Independent editorial guide

Istanbul walks, ferries and neighbourhoods

Start on the Historic Peninsula if you want to see Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. For a day across the water, take the ferry to Kadıköy for the walk to Moda or head to Üsküdar for a waterfront route.

Visiting Istanbul: travel questions

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Kadıköy and Moda with friends, from ferry to lunch

A half-day with one exact meeting point, a shared lunch and room for different walking speeds.

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Karaköy to Galata with friends at two speeds

Meet at the lower Tünel station, share a bite and give the group two ways uphill.

Maiden’s Tower off the Salacak waterfront in Üsküdar

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Üsküdar and Salacak with friends, with a tea stop by the water

Meet by the ferry, share something to eat and choose how far to follow the shore together.

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Istanbul airport transfers: a first weekend from the UK

Check whether you land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), then plan the onward journey to your neighbourhood.

The dome and minarets of Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet

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Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: a slow walk through Sultanahmet

Look up at Hagia Sophia, walk the old square and leave room for a tea stop on your first morning in Sultanahmet.

A vaulted passage lined with shops in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

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Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: a wander under the arches

A no-rush walk through the Grand Bazaar, with a starting gate, a meeting point and a bit of room to get lost.

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Galata Tower: from Karaköy uphill to the skyline

Walk to Galata Tower from the water, or meet uphill and spend more time around its lanes and squares.

Stone fortifications of Istanbul’s historic land walls

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Istanbul’s land walls: a short walk near Yedikule

Spend time with the Theodosian land walls near Yedikule without trying to cover the entire historic line.

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Where to stay in Istanbul: choosing a neighbourhood

Compare Sultanahmet, Karaköy and Kadıköy by the kind of morning, evening and commute you want.

Fresh fruit and vegetables at a Kadıköy market stall

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Shopping in Istanbul: small tips for market days

Take your time in Istanbul’s markets, compare like with like and leave space in your bag for what you love.

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A first day in historic Istanbul

A walk through Sultanahmet, from monumental squares to the shoreline, with room to stop and look.

The Kadıköy waterfront seen from the ferry

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A Bosphorus ferry day from Eminönü to Kadıköy

Cross from Europe to Asia by city ferry and build a low-pressure afternoon around the Kadıköy market.

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Üsküdar to Kuzguncuk on foot

A half-day on the Asian Bosphorus shore with a waterfront start, a village-like neighbourhood and an optional uphill detour.

Ortaköy Mosque and the bridge on the Bosphorus

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Beşiktaş to Ortaköy along the Bosphorus

How to plan a walk between two waterfront districts without expecting a continuous waterside promenade.

The Gate of Salutation at Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace

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Topkapı or Dolmabahçe: which palace fits your visit?

Compare two different Ottoman palace experiences by setting, collections and the rest of your day.

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A first visit to Istanbul’s land walls and Yedikule

Use Yedikule as an anchor to understand the land walls, and check which sections visitors can enter.

The exterior of Istanbul Modern in Karaköy

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Istanbul Modern or Pera Museum?

Choose a first art museum by the collection you want to see, then fit the visit around Karaköy or Beyoğlu.

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What to expect at your first Istanbul hammam

Understand the booking, changing and bathing arrangements before visiting a Turkish bath.

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Changing airports in Istanbul: IST to SAW or SAW to IST

Check baggage, entry requirements and the whole ground journey before relying on a connection between Istanbul’s two airports.

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Hasköy with children: a transport museum and the Golden Horn

Plan a family outing around the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, with shorter routes and time to rest.

The Golden Horn at sunset from Galata Bridge

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A first weekend in Istanbul

Two unhurried days from Sultanahmet to the waterfront and across to Kadıköy, with room to change plans.

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How to take a ferry in Istanbul

Pick the right pier, distinguish a regular crossing from a Bosphorus tour, and plan the ride back.

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Where to base yourself in Istanbul

Compare Sultanahmet, Karaköy and Kadıköy by the journeys you want to make each day.

The arcaded courtyard of Süleymaniye Mosque

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Visiting Istanbul’s mosques respectfully

Practical etiquette for entering active places of worship, including what to wear and when to wait.

The main building of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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A rainy day on Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula

A flexible indoor plan with museum time, a market stop and fewer exposed walks.