Flights to Istanbul
Airports of Istanbul
Helpful information
- Istanbul is located in the Turkey (TR)
- IATA code: IST
- Continent: Asia
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) (Course: 100 TRY = 5.51 USD)
- Current time: 21:20 (GMT+3)
- Current date: 2024.04.17
The only city to lie in two continents – both Europe and Asia – Istanbul has been attracting travellers for centuries. Book flights to Istanbul with Airinme.com to discover this historic city.
Once the eastern terminus of the Orient Express, Istanbul is now a heady mix of ancient attractions, stunning mosques and some of Europe's hippest clubs and bars. Discover the remnants of Byzantine Constantinople (as Istanbul was known) and the Ottoman Empire that ruled from the 15th century until just 100 years ago. Cross the Golden Horn and sail down the River Bosphorous for exquisite views, and hear the sounds of modern Turkish pop mingling with the timeless calls to prayer across the city. Book your Istanbul holiday with Airinme.com to see just why this city has captivated generations of explorers.
Things to do in Istanbul
- Take a classic Bosphorous cruise when you get to Istanbul to sail between the European and Asian sides of this historic city.
- The main historic attractions are in Sultanahmet Square – the stunning Haghia Sophia Museum is over 1500 years old and a monument of both Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Across the square, brave the crowds at the Sultanahmet Mosque to see just why it's known as the 'Blue Mosque', while the sixth century Basilica Cistern is an unexpectedly captivating underground sight.
- To learn more about Istanbul's multi-faith history, visit important religious landmarks like the serene Süleymaniye Mosque, the wonderful Chora Church and the Ashkenazi Synagogue near Galata Tower.
- Take a tour of the lavish Topkapı Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years, before they moved to the exquisite Dolmabahçe Palace.
- Had enough sightseeing? Spend a day at the mesmerising – and often overwhelming – Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets. For the faint of heart, guided tours are available.
- It's time to head to Istanbul's modern centre: walk across the iconic Galata Bridge to cross the Golden Horn, and take the funicular – which dates back to the 19th century – up to Galata Tower, where you'll have stunning views over the city. Then, take the charming old-fashioned tram up İstiklal Avenue to Taksim Square, the centre of modern life.
- De-scale yourself of the city's dirt and grime in one of Istanbul's famous hamams (bath-houses). Men and women usually bathe separately and there is a protocol to follow, so read a hamam guide before you go.
- Discover Istanbul's cutting-edge contemporary art scene at Istanbul Modern and the SALT galleries in Galata and Beyoğlu. The Istanbul Biennial also brings art lovers to the city every two years.
- Head to Beyoğlu to join Istanbul's clubbers and revellers after dark. The centre of Istanbul's nightlife, you'll find everything here from swish rooftop cocktail bars, pulsating house clubs and thriving rock music venues.
- Its main attractions may lie on the European side, but Asia is just a short ferry ride away. Take the ferry from Eminonu to Kadıköy to discover Istanbul's hippest new neighbourhood across the Bosphorous.
Shopping in Istanbul
Once a supremely important trading port, Istanbul has built up a reputation as a shopper's paradise for centuries. Today, it's seamlessly marrying old markets with contemporary malls.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar dates back to the 15th century. Today, it has over 3000 shops so be prepared to spend several hours here browsing everything from gold jewellery and carpets to shawls, colourful lamps and ceramics.
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) is just a couple of minutes' walk from the Galata Bridge. Here you'll find enticing mounds of spices, dried fruits, Turkish Delight and Turkish tea, so it's the ideal place to buy edible souvenirs.
Modern shopping
For a modern shopping experience, head straight to İstiklal Avenue, which sees over three million people every day parading its restaurants, designer shops and cinemas. Elsewhere, Kanyon Shopping Mall combines striking architecture with stylish shopping.
Eating in Istanbul
Whether you're munching a kebab in Taksim or in an upmarket restaurant, eating in Istanbul is one of life's greatest pleasures.
What to eat in Istanbul
Wherever you go, you'll find carts selling simit (sesame bread), roast corn on the cob and roast chestnuts. Get balık ekmek (fish, onions and tomatoes) in crusty bread straight off rocking boats beside Galata Bridge, and mussels stuffed with spicy rice are a seafood lover's dream.
Istanbul Restaurants
There are kebab and kofte (meatball) joints everywhere you look, but do your research and you'll really find something special. The fıstıklı kebab (pistachio and lamb kebab) at Hamdi will transform your perception of this grilled meat staple, while Lokanta Maya offers delicious seasonal local food in chic surroundings.
Insider's Tips
Call 112 (ambulance), 110 (fire) or 155 (police) if an emergency occurs while you're in Istanbul.
British nationals can purchase a 90-day tourist visa for £10 when they land at Istanbul Airport, before passport control. The local currency is the Turkish Lira.
Istanbul's metro and tram service is an easy and convenient way to travel around the city. Get a pre-paid Istanbulkart, which lets you use any type of transportation (including commuter ferries) and can be used for up to five people.
When visiting Istanbul's mosques, ladies need to cover their heads with a shawl and footwear must be removed. Plastic bags are provided so you can carry your shoes with you.
Getting from Istanbul Airport
Public transport
Travellers arriving at Istanbul Atatürk Airport can take the Havataş airport bus to Taksim. Alternatively, the metro will take you from the airport to Aksaray in the city centre. Change here and take the tram to Sultanahmet, stops in Beyoğlu and Taksim.
Taxis and Airport transfers
There are plenty of taxis you can catch at Istanbul airport. Alternatively, many hotels in Istanbul offer their guests Istanbul airport transfers – sometimes free of charge – when bookings are made.
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