Istanbul

This magical meeting place straddling two continents has more top-notch attractions than it has minarets (and that's a lot).

Galata Tower rising above Beyoğlu's hillside buildings in İstanbul, with ferries moored and a motor yacht on the Golden Horn

Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

Kerry Walker | Mar 20, 2026
A Guide to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Jennifer Hattam | Feb 23, 2026
7 of the Best Neighborhoods in İstanbul
Jennifer Hattam | Feb 20, 2026
The 12 Best Day Trips from Istanbul
Jennifer Hattam | Feb 18, 2026
6 Best Beaches near İstanbul

Book

Turkiye

Shop $28.99 USD

10 days / 9 nights

10 Days in Türkiye: Istanbul, Izmir and Cappadocia

View Itinerary

Plan your next trip

Get the App

Learn More

Book your Türkiye trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

See Türkiye how it's meant to be seen

Accommodations, activities and ground transportation all taken care of, so you can focus on the fun part. Tell us what your dream trip to Türkiye looks like, and our local experts will build it from scratch. Or start with one of our itineraries and make it your own.

Start planning Choose an Itinerary

Top places to visit in Istanbul

Discover the best attractions in Istanbul from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Attraction in İstanbul
Süleymaniye Mosque
Attraction in Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Attraction in İstanbul
Dolmabahçe Palace
Attraction in İstanbul
Grand Bazaar
Attraction in İstanbul
Rumeli Hisarı
Attraction in Sultanahmet
Topkapı Palace
Attraction in İstanbul
Chora Church Building (Kariye Mosque)
Attraction in Beyoğlu
İstanbul Modern

Travel Guides

Istanbul travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Where do you begin to explore the storied, sprawling city of İstanbul? Start with these 16 top experiences.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

This vibrant city always has something going on but the weather can impact your trip. Here's how to pick the perfect time to visit Istanbul.

Read full article

Transportation

Istanbul's scale and traffic jams can be daunting to travelers but the city's compact center and transport options make it a breeze if you're in the know.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

From mosques and markets to art galleries and monuments, some of Istanbul's best attractions don't cost a thing.

Read full article

Best Neighborhoods

Two days in İstanbul will give you a taste of its attractions while leaving you eager to come back for more. Here's our guide to a perfect weekend there.

Read full article