This Istanbul travel guide is for a first visit to one of the world's great cities, stretched across Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus. In a few days you can see Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, shop in centuries-old bazaars, eat superb street food and cross between continents on a public ferry. Direct flights from Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad take about six and a half hours.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Summers are hot and busy; winters are cool and rainy but cheaper. Lira prices change often, so the examples below are rough guides.
Getting into Istanbul
Most international flights use Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, about 40–50 km from the old town. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side handles many budget flights and is about 50 km from Sultanahmet. Traffic can be heavy, so allow at least an hour to the centre.
German citizens can visit Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days. Pakistani passport holders usually need a visa from a Turkish consulate; an e-visa is possible only for those who hold certain valid visas or residence permits, such as Schengen, UK or US. Check the official Turkish e-visa and consular websites before you travel.
| Istanbul Airport (IST) to the centre | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle bus to Taksim or Sultanahmet | 60–100 min | about €6–9 |
| Metro M11 + connecting metro/tram | 75–90 min | about €1–2 with Istanbulkart |
| Taxi (metered) | 45–75 min | about €30–50 |
| Private transfer (pre-booked) | 45–75 min | €40–70 |
Popular flights: Lahore → IstanbulKarachi → IstanbulIslamabad → Istanbul
Top sights to see in Istanbul
The main historic sights are close together in Sultanahmet. Mosques close to visitors briefly at prayer times; women should bring a headscarf and everyone should cover shoulders and knees.
A 1,500-year-old masterpiece, now a mosque; foreign visitors enter the upper gallery with a ticket.
1 hour · about €25The Sultan Ahmed Mosque with its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
45 minutes · freeHome of the Ottoman sultans, with treasury, courtyards and Bosphorus views.
2–3 hours · about €40–50A vast, atmospheric underground Byzantine water reservoir with Medusa heads.
45 minutes · about €20Thousands of shops for carpets, lamps, sweets and spices — bargain politely.
2 hours · freeSinan's masterpiece on a hilltop, calmer than Sultanahmet with superb views.
45 minutes · freePanoramic views, then a walk down the famous street to Taksim.
2–3 hoursTake a public ferry or a tour boat past palaces, bridges and seaside villages.
1.5–2 hours · from €2Markets, cafés and local life — a 20-minute ferry from Eminönü.
Half a dayFood to try in Istanbul
Start the day with a Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey, tomatoes and fresh bread, or grab a sesame simit from a street cart. For lunch try döner, İskender kebab, lahmacun or a fish sandwich (balık ekmek) by the water at Eminönü, and finish with baklava, künefe and Turkish tea or coffee.
Most meat served in Istanbul is halal, and pork is rare outside some international restaurants. Street food costs about €2–6, a local restaurant meal €8–15, and a meal with a view €25–50. Look for busy places full of locals, and check prices on the menu before ordering in tourist areas.
Getting around: public and private transport
Istanbul's public transport is cheap and good. The T1 tram links Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, Eminönü and Kabataş; metro lines, the Marmaray rail tunnel under the Bosphorus, funiculars and buses fill in the rest. Ferries are both transport and sightseeing. Pay with a rechargeable Istanbulkart — each ride costs well under €1, with discounts for quick transfers.
Yellow taxis are plentiful but insist on the meter, or use a taxi app to avoid overcharging. Walking is the best way to explore the old town, but the city is hilly — wear comfortable shoes. Driving is not recommended because of heavy traffic and scarce parking.
Safety and local tips
Istanbul is generally safe for visitors. Watch your bag on crowded trams and in bazaars, and avoid common scams: a shoe-shiner who 'drops' a brush, friendly strangers who suggest a bar, and taxis without a running meter. Agree prices for carpets and tours before you commit.
The emergency number is 112. Plugs are type F (230 V), cards are widely accepted but keep some lira for small shops and the toilets, and tipping about 10% in restaurants is customary. Dress modestly in mosques, remove your shoes and avoid visiting during prayer times.
Where to stay in Istanbul
Pick an area near the tram, metro or a ferry pier to save time in traffic.
Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı; ideal for first-timers.
Budget to luxuryStylish cafés and hotels between the old town and Beyoğlu.
Mid to highLively streets, restaurants and good transport links.
Budget to midLocal atmosphere on the Asian side, close to SAW airport and ferries.
Budget to midA 3-day plan for Istanbul
Day 1: Sultanahmet — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, then the Grand Bazaar. Day 2: Topkapı Palace in the morning, the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü, then sunset at Galata Tower. Day 3: Süleymaniye Mosque, a ferry to Kadıköy for lunch and markets, and an evening walk down Istiklal Avenue. Our full Istanbul guide has timings and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
Take the airport shuttle bus (about €6–9, 60–100 minutes), the metro with a tram connection (cheapest, 75–90 minutes) or a metered taxi (about €30–50).
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Türkiye?
Usually yes — a visa from a Turkish consulate. Holders of certain valid visas or residence permits (for example Schengen, UK or US) may qualify for an e-visa. Always check official sources before travel.
How many days do I need in Istanbul?
Three to four days cover the main sights at a comfortable pace, with time for a Bosphorus cruise and the Asian side.
Is food in Istanbul halal?
Most meat is halal and pork is uncommon. If in doubt, ask the restaurant.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April–May and September–October have mild weather and fewer crowds than the hot summer months.
Prices and transport details were checked 7 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.