Istanbul

Discover Istanbul, where the magic of the past intertwines seamlessly with the vibrancy of the present. Start at the Hagia Sophia, a living testament to Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Next door, the Blue Mosque enchants with its intricate tiles, echoing centuries of prayer.

Step into the opulent Topkapi Palace, a realm of sultans and treasures, then lose yourself in the maze of the Grand Bazaar. Its vibrant stalls offer a sensory feast of colors and scents, a timeless shopping haven.

Embark on a Bosphorus cruise, where the waters bridge continents. Witness the city's panorama, a fusion of minarets and modernity. Ascend the Galata Tower for a captivating skyline view that traces Istanbul's evolution.

In Istanbul, hesitations dissolve as you embrace a city where history breathes, and modernity pulses. This cultural crossroads beckons, inviting you to wander its streets and weave your story into its tapestry.

Istanbul tours and activities

Turkey Adventure Tour

Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye

Stories, tips, and guides

Interesting Facts about Turkey

Vulputate amet magna bibendum et nibh at. Pretium tincidunt non…

Best 10 places to visit in Turkey

Vulputate amet magna bibendum et nibh at. Pretium tincidunt non…

Istanbul travel tips

Vulputate amet magna bibendum et nibh at. Pretium tincidunt non…

Accommodation in Turkey

Vulputate amet magna bibendum et nibh at. Pretium tincidunt non…

Istanbul at a glance

POPULATION

15.9 million

CURRENCY

Turkish Lira

LANGUAGE

Turkish

TIME ZONE

İstanbul (GMT+3)

CALLING CODE

+212 (Europe) , +216 (Asia)

ELECTRICITY

Type F plug

Frequently asked questions

The languages spoken in Turkey, in addition to the official language Turkish, encompass the widely used Kurdish (Kurmanji) and Arabic, along with several less prevalent minority languages.

Although Turkey lies close to the Eurozone, the euro is not widely embraced as a currency within the country. Nonetheless, there are exceptions, particularly at airports, hotels, and major tourist destinations, where euros are accepted as payment.

Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency of Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

Holders of official passports must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, regular passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Make sure to obtain entry and exit stamps. A Turkish entry stamp is necessary for domestic flights.

Turkey, situated in a distinctive geographic location, spans across both Asia and Europe, serving as both a divider and a connector between the two continents throughout its history. Positioned at the intersection of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean, Turkey occupies a pivotal role.

Istanbul, situated in Eurasia, spans the Bosphorus strait, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Its vibrant commercial and historic hub rests on the European side, while approximately one-third of its populace resides on the Asian side, flanked by the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.

Turkey is positioned uniquely, spanning both Asia and Europe, serving as a pivotal link and a dividing line between the two continents throughout its rich history. Situated at the intersection of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean, Turkey holds a strategic geographic position.

The relationship between the European Union (EU) and Turkey began in 1959, with the formalization of the institutional framework through the 1963 Ankara Agreement. Although Turkey is not an official member of the European Union, it remains one of the EU's primary partners. Both entities are participants in the European Union–Turkey Customs Union.

The public transportation system in Turkey is highly convenient and reasonably priced. There are different modes of transportation available, including airplanes, buses, trains, minibuses (known as dolmus or minibüs), and subways in major cities.

Among water parks, zoos, ancient ruins, and beaches, Turkey is a fantastic destination for the whole family.

April, May, September, and October offer pleasant warmth in Turkey, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. These months are generally considered the optimal times to explore Turkey's impressive collection of ancient sites. On the other hand, the summer months, from June to September, can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring into the mid-thirties, especially on the south coast.

Get travel inspiration straight to your inbox!

Subscribe to Tury for new trip updates, hot sales, and great deals.