Plan your trip to

Istanbul, Turkey

Discover Istanbul

Bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul spans centuries of history and culture, with ancient mosques, a grand bazaar, and some of the most delicious food on Earth

Istanbul is a city where East meets West, and centuries of empire, trade, and culture come together in a fascinating, chaotic, and beautiful mix.

The vibe is bold, buzzing, and deeply soulful, with locals swapping jokes over backgammon, ferries crisscrossing the Bosphorus, and something happening on every corner, whether it’s a call to prayer or a guy selling roasted chestnuts. Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history are layered upon each other, from ancient ruins to quiet alleyways and the shimmering domes of the Hagia Sophia.

The food scene is full of heart and flavor, with sizzling kebabs, street-side kumpir (stuffed potatoes), overflowing breakfast spreads, rich sweets, and strong pots of tea.

Watching the sun dip behind the mosques, getting lost in the Grand Bazaar, or just people-watching in a café in Kadıköy, you'll find Istanbul pulling you in with its rhythm, beauty, and contradictions.

Why we love Istanbul

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Istanbul is defined by grand mosques, bustling bazaars, and centuries of history layered across the hillsides between Europe and Asia.
The vibe is vibrant, soulful, and full of contrast, where fishermen cast lines off ancient bridges while rooftop bars pulse with modern beats and calls to prayer echo through the streets.
History is woven into daily life, from Byzantine domes and Ottoman palaces to ferry rides on the Bosphorus that pass neighborhoods shaped by Greek, Armenian, and Turkish stories alike.
The cuisine is fragrant, generous, and deeply rooted, whether you’re savoring simit by the water, feasting on meze and raki in a meyhane, or diving into late-night dürüm after hours in Beyoğlu.
Whether you're watching the sun rise over the Hagia Sophia, haggling for spices in the Grand Bazaar, or sipping tea in a quiet courtyard, Istanbul feels timeless, alive, and endlessly layered — a city that doesn’t just span continents, but entire worlds.

Istanbul at a glance

When to go

springAvg temp71° / 39°
fallAvg temp77° / 47°

Visa information

U.S. State Department guidance

Safety

World Peace Index rankingEqualdex score

Getting There

Istanbul has two airports, one on each side of the Bosphorous: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) on the Asian side. Both serve international flights, but IST is the far larger of the two, serving more than 350 destinations in 110 countries.

Istanbul airports

  • Istanbul AirportIST
    50km / 31mito city center
    TaxiCity busSubway
  • Sabiha Gokcen International AirportSAW
    78km / 48mito city center
    TaxiCity busSubway
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Istanbul flight trends

Analysis based on point.me exclusive flight data

Average fares

economy class

100¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$1,308

Typical points

55,000pts

Lowest points

55,000pts
Average fares

business class

100¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$7,500

Typical points

200,000pts

Lowest points

200,000pts

Recent award fares to Istanbul

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  • Atlanta (ATL)Istanbul (IST)

    Apr 05, 2026business | multi-stop
    111d ago
    $4,121 Cashabout70,000 pts

  • Houston (IAH)Istanbul (IST)

    Nov 09, 2026business | non-stop
    111d ago
    $6,731 Cashabout65,000 pts

  • Boston (BOS)Istanbul (IST)

    Apr 12, 2026business | multi-stop
    111d ago
    $3,991 Cashabout70,000 pts

  • Miami (MIA)Istanbul (IST)

    Sep 08, 2026business | non-stop
    111d ago
    $6,587 Cashabout70,000 pts

  • San Francisco (SFO)Istanbul (IST)

    Dec 03, 2026business | multi-stop
    111d ago
    $4,105 Cashabout65,000 pts

  • Los Angeles (LAX)Istanbul (IST)

    May 05, 2026economy | non-stop
    111d ago
    $838 Cashabout44,000 pts

  • Houston (IAH)Istanbul (IST)

    Jan 15, 2026economy | non-stop
    111d ago
    $908 Cashabout44,000 pts

  • Miami (MIA)Istanbul (IST)

    Jun 04, 2026economy | multi-stop
    111d ago
    $1,063 Cashabout44,000 pts

  • Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)Istanbul (IST)

    Apr 07, 2026economy | non-stop
    111d ago
    $908 Cashabout44,000 pts

  • Denver (DEN)Istanbul (IST)

    Sep 09, 2026economy | multi-stop
    111d ago
    $653 Cashabout44,000 pts

Explore Istanbul

Istanbul is packed with amazing things to see and do, but here are five top must-dos to get that true Istanbulite experience.

Mosques
Bazaars
Beyoğlu
Beşiktaş
Cruise Along the Bosphorus

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Frequently asked questions

  • How many days is enough for Istanbul?

    Three to four days will allow time to see Istanbul's highlights, but you could easily spend a week or more discovering less-popular attractions and getting to know the city's many neighborhoods.

  • When is the best weather in Istanbul?

    Summer (June-August) sees the city's warmest weather, with days as high as the mid-80s, and evenings in the 60s.

  • When is the cheapest time to go to Istanbul?

    Hotel rates and flight fares tend to be at their lowest in winter (December-February), the city's wettest and coldest season.

  • How far is the Istanbul airport from the city?

    The city's main airport, IST, is about 50kms (31 mi) from the city center, accessible via taxi, subway, or city bus, in about 45 minutes.

  • Is Istanbul safe?

    Istanbul is generally considered a safe city, though it is a major metro area that sees a lot of tourists, so you should exercise caution and keep your eyes on your valuables, especially at night or in crowded areas.

  • Do I need to rent a car in Istanbul?

    A car is more of a hindrance than a help in Istanbul, where streets can be narrow, parking scarce, and gas expensive. The city is well-connected by public trams and buses, which can both be ridden with the purchase of an Istanbulkart card.

  • Is Istanbul expensive?

    Istanbul is on the less expensive side, particularly for hotels. A four-star hotel in a popular neighborhood on either side of the Bosphorus will generally run $125-$250 per night.