Is Istanbul Worth Visiting in 2024? The Pros & Cons

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

Yes, Istanbul is absolutely worth visiting! Mixing the historic and the modern, the religious and the trendy, it’s a city where everything blends together to delight any tourist and all tastes.
 

 
The former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires has successfully preserved its rich heritage, inviting visitors on a remarkable journey through time. At the same time, Istanbul is a modern and trendy city known for its bazaars, delicious cuisine, art scene, and vibrant nightlife. Honestly, it’s one of those places that you just need to experience for yourself at least once!

Just so you know, I’ve never thought of this destination before. I landed in Istanbul following my wife Nes, for whom it’s always been a dream to go there. And against all odds, I fell in love with it.

So, that’s my quick take, but keep reading for a more in-depth review where I’ll dive into the pros and cons of a trip to Istanbul. It will certainly help you make your decision!
 

12 Top Reasons to Visit Istanbul

I’ve listed the best reasons why Istanbul is so attractive and such a great destination. Honestly, there could be more than just 12 reasons to visit Istanbul, but every list has its limits. Take a look below!
 

1. Istanbul has an incredible amount of historical landmarks

If you’re into history, art, or architecture, you’re going to love Istanbul!

This city has a story that goes back over 2,000 years, filled with Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences. Imagine exploring a place with over 3,000 mosques, more than 100 churches, around 50 museums, and a dozen of palaces!
 

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Galata Tower are among the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, drawing millions of visitors every year. You won’t be able to visit everything unless you spend a month there, but make sure you don’t skip Sultanahmet Square – that’s where all the most famous monuments are clustered together.
 

2. It’s one of the best destinations for foodies…

Food alone is a good reason why you should visit Istanbul. Turkish cuisine is one of my all-time favorites!

Starting with mezze as an appetizer or diving into a traditional Turkish Breakfast is essential. They’re perfect for tasting a variety of dishes like borek, kisir, and eggplant salad. And for those who love sweets, deserts like baklava, kunefe, and Hafiz Mustafa’s loukoums should be on your bucket list.
 

Street food is also a big deal in Istanbul. Make sure to stop off at street vendors to sample a simit (a sesame-covered bread, sometimes stuffed with cheese), kumpir (a loaded baked potato), or a classic kebab.

3. …And for budget travelers!

The living cost in Istanbul is generally lower compared to other European cities, yet it’s still the priciest city in Turkey. Despite the gap closing slightly in recent years with European cities, Istanbul remains quite affordable.

Of course, if you’re looking for comfort, fine restaurants, and lots of paid activities, you’ll need to budget at least 50-70€ per person per day. However, for those on a tighter budget, you can manage with as little as 20€ a day.

Accommodation-wise, there’s something for everyone, from budget hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels. For food, you can enjoy delicious street food for just a few bucks (3-5€). And while you might have to pay to enter palaces and museums, all the city’s mosques are accessible for free!
 

4. Discover the unique city that lets you hop between continents as you explore

The Bosphorus Strait not only connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara but also serves as the border between the European and the Asian continents. That’s right, Istanbul is the only city in the world built on 2 continents!
 

 
You can enjoy the unique experience of hopping from one continent to another in just a few minutes by taking a ferry or a cruise. The journey is definitely worth it, as you get to enjoy views of both shores, lined with monuments. At sunset, the light reflecting off the buildings is simply magical!

You can also take a walk along one of its banks. The historic village of Ortakoy on the European side offers great strolls, with a stunning view of the Bosphorus Bridge.

5. Istanbul is a fascinating cultural melting pot

As mentioned above, Istanbul links East and West, both in terms of geography and culture. It’s the most European of Eastern cities and the most Eastern of European cities!

This unique combination is visible everywhere, in its architecture, cuisine, art, and culture. Exploring Istanbul, you’ll delight in a culinary panorama that blends the tastes of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
 

As you stroll through the city, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere straight out of the Arabian Nights, where the echoes of mosques mingle with the modernity of people and infrastructure.

A visit to Istanbul is an unforgettable trip, offering a melting pot of traditions and customs you won’t find anywhere else.
 

6. The locals will give you a warm welcome wherever you go

Turks are very friendly and known for their unbeatable hospitality. Expect warm smiles everywhere, which will make your trip infinitely more pleasant!

Even though not everyone speaks English, they easily make contact and communicate with you by exchanging a few words. They’re known for their kindness, generosity, and eagerness to share their culture with travelers.

Don’t be surprised if they invite you in for a cup of çay (tea), it’s all part of their charm!

Read more: 20+ Best Tips to Know Before Traveling Turkey

7. Istanbul is huge but easily accessible

Istanbul is massive! Home to over 15 million people and covering nearly 2000 km², it ranks as one of the largest megacities globally. Walking everywhere isn’t really feasible, but luckily, the city boasts an efficient transport network.
 

 
You can navigate Istanbul using its 7 metro lines, 4 tram lines, more than 500 bus routes, along with ferries and cabs aplenty. To use public transport, simply buy an Istanbulkart for 70 TRY (2.2€) and load it with the amount you need. A metro ride, for example, costs just 15 TRY (0.48€).

Generally, I’d suggest avoiding cabs if you can, mainly because Istanbul is known for its horrible traffic congestion.
 

7. Istanbul is a shopping haven!

Istanbul is a paradise for shopaholics looking for great deals on clothing, spices, home decor, leather goods, jewelry, carpets, and much more.
 

Inside the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

The best bargains are usually found in the famous Grand Bazaar. Founded in 1461, it’s a gigantic labyrinth with over 3,000 shops where you can haggle for a wide array of products (if you’ve got the knack for it). The city also features well-known shopping streets like Istiklal Street and Bagdat Street and huge shopping malls such as Zorlu Center.

In addition, the city hosts the Istanbul Shopping Festival every year, usually in July. This 3-week event sees many shops extending their hours until 11 pm, or even 2 am on weekends, with exceptional discounts of up to 70%.
 

8. Istanbul is beautiful, whatever season you choose

Like most destinations around the world, Istanbul is most enjoyable in terms of temperature during the spring and summer.

The city experiences 4 distinct seasons, featuring hot and sunny summers, chilly winters, and a rainy season in autumn and winter. Each season brings a unique charm to Istanbul, with its share of activities too.
 

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in the winter

Summer invites you to relish festivals and rooftop experiences, while winter is ideal for indulging in a hammam session, ice skating, and sipping on salep (a hot drink made from orchis root and warm milk, sprinkled with cinnamon). In general, it snows every year in Istanbul, making it a delight for photography buffs!
 

9. Istanbul offers breathtaking cityscapes like no other!

The city is famous for its breathtaking cityscapes. In fact, taking pictures of these urban sceneries is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist activities!
 

 
Indeed, the city offers spectacular panoramas of the Golden Horn, with its minarets, domes, and iconic bridges creating a picturesque and unforgettable skyline.

Throughout the city, there are countless vantage points from which to appreciate this picturesque view. Whether you choose to gaze from the riverbanks, the surrounding hills, embark on a Bosphorus cruise, or relax at one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants, prepare to be amazed!

10. Visiting Istanbul is a chance to try a true Turkish Bath

If you love spas, then the Turkish bath (or hammam) experience is another great reason to visit Istanbul!

The city is home to nearly a hundred of these traditional relaxation havens. This ritual holds a significant place in the local culture, serving as both a sanctuary for well-being and a communal meeting space.
 

 
Whether you prefer an authentic experience or a more refined setting, Istanbul has a hammam to cater to every taste. In fact, some hammams have roots dating back to the days of the Ottoman Empire!

Among the most beautiful historic hammams are Ayasofya, Cemberlitas, Suleymaniye, Kiliç Ali Pasa, and Vezneciler.

11. Experience the whirling dervish show

If you like to learn and immerse yourself in cultures during your travels, then you should fly to Istanbul to attend the captivating show of the whirling dervishes.
 

 
This is a traditional dance ceremony called Sema performed by members of the Mevlevi order. During this ritual, men dressed in long white robes and high hats engage in a mesmerizing spinning dance. This dance is actually a prayer that is supposed to lead them to supreme union with God.

There are several places in Istanbul where you can attend this ceremony, listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

12. Istanbul is popular for its lively nightlife

While Istanbul boasts an exceptional heritage, it’s also a perfect destination if you’re in the mood to party! Late afternoons provide a perfect opportunity for locals to gather for drinks or a hookah, as the light gradually fades over the Bosphorus.
 

 
In this city that never sleeps, you’ll find plenty of trendy bars, clubs, concert halls, and other places to dance the night away. Karakoy, Kadikoy, Arnavutkoy, and Beyoglu stand out as some of the most popular neighborhoods to experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul.

It’s worth noting that in Turkey, everybody can freely consume alcohol in bars and restaurants starting from the age of 18.
 

Are there Any Cons to Traveling to Istanbul?

As with everything, nothing is perfect, and Istanbul is no exception.

There might be a few aspects that may not align with your preferences, but rest assured, there aren’t many. And frankly, they’re not that difficult to overcome!

Here are the biggest cons of visiting Istanbul for me:

1. Istanbul is overcrowded: In addition to its 15 million people, Istanbul welcomes no less than 10 million visitors every year. So, if you seek a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, Istanbul isn’t the ideal choice, as its attractions and streets tend to be bustling and crowded, particularly during the peak tourist season.
2. English isn’t widely spoken: Shopkeepers and locals in tourist areas commonly speak English. However, not everyone is fluent in the language, so occasionally, you might need to resort to hand gestures, use a translator, or pick up a few basic Turkish words to facilitate communication.
3. Cabs are notorious for scams: Taxis in Istanbul are known for potential scams, although we can’t lump them all together. So, be extra cautious by checking the fare upfront, ensuring the meter is running, verifying no extra charges for luggage, and paying in cash.

Traditional houses in the Fener area

FAQ About Visiting Istanbul

Ready to spend a few days in Istanbul? Here are the answers to some questions you’re probably asking yourself.
 

Is Istanbul safe?

From my personal experience as a tourist, I’d say Istanbul is pretty safe. The atmosphere is chill everywhere and the locals are really welcoming and ready to help if you need it. My stay there was smooth and I felt secure even when walking at night in less tourist areas.

Naturally, as in all the world’s major cities, you need to be vigilant and take precautions, but believe me, Istanbul is even safer than some European cities.
 

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

I think you should spend a minimum of 4 days in Istanbul to really appreciate it. You’ll be able to visit all the most famous sights at a reasonable pace.

If you can though, it’s best to spend 6 days so you can also enjoy local experiences such as a Turkish bath, a Derviche show, and discover the Asian side.
 

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to travel to Istanbul is during the shoulder seasons, which are from April to early June and from late September to October. During these periods, the mild temperatures make it ideal for exploring the city, and there are much fewer crowds to contend with.
 

What is so special about Istanbul?

There are lots of reasons that make Istanbul stand out. The first is that it’s the only transcontinental city in the world, bridging Europe and Asia. This unique geographical position shapes every aspect of the city, influencing its architecture, culture, and cuisine, blending elements of Roman, Christian, Ottoman, and Islamic influences.

Its rich, thousand-year-old history is another reason why Istanbul is a city like no other. What was once known as Byzantium, and later Constantinople, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and boasts exceptional monuments telling tales of its historical significance.
 

Ortakoy Mosque

Final Thoughts

So, is Istanbul worth the hype? In my opinion, I’d say Istanbul is absolutely worth visiting!

Although the crowds can be a mood-killer, Istanbul is a destination that has it all: a remarkable history, stunning architecture, delicious food, good weather, and a captivating culture that provides a complete change of scenery. To top it off, it’s an affordable destination!

So, don’t look further and book your trip now!
 
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I hope this article has helped you decide to visit Istanbul; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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