Istanbul Travel Guide
Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a combination of historic sites and a vibrant mix of the old and new, be it architecture, culture and cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Summer is a great time to visit Istanbul, averaging 25C with long, sunny days. These months are also host to a number of city-wide arts and cultural events. The winters are long (November to February) and can be wet but are also an opportune time if you want to avoid the crowds. In April, the annual Tulip Festival (Lale Festivali) takes place, when the flowers that are planted across the city magically bloom.
Before you visit Istanbul
There are two major airports in Istanbul – the larger and relatively new Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and the Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side.
To get to the city centre from IST, you can take the new metro line M11. It takes around 40 minutes to get to the city centre. Alternatively, you can use the HVIST-5 bus, run by the HAVAIST bus company. Buses leave roughly every half an hour, with the journey time approximately 90 minutes.
Alternatively, if you want to get a taxi, the main rank is just outside the terminal. IST taxis are metered and are divided into three categories: small, economical orange “C” type taxis; medium-value blue “D” type taxis; and premium black “E” type taxis. To get to the centre from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, you can take the HAVABUS Airport Shuttle, which runs a frequent service to both Kadikoy (taking about 60 minutes) and the Taksim (about 90 minutes). You can also get IETT Municipal Public Buses which are very regular but slower.
Getting around Istanbul
Public Transport in Istanbul
In order to use all public transport, you will need an Istanbul Kart. A smartcard that can be purchased and topped up at metro and bus stations. The metro is great for getting around the centre of the city, with the M9 line crossing the Bosporus straits so you can travel from Europe to Asia and back in a blink of the eye! If you’re looking to get to the old town, the best method is to use the T3 line on the old tramway route.
Cycle Hire in Istanbul
If you download the iSBiKE app, you can use the stations that are available all around the Istanbul coastline to access bicycles. There are dedicated cycle lanes, which you will need to use in order to avoid the main roads. You will have to pay a membership fee on top of the cost of using the bicycle, but both are good value.
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The Hotel Collection (THC): The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online (americanexpress.com.au/travel or americanexpress.com.au/thc; Online bookings currently only available to Primary Card Members. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
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