Is Istanbul worth visiting?
Yes, Istanbul offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave. We first visited in the summer of 2009 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its rich culture and the unique energy along the Bosphorous.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular museums and attractions and terrific food.
Istanbul is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2024 - Big City Thrills.
Istanbul sits at the crossroads of east and west. It's a major cosmopolitan city that has long been at the center of trade, culture, religion, and activity. The city is filled with beauty and historical sights that make it a world class travel destination. It attracts everyone from backpackers to high end luxury vacationers who appreciate the diversity and culture that flows through the city.
Istanbul
6 Reasons to Visit Istanbul
1. Museums and Attractions
With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.
2. Food
From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.
3. Historical Sights
The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.
4. Nightlife
Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.
5. Shopping
It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Istanbul might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Istanbul here or see if Istanbul is expensive here.
Is Istanbul worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Istanbul is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too. Summer can be hot and crowded in Istanbul, but there are also plenty of activities that you can enjoy.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the historic old town. Also, you can dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Istanbul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| August | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| September | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Istanbul worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Istanbul, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, admire the historic sights, and browse the museums. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Istanbul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| December | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
Is Istanbul worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Istanbul. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit. Winter is a colder and wetter time to visit Istanbul.
The weather in Istanbul can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to take advantage of the local nightlife and discover the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Istanbul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| February | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| March | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Istanbul worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Istanbul. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the museums and landmarks, and the beautiful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Istanbul
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| June | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Istanbul
Lots of Tourists
Istanbul sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Related
What is Istanbul most famous for?
Istanbul is most famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. It is also known for its great nightlife and shopping. It is often described as historic, diverse, beautiful, and high-energy.
What is the most famous sight in Istanbul?
The most popular sight in Istanbul is The Blue Mosque. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Istanbul on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Blue Mosque and other attractions here.
How touristy is Istanbul? Is it a popular city to visit?
Istanbul is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Old City Guided Tour: $227
- Wonders of Old City Private Tour: $204
- Basilica Cistern / Private Guided Tour / Entry fee isn't included: $20
- Istanbul Old Town Tour: Classics, Highlights & Hidden Gems: $100
- All-Inclusive Best of Istanbul Tour: $220
- Segway Istanbul Old City Tour - Evening: $66
- Turkish Bath Spa and Massage Experience in Taksim: $58
- Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access: $143
How long should I spend in Istanbul?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Istanbul has a variety of activities such as museums and attractions, dining, and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Istanbul?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Istanbul?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Istanbul?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Turkey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Istanbul.
What was your favorite thing about Istanbul?
Every time I'm in Istanbul I make a point of simply sitting down and people watching. This is a city that's filled with culture and it seems like everyone is coming or going somewhere.