Why visit
Istanbul straddles two continents. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar (4,000 shops), Bosphorus ferries, and Karaköy's new food scene.
Istanbul at a glance
City population
15.5 million
Metro: 16.1 million
Elevation
39 m
128 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Europe/Istanbul
Airport
IST
Istanbul International (new)
Founded
657 BCE (Byzantium)
Getting around
Metro (11 lines), trams, ferries across the Bosphorus, buses
Signature dish
Kebab, köfte, baklava, Turkish breakfast, simit
Neighborhoods for travelers
SultanahmetBeyoğluKadıköyKaraköy
Türkiye at a glance
Country center
39.0°, 35.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
783,562 km²
302,535 mi²
Country population
85.8 million
110/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Turkish lira (₺)
TRY
Dial
+90
Language
Turkish
Demonym
Turkish
Internet
.tr
UN
Member state
ISO code
TR / TUR
Where in the world
39.0° · 35.0°
Türkiye
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Did you know
- Istanbul is the only major city in the world on two continents.
- The Grand Bazaar has 4,000+ shops and 61 covered streets: one of the world's oldest shopping malls.
- Hagia Sophia served as a cathedral, mosque, museum, and now mosque again: 1,500 years of continuous use.
- Istanbul is the only major city in the world on two continents: Europe and Asia.
- Türkiye produces ~70% of the world's hazelnuts.
Bordering Türkiye
Traveler notes
- Istanbul Museum Pass covers 5 days of major sites
- Bosphorus ferry at sunset is unmissable
- Kadıköy on the Asian side for nightlife and food
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Istanbul
What currency is used in Istanbul?
Istanbul uses the Turkish lira (₺), ISO code TRY.
What languages are spoken in Türkiye?
The primary language is Turkish.
What is the international calling code for Türkiye?
The calling code is +90.
What airport serves Istanbul?
Istanbul International (new) (IATA: IST).
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