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  • Covid Safe Vacation in Istanbul

    Istanbul is one of the most accessible cities for a vacation. If you're thinking about visiting Istanbul during the pandemic, you're probably wondering what precautions the city takes to ensure your safety. We can inform you that Istanbul is coronavirus-free and that if you take the required precautions, you will not be exposed to the virus. Covid safe vacation in Istanbul is possible and here is how!


    Is Visiting Museums in Istanbul Covid-Safe?


    Museums and monuments are open for visitors seven days a week, with the exception of one day, usually on Mondays, when they are closed for repairs. Any day of the week, mosques and churches are open. Visits are also permitted on this day because visitors are free from quarantine on Sundays. 


    All of the attractions in Istanbul are corona-safe. In contrast to other nations, Istanbul is a low-risk travel destination, and travel experts advise travelers to take extra precautions. In Istanbul, social distance is maintained during museum tours, and masks are needed at all times. Because the number of people on the tour is limited, guided tours are more successful because you can ask your guide more questions in a smaller group. 


    In general, Istanbul has handled the crisis admirably, with relatively few fatalities due to quick response and the city's excess of hospitals and beds. As a result, you can easily visit your favorites, such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.


    Public Transportation in Istanbul


    Now, let’s take a look at public transportation in Istanbul. Since June 1, 2021, the public transit system's capacity has increased from 50% to 100%. In many of the places, disinfectant gel dispensers can be included. Thermal cameras are used to track passenger temperature in high-traffic metro stations. Between the driver and the passengers, the majority of taxis in Istanbul have plexiglass or plastic sheeting. Disinfectant dispensers can be found at several crossing points in Istanbul's airports and historical sites, and regular thermal checks are carried out. It is appropriate to wear a mask and maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters.


    Traveling to Istanbul during Covid


    What about flying to Istanbul? Several standards have been developed by airline companies to ensure safe flying. They advocate using online check-in because, at the airport, check-in is done without interacting with someone at the counters or kiosks. Separating panes are mounted on the counters. 


     


    When you land, a thermal imaging sensor or a forehead thermometer would be used to take your temperature. The quarantine (home) condition has been removed in the absence of symptoms. In the event of complications, a free PCR examination will be done, and individuals can be referred to a treatment structure if appropriate. You will also be given the option of returning to your departure country on the first aircraft, which will have 9 seats reserved for this reason. In the absence of a fever, you will enjoy your holiday while adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing rules. Therefore, as long as you abide by the rules, you do not have to worry about Covid during your Istanbul trip.


    Are Istanbul Tourist Pass Shows Covid-Safe?


    Yes! Istanbul Tourist Pass takes cautions very seriously, and so do the museums and shows. Both visitors and staff members must wear masks during trips to museums and shows in Istanbul. This ensures that everyone has a fantastic time while keeping their health. To ensure everyone’s wellbeing, the temperature of all guests will be taken at the start of the experience. Many times a day, all employees are screened for high temperatures. Throughout this experience, social distancing protocols will be followed at all times. In the same time period, broad numbers are not permitted to participate in events and museums in Istanbul. This way, attractions become mostly Covid-safe. Learn more about Covid measures and Istanbul Tourist Pass through our website today, and book your Istanbul holiday with a few clicks!

  • How to Enjoy Arts in Istanbul

    When you're feeling artsy and creative, Istanbul's cosmopolitan city will provide you with a plethora of choices. If you've seen all of Istanbul's historical sites and want to get a sense of the city's spirit, there are more galleries, exhibits, and museums to enjoy with your family and friends. If you want to see what the historical city has to offer in terms of entertainment, heritage, and art, here are the best museums to enjoy arts in Istanbul, all included with Istanbul Tourist Pass®!


     


    Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum


    The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum houses the world's largest carpet collection, which includes rare carpets from the Seljuk Empire, Iran, and the Caucasus, as well as collections of hand-drawn calligraphy, imperial edicts, ancient Qurans, and other written works. Admire the exhibition of works by artists from former Islamic regions in wood, glass, clay, and stone.



    The museum was initially housed in the Süleymaniye Mosque complex's soup kitchen before being moved to its present site in the Ibrahim Paşa Palace, next to the Blue Mosque. The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is divided into many parts. With their many different objects, each section contains enough artifacts to be a museum in its own right. You can see them all on your visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, but there are a few that stand out from the others due to their appearance and past.


    Pera Museum in Istanbul


    Pera Museum has delivered a range of internationally acclaimed art pieces in Istanbul through collaborations with leading international museums, galleries, and foundations. The goal of the Pera Museum is to spread not only the artistic appeal of its three collections, "Orientalist Paintings," "Anatolian Weights and Measures," and "Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics," but also to create historical sites in Istanbul.



    The Orientalist Painting Collection at the museum includes works by European and Ottoman-Turkish artists, including The Tortoise Trainer by Osman Hamdi Bey. Among the vibrant and beautiful colors and beautifully informative sketches, this set will open the doors to Ottoman history in Istanbul for you. Today is the perfect day to have an Istanbul tour to see some of the most beautiful Ottoman paintings in the Pera Museum!


    Basilica Cistern Museum Istanbul


    The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's most enchanting historical landmarks, has transcended its original purpose as a water reservoir to become a mesmerizing art gallery. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this subterranean wonder features majestic columns, vaulted ceilings, and an otherworldly ambiance enhanced by shimmering reflections on the water.



    Today, it serves as a unique venue for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events, blending its ancient architectural splendor with modern creativity. Visitors can marvel at the interplay of light, shadow, and history while exploring this underground masterpiece. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can skip the ticket lines, enjoy online ticket access, and delve deeper into its history with a specially curated audio guide, making your visit seamless and unforgettable. 


    The Istanbul Biennal


    The Istanbul Biennial has been held by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts since 1987. The biennial's aim is to draw together artists from different backgrounds as well as the general public in Istanbul's field of visual art.



    The fifteen biennials in Istanbul that have been organized to date have promoted the establishment of an international cultural network between local and international art circles, writers, curators, and art critics by bringing together new trends in contemporary art every two years.


    Travel Istanbul with an Istanbul Tourist Pass®!


    Istanbul Tourist Pass® grants access to all of these museums above besides the Biennal, and also access to more than 100 attractions in Istanbul!  You can buy your Istanbul Tourist Pass® to save a huge amount of money and skip museum lines. Learn more on our website about the advantages of the Istanbul Tourist Pass®!


     

  • Explore Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass

    Whether you are visiting Istanbul for the first or the 10th time, you probably know that the city amazes its visitors every time. The cosmopolitan metropol offers tens of historical sites, cultural spots and museums you can choose from. The magic not only comes from Istanbul’s historical spots, but also from its people and breathing culture. When you visit Istanbul, you will want to experience the heart of culture in the most efficient way possible. For this reason, we advise you to have your Istanbul trip with Istanbul Tourist Pass. This way, you are going to see everything the city can offer, and you will do it in a cost-efficient way.


     


    Istanbul Tourist Pass grants access to more than 100+ attractions, including Istanbul’s most important tourist spots such as the famous Hagia Sophia Mosque, glamorous Topkapi Palace, the mythological Basilica Cistern and many more. However, Istanbul Tourist Pass does not confine itself to these only. It also offers many amazing services such as a beautiful dinner in a Bosphorus cruise. You will be amazed by the night look of the city while you are eating some of the best foods in the city. Moreover, the Pass includes a one-day trip to Bursa, a city 2 hours away from Istanbul with beautiful landmarks and historical sites. There is also a daily trip to Sapanca lake. Sapanca is famous for the beautiful natural habitat and the beautiful lake. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, all of these Istanbul attractions are included in the price. The best thing is, you can save over 50% in your Istanbul visit with the Pass! If you were to visit all of the attractions included in the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you would pay 50% more than what you pay for the Pass. Now, let’s take a look two attractions included with Istanbul Tourist Pass:


     


    Whirling Dervishes Show


    Most people are familiar with Turkey's Whirling Dervishes show, but few are aware of their long past or the meaning of their whirling. As a member of Sufism and the Mevlevi Order, they have a tradition dating back over 700 years.


    As a kind of dhikr, the Dervishes ‘whirl' in these 7th-century performances. These performances started as a weekly remembrance of God, attended by the entire Mevlevi communities. The dervishes' white robe represents the funeral robe, and their turban represents the human ego's tombstone. They arrive on stage wearing black cardigans, which represent the crypt, which they remove before beginning to whirl. All of these reflect a person's regeneration on the road to being the "ideal human being." They open their arms to the heavens while whirling, signaling to God that they are happy to accept his love and gift.


     


    Dolmabahce Palace


     


    Dolmabahce Palace, which attracts both domestic and international visitors in Istanbul, is a must-see destination. There is a lot to discover about the Dolmabahce Palace. You can first hear about Dolmabahce Palace's past. Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings of the 19th century, attracting visitors from all over the world. If you want to read more about Dolmabahce Palace's past, you might have a few questions.


     


    Abdülmecit was the first person to reside in Dolmabahce Palace and to conduct official business there. Abdülaziz, Abdulmecit's brother, lived in this palace after him. Dolmabahce Palace is significant for the Turkish nation since it is where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk died. In Istanbul, it was also used as Ataturk's presidential residence. The Harem, Mabeyn, Clock Tower, and Dolmabahce Mosque are among the structures found inside Dolmabahce Palace. The palace has 285 rooms and 46 lounges, as well as 6 baths and 68 bathrooms, and is spread over 110 thousand square meters.


     


    Are Istanbul Tourist Pass attractions covid-safe?


     


    Yes! Museums in Istanbul take covid cautions seriously. In comparison to other cities, Istanbul is a low-risk travel destination. During museum tours, social distance is always preserved, and masks are required. Furthermore, since the Istanbul Tourist Pass is entirely digital, there is a lower risk of transmission when registering or visiting Istanbul's museums and palaces such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.


     

  • History of Blue Mosque

    If a question is asked which is the best mosque built by the Turks, the first mosque that will come to mind will undoubtedly be the "Blue Mosque". The Blue Mosque is also known as Sultan Ahmet in Turkish. The Blue Mosque, one of the most fascinating parts of the Istanbul skyline, is also one of Istanbul’s most important symbols. It is one of the greatest examples of classical Turkish art. This valuable building is one of the most important works presented to Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire period.


     


    The mosque was named Blue Mosque by Europeans. The interior of the mosque, especially the inside of the dome, is decorated with approximately 21 thousand Iznik tiles. Since these tiles are mostly blue in color, they are called the Blue Mosque by foreigners. These tiles depict pictures of trees, flowers and other plants, all of them designed in shades of blue. The breathtaking Iznik tiles decorating the Blue Mosque's domes were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Istanbul List in 1986.


     


    It is located directly opposite the Hagia Sophia Museum, which is one of our most important historical artifacts and is admired by all local and foreign visitors to Istanbul. Sultan Ahmet Square is also named after the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque).


     


    This unique mosque was built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I between 1609 and 1616. The work, which is the most typical example of Turkish Classical Art, is the first mosque originally built with 6 minarets. Architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Aga, the architect of the Mosque, is the student of the famous architect of the Ottoman, Mimar Sinan. 


     


    The Architectural Structure of Blue Mosque


     


    The Blue Mosque, built in 1616, has eight secondary domes and five main domes. It combines many Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered the last great mosque of the classical period.


     


    The mosque is built in a rectangular plan and the prayer area, which is in a square plan, consists of a total of 2,646 m2. The diameter of the dome, which has a height of 43 meters, is 23 meters. The mosque, which attracts attention with its size, is one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul.


     


    The courtyard of the Blue Mosque is at least as imposing as the interior. The mosque, which has a very large courtyard, is located in a cord made of iron at the western entrance of the courtyard.


     


    Minarets


     


    An important feature of the Blue Mosque is its minarets. The Blue Mosque is one of the two mosques with six minaretsin Turkey, and the latter is Sabanci Mosque in Adana. There are four minarets at the corners of the Blue Mosque. Each of these corrugated, pencil-shaped minarets has three balconies with stalactite domes (Şerefe), the other at the end of the front courtyard has two balconies. 


    Today, as the sun sets, the mosque is illuminated with colored projectors and large crowds gather around the mosque, consisting of both Turks and tourists, to listen to the evening prayer call emanating from the loudspeaker in the minaret.


     


    Does The Istanbul Tourist Pass cover the visit to The Blue Mosque?


     


    Definitely! Istanbul Tourist Pass grants access to more than 85 attractions, including the fascinating Blue Mosque. While you are visiting these attractions, you can also get information thanks to the guides. Moreover, the Pass helps you save a huge amount of money, up to 75%.  Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic spots. If you want to access all of these, all you have to do is buy The Pass.

  • Have Fun With Your Family In Istanbul

    Below the city's skyline of historic architectural marvels, there are plenty of fun activities to do in Istanbul with your family. The young ones may enjoy a day out at one of the many theme parks, some of which provide roller coaster rides while others focus on encouraging their creativity. Consider leaving Istanbul entirely with a cruise over the narrow Bosporus Strait once you've visited the exciting places in and around the city. You may even take a boat out to an island where time has stood still and enjoy family riding experiences. To help you plan your next thrilling family trip, here are some of the finest family-friendly locations in Istanbul. 


    Rahmi M. Koc Museum


    This one-of-a-kind museum in Istanbul's Golden Horn waterfront has a vast collection of historical Turkish exhibits related to transportation, industry, and communications. Antique automobiles, trains, vintage airplanes, and even a submarine are on display. There's also a planetarium on the premises. Enter the cockpit of a Bellanca aircraft for a fun, hands-on experience, or conduct scientific experiments in the interactive gallery. The Rahmi M Koç Museum costs approximately 21 lira to enter, with additional expenses for the submarine and planetarium. 


    Bosphorus Cruise


    Take a ferry or a private boat to the Bosporus and take in the views of Istanbul from one of the world's narrowest natural straits. Many additional companies offer cruise cruises and Bosphorus sightseeing excursions, including the Istanbul municipal department of transportation's ehir Hatlar passenger boat service. As you travel by the Golden Horn, Ortakoy, and Bebek skylines, you may sit back and relax. Eminönü is a popular ferry port. 


     


    Visit Miniaturk


    Enjoy a fun family trip that allows you to explore all of Turkey's most famous sights in one day. Miniaturk's 650,000 sq ft garden grounds are home to well over 100 1:25 scale structures. You’ll find the small scaled versions of many places like Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower and more. The park is located on the north-eastern coast of the Golden Horn, about 20 minutes north of Istanbul. 


    Istanbul Aquarium


    This huge, themed Istanbul Aquarium, near the Marmara Sea, is a great place to spend a day with the family. Over 1,000 species are housed at the Istanbul Aquarium, which is divided into a dozen areas. The Pacific, Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Black Sea ecosystems are all covered in detail in each section. You can use pathways to go from one location to another, but you'll probably spend more time in the Amazon jungle and attempting to escape the mirror labyrinth. 


    Visit Beyoglu District!


    Make time in your schedule to just enjoy the scenery. Visit Galata Tower for spectacular views of the city (not ideal for little legs, but there is a lift), then stroll around the nearby streets. 


    This region is renowned for its artisan culture and delicious cuisine. Take a walk along ancient Pera Route; Istiklal Caddesi is the major retail street and home to a plethora of art galleries, theaters, libraries, patisseries, nightclubs, and more. You'll arrive in Taksim Square, Istanbul's beating heart! 


    Istanbul's Parks 


    The quantity of outdoor play parks – they were everywhere! – was one thing I noticed with my ever vigilant mother eye. Although Istanbul lacks a big central park, there are many smaller parks with enough room for running. If you want to go exploring and playing, plan on leaving the city for half a day. Belgrad Forest, located 15 kilometers northwest of Istanbul in the Sariyer District, is one of Istanbul's best-kept secrets. There are jogging paths, picnic spots, and an arboretum on the 55,000 hectares of protected woods.

  • Visit Museums in Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass

    If you want to visit museums in Istanbul, but are not sure which ones are the best, you are in the right place. Istanbul, in terms of history, culture, and art, is one of the greatest cities in the world. More than 80 museums, spanning from archaeology and historical museums to contemporary and fine art museums, as well as themed museums can be found in the city. Exploring the museums of Istanbul is a whole other experience! 


    Whether you're searching for outstanding museums that were formerly a palace/church/mosque, as well as those dedicated to the history, classic painters, current, fine and modern art, photography, or temporary and permanent exhibits, the most visited and essential ones may be found on our list below. 


    Tiled Pavilion Museum


    The Tiled Pavilion Museum (Tiled Kiosk) is a 1472 house. It was erected as a summer residence under the orders of Ottoman Sultan II. Mehmed and is positioned inside the outer walls of Topkapi Palace. The Tiled Kiosk is the oldest structure in the Istanbul Archeology Museums complex in terms of construction date. 


    When you visit the Tiled Kiosk, you should also pay a visit to Topkapi Palace, a prominent tourist site nearby. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you'll get free admission and a guided tour. 


    Topkapi Palace Museum


    Together with the close-in-distance Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, one of the world's wealthiest museums, might be regarded as the greatest and most visited site in Istanbul. It is a beautiful oriental palace and one of the world's finest architectural marvels, situated on a triangular point commanding the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. 


    The Ottoman sultans' palace as well as the Empire's administrative and educational headquarters was Topkapi Palace. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, who conquered Istanbul in 1453, atop the Byzantine acropolis on Sarayburnu, near the extremity of the historical peninsula, between 1460 and 1478. 


     


    Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum 


    The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a magnificent museum that exhibits both Turkish and Islamic art. It is located in Sultanahmet, near the Ibrahim Pasha Palace (one of the most famous structures of Ottoman civil architecture in the 16th century). The museum was the last to open under the Ottoman Empire, and it has about 40,000 objects in its carpet, manuscript, wood, glass-metal-ceramic, and ethnographic divisions.


    Basilica Cistern Museum


    Are you ready for a magical journey? It is one of the city's most stunning and magical structures. The two Medusa Heads, which serve as supports under the two columns at the cistern's northwest side, are the most interesting and draw the most attention. With your Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can explore the fabled and enigmatic Basilica Cistern while skipping the queues! For history and mythology fans, the Basilica Cistern is a fantastic chance! 


    Museum of Blue Mosque


    The Blue Mosque, one of the world's oldest and most stunning mosques, will take you back in time. With Blue Mosque, you can take a look at Istanbul's spiritual side and learn about the Islamic Ottoman Empire's culture. The Blue Mosque is the city's most famous sight and a must-see for every tourist to Istanbul. Start your morning there and spend the rest of the day exploring the best of Istanbul's Old City! It's located in the heart of Sultanahmet, close to many other attractions that are included in your Istanbul Tourist Pass, so start there and spend the rest of the day exploring the best of Istanbul's Old City!  


    Pera Museum


    The Pera Museum is one of Istanbul's most important private art institutions. Even the structure is a piece of beauty! The museum is housed in the old Bristol Hotel, which is situated in the bustling and historic area of Pera in the Beyoglu district. 


    Orientalist Paintings, Anatolian Weights and Measures, and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics are the three permanent collections. These treasures are available to see anytime you go to Istanbul.


    Visit Istanbul Museums While Saving %50 With Istanbul Tourist Pass


    These were some of the most famous museums in Istanbul, and the best thing is, all of these museums are included with Istanbul Tourist Pass! You can explore the museums mentioned here without any additional charges, and you can skip the lines while you are there. Explore the advantages of the Istanbul Tourist Pass through our website!

  • Heaven on Earth: Sapanca

     


    Take a day off, and visit Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye to get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Visiting Sapanca, a tiny village near Istanbul renowned for its natural beauty, is a popular tourist destination. Visit Sapanca to discover Istanbul's natural beauty! Sapanca Lake is a gem of the region and one of Turkey's most well-known lakes. Maşukiye is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty and nearby river. The name 'Maşukiye' derives from the Arabic word for 'love,' and it is one of Turkey's most popular honeymoon destinations. We'll next go to Mahmudiye, where we'll have lunch beside the waterfalls. 


    You'll be able to appreciate the stunning landscape completely and inhale the crisp rural air. After lunch, we'll go shopping at the Mall of Symbol in Kocaeli/Izmit and visit one of the local Turkish delight and honey producers. This is the greatest attraction, particularly for nature lovers! 


     


    Why Should You Visit Sapanca?


     


    If you visit Sapanca Lake, with one of Sakarya's most stunning scenery, you'll see one of Turkey's most important wetland ecosystems. Sapanca Lake, in Turkey's Marmara area, is a popular tourist destination owing to its proximity to Istanbul. Lake Sapanca is a must-see location with its numerous lakefront amenities and stunning landscape. 


    The region offers a variety of activities for all seasons: On and off the lake, with lodging options ranging from camping to luxury spas and resorts. It's the perfect spot for a delectable village breakfast and fresh salmon trout, as well as natural wonders, fresh air, and beautiful scenery. Lake Sapanca is a must-visit location for anyone looking to escape the stress of city life and congestion, thanks to its lush forest, stunning scenery, and pure air. 


    The wide range of natural features that Masukiye offers makes it a distinctive destination for visitors and residents alike. Tiny hills, woods, and rivers surround the whole hamlet. The air you breathe is pure and fresh, and that alone distinguishes this location for frequent tourists. If your daily Sapanca trip didn't satisfy your curiosity, pay a visit to Xtreme Aventures Istanbul. This location in Maslak offers a vast woodland area with numerous parkour and challenge courses suitable for both children and adults. These adrenaline-pumping courses will let you climb, run, leap, and zipline through trees with your friends or family. 


     


    Natural Activities in Istanbul


     


    Another excellent option is Istanbul's, Jungle Park. Visitors may see nearly 400 animals from over 100 species. Some of these species are on the brink of extinction, but Jungle Park is working to save them. There are a variety of animals to find here, ranging from gigantic spiders and towering scorpions to unusual fish and reptiles. 


    If you are looking for another get away from Istanbul, a day trip to Bursa may be a good option. This city has initially been the Ottoman Empire's first capital, and it still has numerous cultural and historical monuments for you to see. The renowned Grand Mosque, the Green Tomb, and the Bursa Silk Market will all be visited. Then, from 800 meters up the Uludag Mountain, you'll take a cable car up to the Uludag Mountain and have a delicious Turkish lunch. Not only that, but despite its bustling city life, Bursa has managed to maintain a close relationship with nature so that you may visit the city's numerous picnic spots, rivers, and natural parks.


     


     

  • Must Know Tips to Know Before Traveling to Istanbul

    Many visitors from all around the world consider Istanbul a dreamy destination. Layers of history, tradition, colors, and scents are buried under the surface of the unique city, which links two continents where you can feel the East and the West. When you need a break from it all, there's always a beautiful park, a small tea house, or a café where you can rest, breathe, and relax. Join us to discover a collection of must-know tips that will guide you to organize your stay in the best possible way!


    Best Time to Travel Istanbul 


    The best season to visit Istanbul is spring and autumn, whether you will be there for sightseeing, shopping, or medical tourism. Especially during April, May, September, and October,the weather is charming. It does not rain often, and the sun does not burn you. So you can walk all around the Ancient city, visit Hagia Sophia or do some shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Moreover, if you are interested, there are many events and festivals during these months. The good thing is that there are not too many tourists!  So, if you are looking for sunny days when it is not too hot, spring and autumn are the best time to see this beautiful city. 


    How many days to Spend in Istanbul?


    Istanbul is a massive city with various places to visit, too many foods to taste, and breathtaking views to see! So if you are planning one or two-day trips, beware that it would never be enough.  Suppose you are here in Istanbul for the first time and wish to see as much as possible. In that case, a one-week trip can be more than enough to see all significant attractions taste different things from the Turkish cuisine, stop by other neighborhoods, and maybe do a daily trip to a close Island. Main tourist attractions in Sultanahmet, such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, Blue Mosque, or Basilica Cistern, will take your whole day. Not only because there are long lines to wait, but they are worth seeing for a long time. You can devote your other days to doing exciting activities such as walking through parks, visiting museums, seeing different neighborhoods like Karaköy, Balat, Ortaköy… 


    How to Arrive in the City from Istanbul Airport?


    Istanbul has three airports; however, only two of them are open: Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the New Istanbul Airport.  


    Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, near the Pendik neighborhood. Between Sabiha Gokcen Airport and the city center, there is no direct metro service. The HAVABUS Airport Shuttle is the most practical method to get between the airport and downtown Istanbul.


    The New Istanbul Airport (IST) is located in the Arnavutkoy neighborhood of Istanbul, near the Black Seashore. The average distance between the New Istanbul Airport and main Istanbul city center areas is about 45 kilometers. There is no direct metro line from New Istanbul Airport to the city center. Several regions of Istanbul and Istanbul Airport are served by IETT (Municipal) public buses; however, most public buses go to non-tourist locations. Popular tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas, Beyoglu, and others have no public buses.


    You may also utilize HAVAIST airport shuttles with a considerable discount if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass. Check out Istanbul Tourist Pass for all of the advantages, including over 100+ attractions in Istanbul You can save over 50% on your Istanbul Tourist Pass and skip the queues at museums and guided tours! 


    Private Transfer 


    The IETT or HAVAIST- HAVABUS airport shuttles will drop you off in the city center, where you must either take a cab or walk, which will be more difficult for you with your children and baggage.  So if you are a group with a lot of luggage, we strongly advise you to use private shuttle transfers to and from your hotel. These private shuttle transfers provide a fixed rate, comfortable, and safe transfer that includes meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to and from your hotel from the airports.  Private shuttles may be costly, but they are the most pleasant and convenient for newcomers to Istanbul unfamiliar with the city's public transit system. Therefore, if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass, you may take advantage of a discounted VIP shuttle service reserved exclusively for you. You will be picked up from the airport and dropped off right before your hotel by your own shuttle. 


    Where to Stay in Istanbul? 


    • Taksim – The center: Taksim is the neighborhood around the well-known eponymous square. It really is the nerve center of the city where all the gatherings take place and the somewhat special events. You will also find many shops, restaurants and small shops of all kinds. The square is crowded from morning until evening. As it is very central and easily accessible, it is a good starting point for visiting the city.

    • Sultanahmet – The historic center: Sultanahmet is also a tourist area crowded from morning to night (especially around the Grand Bazaar), but the atmosphere is already more authentic than in Taksim. You can come across monuments like the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, etc. So with these most significant concentrations of historical buildings in Istanbul, you won't be able to stop yourself from being amazed by them.

    • Karaköy- The trendy corner: Karaköy has become the contemporary corner in Istanbul. This is where chic restaurants, small cafes, or designer boutiques can be found. It's super lovely to stroll through its small streets, which come alive when night falls. Nearby you also have the Galata tower and its district, a meeting point for Istanbul hipsters for a long time.

    • Ortaköy – The tiny village: A bit further north of Taksim is the Ortaköy district, which is a place where you can find an atmosphere of a small fishing village. In the early morning, you can also see the fishermen meeting near Ortaköy Mosque, a magical place at sunrise. A large part of the universities and embassies are also right next to it, it is not the most lively place in the city, so you will have to take transport to reach the city center.

    • Üsküdar – The Asian part: Istanbul is divided into a European and an Asian side. Üsküdar is a sea-side district that faces the European side. It is one of the most popular because it has a rich architecture that stands out from the rest of the city and because at night you can walk along its coastline watching the sunset behind Istanbul.


    Save Time and Money with Istanbul Tourist Pass!


    Suppose you are a first-time visitor or revisiting the fantastic city of culture. In that case, you definitely need the Istanbul Tourist Pass! the Pass grants access to more than 100 attractions, and it helps you save money while doing so! You can save over 50% with the Istanbul Tourist Pass. The Istanbul Tourist Pass also enables you to save a tremendous amount of time since you will not have to wait in ticket lines. Just show your Pass on your phone, and you are good to go! Many other advantages come with the Pass waiting for you to explore!

  • New Airport in Istanbul

    The New Istanbul Airport (IST) is in Istanbul's northwestern neighborhood of Arnavutkoy, near the Black Seashore. The New Istanbul Airport is approximately 45 kilometers from the main Istanbul city center districts. After Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), the New Istanbul Airport (IST) in Istanbul's third international airport, which opened with a major ceremony on October 29, 2018. 


    The main aim of IST is to construct a very big airport in Istanbul to cover and manage the rapidly increasing air traffic and trips to Istanbul, which is one of the world's top 20 most visited cities and a major hub for international passengers and airlines. The IST project began in 2015 and is divided into four stages. The first phase of the airport was finished on October 29, 2018, and the airport is now partially open. 


    The IST is expected to be completed in four stages by 2028, with six runways, two terminal buildings, and two air control towers. The IST will be the world's biggest airport, with a capacity of 200 million people per year. 


     


    Istanbul Airport Terminals


    Shops, duty-free, cafés, restaurants, currency exchange facilities, banks, rent a vehicle, information counters, accommodation desks, and left luggage facilities are all located on the arrivals and departures floors of IST. 


    Before entering the departure lounge, all passengers must pass through security. There are stores, bars, and cafés. There are shops, duty-free, eateries, currency exchange, vehicle hire, and hotel reservation offices in the arrivals area. 


    How to Get to New Istanbul Airport?


    Many areas of Istanbul and Istanbul Airport are served by IETT (Municipal) public buses and HAVAIST airport shuttles. H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, H-7, H-8, and H-9 are the line numbers for IETT Public Buses. Visit the Municipality Public Buses to the Airports page for additional information and schedules. 


    The majority of public buses go to non-tourist locations. Popular tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas, Beyoglu, and others have no public buses. The HAVAIST Airport Buses run on a set route to approximately 60 locations around the city. 


    You may also utilize HAVAIST airport shuttles with a huge discount if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass. Check out ITP for all of the advantages, which include over 100 attractions. You can save over 50% on your Istanbul Tourist Pass and skip the queues at museums and guided tours! 


     


    Istanbul Airport Private Transfer 


    If you are a group, a family with children, or have a lot of luggage, we strongly advise you to use private shuttle transfers to and from your hotel. They provide a fixed rate, comfortable, and safe transfer that includes meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to and from


    The IETT or HAVAIST airport shuttles will drop you off in the city center, where you must either take a cab or walk, which will be more difficult for you with your children and baggage. Private transports, on the other hand, take you right to the front door of your hotel. 


    You can get a discount on Istanbul Airport transportation with the Istanbul Tourist Pass! Private shuttles may be costly, but they are essential for newcomers to Istanbul who are unfamiliar with the city's public transit system. As a result, if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass, you may take advantage of a reduced VIP shuttle service reserved exclusively for you. You will be picked up from the airport and dropped off right in front of your hotel by your own shuttle. There are even more benefits like guided tours of Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, and more





     

  • Most Popular Attractions in Istanbul

    Istanbul is one of the world's major metropolises, having been coveted by empires for ages and spanning both Europe and Asia. Founded about 1000 BC, the Byzantine Empire's great capital, Constantinople, developed into the Byzantine Empire's great capital, and after the Ottoman conquest of the city, it kept its magnificent position as the empire's heart. The city (formally called Istanbul following the Turkish Republic's establishment) is strewn with magnificent relics of its long and famous past, and even the most monument-weary tourist will be impressed by the sights here. 


    Apart from the city's most well-known tourist sites, such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul also has bustling bazaars, evocative ancient districts, and vibrant eating and nightlife scenes to explore. 


    Topkapi Palace


    Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul's must-see sites, combining history and breathtaking beauty in an experience that should not be hurried. The magnificent Topkapi Palace served as the royal home of the Ottoman Empire's sultans for almost four centuries. It is one of the biggest surviving palaces in the world. Sultan Mehmed II began construction on the palace soon after the capture of Constantinople in 1453 and resided there until 1481. 


    There are four main courtyards and numerous outbuildings in the Ottoman palace. The first courtyard, known as the Janissaries Court, was where elite palace guards kept watch. The plaza is home to a beautiful fountain and Emperor Justinian's Byzantine cathedral of Hagia Irene, which was built in 548. The Ottomans used the chapel as a storeroom and imperial armory, thus it survived. 


    Hagia Sophia Mosque


    With its enormous dome (102 feet or 31 meters in diameter) that covers what was for over 1000 years the world's biggest enclosed area, the Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Hagia Sophia is the Greek word for "Holy Wisdom," and it alludes to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Holy Trinity. Built under the instructions of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian between 532 and 537, the building was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral until 1453, with the exception of approximately 60 years in the 1200s when it was a Roman Catholic cathedral. 


    Visitors may enter the central nave via the Imperial Gate and gaze up at the dome's magnificent interior, which has a mosaic-covered ceiling. 


    Dolmabahce Palace


    The Dolmabahce Palace, which has been likened to the Palace of Versailles, has been described as "luxurious, plush, and magnificent." Turkey's most opulent palace, built in the 19th century with 14 tons of gold leaf, combines traditional Ottoman architecture with Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo European styles. 


    From 1856 until 1924, it was home to six Sultans, as well as the world's biggest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria. The location of the Dolmabahce Palace is breathtaking: it was constructed along the Bosphorus shoreline. 


    Grand Bazaar


    Travelers who like shopping can pay a visit to the Grand Bazaar, which has 5,000 stores and is one of the world's biggest indoor markets. The bazaar, which attracts over a quarter-million people each day, sells jewels, carpets that may or may not fly, spices, antiques, and hand-painted pottery. 


    The bazaar, which originates from 1461, now houses two mosques, four fountains, two hammams (steam baths), and the Cevahir Bedesten, where the rarest and most expensive goods have historically been found. Old coins, jewelry with valuable jewels, inlaid weaponry, and ancient furniture may all be found here.


    Explore the City With Istanbul Tourist Pass!


    With the first and the best tourist card for Istanbul, Istanbul Tourist Pass, you’ll save over 50% while gaining access to the best attractions in the city! With plans of 3, 5 and 7 days, you can find the most suitable pack for yourself on our website!