The best months to visit Istanbul are Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov. 15–28°C, mild & dry.
Quick facts
Currency TRY (Lira) 1 USD ≈ 36 TRY
Language Turkish English in tourist areas
Timezone TRT (UTC+3) No daylight saving
Best Months Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov 15–28°C, mild & dry
Daily Budget ~$35–70 USD ₺1,260–2,520 budget–midrange
Visa e-Visa or visa-free US: e-Visa $50, EU: 90 days free
When to go
A city straddling two continents where Byzantine domes and Ottoman minarets share a skyline shaped by 2,500 years of empire.
Getting Around in Istanbul
- Metro, tram, bus, and ferries all use İstanbulkart (₺70 card + ₺17.50/ride). The T1 tram connects Sultanahmet to Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kabataş
- MetroBüs is Istanbul's express bus on dedicated lanes, useful for airport transfers and cross-city travel
- Taxis are cheap but scams exist, so always insist on the meter. BiTaksi and Uber apps show the fare upfront. The meter should start at ₺28
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Istanbul travel guide.
Timezone: TRT (UTC+3) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The best months to visit Istanbul are Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov (15–28°C, mild & dry), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Istanbul budget breakdown.
