Destination guide
Turkey
Istanbul first: Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, ferries between two continents, and the 2026 prices, areas and safety advice you need to plan it.
Istanbul is the obvious place to start in Turkey. The old city of Sultanahmet holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace within a few minutes' walk of each other, while across the Golden Horn, Galata and Beyoğlu are the city's lively modern centre. A cheap public ferry takes you to Kadıköy on the Asian side in about 20 to 25 minutes. Our guide to the best things to do in Istanbul has every major sight with 2026 ticket prices.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Sultanahmet is best for a first visit focused on the monuments, Karaköy and Galata for food and nightlife, and Kadıköy for a more local feel. Our guide to where to stay in Istanbul compares each area. Get around with an Istanbulkart, the rechargeable card used on the tram, metro, buses and ferries.
Istanbul is a big city with big-city risks, mainly pickpockets in the busiest tourist areas, taxi overcharging and a few well-known scams. Read our guide to whether Istanbul is safe for Americans for the current official advice and practical tips. The most pleasant months to visit are April to May and September to October.
Places we cover
- Istanbul
- Sultanahmet
- Galata and Karaköy
- Kadıköy
- The Bosphorus
