BEST OF ISTANBUL · TRAVEL SMARTER

Plan Your Trip to Istanbul

Practical guides for first-time visitors: where to stay, what to see, how to get around and how to make the most of your time in this extraordinary city.

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START HERE

The essentials for your Istanbul trip

Clear, useful advice to help you plan your first days, choose the right neighbourhood and move around with confidence.

ARRIVAL

Airport to the City Centre

Compare metro, airport buses, taxis and transfer options.

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ACCOMMODATION

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Explore neighbourhoods for sightseeing, food and transport.

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Galata Tower rising above the streets of Istanbul

SIGHTS & CULTURE

Must-See Istanbul Attractions

Discover landmarks, historic streets and memorable views.

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GETTING AROUND

Public Transport Made Easier

Understand the metro, tram, ferries and Istanbulkart.

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EXPLORE BY INTEREST

Find the guides you need

Things to Do

Landmarks, museums, cruises and experiences.

Neighbourhoods

Explore Sultanahmet, Galata, Taksim and Kadıköy.

Food & Drink

Turkish breakfast, street food, sweets and dining tips.

Hotels & Stays

Choose an area that fits your plans and budget.

Transportation

Airport routes, public transport and getting around.

Safety & Scams

Recognise common tourist traps and plan confidently.

Plugs & Adapters

Check which travel adapter you need, for Turkey or any country.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

Useful advice, without the guesswork

From historic sights and Bosphorus ferries to transport and accommodation, our guides focus on the practical details that help you plan a smoother Istanbul trip.

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OUR OWN VISIT

Inside the Galata Tower Museum: Our Photos and Notes

A five-part series from our own family visit to the Galata Tower Museum on 4 July 2024: the stairs inside the tower wall, the Golden Horn chain, the flight simulation, the Istanbul model and the views. Every photograph is ours, and faces are blurred.

Inside the Galata Tower Museum: Our Floor-by-Floor Visit

We visited the Galata Tower Museum on the afternoon of 4 July 2024, and this is the account…
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The Golden Horn Chain and Other Objects on Display at Galata Tower

On the fourth floor of the Galata Tower Museum a length of heavy iron chain lies in a…
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Hezârfen’s Flight Simulation at Galata Tower: Our Experience and the Legend

On the second floor of the Galata Tower Museum a giant screen shows the legend of Hezârfen Ahmed…
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Galata Tower’s Seventh Floor: The Istanbul Model, Binoculars and Window Views

The seventh floor of the Galata Tower Museum has a big model of Istanbul, a ring of arched…
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Galata Tower with a Child: What Worked for Our Family

Is the Galata Tower Museum a good visit with a child? For our daughter, yes. We went on…
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OUR OWN VISIT

Inside the Topkapı Harem: Our Photos and Notes

A series written from our own family visit to the Harem of Topkapı Palace on 26 July 2026. Every photograph was taken by us on that visit, and every observation comes from our notes. It is first-hand coverage, not a rewrite of other guides.