Istanbul’s seafood scene is where the sea meets the soul. This guide reveals the city’s Top 10 fish restaurants, from fine dining with Bosphorus views to historic spots in Sultanahmet and the iconic balık ekmek (fish sandwich) by the Galata Bridge.
August is peak summer in Istanbul, with hot days averaging 30-33 C (86-91 F) and high humidity. To make the most of it, plan strenuous sightseeing (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace) for the early morning. Cool off with an evening Bosphorus cruise or by visiting one of the city’s water parks, and always book your AC accommodation early to avoid price hikes.
Nişantaşı is Istanbul’s most elegant and high-fashion district, perfectly blending Ottoman history with cosmopolitan flair. Nicknamed the “target stone” neighborhood, it is centered around Abdi İpekçi Street—the home of luxury boutiques, fine dining, and prestigious architecture. Explore the Teşvikiye Mosque and Maçka Park to enjoy this stylish, walkable, and culturally rich enclave.
Navigating Istanbul is easy with taxis, offering yellow, turquoise, and black/luxury options with metered fares. In 2025, yellow taxis start at ₺42 (~€0.96), with per-kilometer rates at ₺28 (~€0.64). Airport transfers range from ~₺340–₺438 from Istanbul Airport and ~₺725–₺1,065 from Sabiha Gökçen. Use official taxis or pre-booked services like GetTransfer, Kiwitaxi, and BiTaksi for safety, clear fares, and convenience. Always check the meter, know your route, and follow local customs for a smooth ride.
In Istanbul, 10 EUR (approx. 440 TL) goes surprisingly far, covering a full day of food, transport, and a souvenir. For this budget, you can enjoy a simit and tea, a döner for lunch, a Bosphorus ferry ride (using the Istanbulkart), and still have enough left for an Evil Eye charm.
This 3-day Istanbul guide balances iconic landmarks and modern life. Day 1 covers historic Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace). Day 2 features the Bosphorus, Istiklal Street, and Galata Tower. Day 3 explores the Asian Side’s local life in Kadıköy and the views from Çamlıca Hill.
Escape Istanbul’s crowds and discover Gebze, just an hour away. Explore Byzantine castles, lush nature parks, local bazaars, and authentic Turkish cuisine. Perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers, and families, this off-the-beaten-path day trip offers a refreshing blend of culture, nature, and local charm near Istanbul.
As of March 2025, prices in Istanbul have risen amid global inflation. Budget travelers should plan €30–35 per day or €150–200 for 5 days. Learn how much taxis, metro, food, hotels, SIM cards, and museums cost — with up-to-date fares and smart tips for saving on your Istanbul trip.
Istanbul’s family-friendly nightlife is vibrant and diverse, blending scenic beauty with entertainment. Families can take a magical Bosphorus night cruise, experience the thrills of Vialand (Isfanbul) theme park, or attend engaging traditional Turkish dance shows. Evenings also offer beautiful, illuminated strolls at historic sites like Sultanahmet Square and the Basilica Cistern.
Welcome to the Istanbul Biennale! Where East meets West, ancient history collides with cutting-edge creativity, and this magnificent city transforms into a living, breathing canvas. Use this guide to navigate the groundbreaking 18th edition, securing an unforgettable artistic adventure.
Dive into Istanbul’s underwater wonder at the Florya Aquarium — one of the world’s most stunning marine parks. Walk through 17 themed zones, meet sharks, penguins, and anacondas, explore a tropical rainforest, and enjoy shopping or dining at Aqua Florya. A full-day family adventure by the Marmara Sea.
For female tourists in Istanbul, this guide balances style with cultural respect. While the city is cosmopolitan, modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended. For visiting mosques like Hagia Sophia, women must also cover their hair, making a scarf an essential item to carry.
The Istanbul hammam, a cornerstone of Turkish culture, is more than a spa. This traditional bath offers a unique ritual of heat, steam, a vigorous body scrub (kese), and a foam massage, providing deep cleansing and unparalleled relaxation in historic settings.
There is NO 24/7 service, though the M2 line may have extended hours (until 2:00 or 3:00 AM) on Fridays and Saturdays. After midnight, rely on IETT Night Buses or use reputable apps for taxis/ride-sharing to travel safely to your destination.
