Travel, Vacation Packages and Tours to Istanbul, Turkey | Keytours Vacations

Discover Istanbul's Wonders

Once the capital of three different empires, Istanbul is now home to the fabulous art and architecture of the past and while still modernizing and making the most of the present. Situated on the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara, its many bazaars, churches, mosques, museums and palaces will give even the seasoned traveler a mesmerizing vacation.

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Description

Constantinople, the centre of the Byzantine Empire which lasted over a thousand years, later became Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire for almost 500 years. The city is a mixture of Europe and Asia, a unique urban composition. A stroll around Sultanahmet, inside the city walls, among mosques, museums and the Great Bazaar is a trip through both history and daily life. Modern Istanbul is on the other side of the Galata Bridge in Beyoğlu. The city is at its busiest from the Karaköy ferry terminal, through the always happening and youthful Cihangir, along the main tourist shopping İstiklal street and all the way to the famous Taksim square. Istanbul’s Asian side has avoided much of the international tourism and has retained a more humdrum character. Moda district is brimming with cafes and bars frequented by local hipsters, while a bit more traditional Üsküdar caters to visiting families. Waterways play a central role in the life of the city and boat traffic on the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara is running like clockwork. Along the banks you can find small cafes where you can enjoy a glass of tea and magnificent views over the town.

Useful information

Population:

Approximately 16.2 million Greater Istanbul (2025)

Currency:

Turkish Lira, TL1 = 100 kuruş

Emergency Info:

112

Opening Hours:

The official opening hours for shops are 9am–6pm. However, many traders and shops stay open until midnight. Most hotels will have at least one 24 hour restaurant.

Do & See

Arter

Arter is a non-profit centre that displays modern art in a gorgeous modern building with a fabulous façade, in stark contrast with comparatively dilapidated old buildings in the area. A must for fans of contemporary art. Every single visitor is impressed by the bookstore. The art centre also has a lovely cafe with a terrace.

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary that, unfortunately, are now covered up. The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. That's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.

Boat Trips

Boats travel along the shores of the Bosphorus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

The Bosphorus Sunset Cruise offers a scenic and relaxing two-hour afternoon journey along one of Istanbul’s most iconic waterways. The semi-private cruise is excellent value for money, with a small group setting and attentive, professional crew. Snacks, water and coffee are included in the price.

Chora Monastery (Kariye Mosque)

The Monastery was founded in the 5th century and contains beautiful frescos and mosaics dating from 1000–1300, representing Virgin Mary and the life of Jesus. This medieval Greek Orthodox church is used as a mosque today.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is a white stone behemoth located in the Beşiktaş district and overlooks the Bosphorus. It used to serve as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. Some visitors compare it with Versailles and Hermitage.

Eminönü Pier

Eminönü Pier is located right next to the famed Galata bridge, where you can find plenty of restaurants and locals fishing at all times of the day. It's a perfect spot to take in Istanbul's busy atmosphere, or start your day of exploring the city by boat. Ferries depart regularly and take you up the Golden Horn, along the Bosphorus or across the water to the Asian side.

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Istanbul. There are several playgrounds for children, trails for hiking and picnic tables. Every April there is a Tulip Festival, a period when the park is surrounded by blossomed tulips.

Dining

Barbeku House

Barbeku House is a hidden gem, located just minutes from the Blue Mosque. This is the place where you can enjoy quality Turkish food at affordable prices in a warm and cosy atmosphere. You can also expect excellent service from the welcoming staff.

Beyti Restaurant

Beyti Restaurant is a unique Turkish meat restaurant and admired not only in the country but all over the world. The dish called 'Beyti Kebap' is highly recommended.

Eleos

Eleos is a warm and welcoming Greek restaurant which can be hard to find but it will be well worth the effort. The small menu changes daily, depending on the catch of the day. With your fresh food enjoy a glass of excellent wine, the house wine comes highly recommended.

Four Seasons

The luxurious Four Seasons hotel is a converted prison from around the year 1800 near the Topkapi Palace. The restaurant is in a round outbuilding on what was once the prison yard, and here you can eat like a prince.

Galatasaray Fish Market & Çicek Pasaji

Halfway through the market runs the Nevizade, a lane with a string of good value Meyhanes (traditional taverns). The flower thoroughfare next to the market is a reconstructed restaurant street, but it’s a little more expensive.

House of Medusa

The restaurant is named after the goddess Medusa and is located in an old building that used to be a mansion before it was restored into a restaurant. This charming restaurant provides a lovely courtyard where you can sample delicious Turkish specialties.

Meşale Restaurant & Cafe

A local hotspot with great service and a vibrant atmosphere, stop by for some tea and shisha. The café serves cocktails, but nothing with alcohol, although smoking hookah is frequent. Excellent place to see the whirling dervishes and listen to live music.

Moda in Kadiköy

Widely regarded as Kadıköy's premier dining district, Moda buzzes with a mix of cafés, bars and restaurants. This lively neighbourhood is a go-to destination if you're looking for quality food and drink. The area's diverse culinary scene ranges from traditional Turkish restaurants to contemporary international eateries. You can also relax in one of the many çay houses with sweet treats like künefe. Many of the establishments here stay busy until late.

Cafes

Beta Tea House

Discover a wide variety of delicious teas at Beta Tea House, where the atmosphere and aromatic setting create a true oasis in the heart of the city. The space is well-organised and pleasantly located, offering a escape for tea lovers. Prices are very reasonable given the quality of the products, and the service is quick, friendly, and helpful. If you're in the mood for something different, their Turkish coffee is less thick than usual, but just as flavourful.

Fazil Bey

The Fazil Bey Café opened in 1923 and since then it has always roasted its own beans to serve its own spin on Turkish coffee, plus local cookies and pastries. Other options include Chai tea and ginger lemonade, which can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area.

Mangerie

This is the perfect place to go for breakfast or brunch. Mangerie offers a nice ambience with a magnificent view of the water and street below. The staff also prepares fresh juices and cocktails.

Meşale Restaurant & Cafe

Moda in Kadiköy

Patisserie De Pera

Time has stood still here since 1892 and you almost expect Mata Hari to sit down at the next table to enjoy one of the delicious pastries. Patisserie De Pera is located inside Pera Palace Hotel.

Pierre Loti

This café is rightfully renowned for its fantastic view over the Golden Horn, a great place to enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish Tea on the terrace garden. It is extremely popular with Turkish families and tourists.

Bars & Nightlife

360 Istanbul

360 is one of the hippest places in town. Make a memorable evening out of it and go for an amazing dinner at the restaurant, followed by a drink in the chic bar and ending it at the hottest club in town.

Galata Tower Shows

On the upper floors of this nine-story tower is a nightclub which hosts Turkish shows like belly dancing. The medieval stone tower is located just to the north of the Golden Horn and is an important landmark in Istanbul.

Hodjapasha

Hodjapasha is a culture centre located in a former Turkish bath. These days you can come here in the evening for inspiring music and dance shows. Here you can see solo oriental dances as well as group performances and dances from different regions of Anatolia.

Litera Restaurant & Lounge-Club

You can find Litera Bar at the top of one of the tall Ottoman buildings with an amazing view over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. Drinks tend to be on the pricey side; however, quality and bartenders' professionalism make it worth it.

Orient Express Bar

A nostalgic must-see where kings, spies, writers and film stars have all had a drink. Don’t forget to see Agatha Christie’s room 411, which is now a museum.

Smyrna Cafe

Smyrna Café offers a laid-back atmosphere that feels like a typical café during the day, but in the evening it transforms into a casual night spot open until late. It's an ideal place to unwind, sit back, and enjoy a refreshing drink in a relaxed setting.

The Stairs in Cihangir

These public steps climbing a small hill in front of Noh Radio bar have become one of Istanbul's most popular evening gathering places. This is not a venue, but rather a staircase that regularly attracts students and young crowds, both locals and internationals, for informal street-side socialising, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

Shopping

Avrupa Pasajı

Avrupa Pasajı or Passage d'Europe is a historic shopping arcade with antique shops and a great array of textile, ceramics and lamps on display. Its arched glass roof is quite a sight.

Bagdat Caddesi

A good shopping district is the long Bagdat Caddesi on the Asian side. There are many trendy brand name shops here and prices are sometimes lower than in town because not many tourists find this area.

Çukurcuma

Çukurcuma, the hillside neighbourhood just east of Istiklal Caddesi, attracts both serious antique collectors and lovers of thrifty antique shopping. Vintage clothing, textiles, and old books are presented amongst 19th-century Baroque furniture and floral-painted ceramics. You will definitely find something to spice up your home decor in an authentic, non-mass-market way.

Egyptian Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is at the base of the Galata Bridge in Eminönü, and is also called the Egyptian Bazaar because of the imported spices originally from Egypt. Besides the vast array of spices, in the lanes of this indoor market you can buy cheese, honey, sausages, dried fruits, tea and all sorts of edible delights, and knick knacks, including clothes and gorgeous fabrics.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar attracts many people, far too many if you come at rush hour. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafes whilst the bazaar comes to life. There are thousands of stalls, selling virtually everything, carpets, gold, cloth, spices and more. The bazaar is a world of its own and it’s easy and fun to get lost in the teeming alleyways.

İstanbul Cevahir

A large and modern shopping mall spread across six floors, with lifts and escalators providing easy access throughout. The first four levels are filled with a wide range of popular international brands such as Zara, Nike, and many others. The entire fifth floor is dedicated to dining, featuring over 50 fast food outlets and restaurants offering plenty of choice for all tastes. Conveniently located above the M2 metro line, you can enter the mall directly from the underground station by simply taking the escalators up. The building itself is quite impressive and serves as both a shopping and dining destination.

İstiklal Caddesi

İstiklal Caddesi is a fashionable old street in the Pera district, now called Beyoğlu. Walking down İstiklal is something every visitor does at least once because of its strategic location connecting Taksim square to Galata tower. In terms of shopping, you'll find many famous brands here, as well as smaller niche shops selling fashion items and other things to take home to remind you of your trip.

Mall of Istanbul

Arguably the best mall in the area, this shopping centre stands out for its impressive design, wide variety of retail outlets, and extensive dining options. It is one of the largest and most striking malls in Istanbul, home to well-known international and local brands. In addition to shopping and food, the mall offers a children’s play area, making it a family-friendly destination. There is also free parking available and a steady flow of taxis waiting just outside, ensuring easy access for visitors.

Tourist Information

Istanbul Airport (IST)

The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 kilometres away from Taksim and 52 kilometres from both Sultanahmet, historical centre on the European side of Istanbul, and Kadıköy, city centre on the Asian side. The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights. Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or by using your passport at WiFi kiosks. The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST buses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online, at least 6 hours in advance, or pay by card when you board. The new M11 metro line, launched in January 2023, also connects Istanbul Airport to the city. Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, Uber operates in Istanbul.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen serves as Pegasus Airlines' main base, this airport offers more budget-friendly flights than Turkish Airlines. Despite being smaller than Istanbul's primary airport, Sabiha Gökçen maintains significant importance with connections across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and more. The M4 metro line provides direct access to Kadıköy on Istanbul's Asian side, where travellers can transfer to Turkish Railways or ferries continuing to the city centre. Facilities include various cafes and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and shops selling travel essentials and mobile accessories.

Public Transport

There is one public and one private bus network, IETT and Halk Otobus, respectively. The underground, Tünel, runs from Karaköy till Istiklâl Cad in Beyoglu and takes a few minutes. There is also a museum tram up toward Taksim Square. Another tram route goes from Kabatas via Galata bridge and the Spice Bazaar to the south-western suburbs. The Metro goes from Taksim north to Levent and from Aksaray to Otogar in Esenler, where buses depart for other parts of Turkey, Europe and to the airport. Dolmuses are minibuses or large taxis that depart when they are full, and stop where you want them to. They are the cheapest form of transport. Ferries between Europe and Asia leave from Eminönü, Karaköy and Besiktas to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Harem. Akbil is a type of payment card that you can top up with various sums and use on buses, boats and trams. It can be bought at major junctions.

Taxi

Taxis are yellow in the inner city and lilac in the suburbs. There are numerous taxi companies. Different hotels work with different companies and can book your transport to the airport. It’s best to hail a taxi on the street, or go to a taxi rank and ask for a business card. Alternatively, Uber and a local app called BiTaksi are available in Istanbul involving regular vehicles and yellow taxis.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Turkey is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. The standard power plugs are Type C and Type F.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are called 'Eczane' in Turkish. Istanbul offers many options both working regular hours or 24/7. In Istanbul, there isn't a dominant pharmacy chain; they are owned by individual pharmacists.

Post

The Grand Post Office is in Hobyar, near the Istanbul Railway Museum. Other PTT-offices are on Taksim Square and Istiklâl Cad. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.

Telephone

Country number +90 Area code: 212 and 216

Trips

Istanbul Cappadocia and Izmir Magic Triangle

Istanbul Discovery

Istanbul Athens and Cairo Explorer

Istanbul Pre or Post Cruise

Jewels of Turkey Private Journey

Istanbul and Cappadocia Private Journey

Jewels of Istanbul Cappadocia Izmir and Bodrum

Istanbul Cappadocia and Bodrum Escapade

Istanbul Cappadocia and Izmir Magic Triangle

Istanbul Discovery

Istanbul Athens and Cairo Explorer

Istanbul Pre or Post Cruise

Jewels of Turkey Private Journey

Istanbul and Cappadocia Private Journey

Jewels of Istanbul Cappadocia Izmir and Bodrum

Istanbul Cappadocia and Bodrum Escapade

Istanbul Cappadocia and Izmir Magic Triangle

Istanbul Discovery

Istanbul Athens and Cairo Explorer

Istanbul Pre or Post Cruise

Jewels of Turkey Private Journey

Istanbul and Cappadocia Private Journey

Jewels of Istanbul Cappadocia Izmir and Bodrum

Istanbul Cappadocia and Bodrum Escapade

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