Flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Istanbul (IST)

About Istanbul

Discover Istanbul

Why visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is where Europe and Asia meet, a waterfront city of grand boulevards, historic lanes, and sweeping views across the Bosphorus. You will find a mix of elegant architecture, lively cafés, and atmospheric old quarters that invite you to wander and explore.

What to expect
The city is shaped by its hills, bridges, and waterfront promenades, with districts like Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, and Kadikoy each offering a distinct character. Expect busy tramlines, bustling ferries, and a blend of historic buildings and modern galleries, all set against a backdrop of domes and skylines.

Plan your trip
Istanbul is an ideal entry point for discovering the rest of Turkey, with strong connections to coastal resorts, inland towns, and other regional hubs. Plan time both on the historic peninsula and along the Bosphorus, and consider using Istanbul as a base for day trips to nearby islands and countryside.

Top sights in Istanbul

Sultanahmet Square

Stroll through this historic heart of the city, surrounded by grand architecture and landscaped gardens that tell centuries of urban history.

Grand Bazaar

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

Bosphorus cruise

Take a scenic boat ride between Europe and Asia, passing waterfront mansions, bridges, and neighbourhoods that line the strait.

Galata and Istiklal Avenue

Walk from the Galata Tower area up to Istiklal Avenue for lively streets, historic passages, and a mix of cafés and cultural venues.

Spice Bazaar

Wander through colourful stalls offering aromatic spices, dried fruits, and sweets in a compact and atmospheric marketplace.

Ortakoy waterfront

Relax by the Bosphorus at Ortakoy, where waterside cafés, street stalls, and views of the bridge create a vibrant setting.

Kadikoy district

Take a ferry to the Asian side for lively streets, small boutiques, and a local neighbourhood feel around markets and cafés.

Princes’ Islands

Enjoy a day trip by ferry to car-free islands, where you can walk quiet streets, admire wooden mansions, and enjoy sea views.

Experience Istanbul’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Trams, metros, and ferries are the most efficient ways to move across Istanbul’s busy core and between continents. Use the tram for the historic peninsula, the metro for longer hops, and ferries for scenic crossings, then switch to taxis or short walks for the final stretch.

Local life & culture
Daily life here flows between street-side cafés, neighbourhood squares, and bustling waterfronts where residents gather throughout the day. You will notice a strong café culture, vibrant arts spaces, and small local shops that anchor each district’s identity and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Where to unwind
You can unwind along the Bosphorus promenades, in leafy parks on both the European and Asian sides, or on quiet streets of the Princes’ Islands. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant, with softer light, cooler air, and relaxed crowds by the water.

A taste of Istanbul

Street food & local specialties
You will find street vendors and small eateries throughout the city serving grilled meats, filled flatbreads, and fresh baked goods. Areas around Eminonu, Karakoy, and Kadikoy are especially known for compact streets where you can sample a range of local flavours in a short walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern eateries and cafés are concentrated in districts like Beyoglu, Nisantasi, and along sections of the Bosphorus. Many venues offer menus that mix local recipes with international influences, and portion sizes make it easy to try a few dishes to share at each stop.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants and terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, or city skyline. Dining by the water at sunset or from a rooftop in the city centre adds an atmospheric backdrop to your meal, turning dinner into part of the sightseeing experience.

Retail therapy in Istanbul

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres across the city combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining areas. These complexes are popular meeting places, offering climate-controlled spaces where you can browse, relax, and spend a few hours between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the famous covered bazaars, you will find smaller markets and independent shops in areas like Kadikoy, Karakoy, and Balat. These neighbourhoods are good for discovering handmade items, local textiles, and contemporary Turkish labels in a more relaxed setting.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main streets and some bazaars remain lively, with illuminated façades, open cafés, and a steady flow of evening shoppers. Night-time walks through central districts feel energetic yet relaxed, and public transport makes it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

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 fresh breezes off the Bosphorus. Parks and waterfronts feel especially inviting, and this season offers comfortable sightseeing with a pleasant balance of visitors and space.

Summer (Yaz) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm, sunny days, with typical temperatures of 24–30°C (75–86°F) and long evenings. It is an ideal time for Bosphorus cruises, outdoor dining, and island trips, with an energetic city atmosphere and extended daylight for exploring.

Autumn and winter (Sonbahar and Kis) – September to February, low season
Autumn starts mild before giving way to cooler winter days, with temperatures roughly 8–18°C (46–64°F). Occasional rain and crisp air create a cosy setting for indoor sights, markets, and cafés, and the city feels calmer, offering a different, more relaxed perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions