Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to Istanbul (IST)

About Istanbul

Discover Istanbul

Why visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is where Europe and Asia meet, a city of grand waterfront palaces, hilltop viewpoints, and vibrant streets that stay lively late into the evening. You will find historic lanes beside modern cafés, and sweeping views over the Bosphorus at almost every turn.

What to expect
The city stretches across both sides of the Bosphorus, with landmarks clustered around the historic peninsula, lively Beyoglu, and the stylish districts along the strait. Expect busy ferries, nostalgic trams, and a mix of traditional shops and contemporary galleries sharing the same neighbourhoods.

Plan your trip
Many visitors start in the old city, then branch out by ferry to explore the Asian shore and the leafy waterside suburbs. Istanbul also works well as a base to connect onwards to coastal resorts and inland regions, so you can combine urban discovery with wider journeys across Turkey.

Top sights in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Admire the vast domed interior, intricate mosaics, and centuries of layered history at this world-famous landmark in the heart of the historic peninsula.

Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square

Stroll around this iconic skyline silhouette and the surrounding square, where fountains, gardens, and views of nearby monuments create a striking city panorama.

Topkapi Palace

Explore the former seat of the Ottoman sultans, with its tiled courtyards, ornate rooms, and terraces overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

Grand Bazaar

Lose yourself in a maze of covered lanes lined with stalls selling textiles, ceramics, jewellery, lamps, and traditional crafts in a colourful historic setting.

Bosphorus cruise

Take a cruise along the Bosphorus to see palaces, fortresses, and waterfront mansions, with views that highlight how the city links two continents.

Galata Tower and Karakoy

Climb to the tower for a 360-degree view of the skyline, then wander the streets below filled with cafés, galleries, and independent boutiques.

Istiklal Avenue

Walk this lively pedestrian street for architecture, street performances, and side alleys that lead to quieter squares and viewpoints over the city.

Spice Bazaar and Eminonu waterfront

Browse stalls filled with tea, dried fruit, and spices, then head to the nearby waterfront to watch ferries crossing the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.

Experience Istanbul's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Istanbul is well connected by tram, metro, funicular, and buses, making it easy to move between key districts such as Sultanahmet, Karakoy, and Taksim. Ferries provide scenic crossings between Europe and Asia, while short taxi rides or rideshares are useful for late-night or hillside journeys.

Local life & culture
You will see daily life playing out in neighbourhood squares, waterside promenades, and narrow backstreets where small shops and cafés open onto the pavement. Historic wooden houses stand near modern apartment blocks, and both locals and visitors linger on benches to enjoy the views and people-watch.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and seaside promenades offer quiet corners to pause between sightseeing. Parks around the historic walls, leafy hillsides above the Bosphorus, and coastal walks on both shores are especially pleasant in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the city skyline glows above the water.

A taste of Istanbul

Street food & local specialties
You can sample grilled meats, savoury pastries, and freshly baked breads from small shops and casual eateries throughout the city. Areas around Eminonu, Besiktas, and Kadikoy are known for busy streets lined with snack stalls and simple restaurants serving much-loved local favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés, bistros, and international restaurants cluster around Karakoy, Cihangir, and the streets off Istiklal Avenue, where you can easily combine a meal with shopping or gallery visits. Menus often mix familiar flavours with regional ingredients, so you can try several smaller plates and share with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, look for rooftop terraces and waterside venues overlooking the Golden Horn or Bosphorus, especially around historic Karakoy and the bridges. A later dinner lets you watch the city lights appear across the hillsides and along the strait, adding a special atmosphere to your meal.

Retail therapy in Istanbul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres across the city bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family entertainment in one place. They are popular meeting points for residents, with food courts and cafés that make it easy to combine shopping with a relaxed break.

Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars and smaller neighbourhood markets are ideal for discovering textiles, ceramics, lamps, and artisan-made items. Districts such as the Grand Bazaar area, Kadikoy, and Balat have side streets filled with independent shops where you can find distinctive pieces to take home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets remain lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening cafés creating a welcoming atmosphere. Some markets and central avenues stay active well into the evening, so you can browse after a day of sightseeing, using the city’s tram, metro, and ferries to return to your hotel with ease.

Best time to visit Istanbul

Spring (Ilkbahar, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Istanbul is mild, with average temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F) and blossoming parks across the city. It is a comfortable time for walking between neighbourhoods, enjoying outdoor terraces, and taking relaxed Bosphorus cruises without strong summer heat.

Summer (Yaz, June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm, sunny days, with average temperatures of about 23–28°C (73–82°F) and longer daylight hours. It is ideal for evening strolls along the waterfront, open-air events, and boat trips, with a lively atmosphere on both the European and Asian shores.

Autumn and winter (Sonbahar and Kis, September to February, low season)
Autumn starts pleasantly, with around 18–24°C (64–75°F) in September and October, gradually cooling to 5–10°C (41–50°F) in winter. Cooler months are well suited to museum visits, indoor cafés, and exploring historic sights with fewer crowds, while still offering atmospheric views over the city.

Frequently Asked Questions