Istanbul travel guide

The currency in Istanbul is the Turkish lira (TRY). Prices on TripRadr for tours and activities are shown in Canadian dollars (CAD). Check the current exchange rate before you travel.

Türkiye Time all year, three hours ahead of UTC, with no daylight saving. Toronto is on Eastern Time, so check the difference for your travel dates. Toronto changes its clocks in spring and autumn, so the gap can shift during the year.

There are 2 seasons to plan around in Istanbul. Best weather: April to June. Fewer crowds: September to November. Check the weather and any local events for your dates.

Major airports include Istanbul (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Routes and flight times depend on the season and the airline. Check with the airline or travel site you book with.

The Government of Canada publishes travel advice and advisories for Türkiye. Check it before you book and again before you leave. The advice can change, so TripRadr links to it instead of repeating it.

TripRadr does not take bookings. The things-to-do section shows tours and activities from Viator when they are available for Istanbul. You book on Viator, and TripRadr may earn a commission.

The main language is Turkish. Signs, menus and tours may also be available in English in places that welcome visitors. Learning a few local phrases is a polite way to start a conversation.

Popular things to do in Istanbul include visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, shop the Grand Bazaar, cruise the Bosphorus and tour Topkapı Palace. The things-to-do section on this page shows tours and activities from Viator. Open one to see its details and price, then book on Viator.