Istanbul Flights and Travel Guide

Istanbul is one of the greatest historic cities in the world and it’s no wonder. The city straddles Europe and Asia making it as diverse as any capital city can be, while adding a bit of adventure for travelers booking flights to Istanbul. Istanbul is as Turkey’s main seaport and financial center. As one of the most popular destinations in the world, cheap flights to Istanbul can always be found. Whether you plan on touring the European side or the Middle Eastern side of the city, Istanbul won’t disappoint.

For visitors wanting to take a step back in time, visit Istanbul’s Old City and stroll through the historic area. Roman amphitheaters and artifacts decorate the streets and ancient relics from the Byzantine Empire are everywhere. Today, Istanbul is home to more than 14 million people. Take a window seat on your flight to Istanbul and view the skyline from 35,000 feet – it’s one of the most breathtaking views of the city’s domed cathedrals and Islamic mosques.

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Istanbul Climate

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When to Fly to Istanbul

With snowy, scenic winters and sultry summers, Istanbul is a desirable destination for every season.

Peak Season: The sunshine of summertime may have Istanbul residents heading out of town and to the waterfront, but it’s also the most popular time for tourists to visit the city.Cheap flights to Istanbul are difficult to come by from June until the beginning of October. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul during peak season, it’s wise to book Istanbul flights and accommodations well in advance.

Off-peak Season: Flights to Istanbul from November through the end of February are far less crowded than the planes landing at Ataturk or Sabiha during the summertime. It’s easy to find cheap flights to Istanbul during the off-season, but cold and blustery weather conditions might wreak havoc on your ideal travel plans.

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Getting Downtown Istanbul

The Istanbul Metro system provides quick and easy access to the city, including the intercity bus terminal. Use metro station Zeytinburnu and transfer to a tram to reach the Eminonu ferry or Sea Bus docks. The Havas Airport Bus connects to Taksim Square. Taxis are also available.

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Getting Around Istanbul

Istanbul is split over the shores of the river that divides Europe and Asia and has far-reaching city limits that require a dependable and affordable public transportation network. It’s easiest to take a taxi after your flight to Istanbul lands, but once you’re downtown or in the suburbs, take advantage of the trolleys, subways, trains and busses that keep the crowds of Istanbul moving.

The best way to cross the Bosporus, depending on your location on either side of the river, is by ferry: It’s just a little more expensive and lengthier than the tram ride, but it’s worth it for the change in scenery. Be wary of taxi drivers who’ll try to squeeze an extra Turkish lira or two out of you: To avoid scams and costly detours on your trip, agree on the fare before you get in the cab and make sure that the meter is running.

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Istanbul Insider Information

• If you scored a window seat on your flight to Istanbul you likely witnessed breathtaking views of the city, but nothing quite compares to the sight of the shoreline from the deck of a boat gliding along the Bosphorus at dusk. You can book a spot on a cruise along the Bosphorus departing from either the Asian or European side of the city, and these nighttime tours between continents will provide you with stunning views of the shining lights of both sides of the city.
• Before your return Istanbul flight, spend time moseying through the Grand Bazaar to pick up souvenirs of every shape and size for your loved ones. This massive arcade has stalls hawking everything from ancient framed paintings of whirling dervishes to boxes of Turkish delight to Persian carpets. Haggling will get you far here, so don’t settle for the first price offered on that authentic shawl or Byzantine choker that you have your eye on.
• Your first stop after your flight to Istanbul lands should be Sultahnamet to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The most iconic attributes of the Istanbul landscape face each other across a massive plaza, which makes sightseeing a breeze due to the central location of the city’s most popular attractions. Hagia Sophia, which was built in the height of the Byzantine Empire, served as a model for the construction of the Blue Mosque, and the massive domes and intricate artwork of both draw millions of tourists each year. Before you head into the Blue Mosque, make sure that you’re appropriately dressed – no bare arms or legs, and women should cover their heads before entering the mosque. It’s best to check out the interiors of these incredible structures during the day, but the scene in Sultahnamet at night is nothing short of breathtaking, especially if you happen to be passing through the plaza at the last call to prayer.
• If your flight to Istanbul left you a little jetlagged, head straight to the nearest coffee bar and indulge in a cup of Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee has been an important component of religious, political and social customs since the Ottoman Empire, and Istanbul today continues to be filled with coffee houses that resonate with intimate conversation.
• On the Asian side of the Bosporus lies Bagdat Caddesi lies Istanbul’s long strip of high-end boutiques and restaurants that closely compares with New York’s Fifth Avenue. If you’re looking to burn some lira thanks to saving money on a cheap flight to Istanbul, Bagdat Caddesi is worth a jaunt.

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Istanbul Airports

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