Flights from Mumbai to Istanbul New Airport

Istanbul - a cultural bridge between Asia and Europe

Istanbul is Turkey's cultural capital, bridging the worlds of Asia and Europe. Istanbul is a vibrant city, spread along the banks of the Bosphorus. At every turn there is evidence of the city's Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman past, including monuments such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Many have interiors covered in breathtaking mosaics and frescoes. For something a little different, take a trip to the car free Prince Islands, where only horse-drawn carriages are allowed.

When is it best to be in Istanbul?

The best season for visiting Istanbul is from May to October, as November to April can be wet and windy, with cooler temperatures. 19th May sees the Commemoration of Atatürk, celebrated with a Youth and Sports Day. Republic Day is on the 29th October, and the major festivals of Islam, such as Ramadan and Eid el-Fitr are celebrated, with dates varying from year to year.

What should I know before I travel?

Indian citizens wishing to visit Turkey need visas, these should be applied for within one month of travel dates. Passports should have a validity of at least 6 months and need at least one blank page.

Shoppers are expected to haggle at markets, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, bearing in mind that prices of goods are often higher to start with.

Istanbul is a paradise for lovers of fast food, with snacks starting at around 2 TRY, kebabs from 8 TRY, although fish is pricier. Beer prices start about 6 TRY. Groceries are more expensive in Istanbul than India, averaging around 45% higher than in Delhi.

How do I get around Istanbul and where should I stay?

The Metro M1 line goes from the airport to Aksaray, costing about 4 TRY, while the Havata shuttle bus goes to Taksim Square, departing every 30 minutes (except between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m.). This costs around 11 TRY. Taxis to Taksim Square start at around 60 TRY.

Istanbul has an extensive and cheap public transport system of bus, metro, minibus, metrobus and trams. Ferries can be taken to cross the Bosphorus, making for a memorable experience. Taxis cost more than public transport.

One night in a hostel or guesthouse costs from around 30 TRY. The districts of Eminönü (near the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar) & Beyoğlu (near Taksim Square and İstiklâl Caddesi) are good places to find accommodation.