2025 Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is truly a city with a rich history, brimming with beautiful and fun places to explore! Even after a week of fun, it still wasn't enough! / For first-timers in Istanbul, here are some must-visit spots: ✔️Hagia Sophia: One of the top ten most desirable churches in the world, this majestic Byzantine structure is a fusion of a church and a mosque. ✔️Blue Mosque: Adjacent to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is Istanbul's largest domed structure, surrounded by six minarets, making it the only mosque in the world with six tall towers, and one of the top ten wonders of the world. ✔️Basilica Cistern: A mysterious world hidden underground, well worth a visit. ✔️Bosphorus Strait: This strait divides Istanbul into European and Asian sections, with beautiful scenery on both sides. Be sure to take a boat tour here, especially at dusk for a stunning sunset! ✔️Galata Tower: A medieval stone tower, one of the city's scenic viewpoints. Even if you don't enter the tower, taking photos below it is also great. If you want to climb the tower, it's recommended to come in the evening to catch the city sunset. ✔️Galata Bridge Located near the Galata Tower, spanning the Golden Horn, this bridge connects the new and old parts of the city. With many locals fishing on both sides, and pedestrian paths above and below, it's also a great spot for sightseeing. ✔️Grand Bazaar: If you want to buy local products and souvenirs, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit. Covering 60 streets and housing 5000 shops, it's bustling and vibrant. ✔️Istiklal Avenue: Istanbul's version of the Champs-Élysées, with its must-ride nostalgic tram, truly romantic. The surrounding area also has many quiet, artistic alleys, perfect for a stroll. ✔️Balat District A favorite area among Istanbul's youth, home to many unique coffee shops and restaurants, with colorful buildings that are great for photos. ✔️Topkapi Palace: An old royal palace, once the Ottoman Empire's palace, now Turkey's largest museum, incredibly luxurious inside! ✔️Suleymaniye Mosque: The second-largest mosque in Istanbul, situated on higher ground, visible from the Bosphorus boat tour, and offering a truly great view. / ⭕️ 'Recommended Route': 𝘿𝙖𝙮1: Hagia Sophia—Basilica Cistern—Blue Mosque—Topkapi Palace—Explore the Old City 𝘿𝙖𝙮2: Grand Bazaar—Galata Bridge—Istiklal Avenue—Galata Tower—Watch the sunset from the tower 𝘿𝙖𝙮3: Balat District—Suleymaniye Mosque—Bosphorus Strait—Boat tour at sunset / ⭕️ 'Transport Tips': The Old City can be explored on foot with citywalk. For other trips, you can take buses and boat tours, all accessible with a single transit card. / ⭕️ 'Accommodation Recommendations': For accommodation, it's recommended to stay near the Galata Tower, close to the Old City, with concentrated attractions and convenient access to food, fun, and transportation.

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, This is Turkey's most important city, It is also its economic, cultural and transportation center. As one of the world's most famous tourist destinations, Istanbul is bustling with business, full of historical sites, and packed with attractions, Must-visit places include: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Old Palace, etc. As an international metropolis spanning Asia and Europe, Istanbul has convenient transportation, with many direct domestic flights.

The red vintage tram, the seagulls over the Galata Tower, the sunset at the Suleymaniye Mosque. These are the romance of Istanbul. Istanbul, Turkey, has a history as bright as the stars and intoxicating natural scenery. In this place that exudes both classical and modern charm, everything can be romantic to the extreme. To encounter romance, you must come to the Galata Bridge in Istanbul. The bridge spans the two continents of Asia and Europe. There are many famous ancient sites on both sides of the bridge. The bridge connects the old city and the new city, and the fishing rods on the bridge form a new landscape, especially at sunset, the scene is spectacular. Looking from one side, various fishing rods are arranged at a 45-degree angle, as if they are lining up to welcome guests from afar. On the Galata Bridge, you can enjoy the scenery on both sides. When the weather is clear, the Bosphorus Strait is cloudless, the sea is blue, and the cruise ship passes under the Galata Bridge. The seagulls follow the cruise ship, high and low, becoming the most agile embellishment of the beautiful bay. Walking on the Galata Bridge at sunset, looking at the Galata Tower, the seagulls flying around the Galata Tower in the twilight, and the mosque on the top of the mountain against the soft and dreamy sky. The Galata Tower is a landmark of the new city of Istanbul. Today, it still dominates the skyline north of the Golden Horn. Climbing to the top of the tower, you can have a 360-degree view of Istanbul.

#myfoodies Address - Balkan Lokantası Katip mustafa çelebi mh istiklal cd, Büyük Parmakkapı Sk. no : 9/1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye Ambiance/Facilities/Highlights - Traditional Balkan Cuisine Avg. Price per Person - 100TL ++ Rating - Great As I entered the Balkan Lokantası Restaurant nestled in the heart of Beyoğlu, Turkey, the warm aroma of traditional Balkan cuisine enveloped me. The cozy atmosphere and the soft melodies of Balkan music added to the charm of this hidden gem. Seated on the upper level with a view of the bustling streets below, I perused the menu. My choice was simple yet tantalizing: cheese-baked potatoes with a golden, crispy crust, tender pieces of chicken, and a plate of green beans cooked in the Balkan style. As the dishes arrived, the vibrant colors and fragrant spices painted a delicious picture. The cheese-baked potatoes were a comforting delight, oozing with rich, melted cheese. The tender, flavorful chicken and the aromatic green beans transported me to the heart of the Balkans. With each bite, I savored not only the exquisite flavors but also the sense of cultural immersion, making this meal at Balkan Lokantası a memory to treasure. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage #deliciousfood #supportlocal

#fallingseason InterContinental Istanbul, an IHG Hotel, is a captivating haven in the heart of the city, and during autumn, it takes on a unique allure. The vibrant hues of the season complement the hotel's modern elegance, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel's impeccable service and luxurious rooms made my stay truly comfortable. The Bosphorus views from my room were particularly breathtaking during this season, with the waters reflecting the autumn colors. Exploring nearby historic sites, like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, amidst the cool, crisp air was a memorable experience. The hotel's restaurants, offering a blend of Turkish and international cuisine, added a culinary delight to my stay. In autumn, InterContinental Istanbul shines as an ideal destination for those seeking luxury, culture, and stunning views in the heart of the city. #turkey #Istanbul

#fallingseason Staying at the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus in autumn was a true delight. This luxurious gem on the shores of the Bosphorus offered a mesmerizing backdrop as the season transformed the surrounding trees into a tapestry of rich fall colors. The hotel's opulent interior, combined with modern amenities and exemplary service, made my stay exceptional. The panoramic views from my room of the Bosphorus, with its shimmering waters and the historic cityscape, were simply breathtaking. As the temperatures cooled, the hotel's spa and fine dining restaurant provided a cozy sanctuary. The fusion of international and Turkish cuisine was a culinary adventure. In autumn, the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus is a refined sanctuary, offering a seamless blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. It's the perfect choice for an exquisite autumn escape in Istanbul. #turkey #Istanbul

I stayed in Istanbul for about three days this time, and I searched for many points and found this one the most interesting! 🫶🏻 There is a paid photo rooftop near the Galata Tower. There are different scenes inside, but I only took a picture of one because it was the most beautiful. 📸 The staff will feed the seagulls nearby for taking photos. This rooftop overlooks the city of Istanbul, which is very photogenic! There are different options for charging: 1- Use your own phone or camera 2- Their photographer You can also rent long dresses (In Figure 5, you will see that there are guests renting) The price ranges from EUR 30-200 This time we only chose the cheapest plan EUR30 (🫣 is not cheap either) to take photos with your own phone or camera‼ ️You can ask them to take a group photo‼ ️ 📍Location: Rooftop Galata Müeyyedzade, Yüksek Kaldırım Cd. No:11 D:21, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye ⏰Business hours: 0800-1930 ⚠️Tip: It is recommended to come one hour before sunset for a particularly beautiful view, and please allow enough time to queue up #Overseas travel #couple #Turkey

👩‍👩‍👧‍👧👨‍👨‍👦‍👦Istiklal Street It's a bit like our country's Myeongdong?! Istiklal Street, the best place for shopping There are many delicious dessert shops on the main street and there are delicious restaurants hidden in every corner of the alley, so you can even have a delicious meal after shopping! When I visited, there was a Turkish soccer game, so it was hot with people's enthusiasm! It's right next to Taksim Square, so if you visit Istanbul, be sure to stop by! #EuropeanTravel #It'sTheBest #IstiklalStreet #Istanbul #Turkiye #TurkiyeTravel

🐄Muhallebicisi A place that makes real, real Kaimak! After Baek Jong-won described Kaimak as a heavenly taste and Park Myeong-su and YouTuber Meat Man visited and praised it, it became a very famous spot among Koreans! Kaimak's rich flavor, unlimited baguettes, and a great showmanship owner, there's nothing missing. If you're curious about Kaimak, this is your number 1 visit #European travel #It's the best #Istanbul #Kaimak

THE MUSEUM IS A PRIVATE INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY. THE MUSEUM IS DEDICATED TO THE HISTORY OF TRANSPORT, INDUSTRY AND COMMUNICATIONS. RAHMI M KOC, MEMBER OF ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST FAMILIES IN TURKEY AND RETIRED CHAIRMAN OF THE KOC GROUP. HE FOUNDED THE MUSEUM IN 1991 WHICH WAS OPENED ON 13TH DECEMBER 1994. THE MUSEUM IS OPENED EVERY DAY EXCEPT MONDAYS AND IT IS OPENED BETWEEN 10AM AND 5.30PM. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

#timetotravel Madame Tussauds Istanbul offers an enchanting and immersive experience in the heart of this vibrant city. Located in the bustling Istiklal Street, it's a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists. The museum's lifelike wax figures are nothing short of astonishing. From historical icons like Atatürk to global celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, you'll find yourself in the company of stars. The attention to detail in each figure is remarkable, making it hard to believe they're not real. What sets this Madame Tussauds apart is its Turkish twist. Alongside international celebrities, you'll find Turkish actors, musicians, and politicians, offering a unique blend of global and local fame. The interactive exhibits and photo opportunities make it a fun experience for all ages. It's a great way to spend a few hours, capturing memories alongside your favorite stars. Madame Tussauds Istanbul is a true gem in the heart of this diverse and culturally rich city. #Istanbul #turkey

BUILT AS A WATCHTOWER AT THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE LOST WALLS OF GALATA, THE TOWER IS NOW AN EXHIBITION SPACE AND MUSEUM.. THE TOWER IS A SYMBOL OF BEYOGU AND ISTANBUL. THE ENTRANCE TICKET HAS BEEN INCREASED BUT THE TOWER IS WORTH A VISIT. ONCE YOU ENTER, THERE IS NOTHING MUCH INSIDE BUT THE VIEW FROM THE TOWER IS AMAZING #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

#Overseas travel How to get there: 34421 İstanbul, Beyoğlu, Bereketzade Attractions: Galata Tower, Observation deck The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in Istanbul. It is said that it was the tallest building in Istanbul at the time it was built in 1348. The main reason to visit here is to enjoy the view of the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe and Asia, and the cityscape of Istanbul from the observation deck!☺️ This tower was rebuilt several times during the Ottoman era and was also used to observe fires and enemy invasions. Please note that the observation deck is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM👍 #Turkiye travel #Istanbul travel

Activity: Istanbul nostalgic tramways Location: The termini are Taksim Square and Tünel Square Operating time : 7am to 8pm Taking the tram is a must experience in Istanbul, although the tram is small, the trams carry an average of 6000 passengers daily! There are two heritage tramways in Istanbul – the European side tramway, Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway which runs from Taksim to Tünel. The Tram goes slow and you can enjoy the view outside which is a great experience. #timetotravel #istanbul #turkey #tram

Attraction: Galata Tower Address: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 10pm Galata Tower is a stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is 67 meters tall and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Istanbul. The tower was constructed in 1348 and over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including as a watchtower, a lighthouse, and even a prison. One of the main attractions of Galata Tower is its observation deck, which offers amazing panoramic views of Istanbul. Tip: Arrive early during weekends as the queue can be very long. #timetotravel

Hotel Name: Gafa Garden Address: Gafa Garden, 26, Tel Sk., Beyoğlu, Türkiye Price: Dorm Bed €10 per night I enjoyed my stay in Gafa Garden. It is located centrally in Istanbul, near Taksim area. This place is near to many restaurants, shops as well as public transport. The place is very affordable and bed was comfortable. The best thing about this place is the free breakfast it comes with the accommodation. There was lots of authentic local food to eat. I strongly recommend this place. Rating (out of 5) Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Food. : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Location ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Room : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #timetotravel

Türkiye 🇹🇷 Golden Horn The Golden Horn is located between the two continents of Europe and Asia and has played an important role since the Byzantine Empire. The water in the Golden Horn is clear. When you walk in it, you can clearly see many jellyfish floating. This bay is also one of the most important ports in Türkiye. Turkey 🇹🇷 Golden Horn The Golden Horn is located between the continents of Europe and Asia and has played a significant role since the Byzantine Empire. The waters of the Golden Horn are clear, and while strolling along its shores, you can easily spot numerous jellyfish floating. This bay is also one of Turkey's most important ports.

The Galata Tower in Istanbul is an iconic landmark that offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the city's rich history and breathtaking views. Standing tall since the 14th century, this imposing structure provides an excellent vantage point to admire Istanbul's majestic skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, and the sprawling cityscape. Its well-preserved architecture showcases a blend of Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman influences, captivating history enthusiasts. The tower's interior houses a small museum, delving into its past and significance. However, the main attraction lies in ascending to its observation deck, offering awe-inspiring panoramas during the day and a magical sight during sunset when the city is bathed in golden hues. While the experience is unforgettable, be prepared for crowds and long queues during peak seasons. Overall, the Galata Tower is a must-visit destination that allows travelers to absorb the charm of Istanbul from a captivating and elevated perspective #tripblazers #awesomepic #passionpassport #timetotravel

📍Turkiye 34421 İstanbul, Beyoğlu, Bereketzade ⏰Opening hours 08:30-22:00 💶About 30,000 won 🇹🇷Galata Tower🇹🇷 Galata Tower, the symbol of Istanbul! If you pay the entrance fee, you can go to the observation deck inside the Galata Tower The view of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower is truly a work of art✨ The view of Istanbul through the window is also really charming:) You can take the elevator up from the first floor and walk down when you come back down! #TravelMoon#Turkey #Turkiye #Istanbul #GalataTower

📍Turkiye 34421 İstanbul, Beyoğlu, Bereketzade ⏰Opening hours 08:30-22:00 💶About 30,000 won 🇹🇷Galata Tower🇹🇷 Galata Tower, Istanbul's landmark✨ Galata Tower is located in the city center, so it's very convenient to visit The road to Galata Tower is just as pretty as Galata Tower itself! There are many places to visit, from pretty cafes to cute handicraft shops, so take your time and look around:) The ticket booth using the tram next to the tall Galata Tower is also cute:)🚋 #TravelingMoon#Turkey #Turkiye #GalataTower

#wecreate ⚓️ Experience the perfect blend of ancient history and modern charm as you sail along the sparkling Bosphorus Strait, catching stunning views of iconic landmarks like the majestic Hagia Sophia and the legendary Blue Mosque. 🕌🌉 Experience the allure of #IstanbulCruise, where history and beauty intertwine in a mesmerizing tapestry of sights and sounds. ⛵️✨ Discover the rich heritage of #Istanbul as you cruise along the #BosphorusStrait

#wecreate #istanbul #turkey #europe #mustvisit #attraction #urbanexplorer #holiday #placeofinterest Taksim Square is located in Istanbul where this is a very famous popular attraction not only for foreigners but local as well! Situated in the heart of Istanbul, located at Gümüşsuyu, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye, this place gets really busy thruout the day with loads of people who come here for shopping, nightlife, food and bars that overlook the city and into sea of marmara. This is basically like an orchard Road of Singapore. But a heads up, taking a taxi here can get quite expensive due to the bad traffic around taksim, so if you want do come here early and not in mid afternoon. You will be able to get the turkey delights here since many of these shops sells it. There are also turkey ice cream shops, souvenirs, and oh!!!! yes! Taksim Square is also famous for people who believe in those hand made willow hoop called dream catcher.

Gala Tower is a Gökçe stone tower in the Galata-Karaköy district of Istanbul. Surrounding the tower are many shops and restaurants, with beautiful and unusual European architecture. The tower is 66.90 meters high, cylindrical, 9 stories high, and you can climb to the top of the tower, where you can see the Bosphorus. The entrance fee is 25TL.

Getting There - there are two main airports serving the city, both some distance from the city center, however an hour's taxi ride, or jump in the local bus and you'll be instantly transported to an ancient world Attractions - Mosques overtake the skyline in this beautiful city, with one to see on every corner. The Blue Mosque has been closed for several years but Sofia is a spectacle to behold. I recommend a small walking tour. A visit to Galata tower is a must, and a boat road. Food & Restaurants - eat EVERYTHING! The Turkish delights and baklava are like nothing I've ever tasted. Every dish rich in flavour, there is so much more to Turkish cuisine than kebab. And don't leave the city without drinking the coffee.

Taksim Square is situated in Beyoglu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, and is a major tourist and leisure district. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station (Taksim) of the Istanbul Metro Network. The location of the Republic Monument which was inaugurated in 1928 beside is a Mosque complex- Taksim Mosque which can hold up to 3000 worshippers at the same time and is inaugurated in 2021. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is the largest Catholic church in Istanbul located at Istiklal Avenuse Taksim is a busy nightlife, shopping and dining area. Vintage trams shuttle visitors along Istiklal Avenue, the city's main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters, restaurants and cafes.

#Istanbul #Turkey #turkiye #touristsattraction #mustvisit #taksimsquare #monument #historic #oldbuildings If you are travelling to Istanbul, one place that you have to visit is the taksim square where this is famous for its many ancient old buildings, historical landmarks, local traditional Turkish food but of course many of these shops are out to mark up prices especially when you are tourists. This will be the heart of Istanbul where you will also see several hotels, many restaurants, traditional local sweets and also a tram that goes in the middle of the entire taksim square.

very good stay here, they say upgrade to a suite for me…. but the room would not look likes a suite in my mind….I am confirmed the service is good here, but I don’t likes that always the staff here always ask my satisfaction during all the stay…. According to phone, face to face….. Also, the hotel would not have a Club Lounge that you could have a dinner at bar or restaurant in the hotel. and very good location of the hotel that you could visit many attractions around the hotel.

Getting There - The Galata Kulesi is located within the district of Galata. It can be accessed by driving or by public transport. Attractions - The Tower itself spans from the 14th Century, originally being used as a lookout tower as well as a prison. Hotels - Being a tourist spot, there are numerous places of accomodation to stay in. Food & Restaurants - Many restaurants to choose from around the area, serving both Turkish as well as foreign delights. Shopping - There is a night bazzar surrounding the Tower, with lots of souvenirs to shop. #CelebrateWithTrip #foodie #mytripvlog #tripblazers #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #passionpassport #2023travelwish #bucketlistreboot #turkey #turkeytravel