Istanbul is a city that defies simple description. Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus strait, it's a mesmerizing fusion of cultures, cuisines, and civilizations that has been captivating travelers for millennia. And here's the best part: your euros go incredibly far in Turkey, making Istanbul one of the best-value destinations accessible from Europe.
Getting There
Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkish Airlines' massive hub, and the competition keeps prices low. Pegasus Airlines, the Turkish budget carrier, and European low-cost airlines offer fares from €30-60 one way from most European cities. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side sometimes has even cheaper options. Compare both on Flajt.com.
Must-See Landmarks
Istanbul's historical peninsula packs more UNESCO-worthy sites per square kilometer than almost anywhere on Earth:
- Hagia Sophia — once a cathedral, then a mosque, now one of the world's most extraordinary buildings (free to enter as a mosque, dress modestly)
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) — stunning with its six minarets and 20,000 hand-painted tiles, free
- Topkapi Palace — home of Ottoman sultans for 400 years (€15, half-price with museum card)
- Grand Bazaar — one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with 4,000+ shops, free to explore
- Basilica Cistern — atmospheric underground water storage from 532 AD (€10)
Turkish Food: A Feast for €5
Istanbul's food scene is extraordinary and extraordinarily cheap. A proper Turkish breakfast spread at a local café costs €4-6 and will keep you full until dinner. Street food highlights: simit (sesame bread ring, €0.50), balık ekmek (fish sandwich at Eminönü, €3), döner kebab (€2-3), and lahmacun (Turkish pizza, €1.50-2).
For sit-down meals, head to Kadıköy on the Asian side for the best value: a full meal of kebabs, mezes, and ayran costs €6-10. Try lokanta-style (self-service) restaurants where a plate of home-cooked food costs €3-5. End every meal with Turkish tea (€0.50) or a proper Turkish coffee (€1-2).
The Bosphorus
The public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy (€0.50 with Istanbulkart) offers essentially the same views as a €15-25 Bosphorus tour. For the full experience, take the long Bosphorus ferry to Anadolu Kavağı (€5 round trip) — a 90-minute journey passing palaces, fortresses, and fishing villages.
Getting Around
Get an Istanbulkart (refillable transit card, €3 + loaded credit). Each ride costs about €0.50-1 on metros, trams, buses, and ferries — some of the cheapest public transport in the world. The tram from the airport to Sultanahmet takes you right to the heart of the old city.
Shopping
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are legendary shopping experiences. Haggle confidently — start at 40% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Turkish towels, ceramics, spices, and leather goods make excellent souvenirs at prices far below what you'd pay in Western Europe.
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer perfect weather. Istanbul is a year-round city. A weekend can cost as little as €150-250 per person including flights! Search on Flajt.com.
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