Istanbul, Turkey
Where continents collide and your dollar stretches
Why Visit
Istanbul is one of those cities that recalibrates your expectations. Two thousand years of continuous urban history, straddling Europe and Asia, with a food culture that rivals anywhere on the planet. The Hagia Sophia alone justifies the trip, but the real magic is in the neighborhoods: Kadikoy’s market streets, Balat’s colorful houses, the ferry commute across the Bosphorus.
The cost of living makes it especially attractive. A sit-down kebab meal with drinks runs $8-12. A ferry ride between continents costs $0.50. Istanbul delivers a genuinely world-class city experience at prices that would be considered cheap in most U.S. cities.
For travelers interested in using Istanbul as a hub, Turkish Airlines’ route network makes it one of the best stopover points between Europe and Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
Best Time to Go
April through May and September through November are ideal. Spring brings tulip season (yes, tulips originated in Turkey, not Holland) and comfortable temperatures in the 60s-70s. Autumn is warm, dry, and less crowded than summer.
Summer (June-August) is hot (85-95 F) and humid, with heavy tourist traffic around the Sultanahmet area. Prices don’t spike as dramatically as Western European cities, but the heat makes sightseeing less comfortable.
Winter is mild by Northern European standards (40s-50s F) with occasional rain. Flight prices drop, and the city feels more local.
Getting There from the East Coast
- Turkish Airlines: Nonstops from JFK, Washington Dulles, and Newark to Istanbul (IST). The new Istanbul Airport is a massive hub. Fares typically run $500-650 round trip.
- Connecting options: Delta via Amsterdam, Lufthansa via Frankfurt, or Emirates via Dubai can sometimes undercut Turkish Airlines on price.
- Budget play: Position to a cheap European gateway (London, Paris) and connect on Pegasus Airlines or Turkish domestic fares for as low as $100-150 one-way.
Turkish Airlines’ business class is consistently rated among the world’s best and sometimes goes on sale for $1,500-2,000 round trip from the East Coast, a fraction of what competitors charge.
Where to Stay
Sultanahmet is the historic core (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar). Ideal for first-timers, though it can feel touristy. Hotels run $50-80.
Beyoglu/Galata is the modern cultural center. Istiklal Street, rooftop bars, and the Galata Tower. More nightlife, younger crowd. Hotels run $45-70.
Kadikoy (Asian side) is the foodie neighborhood. Take the ferry across each morning. Hotels run $35-55 and the restaurant scene here is arguably better than the European side.
Search hotels in Istanbul on Booking.com
Estimated Trip Cost
| Category | Budget (6 nights) |
|---|---|
| Flights (East Coast) | $500-650 |
| Hotels | $300-420 |
| Food & drink | $100-150 |
| Activities | $40-60 |
| Transit (ferries, metro) | $15-25 |
| Total | $955-1,305 |
Six nights in a city that spans two continents, with world-class food and 2,000 years of history, for around $1,000. Hard to argue with that.
Travel Hack Tip
Turkish Airlines Stopover Program: Turkish Airlines offers a free hotel stay in Istanbul (up to 2 nights) for passengers connecting through IST with a layover of 6-24 hours. The program is called “Touristanbul” and includes a guided city tour. If you are flying anywhere through Istanbul, extend your layover and get a free mini-vacation in one of the world’s great cities.