Private day trips from Istanbul to places you'll never forget

The best time to visit Istanbul is from April to June and September to November when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal. These periods offer comfortable weather for exploring outdoor attractions, historic sites, and bustling markets without the intense summer heat or winter cold.

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its official currency. While some tourist establishments may accept US dollars or euros, Turkish Lira is preferred for most transactions. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is essential for street vendors and local markets.

Turkish is the official language spoken in Istanbul. English and Russian are increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially among younger generations and tourism professionals. Learning basic Turkish phrases is appreciated by locals and can enhance your cultural experience in the city.

Top attractions in Istanbul include the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque with its stunning architecture, the historic Topkapi Palace, the vibrant Grand Bazaar, the ancient Basilica Cistern, and the bustling Spice Bazaar. The Bosphorus strait offers beautiful boat tours connecting Europe and Asia.

Istanbul is generally safe for visitors with standard urban precautions recommended. The city has increased security measures at major tourist attractions. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings, secure personal belongings in crowded areas, and avoid political demonstrations. Tourist police are available to assist visitors.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and hills, modest clothing for visiting mosques, layers for changing weather, and a scarf for women to cover hair in religious sites. Include a camera, portable charger, and small bag for shopping in the city's famous markets and bazaars.

Istanbul is famous for its unique location spanning Europe and Asia, rich Byzantine and Ottoman history, stunning architecture including Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, vibrant bazaars and markets, delicious Turkish cuisine, traditional hammams, and being the former capital of both Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Must-visit religious sites in Istanbul include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, Suleymaniye Mosque offering panoramic city views, the Byzantine Chora Church with beautiful mosaics, and various historic mosques throughout the old city showcasing Islamic architecture and art.