Planning notes for Istanbul

Istanbul, located on both the European and Asian continents, is a city with a documented history spanning over 2,500 years. Originally established as Byzantium in approximately 660 BCE, it later served as the capital for the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires under the name Constantinople before being renamed Istanbul. The city's historical heritage is preserved within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of its historic peninsula, which contains structures such as the 5th-century Walls of Constantinople.

Must-try foods nearby

• Cağ Kebabı
  A trending favorite in 2026, this Erzurum-origin horizontal spit kebab features marinated lamb cooked over a wood fire.
• Balık Dürüm
  A modern evolution of the classic fish sandwich, this 'fish wrap' has become the ultimate 2026 street food.
• Iskender Kebab
  An iconic masterpiece consisting of thinly sliced döner meat laid over pieces of warm pide bread.
• Serpme Kahvaltı
  The quintessential Turkish breakfast spread. In 2026, 'Van-style' breakfast houses remain the trend, featuring dozens of small plates including kaymak (clotted cream) with honey.
• Mantı
  Tiny, handmade Turkish dumplings typically filled with spiced ground meat. They are topped with a garlic-yogurt sauce and a drizzle of melted butter infused with Aleppo pepper.

When to go: The best time to visit Istanbul is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October).

Local tips

• Purchase an Istanbulkart for seamless access to all public transport, including ferries and trams, as most systems no longer accept cash.
• Always carry some cash in Turkish Lira for small purchases and tipping, as many restaurants do not allow adding gratuities to credit card payments.
• When dining at sit-down restaurants, it is customary to leave a cash tip of 5-10% of the total bill if a service charge is not already included.
• Use ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber to secure official yellow taxis and ensure the meter is used to avoid common overcharging scams.

What travelers are noticing

• Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci Cultural Hubs: The historic train stations are completing their transformation into major cultural centers with museums and performance spaces.
• Digital Art & Electronic Music Festival: A new city-wide debut combining AI-driven visuals and live electronic performances in historic venues.
• Istanbul Modern 21st Anniversary: The museum is hosting major 2026 retrospectives including 'Semiha Berksoy: Aria of All Colors' and 'Panorama: Dreams and Places.'

Extra place context

• Bağdat Caddesi
  The definitive shopping artery of the Asian side, this 14-kilometer-long boulevard is a mix of sophisticated retail and dynamic street life.
  shopping