The best times to travel to Turkey are autumn and spring. So, ideally, you should book your tickets from March to June, then from September to October. In summer, the temperature can reach up to 30°C and it is not always easy to walk and visit the country in such heat. Not to mention that the summer period is also the most touristic season for the country. The most touristic areas are therefore black with people. The rest of the time, there are fewer tourists and the temperature is ideal.
From March to May, temperatures range from 15 to 20°C. The crowds are smaller, and it is a perfect time to admire the tulips in bloom. From September to November, the weather is similar and tourists have often finished their summer vacations. In the parks and gardens, the autumn foliage is particularly pleasant to look at. In addition, at the end of October, hotel and flight prices start to drop and it is a great time to get a good deal. And if you like snow? Then don’t hesitate, and fly to Istanbul in the middle of winter.
What is the budget for going to Istanbul?
The budget for a trip to Istanbul obviously varies depending on the length of stay, the type of accommodation chosen and the activities planned. However, you can expect a budget of around 200 euros for a round trip in economy class, departing from France. Then, you will need to count between 30 and 70 euros per night in a mid-range hotel and more than 250 euros per night in a luxury hotel.
Once settled in, the cost of living in Turkey is lower than in France (about 37% lower). But Istanbul remains one of the largest cities in the country, and therefore one of the most expensive. For a backpacker trip, you will need to budget around 20 euros per day. For a more comfortable trip with a few good restaurants and activities, then you will need to budget 50 to 70 euros per day and per person. But if you look hard enough, you can always find the best deals for a low-cost trip.
For more travel tips, check out our post on the Visiting Paris: the must-do activities
What are the best areas to stay in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a vast and diverse city, with many neighborhoods with different advantages. Obviously, here, everything comes down to individual preferences.
Sultanahmet
History buffs and culture vultures will prefer to head to the historic heart of Istanbul: Sultanahmet. Ideal for those visiting the metropolis for the first time, this district is home to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Beyoglu
The Beyoğlu district is also very culturally rich, and is located north of the Golden Horn. It is perfect for travelers looking to go out after dark as it has many bars, theaters and restaurants. Along Istiklal Avenue, you will also find many fashion, music and book stores. Perfect for those looking for entertainment.
Besiktas
The Beşiktaş district has a lively and fairly youthful atmosphere. It is popular with students and offers many cafes and restaurants.
Nishantasi
For a chic and trendy stay, Nişantaşı is where you can find accommodation for a few nights. This district is often compared to a mini-Paris and is full of designer boutiques and art galleries. It is perfect for travelers looking for a cosmopolitan and high-end experience.
Ortakoy
The Ortaköy district is known for its cafes and shops. It offers magnificent views of the Bosphorus Strait and Bridge. Here, you can browse flea markets and art galleries. This district is perfect for those looking for a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere.
Uskudar
Finally, the Üsküdar district is rather traditional and historical. There is the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Maiden Tower. But also many local markets for an authentic atmosphere. This district is ideal for lovers of less touristy historical sites.
What are the must-do activities in Istanbul?
Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers many must-see attractions. Here are the top activities that you should definitely not miss during a stay in Istanbul:
- The Hagia Sophia , famous for its immense dome and Byzantine mosaics.
- The Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and beautiful blue ceramic tiles.
- The Grand Bazaar, which stands out as one of the oldest covered markets in the world.
- The Archaeological Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts from different civilizations, including sarcophagi and ancient sculptures.
- Turkish baths, an essential experience for relaxation, like at the Hammam of Çemberlitaş or Süleymaniye.
- Topkapi Palace , former main residence of the sultans.
- The Galata Tower, to enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city.
- The Balat district, which stands out for its colorful facades, is the former Jewish quarter of Istanbul.
How to get around Istanbul?
Getting around Istanbul is quite convenient thanks to its extensive public transport network and other transport options. But to enjoy it, you still need to get the essential Istanbulkart transport pass. The latter can be purchased directly at the most important metro, bus or tram stations. Some hotels also sell them. Thanks to this pass, on which you deposit the desired amount, the cost of the trips is slightly lower than the initial price.
In Istanbul, the ideal is still to get around on foot. For longer journeys, we opt for the metro, which has now become the preferred means of transport for Istanbulites. There are now seven metro lines, which cover most of the metropolis. The tram has 4 lines, including the T1 which serves the main tourist spots in Istanbul. As for the bus, there are more than 500 lines across the city to reach the most distant places.
The best excursions to do around Istanbul
Although Istanbul is big enough to occupy several days, it is of course possible to push the walls to discover the rest of the country. From the city and in a fairly simple way, it is possible to participate in these excursions:
- Cruise on the Golden Horn: for a day and aboard a boat, you can admire the banks of the Golden Horn with its mosques and old houses.
- Belgrade Forest: Located 40 minutes away by car, Belgrade Forest is a green lung in the middle of the city. It is ideal for jogging sessions or lovely walks under the trees.
- Princes’ Islands: Less than 1.5 hours away by boat, the Princes’ Islands are perfect for a day trip. Each of them is idyllic and can be visited on foot or by bike.
- Sapanca: This charming village is located on the shores of Lake Sapanca, about 1.5 hours drive from Istanbul. You can have a picnic there and enjoy the water activities offered on the lake. And, nearby, you can also discover the picturesque village of Maşukiye.
- Bursa: The former capital of the Ottoman Empire is located about 2 hours by ferry or bus from Istanbul. It is home to the Grand Mosque Ulu Camii and the cable car to Mount Uludağ.
All of these tours, although there are plenty more, offer varied options to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and explore natural landscapes, beaches and picturesque villages.
Formalities for traveling to Istanbul from France
For French and Swiss nationals, it is necessary to have a valid identity card or passport to travel to Turkey. No visa is required, therefore. On the other hand, the stay cannot exceed 90 days on Turkish soil.
For Belgians, the rule is not the same. Indeed, they must obtain a visa issued upon entering the country after presenting their passport. This visa costs 10 euros, and is purchased directly at the counter before passing through the border police.
You now have all the keys in hand to fly to Turkey and discover Istanbul for a few days.