Türkiye · Two continents, bazaars & the BosphorusHagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Two masterpieces facing each other across Sultanahmet Square, one built as a Byzantine cathedral, the other as an Ottoman mosque with six minarets.
Türkiye · Two continents, bazaars & the Bosphorus
Hotels in Istanbul
Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces, bustling bazaars and ferries between Europe and Asia. Find hotels in Istanbul at live prices.
Quick dates:
- Best timeApr – Jun, Sep – Nov
- Ideal stay4–5 nights
- From Yerevan~2 h 30 min, direct
- Local time−1 h
- CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY)
- VisaCheck before travel
- LanguageTurkish, English
Overview
Why travel to Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's great cities, spread across two continents on the shores of the Bosphorus. Just a short direct flight from Yerevan, it is easy to reach and works equally well for a long weekend or a full week, and hotels in Istanbul cover every style: boutique hotels in restored Ottoman houses in the old town, design hotels in Galata and Karaköy, and grand palaces on the waterfront.
The historic peninsula of Sultanahmet holds the city's most famous sights within walking distance: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern, with the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar a short walk or tram ride away. Across the Golden Horn, Galata Tower rises above steep streets of cafés, galleries and rooftop bars, and İstiklal Avenue leads up to Taksim Square. On the Asian side, Kadıköy and Moda feel like a different city, with a lively food market and a more local atmosphere.
Food is reason enough to come back: simit and Turkish tea for breakfast, fish sandwiches by the Galata Bridge, meze and grilled meats in a meyhane, baklava and Turkish delight to take home. A Bosphorus cruise at sunset, with palaces, mosques and wooden mansions along both shores, is the perfect way to see how this remarkable city has connected Europe and Asia for centuries.
Top experiences
Best things to do in Istanbul
Topkapı Palace
The former residence of the Ottoman sultans, with courtyards, the Harem, the treasury and terraces overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Bosphorus cruise
Take a public ferry or a private boat along the strait between Europe and Asia, past Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress and waterfront mansions.
Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
Lose yourself in the covered lanes of the Grand Bazaar for carpets, lamps and jewellery, then smell the spices, teas and sweets of the Egyptian Bazaar.
Galata & Karaköy
Climb Galata Tower for a panorama of the old city, then explore the cafés, boutiques and rooftop bars of the streets below.
Food on both continents
Try a fish sandwich by the Galata Bridge, kebab and meze in Beyoğlu, then take the ferry to Kadıköy market on the Asian side for street food and desserts.
Live prices
Popular hotels in Istanbul
Where to stay
Best areas to stay in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
First trip · Sightseeing
The historic heart of the city, with the main monuments right outside your door. Mostly small boutique and family-run hotels, many with rooftop terraces facing the sea or the mosques.
See hotelsGalata & Karaköy
Couples · Food · Design
Trendy, central neighbourhoods by the Golden Horn, full of cafés, galleries and restaurants. Stylish design hotels and well connected by tram and ferry to the old town.
See hotelsTaksim & Beyoğlu
Nightlife · Shopping
The lively centre of modern Istanbul around İstiklal Avenue, with endless restaurants, bars and shops. A wide choice of hotels at every price, from budget to international chains.
See hotelsBeşiktaş & the Bosphorus
Luxury · Waterfront
Elegant districts along the European shore of the Bosphorus, home to some of the city's most luxurious hotels with sea views. Close to Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy and upscale Nişantaşı.
See hotelsWhen to go
Istanbul weather by month
The best times to visit Istanbul are April to early June and September to November, when days are mild and sunny and the city is ideal for walking; April also brings the tulip season to the parks. July and August are hot and humid, with more crowds at the main sights. Winter, from December to February, is cool and often rainy, with occasional snow, but hotel prices are at their lowest and museums are quieter. Istanbul is a year-round city, so it is a good choice for a city break in any season.
Best monthsApr – Jun, Sep – Nov
Daytime air, °C
Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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Good to know
Travel tips for Istanbul
Buy an Istanbulkart transport card on arrival: it works on trams, metro, buses, the Marmaray and the public ferries, which are also the cheapest way to cruise the Bosphorus.
When visiting mosques, cover your shoulders and knees, women should cover their hair, and shoes come off at the entrance. Avoid visiting during prayer times, especially at Friday midday prayers.
Istanbul has two international airports, Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side; check which one your flight uses before booking a transfer, as traffic can be heavy.
In the bazaars, bargaining is part of the experience, so stay friendly and agree on the price before you buy. In taxis, make sure the meter is running or use a taxi app.
Card payments are common, but carry some lira in cash for small shops and street food. In restaurants a tip of around 10% for good service is customary.
Help
Istanbul: questions & answers
Still deciding? Our team in Yerevan answers by phone, email and chat.
Contact our teamWhen is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Spring, from April to early June, and autumn, from September to November, are the best seasons, with mild weather perfect for walking and Bosphorus cruises. Summer is hot and crowded, while winter is cool and rainy but quieter and cheaper. Since Istanbul is mostly a city break, it is worth visiting in any season.
Which area of Istanbul is best to stay in?
For a first visit, Sultanahmet puts you within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. Galata and Karaköy are better for food, cafés and nightlife, Taksim offers the widest choice of hotels, and Beşiktaş and the Bosphorus shore are best for luxury hotels with water views.
Do Armenian citizens need a visa for Istanbul?
Entry rules for Armenian citizens to Türkiye can change, so please check our Visa page or ask the UTours team before you book your flights. The same applies to travellers with other passports. We will tell you what documents you currently need and help you prepare for the trip.
How many nights do you need in Istanbul?
Four to five nights is ideal for a first trip: two days for Sultanahmet and the bazaars, one for Galata, Beyoğlu and a Bosphorus cruise, and one for the Asian side or the Princes' Islands. A long weekend of three nights is enough to see the main highlights at a faster pace.
Is Istanbul good for shopping?
Yes, it is one of the best shopping cities in the region. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are great for carpets, ceramics, lamps, spices, tea and Turkish delight. For fashion and international brands, head to İstiklal Avenue, upscale Nişantaşı or one of the city's large modern shopping malls.
How do I book a hotel in Istanbul with UTours?
Pick your dates in the search above to see live prices for hotels in Istanbul, compare rooms, locations and cancellation terms, and pay securely online. Our team in Yerevan is happy to arrange airport transfers, answer your questions and help with any changes to your booking.
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