Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)
Built in the 6th century as a Byzantine cathedral, with an enormous dome that still amazes. Today it is a working mosque: respect prayer times and check the access rules.
Tickets →Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul: airports, things to do and where to stay
Istanbul is Türkiye's largest city and spans two continents on either side of the Bosphorus. Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, bazaars, ferries and a lively food scene make it unique.
Istanbul airports
From the airport to central Istanbul
Aeropuerto de Estambul (IST)
Aeropuerto de Estambul airport is about 35 km from central Istanbul.
Metro M11
Line M11 links the airport with Gayrettepe, where you can change to the M2 towards the centre. About 35-40 min to Gayrettepe.
Havaist
İETT airport buses to Taksim, Kadıköy and other districts on both sides of the city. Journey times depend on traffic.
Taxi
Official rank outside arrivals, with a meter. About 45-60 min to Taksim depending on traffic.
From the airport to central Istanbul
Estambul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
Estambul Sabiha Gökçen airport is about 30 km from central Istanbul.
Metro M4
Line M4 connects the airport with Kadıköy on the Asian side, with links to other lines and to the ferry. Allow a little over an hour for the trip.
Havabus
Airport buses to Taksim, Kadıköy and other parts of the city. Journey times depend heavily on traffic.
Taxi
Official rank outside arrivals, with a meter. About 40-60 min to Kadıköy depending on traffic.
Istanbul
Things to do in Istanbul
Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)
A 17th-century Ottoman mosque with six minarets and an interior lined with blue İznik tiles. It is in use and closes to visitors during prayers.
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Galata Kulesi
A medieval stone tower rising above the Galata district. Its viewing platform looks over the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the skyline of mosques in the old city.
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Topkapı Sarayı
The palace of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, pavilions, the Harem and the Treasury. Today it is a museum: set aside half a day to see it properly.
Tickets →Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Istanbul?
Istanbul is served by Aeropuerto de Estambul (IST) and Estambul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
How far is the airport from central Istanbul?
Aeropuerto de Estambul airport is about 35 km from central Istanbul.
How do I get from the airport to central Istanbul?
From Aeropuerto de Estambul airport you can take Metro M11 (metro), Havaist (bus), and Taxi. Pre-booked taxis and private transfers are also available.
What are the must-sees in Istanbul?
Highlights of Istanbul include Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), Galata Kulesi, and Topkapı Sarayı.
Photo credits
- Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia): Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque): Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Galata Kulesi: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Topkapı Sarayı: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons