Royal Turkish Travel
Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents — Europe and Asia — divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Fourteen centuries of imperial history left behind Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and 3,000 mosques. Yet Istanbul is thoroughly alive: a city of 15 million, world-class dining, and nightlife stretching until dawn on both shores.
Buy an Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart) at any metro station on arrival. It covers all metro, tram, bus, and ferry lines at about half the single-ticket price.
Home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Best for first-timers. Hotels here are pricier but the walkability is unmatched.
The 19th-century European quarter. İstiklal Caddesi is the main pedestrian boulevard — 1.5 km of bookshops, cafés, and galleries. The Galata Tower gives the best panoramic view of the city.
The waterfront districts flanking the Galata Bridge. Fresh fish sandwiches (balık ekmek), spice markets, and ferry terminals. The perfect base for Bosphorus cruises.
The city's best food market, craft coffee scene, and a genuine neighbourhood feel — without a single tourist trap in sight. 25-minute ferry from Eminönü.
The Museum Pass Istanbul (5 days, ~€30) covers Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, and 10 other sites. Worth it if you plan to see more than three.
Istanbul's food scene runs from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants. Do not miss:
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main hub — 45 min by metro to the city centre (Havataş bus or M11 metro). Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side, 1 hour to Sultanahmet by bus.
Most nationalities need an e-Visa, obtainable online in minutes before departure. The fee is ~$60 USD (2026). EU citizens and most Europeans do not need a visa for stays under 90 days (verify before travel).
April–May and September–October offer mild temperatures (16–22°C) and lower crowds. July–August is hot (30°C+) but all attractions are open. December has festive lights on İstiklal Caddesi.
We are a TÜRSAB-licensed agency (Licence 17044) with local teams in Istanbul, İzmir, and Cappadocia. Private guided tours, airport transfers, and custom itineraries.
Get a Free QuoteMost visitors spend 3–5 days. Three days covers the main highlights — Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, and a Bosphorus cruise. Five days lets you explore both the European and Asian sides and venture into neighbourhood districts like Karaköy and Kadıköy.
Yes, Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. The main tourist areas of Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, and Karaköy are well-policed and well-lit. Standard city precautions apply — watch for pickpockets in crowded bazaars and be cautious late at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Most nationalities require an e-Visa, obtainable online before departure for approximately $60 USD (2026). EU citizens and many Europeans can enter visa-free for stays under 90 days. Always verify the current requirements for your nationality before travel at the official Turkish e-Visa portal.
The Istanbulkart (Istanbul Card) is the most efficient option — it works on all metro, tram, bus, and ferry lines at about half the single-ticket price. Ferries are the most scenic way to cross between the European and Asian sides. Taxis exist but always use the meter or agree on a price first.
The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the national currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful in central Istanbul. Currency exchange offices (döviz bürosu) generally offer better rates than hotels.
Private, fixed-price transfers with meet & greet and flight tracking — TÜRSAB-licensed (17044).
Get your transfer price →Turn the trip into something you keep. Royal Turkish Schools has taught Turkish in Istanbul and Izmir since 2009 — group and private courses, any level, starting every Monday.
Turkish courses in Turkey · Online Turkish courses