Istanbul seems sometimes closer and sometimes further away as we explore its countless facets. It could not have been otherwise for a metropolis that has set foot on Europe and another on Asia, on either side of the Bosporus Strait that connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. A unique situation that has historically placed the city at the centre of multiple stakes and disputes, alternating between the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire under the patronymic of Byzantium, then the capital of the Ottoman Empire under the name of Constantinople and finally the economic and cultural capital of the Republic of Turkey. An extraordinary story that can be found on almost every street corner, in the reading of his tourist guide of Istanbul, by the grace of monuments of unparalleled beauty symbolized by the Blue Mosque, the Basilica of Saint Sophia or the Topkapi Palace. But Istanbul is not only a museum city, it is also a cosmopolitan and diverse city where each district impregnates you with a unique atmosphere, between zouks, hammam, old town, trendy cafés and shopping temple as on the long avenue Istiklal.

The must-see places in Istanbul

What to do in Istanbul ?

guide de voyage, Vue générale et mosquée de Soliman-le-Magnifique. - © Cali - Iconotec

Istanbul's Essentials

«Byzance, sacred to the West by ten centuries of common civilization, represents for Europe a symbol of its honor» (Stephan Zweig, 1939). Istanbul, the old Constantinople, evokes the delicious tales of the Thousand and One Nights, offering the gentle oriental dreamers, intoxicating incenses, warriors and radiant cultures, horseback between the Orient and the West, Europe and Asia. All you need to do is spend a day at the Topkapi Museum, ...

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Suggested addresses Istanbul

When to go to Istanbul?

The best time to travel to Istanbul is in April/May/June or September/October, when there are fewer tourists and mild temperatures. Be careful, it is very common to see snow fall on the city from the beginning of December, and this until the end of February, sometimes even in early March. If this persists, Istanbul may find itself completely blocked and traffic becomes an impossible mission. The busiest months are July, August, May and September respectively, followed by almost October. Christmas and New Year's Eve weeks are also very popular.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

In terms of weather, in Istanbul, the climate is temperate with a continental tendency: summers are very hot, winters cold and humid. It is not uncommon to see snow fall to large flakes between December and February in a sudden freezing atmosphere. It will then be necessary to confine oneself to the historic centre, but the shifted vision of Istanbul covered with a white coat will provide an absolutely unforgettable memory.

January
3°C
8°C
February
2°C
9°C
March
3°C
11°C
April
7°C
16°C
May
12°C
21°C
June
16°C
25°C
July
18°C
28°C
August
19°C
28°C
Sept.
16°C
24°C
October
13°C
20°C
Nov.
9°C
15°C
Dec.
5°C
11°C
Budget

The national currency is the Turkish lira, although many hotels display their prices in euros. Turkey is a country where there are literally two worlds that are not really separated. Prices close to those found in Western countries, or even higher for a well-off minority, coexist with very low prices for the vast majority of the population. Tipping is widely practiced. Count about 10% of the final score.

Procedures

For citizens of the European Union, no visa is required to travel to Istanbul, a valid identity card or passport is sufficient. Only stays of more than 90 days require a visa or residence permit. For Quebecers, a visa is required and can be obtained in two ways: at the Turkish Consulate in Montreal (at least three weeks before departure) or by arriving at the airport at the visa office.

Health

No vaccine is required to go to Turkey. However, make sure that your DTP vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) are à jour. Il est also recommended that you get vaccinated against influenza during transmission periods. We can never repeat it enough: tap water is not drinkable in Istanbul! There is no need to play the hero or globetrotter who has seen and experienced everything, the Turks themselves do not drink it, even if it is boiled...

How to go to Istanbul? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

Several tour operators offer holiday packages. Some include a visit to Istanbul on a full tour of Turkey, others highlight the capital through thematic stays (long weekends or discovering the city in winter for example). Prices may vary depending on the booking period.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

The price of the flight ticket is very variable and depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. In high season, last minute fares can be very high on some airlines. To obtain attractive fares, remember to buy your tickets ñ well in advance ñ! It should be noted that low-cost flights now serve Istanbul.

Buses and collective taxis (which stop on demand) are the cheapest transport solutions. The entire metropolitan area is covered by metro, tramway and other funicular trains. The two shores of the Bosporus are linked by frequent ferry connections. The acquisition of Istanbulkart reduces travel costs.

Prepare for your trip Istanbul

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Istanbul travel inspiration

8 days
Average budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver
  • With whom?
    Solo, Couple, Famille, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine

Most of Turkey in one week
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All tours
21 days
Average budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver
  • With whom?
    Solo, Couple, Famille, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine

In-depth discovery of Turkey in three weeks

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Practical information
When to travel?

The best time to travel to Istanbul is in April/May/June or September/October, when there are fewer tourists and mild...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

In terms of weather, in Istanbul, the climate is temperate with a continental tendency: summers are very hot, winters...
Read more about it

Budget

The national currency is the Turkish lira, although many hotels display their prices in euros. Turkey is a country wh...
Read more about it

Formalities

For citizens of the European Union, no visa is required to travel to Istanbul, a valid identity card or passport is s...
Read more about it

Health

No vaccine is required to go to Turkey. However, make sure that your DTP vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) are à...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

The price of the flight ticket is very variable and depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time requi...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Several tour operators offer holiday packages. Some include a visit to Istanbul on a full tour of Turkey, others high...
Read more about it

Getting around

Buses and collective taxis (which stop on demand) are the cheapest transport solutions. The entire metropolitan area...
Read more about it

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