A city straddling two continents — mosques, bazaars, and the Bosphorus make it like nowhere else.
Istanbul is unique: the only city in the world spanning two continents. Straddling the Bosphorus between Asia and Europe lies 3,000 years of history — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace are just part of this treasure. Modern Istanbul is also a world-class city for gastronomy, fashion, and the arts.
15M
visitors/year
4.8/5
rating
170
sunny days/year
Best time to visit
April–May or September–October — optimal climate
Top sights & experiences
- ✦🕌 Hagia Sophia
- ✦🕌 Blue Mosque
- ✦🏰 Topkapi Palace
- ✦🛍️ Grand Bazaar
- ✦🗼 Galata Tower
- ✦⛵ Bosphorus cruise
- ✦🐟 Fish market & coffee
Perfect for
HistoryCultureGastronomyShopping
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