Flights to Istanbul New Airport

Exploring Diverse and Historic Istanbul

From the ancient Haghia Sophia and beautiful Blue Mosque to trendy Karaköy and the Grand Bazaar, visitors to Istanbul will pass through millennia of history as they tour the city in its vibrant present.

Istanbul's Best Season

Walking tours, waterfront views and island visits are best in good weather, so May through October is the best time to go. In May the popular Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day festival, a national holiday, takes place. On October 29th, Republic Day is celebrated with parades and cultural programmes. From November until April, the city can be windy with cool and wet weather. Istanbul celebrates major Muslim festivals such as Eid and Ramadan, whose dates vary from year to year.

Thinking Ahead About a Turkish Trip

Indian citizens will need a visa to visit Turkey. Applications must be made within one month of travel, using a passport valid for at least 6 months with one blank page available.

At markets such as the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar, it's traditional to haggle over prices - the goods are often overpriced to start. It's easy to find delicious fast food in Istanbul, with snacks starting at about 2 TRY, kebabs from 8 TRY, and beer from 6 TRY approximately. Fish, however, is expensive. Groceries and other supplies are more costly overall than in India, with prices an average of 45% higher than in Delhi.

Arriving and Exploring Istanbul

For connecting from the airport to the city centre there are plenty of options. The Metro M1 arrives in Aksaray, costing about 4 TRY. The HAVATA shuttle bus, about 11 TRY, goes to Taksim Square every half hour, except between 1am and 4am. Taxi service to Taksim costs about 60 TRY.

A one-night hostel or guesthouse stay starts at about 30 TRY. There are plenty of options for accommodation in each district, particularly in Eminönü, which features the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and Beyoğlu, with Taksim Square and İstiklâl Caddesi.

Public transit in Istanbul is affordable and good, including metro and bus, minibus and metrobus, and ferry and tram. An Istanbulkart is valid on all public transport and rechargeable. Ferries in the public transport system provide passage across the Bosphorous. Taxis are available around town, but are more expensive than transit.

The Princes' Islands offer a relaxing, vehicle-free break and a peaceful day trip: visitors will only find horse-drawn carriages there.