thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login

Istanbul

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
Staffpicked
Honeymoon
Family Tours
Attractions
Group Tours
Staff Handpicked
Curated with expertise
About Istanbul

With 4,00,000 years of human habitation, Istanbul is a melting pot of rich culture and history. The location of the city at the edge of Europe and Asia makes it a beautiful amalgamation of mystic beauty of eastern culture and the tinge of a contemporary carnival. Istanbul has a personality of a storyteller who unfolds its beauty, people, food, architecture and culture one at a time. Istanbul boasts the historical charm of Hagia Sophia, picturesque architecture of the Blue Mosque, splendid shorelines with avant garde restaurants like Ulus 29 and Mikla overlooking impeccable scenic views.Explore Istanbul's enchanting narrative with Turkey tour packages, capturing every facet of its rich tapestry for an immersive and unforgettable experience.

The Bosphorus strait holds the division between the two continents making it a perfect line of fusion. You can keep walking across the Istiklal Avenue and Grand Bazaar to enjoy the local shopping experience. Climb all the way up to the top of Galata and Maiden tower to witness the mesmerizing view of the city. Explore the magical elements inside the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and get mesmerised with the beauty of the Basilica Cistern. Istanbul city will keep fascinating you with all kinds of experiences with every passing day. From drinking the Turkish chai, relaxing in the Hammam to taking the tour of the city in the hot air balloon, cruising the Bosphorus and cycling around the Prince Islands, Istanbul will give you the time of your life.

Istanbul tourism is undoubtedly at its peak most times of the year as it is topographically diverse and experiences sub climates in different parts of the city. The best time to visit Istanbul is between the months of March to May and September to November to experience the comfortable temperature. The summer months experience extremely high temperatures with humidity and temperature can go as low as minus 15 degrees during winters.

Read More

Attractions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Regionally greeted as Dolmabahçe Sarayı, Dolmabahce Palace is a luxuriant villa in Istanbul positioned along the picturesque European shore of the Bosphorus Strait. This majestic imperial villa is the true emblem of Ottoman architectural fascination that is praised as the most expensive mansion in the world ($1.5 billion in current estimation).
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern is one of the largest and most popular cisterns located in Istanbul. Among the hundreds of cisterns, Basilica Cistern is the largest one open to the public. It lies in the prominent peninsula that is also home to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Built by the infamous Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the year 542, the structure was used to meet the water needs of the palaces.
Princes' Islands
Princes' Islands are a cluster of nine beautiful islands in the Marmara Sea off the Asian coast of Istanbul. Out of these nine islands, only four are famous and operative, to which many fast and regular paced ferries carry thousands of people every day from the neighbouring cities of Turkey.

Istanbul FAQ's

Which are the must attractions to visit in Istanbul?

1. Galata Tower: Galata Tower lies in the heart of the city and is located in the Beyoglu district which is a popular tourist destination here. There are two elevators that will take you to the 7th floor followed by two flights of stairs towards the observation deck. Once you step outside the observation deck, walk around the summit of the tower and enjoy the beautiful 360 degree view of the city.
The panoramic view of the city and the stunning skyline will leave you spellbound as the tower is located close to the junction of Golden Horn and Bosphorous. The popularity of the tower is a blessing in disguise considering one has to wait for over 30 minutes to get in. The admission fee is 35 Turkish Lira and the lift will take you all to the top, except the last two floors need to be covered by foot.
Galata tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is always bustling with tourists. Undoubtedly, the view from the top is worthy every minute you will spend there

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm (7 days a week)

Also Checkout & Book:
Istanbul Holiday Packages

2. Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia is not only a piece of architecture but a marvelous work of art. Combining a centralized building with a longitudinal basilica, Hagia Sophia is an important Byzantine structure in the world. The huge 105 foot dome is a prominent part of the structure supported by two semi domes and pendentives on either side. Majorly, brick and mortar was used as building materials to make the construction process easier.
There are marble piers that rise up to support the dome and three aisles separated by columns along with the galleries above. The base of the dome and the walls right above the galleries are pierced by numerous glass windows. These windows let the glare of natural light diminish the presence of the supports which gives an impression of a floating canopy. Hagia Sophia has come a long way from being a cathedral, a mosque to finally standing as a museum. No Istanbul trip is complete without a visit to Hagia Sophia. This epitome of Byzantine architecture is covered with marble pillars and a stunning collection of mosaics all over.
There are still continuous renovations and restorations going on in the museum. Hagia Sophia was also known to house thirty three historically relevant artifacts and epitaphs from Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman eras in the garden area before they got moved to the province of Trabzon Museum.

Timing: Summers -9 am to 7 pm
               Winters - 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fees:
The entry fee for adults is 72 Turkish Liras and free of cost for children under the age of 8 years.

3. Basilica Cistern:
Basilica Cistern is claimed to be the largest surviving Byzantine Cistern commissioned by Emperor Justinian in Istanbul. The structure was built using a total number of 336 columns and is known for the fine carvings and symmetrical architecture. This is the largest city in Istanbul and was built underneath another Basilica with hundreds of decorated columns. Initially, the basilica was built to supply water to the great palace as it could hold about 80,000 cubic meters of water.
There are about 12 rows, 28 columns and 336 marble columns in total. Another attraction of these columns is the engraved inverted Medusa heads.

Timings: 9 AM TO 5:30 PM
Entry fee: 20 Turkish Lira for Adults and free of cost for children under the age of 7
 
4. Topkapi Palace: Serving as the residence building for Ottoman emperors for over 400 years, the Topkapi palace now serves as the most important museums of Istanbul. Some of the rarest items of the Muslim community are safeguarded here. The Palace contains the largest collection of Ottoman Dynasty jewelry, artwork and heirlooms. They also have the armours of Sultan Mustafa III and the throne of Murad IV.
The third room in the Palace includes gold candle holders that were gifted by Sultan Abulmecid to the holy city of Makkah. There are over a hundred rooms, chambers, and halls and most of them are open to public visits. You will find different courtyards, imperial gates, palace kitchens, imperial stables, the gate of felicity and treasury. There is also an Enderun library belonging to the Ahmed lll with beautiful interiors. Harem or the central chamber is the main area of residence of the Sultan. Visitors can really experience the extravagant lifestyle of Ottomans in this palace.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: 72 Turkish Lira for the Palace and extra 42 Turkish Lira for entry to Harem rooms.

Checkout & Book:
Turkey Trips

5. Istanbul Archaeological Museum: Istanbul Archaeological Museum is basically an amalgamation of three museums. The archaeological museum, the Tiled Kiosk museum and the ancient orient museum together form one of the most renowned museums of Istanbul. Three of these museums together contain about 1 million objects from different civilizations all around the globe.
The museum was founded back in 1891 and was the first-ever Turkish museum to be located on the grounds of Topkapi Palace. There are numerous precious artifacts in the museum which also includes the sarcophagus of Alexander.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (Seven days a week)
Entry Fee:
36 Turkish Liras for adults and free of cost for children below 8 years.

6. Dolmabahce Palace: Another magnificent palace in Istanbul is as beautiful as the iconic Palace of Versailles which was built back in the 19th century. Dolmabahce Palace is easily the most glitzy palaces studded with traditional Ottoman architecture. The palace also beholds the dazzling European styles of Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical pieces of architecture. The world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier proudly resides here which was a special gift from the Queen of Victoria.

Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM (Mondays are closed)
Entry Fee: 60 Turkish Lira and extra 40 Turkish Lira for entry to Harem.  

7. Grand Bazaar: With 5,000 shops in making, Grand Bazar is one of the largest indoor markets in the world. This Bazar witnesses about a quarter million visitors every single day. Grand Bazaar is unlike any other market that you have ever visited. The street consists of a variety of antiques, carpets, jewelry, spices, hand-painted ceramics and more. The bazaar dates back its inception to 1462 and has now become home to four fountains, two mosques, two steam baths and also the Cevahir bedesten. Visitors can easily spend an entire day shopping or window shopping here to witness the old Turkish vibes.

Timings: 9 PM to 7 Pm (Monday to Saturday)
Entry Fee: Free of Cost

8. Blue Mosque: Sultanahmet Camii or the Blue Mosque was built during the 16th century under the rule of Ahmed I and holds an inherent historical value in the city. The iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul is usually in the bucket list of many travelers.The architecture of the mosque is the combination of two centuries of Ottoman development and Byzantine Christian elements. It consists of a total number of six minarets, one main dome and eigh secondary domes.
The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed and the name given to it came from the blue tiles studded on its dome and upper levels interiors. There are also about 20,000 ceramic tiles and 200 stained glass windows inside the mosque. Along with being an active place of worship, Blue Mosque holds an integral place in making Istanbul tourism famous all over the world.
Beginning from the early 17th century, this mosque still remains an active place of worship today. The mosque always remains shut for visitors during the five prayer times for Muslims every day. Everyone must cover their heads, dress appropriately and remove their shoes before entering the mosque.

Time: Dawn til midnight (Remains closed during prayers)
Entry Fee: 90 Turkish Liras

Also Checkout & Book:
Turkey Honeymoon Tour Packages

Which are the famous things to do in Istanbul?

1. Explore the Istiklal Avenue: The 1.4 km long Istiklal Avenue is full of about 3 million people on a daily basis. This street is a beating heart of Istanbul tourism with historic cinemas like Beyoglu, art galleries like Arter, beautiful churches like Santa Maria and St Antoine, historical passages like Suriye and Hazzopulo and a variety of Neo Classical architecture to admire.

There is a historic tram that keeps running all day long from the street to Taksim Square. You can also get other essentials like medicines, departmental stores and more. There are different opening times for banks, indoor shops, cafes and more. Some open at 8 in the morning and goes till 7 in the evening while others open at 10 in the morning and goes on till 10 in the night. Strolling around Istiklal Avenue is an experience to witness the lifestyle of Istanbul locals’ altogether.

2. Local Food Tour: There are numerous restaurants and cafes in Istanbul that will enrich your dining experience with traditional Ottoman cuisine with stunning views of the city skyline and Bosphorus Strait.

However, if you want to taste the typical local cuisine, book dining experiences where you can go to a local’s house and eat the traditional food cooked by the families in Istanbul. You can sit down in comfortable seating and talk about their way of living, their daily routine, the long lost family recipes and more.

3. A Walking Tour: Istanbul is full of architectural marvels like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, Sapphire Tower, Galata Tower and more. Every street that you visit will be a complete delight to your vision with one of its kind architecture with the intricacies of Ottoman dynasty. Taking a tour with a city map will help you find new and unexplored places, hidden cafés, and restaurants that serve you dishes you have never heard of. Try out the local eat-outs and relish the hummus, tabbouleh salad, pizzas, baklava and more.

Must Checkout & Book:
Europe Honeymoon Packages

4. Experience Famous Turkish Coffee: You have never truly been to Istanbul if you haven’t tasted the classic Turkish coffee. Unlike the regular coffee, this little cup of Turkish coffee takes a great deal of preparation and a lot of time. If you are a caffeine lover, this rich blend of coffee will woo your senses.

The bottom is full of coffee grind to give an extra dose at the last sip. Every other local café serves this iconic coffee combined with other sweets and bakery items. Watching a beautiful sunset by sitting on a rooftop café in Istanbul is one of its kind experiences in the city.

5. Cruise the Bosphorus: Since Istanbul is situated in two parts of continents, you will be able to witness the geographical and cultural beauty of both sides at one go. The line of Bosphorous divides the two parts of the city. If you want to visit two continents at a time without even crossing the borders or go through the hassle of customs, take a cruise tour on the banks of Bosphorus. Go over to the Asian side of Istanbul and witness the gorgeous shores of both the North and South area. You can relish the frozen yogurt on the way at the very famous Kanlica on your way.

6. Have a Turkish Bath: Experiencing a Turkish bath or traditional hammam can be a daunting experience for tourists if they have never had one. But, once you have indulged in a traditional hammam experience, you will know how rejuvenating and relaxing it is. There are different styles of Turkish baths that you can choose from, starting from traditional style, self-service style and various other styles.

Hammam includes having a bath followed by a body massage including a hot steaming session. If you pick the self-service style, it will cost you 160 TL and you will need to bring your own soap, towel, and shampoo. If you choose the traditional bathing style, you will have an attendant washing and massaging you which will cost you 255 TL. You can also select other services like facial clay massage, aromatherapy oil massage, reflexology and more.

7. Istiklal Caddesi and Taksim: Istiklal Caddesi or Independence Street is one of the most modern bustling shopping streets in Istanbul. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, shopping stores and more. As you go ahead towards the end of the street, you will reach the world’s oldest underground railway line near the Galata Bridge.

If you do not wish to walk the entire way, take the old fashion tramway till the Taksim square. Along with plenty of restaurants, you will find lots of old consulate buildings, churches and many other museums to visit. The most famous museum of Istiklal Street is Orhan Pamuk’s Museum of Innocence which is based around the theme of his novel.

8. The goodness of Spice Bazaar: Istanbul city is home to colorful and scrumptious spices. Every visitor who wants to explore Istanbul city in its clear essence visits the exquisite Spice Bazaar to bring back the edible souvenir. All these Turkish delights are not only amazingly delicious but also easy on your pockets. Along with the spices, you will also find tons of vegetables, olives, local cheese and a variety of Turkish coffee grounds on the west side of the building.

Also Explore & Book:
Europe Tour Packages

What are the most romantic things to do in Istanbul?

1. Bike Along The Prince Islands: Take a ferry down from Bosphorus to the Prince islands and enjoy the beautiful natural escapade outside the city. There are many fine-looking ottoman houses here with meager traffic and lots of natural beauty. Rent a bike and cycle around the Prince islands all day in just 20 Turkish Lira for a thrilling experience.

2. Enjoy the wine and cheese in Kadikoy:
You can never go wrong in choosing your drink and outdoor dining experience in Istanbul. Turkish love their outdoors and drinks equally. To relish the finest of drinks, head over to the Asian side of Istanbul city in the Kadikoy neighborhood. You will find many outdoor bars filled with Reiki music, sheesha, local drinks and more. Having a date night in one of the most romantic spots of the city will leave you with a memory of a lifetime.

3. Camlica Hill Istanbul:
Another highlight of Istanbul tourism is the Camlica hill situated in the Uskudar district of Istanbul. It is a perfect romantic spot with a panoramic view of the Bosphorus Bridge and even the Golden Horn. Witness the gorgeous sunset amidst the beautiful scenic setting.

4. Dinner cruise at Bosphorus:
The beautiful waterways running right through Istanbul develop a beautiful coastline on both sides. There are plenty of cruises that go on and off throughout the day. But the best experience of the waterway is by booking a dinner cruise to spend an intimate romantic evening with your special one on board.

Checkout & Book:
Italy Tour Packages

What is Istanbul famous for?

Istanbul is famous for being a dual continent city with rich historical value, architectural marvels, beautiful mosques, museums, nightlife, shopping bazaars and tons of adventurous activities.

What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The peak tourist season begins between June to August and the accommodation prices increase. However, if you want to visit Istanbul avoiding the massive crowd and surge hotel prices, the period between March to May and September to November is the best. December to February are the cheapest months but the temperature is extreme during this season.

Click Here To Book:
Paris honeymoon Packages

What currency is used in Istanbul?

Since the year 2009, the official currency for Istanbul, Turkey is the Turkish Lira. The short abbreviation for Turkish Lira is TL and is represented by the symbol ? which can be easily written down if needed. Tourists can easily exchange the currency at the Airport, Post office, Grand Bazar and various Foreign currency exchange offices in the city.

Click Here To Book:
Switzerland Tour Packages

Do you need a visa to travel to Istanbul?

Yes, tourists do need a visa to travel to Istanbul. However, what kind of visa is needed and the process of obtaining it depends on the kind of passport holders and the country of your origin. Indians require an e-visa or a sticker visa for Turkey to enter Istanbul.

One can obtain an e-visa for Istanbul through the official website and is valid for a period of 90 days. The visa fee for a single entry for an Indian citizen is INR 3940/- and the cost for multiple entry is INR 13,120/-.

Explore & Book:
Switzerland Honeymoon Packages

What are the documents required for a Turkey visa?

Below mentioned are the important document required for a Turkey Visa:

1. Original valid passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity and at least two blank pages.

2. The visa application form available online on the official website must be filled and signed by the applicant himself.

3. Two recent passport size photographs with 80 percent face coverage, white background, matt or semi-matt finish with 2.5’ into 2.5’ dimensions.

4. Original cover letter with the applicant’s name, designation, travel details, passport details, duration and purpose of visit. This letter also holds the authorized signature and duly company stamped addressed to the Consulate of Turkey.

5. Bank statements of the last 6 months and if you are self-employed, your salary slips for the last three months with company slip.

6. Travel insurance and hotel bookings are also required.

Checkout & Book:
Greece Trips

How much does a trip to Istanbul cost?

The budget for your Istanbul trip totally depends on the number of days in your itinerary, places you want to visit, activities you want to do. However, the average per day expense in Istanbul will be 189 Turkish Lira.

What languages do they speak in Istanbul?

Turkish is the official language of Turkey, but locals speak and understand English throughout Istanbul. Signboards, local maps/guides and content of menu cards are written both in Turkish and English language for the larger public to understand.

Also Checkout & Book:
Greece Honeymoon Trips

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

British Foreign Ministry has off late issued no concerning announcement and warning for Istanbul. It is safe for solo backpackers, families, couples, and organized tourist groups to travel to Istanbul.

Must Checkout & Book:
Paris Trip Packages

Is Istanbul Europe or Asia?

Istanbul is part of both Europe and Asia. It falls under two continents and is divided by the Bosphorus River. You can witness the beauty, culture, people and food of both the continents at one go.

One can easily travel from Europe side to Asia side and back through ferry. It is a 10 minute ferry ride which costs only 2.45 Turkish Liras from Karakoy (Europe) to Kadikoy (Asia).

Click Here To Book:
Paris honeymoon Packages

What should I avoid in Istanbul?

Here are a few things you should avoid in Istanbul:

1. You can avoid eating near the popular tourist place as they tend to be more expensive.

2. Try and wear less revealing clothes as most of the popular tourist destinations will require you to be covered

3. Avoid playing loud music or talking loudly in religious areas or historical museums.

How should I dress in Istanbul?

You can pack according to the weather conditions in Istanbul. Usually, people wear smart casual kinds of clothes in the city. However, in religious places like the mosque, there is a particular dress code to maintain the etiquette for both men and women.

Dress code for men in Istanbul Mosques:


1. Knees must be covered
2. Sleeveless tank tops, t-shirts are not allowed

Dress code for women in Istanbul Mosques:
1. Head, knees, shoulders, chest and legs should be covered
2. Use a scarf to cover your head

Explore & Book:
Amsterdam Honeymoon Packages

How many days are enough in Istanbul?

5 to 6 days in Istanbul is more than enough to cover the city in all of its glory. You can cover the old city side and all the historic monuments like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazar. On the second day, you can take the Bosphorus Cruise tour and take the full day for touring the riverside of both the continents.

You can also include a visit to Spice Bazar, Dolmabahce Palace and a few mosques around the area. Take your sweet time to cover both Asian and European sides of the country. Keep the full fourth and fifth day for Prince Island tours and Golden horn. Take an extra day for exploring the hidden gems of Istanbul from a local’s point of view.

Is it safe to walk in Istanbul at night?

Istanbul is safe to walk during the night as the city is always full of tourists and great night howlers. Istanbul started with a 24 hour operating metro line and 28 public bus lines. There are many bars and restaurants in the city that are open 24*7 also. If someone wishes to travel within the city at night, taking public transport is a safe and feasible option for tourists.

Explore & Book:
Amsterdam Honeymoon Packages

Is Istanbul safe for female tourists?

Istanbul is easily one of the safest cities to travel in the whole of Europe according to various statistics. There are 24*7 public transport service available in the city for commutation. The streets of Istanbul are usually filled with people at all times and thus there are rarely any dark and deserted alleys. Turkish people are known to be helpful and welcoming towards the visitors.

Is Istanbul good for shopping?

Yes, Istanbul is in fact great for shopping. There are multiple shopping streets in Istanbul city which holds millions and millions of people on a daily basis.Istanbul is popular for exquisite and beautiful ceramic plates, bowls, hangings, ornaments, vases and more. Check out the Turkish ornamental lamps to add the adornments to your house along with the Kilim rug and Turkish spices. Don’t forget to glance through the Hammam soaps and turkish sweet delights at the Bazaars.

Must Checkout & Book:
Amsterdam Holiday Packages

What are the famous mosques in Istanbul?

1. Blue Mosque: Blue Mosque is the spine of Istanbul tourism and this marvelous piece of architecture will leave you awestruck at the first glance of it. This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed back in 1609 and had a total number of 6 minarets similar to the Great Mosque of Mecca. The thousands of blue Iznik tiles used in architecture are the reason for its name today.

2. Süleymaniye Mosque:
Another beautiful mosque of Istanbul is the Suleymaniye mosque which is recognized as one of the prominent landmarks of Istanbul. The 53-meter high dome deserves all the praises for its symmetrical proportion and the design.

3. Rüstem Pasa Mosque:
Home to the most precious Iznik tile panels in Istanbul, Rustem Pasa Mosque is a sight that will please your soul. Taking it to account for both the exterior and the interior design of the mosque, the most exquisite and intricate designs of hand-painted tiles are found here. This is one of the low key tourist destinations in Istanbul that is not filled with the crowd throughout the day.

4. Fatih Mosque:
Fatih mosque lies in the district of Fatih which was built by Sultan Mehmet. This mosque sits quaintly at the top of a hill with multiple minarets and domes that soar high above the Fatih district. This mosque is also a pilgrimage destination for locals.

Also Explore & Book:
France Tour Packages

Which are the famous places for shopping in Istanbul?

1. Serdar-I Ekrem: Situated near the historic Galata Tower, this street automatically hosts plenty of tourists on a daily basis. Serdar-i-ekrem is a tiny cobblestone street that does not have high end known brands but is famous for its vintage boutiques. You will find showrooms of local designers, famous coffee shops with Turkish coffee and chocolate cakes.

2. Çukurcuma Caddesi
: If you are a hoarder for antiques, you will fall in love with Cukurcuma Caddesi. This street features neo-classical houses and vintage boutiques. There are famous stores like Modern Tarih, A La Turca, Asli Gunsiray and more. Relish on some fluffy Turkish pancakes while you indulge in vintage shopping here.

3. Istiklal Caddesi
: Starting from Taksim Square till Tunel, Istiklal Caddesi is one of the busiest shopping streets in Istanbul. From small local brands to popular international brands, you name the brand and you will find it here. There are also a lot of hidden side streets to explore a better option of shopping and food options. You can also take the tram from one end to another if you get tired of walking.

4. Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi
: Another luxury brand filled shopping street known for its popularity is Abdi Ipekci Caddesi. This street consists of all the premier luxury brands of Turkey and multiple food outlets to enjoy the local cuisine as well.

Must Checkout & Book:
France Honeymoon Packages

Which are the best areas to stay in Istanbul?

The place of stay and accommodation in Istanbul city must be decided on the basis of your itinerary and the places you plan to visit. If you are planning to visit top tourist attractions like Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet, and other historical attractions, stay in the hotels in the areas nearby. You will be able to see all these places from your hotel window itself.

Another popular area to stay is across the Galata Bridge and near Taksim districts. Both these places are entertainment-packed areas in Istanbul. There are also a lot of trams connected to different districts in the city.

There are plenty of luxury hotels in the old neoclassical Turkish neighborhood like Four Seasons, White House, Grand Hyatt and more near to the Blue Mosque, Taksim square, and Topkapi Palace. All these hotels are designed with a beautiful Ottoman style of architecture and luxurious settings inside out.

There are also many sophisticated mid-range hotels in the elegant colonial-style around the popular tourist attractions in the city. Osmanhan hotel is one of the prime hotels located in the heart of the city with a traditional touch of architecture and contemporary comfort.

Here are a few neighbourhoods that you can consider staying at:

1. Beyoglu : A popular tourist area in the European side of Istanbul with Galata Tower, taksim square and Istiklal street in it. There are many local shopping streets and cafes for taking walking tours.

2. Sultanahmet:
Another popular area on the European side is Sultanahmet which has tourist attractions like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace,Basilica Cistern and more.

3. Uskudar:
If you are planning to visit the Asian side of Istanbul, Uskudar is a popular neighbourhood bustling with tourists, hotels, boutiques, restaurants, clubs, shopping streets and more.

Click Here To Book:
Germany Holiday Packages

Which are the famous nightlife places in Istanbul?

1. Club 29: Club 29 is famous for hosting parties that are attended by famous celebrities, Hollywood stars, socialites, businessmen and all the elites of Istanbul. This glamorous club is situated in the heart of the city and has a stunning and romantic vibe to it.

2. X-Large:
The ultimate party destination for all the nightcrawlers. Parties in X-Large begin from 2 am at midnight and go on till morning at 5 am during weekends. You can enjoy different kinds of dramatic trance, techno and house music here with renowned DJs from all over the world.

3. Suada Club: The exquisite combination of European and Asian party culture on the sea is a top-notch experience altogether. There are crazy night pool parties hosted in the Suada club almost every weekend. Enjoy the night with a stunning view of the Bosphorus Bridge from this club.

4. Exotic Bars: Exotic bars in Beyoglu are counted in one of the popular nightlife destinations in Istanbul. This ultimate happening neighborhood will give you the memories of a lifetime.

Explore & Book:
Netherlands Trips

Which are the adventure activities to do in Istanbul?

1. Hiking in Belgrad Forest Nature Parks: Amidst the architectural beauty, Istanbul tourism also beholds the pleasures of natural beauty. Belgrade is a ravishing forest towards the green side of Istanbul. Take a hiking tour along the forest nature park and spot the exotic birds. There’s a walkway spread till 6kms beside the lake where you can spend your evenings.

2. Scuba diving in the Neandros Island:
You can even experience the underwater wonder in Neandros Island in Istanbul. Go scuba diving in one of the most colorful dive sites in the world. The best part is it allows all levels of divers starting from beginners to professionals. Within the depth of 3 to 8 meters, you will find different kinds of creatures like Labrida, Chromis, Uranoscopus, scaber, Sciaena and more.

3. The adventures of Erikli waterfall:
Located near Istanbul city is the gorgeous gushing waterfall of Erikili. This waterfall is a hidden paradise for the camping and trekking lovers. Take a day trip to Yalova and walk around 1 km along with 300 wooden stairs till the sight point. Erikli waterfalls are also known as twin waterfalls and are well-known waterfalls in the Marmara region. The hike up to the point will take about 30 minutes and the view from the top is breathtaking. Climbing amidst the serene and natural beauty of the lush green forests is an adventure on its own. You can even set a camp to enjoy the views of the hidden waterfall.

4. Kerpe beach surfing:
Another great sport for water babies in Istanbul is the black sea coast where you could go surfing. Kerpe is a tiny touristic town with stunning turquoise water and scenic beauty. There are surfing academies and surfer-friendly hotels around the area.

Checkout & Book:
Spain Honeymoon Trip Packages

What are the best Turkey tour packages that we can book with Thrillophilia?

Here is the list of best Turkey tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia:

What is Istanbul best known for?

Istanbul is best known for offering an elegant European holiday where you can also appreciate the charming Islamic culture. It is well known for having many prominent monuments which are renowned for their medieval architecture with their spires and domes.

It is famous for its scintillating ferry boat rises, a shopping extravaganza at Grand Bazaar, lip-smacking kebabs, hammam and the picturesque views from Camlica Hill.

Click Here To Book:
Spain Tour Packages

Which are the some of the best Istanbul attraction tickets that I can book at Thrillophilia?

Istanbul Reviews

Traveller image gallery
review-img
Shivali Chawla
Reviewed: 05 Jan 2023
5.0/5
I happened to stumble upon Thrillophilia while searching for options for my honeymoon and I believe that it proved to be the best decision. My travel advisor Priyanka was supportive and gave a rational explanation of why Switzerland and Paris were not the ideal choice for our honeymoon during Decemb... Read More
Shivali Chawla
Shivali Chawla
Shivali Chawla
Shivali Chawla
Shivali Chawla
Shivali Chawla
(42+)View All
review-img
Isha Sachde
Reviewed: 25 Nov 2023
5.0/5
the guide in all the cities were just amazing they were super helpful, careful and friendly.
review-img
K Lesuisse
Reviewed: 20 Oct 2022
4.0/5
A must see if traveling to Istanbul.
K Lesuisse
K Lesuisse
review-img
Smita Asan
Reviewed: 21 Nov 2022
5.0/5
Comfortable tour and extraordinary services! This walking tour is a great way to enjoy the local Turkish neighborhoods and I would highly recommend it. We crossed several places of interest during our tour including the Pera District streets and bar streets.
review-img
Jacob Wilson
Reviewed: 30 Sep 2022
5.0/5
I booked the Topkapi Palace Tickets really cheap through Thrillophilia and had a great time exploring the regal history of the Ottoman Empire. Thank you Thrillophilia for the fantastic deals on the tickets.
review-img
Asit Hathi
Reviewed: 16 Jan 2023
4.0/5
As It was my first booking with Thrillophilia for Turkey, it was best to choose in my opinion, tours and other activities were well planned in advanced and hustle free. Well if you are not comfortable with food then you need to pre-book all the meals. Rest all was excellent. Big thanks to planning t... Read More

Why Choose Thrillophilia