Flights from Taipei (TPE) to Istanbul (IST)

About Istanbul

Discover Istanbul

Why visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is where Europe and Asia meet, a city of historic skylines, lively streets, and scenic waterfronts along the Bosphorus. You will find a blend of heritage architecture, contemporary culture, and a warm welcome in every neighbourhood.

What to expect
The city stretches across hills, straits, and inlets, with ferries, bridges, and tram lines linking each district. From the historic peninsula to modern quarters overlooking the water, you can explore museums, grand landmarks, and relaxed café streets in a single day.

Plan your trip
Istanbul is a rewarding stand-alone destination and a convenient gateway to coastal resorts and historic towns across Turkey. With two major airports and extensive domestic connections, it is easy to use the city as a starting point for a wider journey.

Top sights in Istanbul

Sultanahmet Historic Area

Explore the heart of old Istanbul, home to many of the city’s most famous monuments and atmospheric cobbled streets.

Topkapi Palace

Wander through grand courtyards and pavilions that once formed the centre of imperial life, with sweeping views over the Bosphorus.

Grand Bazaar

Lose yourself in a maze of covered lanes filled with textiles, ceramics, and traditional crafts in one of the world’s oldest bazaars.

Spice Bazaar

Stroll through vaulted halls lined with stalls offering colourful spices, dried fruits, and local delicacies in a historic market setting.

Bosphorus Cruise

See Istanbul’s skyline from the water on a cruise past palaces, waterfront mansions, and bustling neighbourhoods on both continents.

Galata and Karakoy

Climb the streets around Galata Tower and explore cafés, galleries, and waterfront promenades in these lively districts.

Istiklal Avenue

Walk this busy pedestrian street for shops, historic passages, and side lanes that reveal a mix of old and new Istanbul.

Princes Islands

Take a ferry to these traffic-free islands for a slower pace, seaside walks, and views back towards the city skyline.

Experience Istanbul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Istanbul’s public transport system combines metro lines, trams, buses, and ferries, making it straightforward to move between key areas. Scenic ferry rides offer a memorable way to cross between continents, while taxis or app-based rides are useful for late-night or uphill journeys.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods each have their own character, from traditional streets around the historic peninsula to creative districts with galleries and small cafés. Daily life often centres on local squares and waterfront promenades, where you can pause, people-watch, and experience the city’s energetic yet relaxed rhythm.

Where to unwind
Parks, leafy hills, and seaside walkways provide calm spots to step away from the busy streets. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for riverside strolls or enjoying viewpoints over the Bosphorus, when the light softens and the city’s landmarks are beautifully framed.

A taste of Istanbul

Street food & local specialties
You will find street-side stalls and casual eateries serving grilled favourites, fresh breads, and sweet treats in almost every district. Areas around the historic peninsula and busy ferry piers are particularly good for sampling quick bites between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés and bistros line the streets of central districts, offering everything from traditional plates to international flavours. Many places feature compact menus and sharing-style dishes, which makes it easy to try a variety of tastes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, choose a restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus or rooftops with views of Istanbul’s famous skyline. Dining with a view of the water or the city’s illuminated monuments adds a special backdrop to an evening out.

Retail therapy in Istanbul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres across the city bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These malls double as social spaces, making them convenient stops for shopping, entertainment, and a relaxed meal.

Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars and surrounding streets are ideal for browsing textiles, ceramics, and other artisanal goods. Districts such as Sultanahmet, Eminonu, and the area around Galata showcase smaller boutiques and studios with a distinct local character.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, main shopping streets and central districts remain lively, with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening cafés. Night-time strolls through these areas pair well with browsing and people-watching, and public transport makes it easy to return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Istanbul

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring brings mild days of around 12–20°C (54–68°F) and longer daylight hours. Parks and gardens are colourful, walking tours are comfortable, and outdoor cafés begin to fill, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring both sides of the city.

Summer warmth (June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and sunny, with typical temperatures between 22–30°C (72–86°F). It is a lively time for Bosphorus cruises, outdoor dining, and evening strolls along the waterfront, with extended daylight allowing for slower, more flexible sightseeing days.

Autumn and winter charm (October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter see cooler weather, from about 5–15°C (41–59°F), with some crisp days and occasional rain. Museum visits, cosy cafés, and views of the city’s skyline under softer light make this a calm and atmospheric time to experience Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions