- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Showing the fastest and cheapest results for Aug 29
PC272
TK1030
LH1707 · LH1742It's hardly surprising Istanbul is such a popular travel destination; it's the largest city in Europe and has a long history going right back to 660 BCE. Formerly the Turkish capital, parts of Istanbul are classed as a World Heritage Site, and the city is also a thriving cultural hub hosting a range of arts and film festivals. There are two main Istanbul airports: Istanbul International and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Both are within easy reach of the city center and offer plenty of transfer options.
Istanbul International Airport is the main airport for the city, with Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen coming a close second. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is 28 miles from the city center, and public transport options into the city include shuttle buses and taxis. Istanbul International Airport is 22 miles from the city and public buses are available between them. Metro links from both airports to the city center are planned for the future.
It's anticipated that around 16 million passengers will use use Istanbul Airport in 2019, and popular airlines offering flights to Istanbul International include British Airways, which offers direct flights from London Heathrow, and Air France, with flights from Paris. Turkish Airlines is the major provider of flights to the airport, from locations such as Washington, Boston, Manchester,Toronto and Los Angeles. Airlines offering flights to Sabiha Gökçen include Emirates, Nile Air, Atlas Global, with flights from Stansted, and Turkish Airlines, which provides flights from Frankfurt and Milan Malpensa.
Direct flights from the UK to Istanbul take around 4 hours, so flying is definitely the quickest travel solution. Many visitors from the UK travel to Turkey for vacation and business purposes; no matter the reason for the travel, flying to Istanbul will offer them the fast and convenient connection they need. Flights to Istanbul are available from London airports and large regional hubs such as Birmingham and Manchester, making planning a trip from most areas of the UK easy to plan.
The Istanbul airport infrastructure has been upgraded considerably since the former international hub, Ataturk, did not have capacity for all arriving flights. Once the Metro links are in place from both of the current local international airports, traveling into Istanbul city center will be smooth and quick. Istanbul visitors with limited available time will appreciate a trip to Miniaturk in the Golden Horn area, as this delightful theme park showcases all the major Istanbul attractions and landmarks in miniature. This is also a great day out for families.
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Major archaeology museum complex displaying masterpieces from ancient Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the classical world.
Restored church-museum famed for exceptional Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that rival the city’s most celebrated monuments.
Historic square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, ideal for walking among Istanbul’s greatest imperial monuments.
Lively pedestrian avenue lined with historic passages, shops, consulates, and culture venues in the heart of Beyoğlu.
Historic uphill quarter around the tower with narrow lanes, old facades, and photogenic walks toward Karaköy.
Grilled minced lamb kebab from southeastern Turkey, served with vegetables and lavash. A staple in Istanbul kebab houses and a classic local favorite.
Rice pilaf, currants, pine nuts, and herbs stuffed into mussel shells. A famous Istanbul street food, especially along waterfront districts.
Layers of thin dough with pistachios or walnuts and syrup. An Ottoman dessert strongly associated with Istanbul's historic sweet shops.
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for refined Ottoman dishes and elegant service in a classic setting near major sights.
Beloved meyhane in Beyoğlu serving classic meze, rakı, and seasonal seafood in a lively, traditional tavern environment.
Established Bosphorus fish restaurant known for fresh seafood, meze, and water views. A polished choice for a classic Istanbul dinner.
Moderate for major city breaks: dining and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more than many nearby Turkish destinations.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
Check where to Istanbul flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Istanbul Airport is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for two hours. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering services from various banks.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 7 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need