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Europe

Istanbul, Turkey

Stand at the crossroads of continents in this sprawling metropolis where East meets West. Pack your curiosity—and maybe your camera.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

46-72F (8-22C)

Currency

TRY

Language

Turkish

Time Zone

TRT (UTC+3)

Overview

has nowhere on Earth like Istanbul. This is a city that was the capital of three successive empires—Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—and its history is staggering. Your port drops you in the heart of it all. Youll stand in awe of the Hagia Sophia, a building that has been a church, a mosque, and a museum, and is a masterpiece of human architecture. Youll face it and see the Blue Mosque, with its six iconic minarets. Youll get lost in the labyrinthine, 4,000-shop Grand Bazaar, a sensory overload of lanterns, spices, and carpets. Then, take a ferry on the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia.

Top Sights

  • Topkapi Palace
This sprawling, opulent 15th-century palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Explore its. lush courtyards, see the jewel-filled Imperial Treasury, and visit the infamous Harem.
  • Bosphorus Strait
The dividing line between Europe and Asia. Take a public ferry or a guided cruise to see the. city's stunning skyline from the water, passing by palaces, fortresses, and waterfront mansions.
  • Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
This is one of the most important and beautiful buildings in the world. Originally a 6th-century. Byzantine cathedral, its massive, soaring dome is a marvel of engineering.
  • Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
A vast, 6th-century, underground water cistern that is one of the city's most atmospheric and surprising sites. Walk on. platforms over the water among 336 ancient columns, including two with mysterious Medusa heads.
  • The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Facing the Hagia Sophia, this is Istanbuls most famous and iconic mosque. It's a 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, known for. its six minarets and the 20,000 blue Iznik tiles that give it its name.
  • Grand Bazaar (Kapalıcarsı)
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Get ready to get lost in a labyrinth of 61. streets and over 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish lanterns and carpets to leather.

Neighborhoods

Sultanahmet

Local eats and photo spots

Beyoglu / Pera

Local eats and photo spots

Karakoy

Local eats and photo spots

Galata

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Exclusive Bosphorus Cruise & Byzantine Cistern

Sail the Bosphorus in a luxurious yacht on this small group tour, before delving into the underground historical mysteries of the Byzantine Cistern!
View Details

Fully Accessible Istanbul

A panoramic tour of Istanbul with all the major highlights, including the Spice Market and Taksim Square.
View Details

Istanbul 360 in 2 Days

See all the highlights of this iconic city on a panoramic two-day tour.
View Details

Sunset Cruise in Istanbul

Take in the breathtaking vistas of the city aboard a luxurious sunset cruise down the Bosphorus.
View Details
Explore all Istanbul Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Exclusive Bosphorus Cruise & Byzantine Cistern

Sail the Bosphorus in a luxurious yacht on this small group tour, before delving into the underground historical mysteries of the Byzantine Cistern!
View Details

Fully Accessible Istanbul

A panoramic tour of Istanbul with all the major highlights, including the Spice Market and Taksim Square.
View Details

Istanbul 360 in 2 Days

See all the highlights of this iconic city on a panoramic two-day tour.
View Details

Sunset Cruise in Istanbul

Take in the breathtaking vistas of the city aboard a luxurious sunset cruise down the Bosphorus.
View Details
Explore all Istanbul Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

46-72F (8-22C)

Currency

TRY

Language

Turkish

Time Zone

TRT (UTC+3)

Ready to explore Istanbul?

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