Flights from Busan (PUS) to Istanbul (IST)

About Istanbul

Discover Istanbul

Why visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is a city where continents, eras, and cultures meet, with ornate palaces, grand bazaars, and a skyline of domes and towers rising above the Bosphorus. You can explore centuries of history while enjoying a modern, energetic city that never feels static.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods such as Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, and Karaköy each offer a distinct experience, from landmark-filled old streets to creative districts lined with galleries and cafes. Ferries shuttle constantly across the water, and viewpoints reveal sweeping scenes of bridges, harbours, and hillside homes.

Plan your trip
Istanbul works well as both a short city break and a starting point for wider journeys across Turkey. With two major sides, European and Asian, you can easily combine classic sights with quieter districts and then continue on to coastal resorts, inland towns, or other regional hubs.

Top sights in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Admire the immense dome, intricate interiors, and layered history of this iconic architectural masterpiece in Sultanahmet.

Blue Mosque

View the elegant courtyard, slender minarets, and striking blue-tiled interior that define one of Istanbul’s most recognisable landmarks.

Topkapi Palace

Wander through courtyards, pavilions, and terraces that once housed the Ottoman court, with panoramic views over the Bosphorus.

Grand Bazaar

Explore a maze of vaulted lanes filled with stalls selling textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and traditional handicrafts.

Spice Bazaar

Stroll among colourful displays of spices, teas, dried fruits, and sweets in one of the city’s most atmospheric markets.

Galata Tower

Climb or take the lift to the viewing platform for a 360-degree panorama over the Golden Horn and Istanbul’s historic peninsula.

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a cruise along the Bosphorus to see palaces, waterfront mansions, and bridges that link Europe and Asia from the water.

Experience Istanbul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Istanbul’s public transport network combines trams, metros, and buses, which are useful for crossing longer distances between key districts. Ferries offer a scenic way to move between the European and Asian shores, while short walks or short taxi rides are often the easiest way to complete the last part of your journey.

Local life & culture
Street life in Istanbul is lively, with people gathering in squares, along waterfront promenades, and in cafe-lined side streets. Traditional shops sit beside modern galleries and design stores, and in many neighbourhoods you can see daily routines unfolding in historic surroundings that still feel very lived in.

Where to unwind
Parks and waterfront areas provide quiet spots to step away from busy streets, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You can relax on seaside promenades, rest in shaded gardens near historic sights, or find a peaceful viewpoint overlooking the Bosphorus as the city lights begin to glow in the evening.

A taste of Istanbul

Street food & local specialties
In Istanbul, you can sample grilled meats, savoury pastries, and fresh seafood in busy local eateries and small corner shops. Neighbourhoods around Eminönü, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş are known for compact streets where you can try a range of traditional flavours in a single walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, relaxed restaurants and cafes serve both classic Turkish recipes and international dishes, often in bright, contemporary spaces. Dining districts such as Karaköy and Nişantaşı offer many options close together, so you can share plates and try several smaller dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, or the old city skyline. Rooftop venues and waterside establishments let you pair local cuisine with impressive views, especially around sunset when the light softens and the city takes on a warm glow.

Retail therapy in Istanbul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul’s modern shopping centres bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Large malls on both the European and Asian sides act as social spaces where you can combine shopping with a relaxed meal and entertainment.

Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars and neighbourhood streets are ideal for discovering handwoven textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and decorative items. Areas around the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and parts of Beyoğlu and Kadıköy are particularly known for traditional workshops, independent boutiques, and small artisan stalls.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some shopping streets and centres stay active, with illuminated shopfronts and lively cafes nearby. You can stroll, browse, and pause for a drink or dessert as the city cools, and efficient public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel once you are finished.

Best time to visit Istanbul

Spring (Bahar) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Istanbul is mild, with average temperatures around 12–18°C (54–64°F) and blooming parks adding colour to the city. It is a pleasant time for walking between sights and enjoying outdoor terraces, with a balanced mix of local life and visitors.

Summer (Yaz) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, often 24–30°C (75–86°F), with long daylight hours ideal for evening strolls along the waterfront. This is a popular time to visit, with a busy atmosphere, extended opening hours, and many outdoor cafes taking full advantage of the clear skies.

Autumn and Winter (Sonbahar/Kış) – September to February, low season
Early autumn stays comfortable at about 18–24°C (64–75°F), while winter can be cool and crisp, sometimes dropping to 5–10°C (41–50°F). These months offer quieter attractions, atmospheric views over the Bosphorus, and a chance to experience the city at a more relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions