Route, accommodation, food, tickets, transfer and internet – step by step, with what we have tested ourselves.
Would you like to get your bearings first? To the Istanbul Travel Guide 2026
For a first proper stay in Istanbul we recommend 4–5 days. Three days work as a compact introduction.
This is how we do it: We usually start between 10 and 11 and plan each day by routes and neighbourhoods so that we don't travel across the whole city.
Choose the neighbourhood first, then the hotel. Location decides about routes, noise and taxi costs. Tap a neighbourhood and see where we stayed ourselves.
Galata, approx. 200 m from the Galata Tower (according to the operator)
Who it's for: Galata fans, longer stays and everyone who wants to cook themselves
Advantage: Apartment with kitchen and roof terrace, Galata Tower outside the window
Galata, a few minutes' walk from the Galata Tower
Who it's for: Couples and everyone who likes atmosphere instead of an interchangeable hotel
Advantage: Historic townhouse, strong breakfast, very central location
Şişhane, between Galata and İstiklal
Who it's for: Everyone who wants to reach Galata and İstiklal equally quickly
Advantage: Metro around the corner, modern rooms, restaurant with a view towards the Galata Tower
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From our own experience: Location beats the star rating. A cheap hotel in the wrong place quickly becomes expensive – look at the slope and the way to the nearest line.
You sort this out best before departure too. Tram, metro and ferry take you almost everywhere, and the ferry is part of the experience.
Understand Istanbul, don't just find it. Google Maps shows you where something is. Our interactive guide shows you how steep the way is and what lies in between. Perfect for checking before departure how well your hotel fits your destinations.
From cheap to special – our personal restaurant, lokanta, street food and café recommendations for every budget.
From the great Istanbul classics to special experiences: tickets for sights, the Bosphorus in the evening, food tours and workshops. Anything with time slots or guided tours is best booked in advance. Places with easy access you can visit spontaneously.
Perfume workshopBlend scent notes and compose your own fragranceLearn more 
Turkish coffee & coffee-cup readingBrew it yourself, learn the culture, read the groundsLearn more 
Mosaic lamp workshopColoured glass, your own pattern, a lamp to take homeLearn more 
Leather workshopStitch your own walletLearn more 
Glass painting workshopPaint your own design on glassLearn more 
Carpet weavingAt the loom with a Turkish craftsmanLearn more From our own experience: With children and several suitcases we prefer a private transfer. Alone or as a couple with little luggage the metro is often the most plannable solution.
You set up an eSIM at home. After landing you have a network straight away and don't have to look for a SIM card. We have experienced ourselves how expensive roaming can get.
If you still need inspiration, read our travel guide first. If you already know what you want, choose your route.
Image credits: photos of dervishes, Bursa and Büyükada via Wikimedia Commons (public domain or CC0). Photos of the workshops and tours: GetYourGuide / the providers of the offers; meze photo: Dr. Bernd Gross, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
