Planning notes for Istanbul

Istanbul is a transcontinental city located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus strait. Archaeological findings indicate human settlement in the area dating back to the Neolithic era, approximately 8,000 years ago. Historically, the city functioned as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine.

Must-try foods nearby

• Cağ Kebabı
  Originating from Erzurum but perfected in Istanbul's backstreets (like Şehzade), this is a horizontal rotisserie kebab.
• Balık Dürüm
  While 'Balık Ekmek' (fish sandwich) is the classic, the 'Balık Dürüm'—specifically the spicy.
• Mantı
  Often called 'Turkish Ravioli,' these tiny hand-folded dough pockets are typically filled with spiced ground meat.
• Kokoreç
  A quintessential Istanbul late-night street food. It consists of spiced, grilled lamb intestines wrapped around sweetbreads.
• İskender Kebap
  An iconic dish featuring thinly sliced Döner meat laid over pieces of warm pide bread.

When to go: The best time to visit Istanbul is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring. Summer (July and August) can be uncomfortably hot, humid.

Local tips

• Purchase an Istanbulkart for seamless and discounted access to all public transportation, including metros, trams, and Bosphorus ferries.
• When dining, it is customary to leave a cash tip of 5-10% on the table, as most credit card machines do not have a gratuity option.
• Accepting an offer of tea (çay) is a sign of respect and hospitality, even if you only stay for a few minutes.
• Always use official yellow taxis with active meters or ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi to ensure fair pricing and safety.

What travelers are noticing

• UEFA Europa League Final 2026 at Beşiktaş Park (May 20)
• Ancient Crafts Revival: Artisanal workshops and modern Iznik tile galleries in Balat
• Waterfront Dining and Luxury Retail at the expanded Galataport District