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Things to see in Istanbul (Turkey): 189 places and when to go

Istanbul is a major city in Turkey with around 10,061,000 inhabitants, and this site lists 189 places in and around it, mainly Temples (52), History (41), Hot springs (39). The best known are Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Istanbul and Topkapı Palace. The best time to come is April to June and September to October; also possible: November to March and July to August. In June there are 14 h 57 of daylight, and in December, 9 h 03. Here is what there is, when to go, how to get there and what else is nearby.

Reviewed on 7 min read

In a nutshell

Where
Turkey · 41.1069, 29.0081
Population
About 10,061,000
Places
189 places on this site, in the town and around it.
What people come for
Temples (52) · History (41) · Hot springs (39) · Museums and art (21) · Architecture (15) · Nature (11)
Best time
April to June and September to October.
Also possible
November to March and July to August.
Nearest airport
IST Istanbul, 30 km as the crow flies
Highest point
Aydos Hill, at 537 m.

What to see in Istanbul

The places in and around Istanbul, best known first, each with its own page: what it is, when to go and what is next to it. Distances are from the centre, as the crow flies.

And the other 165, by what you come to do:

When to go to Istanbul

The best time to visit Istanbul is April to June and September to October; also possible: November to March and July to August. This comes from its own places: a month counts as the town's best time when it is the best time for half of what there is to see.

  1. JanPossible9:21
  2. FebPossible10:25
  3. MarPossible11:40
  4. AprBest time13:07
  5. MayBest time14:18
  6. JunBest time14:57
  7. JulPossible14:41
  8. AugPossible13:39
  9. SepBest time12:15
  10. OctBest time10:52
  11. NovPossible9:39
  12. DecPossible9:03

Best timePossibleBetter notHours of daylight

In June there are 14 h 57 of daylight, and in December, 9 h 03. In June, 188 of the 189 places are at their best.

When to go to Turkey in general, with its festivals and peak seasons, is in its country guide.

Getting to Istanbul

The nearest main airport is İstanbul Airport (IST, Istanbul), 30 km as the crow flies. How to get around Turkey (train, car, bus) is in its country guide, and what to sort out before you leave is in its checklist.

Where it is (opens in a new tab)Directions (opens in a new tab)

Other towns nearby

And all of Turkey, in its country guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see in Istanbul?

The best known: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Topkapı Palace, Süleymaniye Mosque, Golden Horn. In all, 189 places in the town and around it, all on your trip map from day one.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

April to June and September to October; also possible: November to March and July to August. In June there are 14 h 57 of daylight, and in December, 9 h 03.

How do you get to Istanbul?

The nearest main airport is İstanbul Airport (IST), 30 km away. From there, directions opens the route on the map.

How do I add it to my trip?

Create a trip with Istanbul as the destination and these 189 places are on your map, each with its category. The ones you like go into a day's plan with one tap, and Kokai reminds you when you pass nearby.

Keep reading

Data from OpenStreetMap, licensed under the ODbL, from Wikidata, CC0, cities from Natural Earth and airports from OurAirports. Daylight hours are calculated from the latitude. More in credits.