Located along the Bosphorus strait, Istanbul serves as Turkey's vibrant financial and cultural centre, uniting Asia and Europe. With this Istanbul travel guide, you get to explore the ancient treasures like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque that showcase a rich medley of Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences in its architecture. Istanbul tourism dazzles visitors with its fusion of culture and history. So if you plan to visit Türkiye, book flights to Istanbul with IndiGo.

How to reach Istanbul?

• By air: Istanbul Grand Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, at a distance of about 25 km (30 minutes drive). IndiGo now provides flights to Istanbul with direct connectivity between Istanbul and Delhi, along with seamless connections to other destinations.
• Getting around/local transport in Istanbul: With the Bosphorus strait dividing Istanbul into two parts, ferries and sea buses are the primary modes of daily transportation. The city also has a Metrobus connection, underground metro lines and taxi services.

Discover the city’s culinary delights with an Istanbul travel guide. Find a diverse array of eateries, from bustling street food stalls to exquisite fine dining restaurants.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring from April to May, and autumn is also a favourable time from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are fewer.

The most commonly spoken languages in Istanbul are Turkish and English. Turkish is the official language, while English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas and among the younger population.

As you head out to Istanbul for shopping, don’t forget to fill your bag with Turkish delight (locally known as Lokum) especially the Pistachio one, Turkish tea, rugs and kilims and jewellery made from semi-precious gemstone known as chalcedony. If you are looking for some upmarket garments, then visit Bağdat Avenue on the Asian Side or Nişantaşı on the European side

• Grand Bazaar: Walk down the narrow lanes to witness how artisans work while peeping through the doorways to discover the hidden gems of one of the world’s largest indoor marketplaces, Grand Bazaar. With 5000 shops selling beautiful jewellery, antiques, carpets and hand-painted ceramics, it’s a heaven for shopaholics. The market also boasts two hammams, two mosques, four mountains and Cevahir Bedesten, the oldest part of the bazaar. Learn art bargaining before entering this market.
• Spice Bazaar: Türkiye, another biggest and famous market, Spice Bazaar is a must-visit. You can find almost every spice that you can imagine. Go for typical Turkish products and spices to keep Turkish memories alive even after your return. Spices like sumac having citric tartness, pul biber – dried pepper flakes, nar ekşisi - pomegranate sauce, cörek otu - black cumin and saffron must be on your shopping list. Some of the most reputed shops in the market include Urfa Pazarı, Ucuzcular, Ayfer Kaur, Malatya Pazarı and Arifoğlu.
• Kadıköy: Kadıköy is a vibrant neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, known for its bustling markets, antique shops, and street vendors. It's a great place to explore local culture and pick up unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and vintage finds.
• Istanbul Antiques Market (Feriköy Antika Pazarı): For antique lovers, the Istanbul Antiques Market in the Feriköy district is a treasure trove of vintage furniture, ceramics, textiles, and collectables. It's held every Sunday and attracts collectors and enthusiasts from around the city.

Istanbul hosts a variety of vibrant festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Your Istanbul tourism will help you learn about the festivals from ancient rituals to modern festivities, these events offer visitors a unique glimpse into the city's soul.

Some of the more reasons to visit Istanbul are their vibrant markets, and landmarks. Come and indulge in Turkish cuisine, cruise the Bosphorus, immerse in rich history, experience warm hospitality and more.

• Princes’ Islands: Far from the chaos of the city, spend your day at this scenic location, situated in the Sea of Marmara. Princes’ Islands is a popular tourist spot, comprising nine small islands, out of which only four are open to the public – Büyükada (the most popular and the biggest one), Burgazada, Kinaliada and Heybeliada. The main highlight of this place is ‘the pin-drop silence.’ The only sound you will hear is of sounds of horse hoofs, and bicycle bells as all motorised vehicles are banned here. You can get there by regular ferries or the sea boats.
• Galata Tower: Dominating Istanbul skyline, Galata Towers at the height of 219 feet, offers a fantastic view of the surroundings and the old city. Known as the Tower of Christ, the structure has been modified from time to time and while visiting if you get tired then relax some time at the restaurant, café and a nightclub in its upper part.
• Dolmabahce Palace: Built along Bosphorus coastline in 19th century, Türkiye most glamorous palace features quite a few unique things that are enough to make you awestruck; such as the most massive chandelier in the world (a gift from Queen Victoria) and amalgamation of exquisite traditional Ottoman architecture with European styles of Rococo, Neoclassical and Baroque.  The palace is often compared with the Palace of Versailles and was home to six sultans.

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