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DiscoverLike a Local
Discover IstanbulLike a Local
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Istanbul this spring

Things to Do in Istanbul: What Should You Do Today?

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Judas trees on the shores, long breakfasts outdoors and the first sunset cruises of the year.

Start with
Just landed→ Airport to cityTonight→ Meyhane nightOn the water→ Bosphorus cruisesShop like a local→ MahmutpaşaFirst time→ Travel guide
Maiden’s Tower beside the Bosphorus at sunset Bosphorus sunset cruise: best times & routes →Baklava and assorted pastries displayed in metal trays Best baklava: where locals buy it →Shoppers on a sloping market street lined with textiles and clothing Mahmutpaşa Bazaar: the local market street →

Popular this spring

Maiden’s Tower beside the Bosphorus at sunsetBosphorusBosphorus sunset cruise: best times & routesDinner table set for a small group on a private yacht at duskPrivatePrivate dinner cruise on your own yachtShoppers on a sloping market street lined with textiles and clothingShoppingMahmutpaşa Bazaar: the local market streetTravellers with luggage inside Istanbul Airport terminalArrivalIstanbul Airport to the city

Choose where to start

Every card leads to a live guide
Travel guide

Just landed? Start here.

/travel-guide/ →
Travellers with luggage inside Istanbul Airport terminal1 · ArriveIstanbul Airport to the cityAn airport bus in Istanbul1 · ArriveSabiha Gökçen to the cityIstanbulkart held beside a public transport card reader2 · Get aroundIstanbulkart: buy & top upAn M2 metro train at a platform with Yenikapi on its destination display2 · Get aroundMetro: maps & routes
Like a Local

Eat and shop like an Istanbulite

Guides built with confectioners, fishmongers and meyhane regulars.
Rolled Turkish delight with nuts and dried fruitLokumWhere locals buy Turkish delightBaklava and assorted pastries displayed in metal traysBaklavaWhere locals actually buy itRed simit cart filled with sesame bread rings on an Istanbul streetSokakStreet food, stall by stallGrilled fish, meze plates and rakı set on a restaurant tableMeyhaneHow locals do rakı night

A day in Istanbul, hour by hour

  1. Dawn A quiet ferry across the Golden Horn
  2. Morning Baklava and tea, bought by weight
  3. Afternoon Mahmutpaşa before the crowds
  4. Sunset On the water for the golden hour
  5. Night Meyhane with the windows open

When to come

/best-time-to-visit/ →
Ahmet H. Yildirim passenger ferry on the Bosphorus with Galata Tower behind itTravel guide · FerriesIstanbul ferry guide: routes & timetablesRed nostalgic tram and simit cart on İstiklal Avenue during snowfall at nightSeasonal guide · Dec – FebIstanbul in winter: what to do, eat & wear
Maiden’s Tower beside the Bosphorus at sunset
Bosphorus & Boats Spring light on the water: sunset and breakfast cruises start their season.Compare here, book with Istanbul On Boat. Istanbul On Boat is our sister brand. Bookings are made on Istanbul On Boat.
Compare every cruise →Istanbul On Boat ↗

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