Istanbul Holiday Guide — City of Two Continents: Hotels, Tours, Bosphorus
Istanbul, the city that unites Asia and Europe, with 15+ million inhabitants, is one of the world’s richest historical and cultural treasures. Served as the capital of three empires (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman). AILYDIAN Holiday combines Istanbul hotel booking, Bosphorus tours, city tours, museum tickets and airport transfers.
About Istanbul — Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Metropolis
Founded around 660 BC as Byzantion, becoming Constantinople under Roman emperor Constantine in 330 AD, and Istanbul under the Ottomans in 1453. Today the UNESCO Historic Peninsula, 2500+ mosques, 200+ churches and synagogues, the Bosphorus, modern malls and art galleries offer something for every visitor.
Byzantine Constantinople
Ottoman Capital
Republic of Türkiye’s Istanbul
Bosphorus and Two Continents
Top Sights — Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Bosphorus Route
Sultanahmet contains Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar. Beyoglu / Taksim is the modern entertainment and arts hub. Bosphorus route (Ortakoy, Bebek, Anadolu Hisari, Rumeli Hisari) offers seaside views.
Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum
Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque)
Topkapi Palace
Dolmabahce Palace
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Galata Tower
Bosphorus Bridge
Ortakoy Mosque
Maiden's Tower
Things to Do — Bosphorus Tour, Food Tour, Hamam
Bosphorus tour (evening lights + dinner), Eminönü-Üsküdar ferry experience, Turkish hamam (Cagaloglu, Cemberlitas), Grand Bazaar shopping, Turkish night entertainment, Bosphorus jet ski, helicopter tours are popular.
Bosphorus Boat Tour (2-3 hours)
Evening Dinner Bosphorus Tour
Turkish Hamam Experience
Food Tour (Beyoglu, Karakoy)
Turkish Night Show
City Tour (Sultanahmet)
Asian Side Tour
Istanbul Hotels — Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, Bosphorus View
Sultanahmet (historic peninsula) is the ideal location — walking distance to all major museums. Beyoglu/Taksim for modern entertainment. Besiktas, Ortakoy, Bebek for Bosphorus-view luxury hotels. Luxury: Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Four Seasons Bosphorus, Raffles Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Historic Hotels
Beyoglu / Taksim City Hotels
Bosphorus-View Luxury Hotels
Asian Side Boutique Hotels
Airport-Area Hotels
Istanbul Cuisine — Kebabs, Fish, Desserts
Istanbul hosts all regional cuisines of Türkiye. Iskender kebab (Bursa), Adana / Urfa kebabs, fried anchovies, lokma, baklava, Turkish delight, Turkish coffee are signature. Karakoy, Beyoglu, Kadikoy food tours are popular.
Iskender Kebab
Adana / Urfa Kebab
Fish (Karakoy)
Lokma and Baklava
Turkish Coffee
Turkish Delight
Bosphorus-Side Fish Restaurants
Istanbul Transport — IGA, Sabiha Gokcen and City
Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST, European side), Sabiha Gokcen (SAW, Asian side). City: Metro (M1A, M2, Marmaray, T1 tram), Metrobus, ferry, taxi, BiTaksi. Marmaray connects Europe-Asia underwater.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Airport Transfer
Metro and Tram
Marmaray (Europe-Asia)
Ferry and Fast Boat
Car Rental
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
Ideal months: April-June and September-October (mild weather, low rain, manageable crowds). July-August hot and humid (35°C, watch humidity). November-March rainy but fine for cultural tours (hotels cheaper).
Spring (April-May) Best
Autumn (September-October) Best
Summer (June-August)
Winter (November-March)
