 Days

The maximum in 3 days: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, Bosporus ferry, and a Meyhane evening. Intensive but doable.

SultanahmetBeyoğluBosporus-Fähre

Istanbul for Foodies — 4 Days

4 Days

Istanbul as a culinary journey: Kahvaltı, Balık ekmek, kebab variations, Baklava, Meze with Raki, hamam as a digestive walk, and the best markets and Lokantas in the city.

Kadıköy-MarktGewürzbasarOrtaköyBeyoğluBebek

Istanbul & Bosporus — 7 Days

7 Days

Istanbul in depth plus day trips: the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne (Sinan's masterpiece), the old capital Bursa (thermal baths and İskender Kebab), and an extensive Bosporus exploration.

SultanahmetBeyoğluKadıköyPrinzeninselnBosporusEdirneBursa

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Istanbul

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Time to Visit & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapı

5 Sections

Chapter 5

Beyoğlu, Galata & İstiklal

3 Sections

Chapter 6

Kadıköy & the Asian Side

3 Sections

Chapter 7

Bosporus: Ferries, Palaces & Shores

3 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

History: Three Empires, One City

2 Sections

Chapter 9

Culture, Food & Lifestyle

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

4 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Sultanahmet & Historical Peninsula

The heart of old Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern — the most monumental buildings of three empires in close proximity.

Hagia SophiaBlue MosqueTopkapı PalaceGrand Bazaar+1

Istanbul

Beyoğlu, Galata & İstiklal

The cosmopolitan Istanbul north of the Golden Horn: the Galata Tower, İstiklal Street with its historic tram, rooftop bars, galleries, and the best nightlife in the city.

Galata Towerİstiklal CaddesiRooftop BarsKaraköy+1

Istanbul

Kadıköy & Asian Side

The authentic Istanbul beyond the Bosphorus: the city's best market in Kadıköy, trendy cafés in Moda, Çamlıca Hill, and the car-free Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara.

Kadıköy MarketModa PromenadePrinces' IslandsMaiden's Tower+1

Istanbul

Bosporus: Ferries, Palaces & Shores

The strait between two continents: Bosphorus ferries, the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, the picturesque Bosphorus villages Ortaköy, Bebek, and Arnavutköy, and Kumpir by the water.

Bosphorus FerryDolmabahçe PalaceOrtaköy & KumpirBebek Promenade+1

Istanbul