Istanbul, the city that bridges continents and eras, has been the heart of three major empires: the Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. This metropolis, once known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, officially became Istanbul in 1930. Despite its rich tapestry of history and culture, Istanbul isn't Turkey's capital — that title goes to Ankara.
Yet, with its ancient underground railway (the second oldest in the world behind the London Underground), and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul captures the essence of world heritage. It's a city that draws every traveler to explore its timeless wonders. So where you’re looking to see the city with an Istanbul tour guide, or read about why Istanbul is so special, we’ve got you covered!
After all, it’s the only city in the world that spans two continents (Europe and Asia), making it a blend of East and West cultures. So let’s dive deeper into tourism in Istanbul, its statistics and a lot more.
Exploring Istanbul: A Statistical Overview of Visitor Trends
Have you ever wondered if tourism in Istanbul attracts a lot of international arrivals? The fact is, Istanbul was crowned the world's most-visited city by international arrivals in 2023, with over 17 million travelers choosing this city as their destination that year.
So, how many tourists visit Istanbul each year? The city smashed pre-COVID-19 levels in 2023. This is compared to previous years below:
- 2019: 14,907,000
- 2020: 5,002,000
- 2021: 9,025,000
- 2022: 16,019,000
- 2023: 17,370,000
Countries Sending the Most Tourists to Turkey
In the first four months of 2024, Istanbul welcomed 5.2 million tourists, with the top countries sending tourists in February 2024 being:
- Russia: 139,000 visitors
- Germany: 95,465 visitors
- Iran: 75,000 visitors
- Britain: 56,400 visitors
- France: 48,000 visitors
This matches up with Turkey’s inbound travelers, with the top two nationalities being Russia and Germany, followed by the UK, Bulgaria and Iran. Read more on our Turkey Travel Statistics article!
Tourism is incredibly important to Istanbul’s economy, contributing 8.73% to Istanbul’s GDP in 2023. These figures show how:
- In 2023, Istanbul handled approximately 46.3 million passengers in the Istanbul Airport, making it the second-busiest airport in Europe after London’s Heathrow, and the 7th busiest in the world.
- The Galata Tower was the most visited museum in Istanbul, attracting 1,242,943 visitors, followed by the Istanbul Archaeology Museum (578,134) and the Memory 15 July Museum (231,175).
A little bit more about Istanbul:
- GDP Contribution: Istanbul generates almost 40% of Türkiye’s GDP and contributes about 40% to the state budget.
- Population: 15,660,000 in 2023, with a nearly even split between men (7,360,499) and women (7,296,935).
Tourism Challenges: Addressing Overcrowding in Istanbul's Hotspots
Istanbul's booming tourism industry is set to welcome 20 million visitors in 2024, up from over 17 million in 2023. Notably, the number of American tourists has surged, thanks to more flights by Turkish Airlines.
To manage the influx and preserve its heritage, Istanbul is focusing on sustainable tourism. Restoration projects are revitalizing neglected historical sites, creating new public spaces and offering alternatives to popular attractions. For example, the Gülhane Park Cistern, a 1,500-year-old reservoir, was recently restored and opened to the public. This lesser-known gem, near Topkapi Palace, aims to distribute tourist crowds more evenly across the city.
By transforming sites into galleries, event spaces and cafés, Istanbul hopes to create new attractions for both locals and visitors, easing the pressure on traditional hotspots.
Istanbul Tourism Quick Facts
- #1 - The ranking Istanbul received in 2023 for having the highest international arrivals in the world!
- 17.4 million - The number of international tourists that landed in Istanbul in 2023.
- 8.73% - The contribution that tourism makes to Istanbul’s GDP.
- 493/700 - Istanbul's English proficiency score (Low proficiency).
Top Attractions in Istanbul: Discovering The City Of The World’s Desire
Istanbul is a city where East meets West, meaning it offers a blend of history, culture and modernity. Straddling two continents, it’s packed with attractions that can fill several days with exploration. Here’s a quick guide to some of the city’s highlights:
Architecture
- Hagia Sophia: The Hagia Sophia, dating back to 537 AD, is a stunning architectural marvel. Originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a mosque again, it showcases elements of both Christian and Islamic art. Marvel at its grand dome, intricate mosaics, and impressive arches. You should plan to spend about two hours here.
- Galata Tower: For one of the best views of Istanbul, visit the Galata Tower. Built in the 14th century, it offers panoramic views of the city and its significant landmarks.
- Topkapi Palace: Once the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace is a beautiful spot filled with exquisite tile work and lush gardens. Don’t miss the Harem section and the stunning views of Istanbul.
History
- Walls of Constantinople: Walk a portion of the ancient Walls of Constantinople, which once protected the city from invaders. They offer a unique perspective of Istanbul's history.
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums: These museums house over a million artifacts from various time periods and regions, offering a comprehensive look at the past.
- Belgrad Forest: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle in Belgrad Forest. Enjoy hiking, jogging, and picnicking in this vast natural area, which also features historic sites and diverse flora and fauna.
Religion
- Blue Mosque: Located across Sultanahmet Square from the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, built in 1616, is renowned for its beautiful blue tile work. It’s free to enter, but remember to dress respectfully. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the stained-glass windows, chandeliers, and fine carpets.
- Chora Church: Known for its stunning frescoes and mosaics depicting the life of Jesus Christ, the Chora Church is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.
- Suleymaniye Mosque: Considered the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul, Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, features a sparkling interior and impressive architecture.
Culture
- Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise. Its colorful lanterns and maze-like hallways make it a joy to explore. Enter through one of the traditional gates and browse a wide array of goods, from souvenirs to local delicacies.
- Eminonu Square and Galata Bridge: Eminonu Square is a bustling area on the Golden Horn, perfect for soaking up the city's vibe. You can visit mosques, the Spice Market and take ferries from here. Walking across the Galata Bridge offers great views and connects you to modern Istanbul.
- Istiklal Street: Istiklal Street is a bustling pedestrian street in the New District of Istanbul, lined with shops, cafés and a historic tram. It’s a lively area with a different vibe from the rest of the city.
Further Reading: 5 Hidden Gems to Visit in Istanbul
The Culinary Delights of Istanbul: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Istanbul's diverse food culture, influenced by the Ottoman Empire, Central Asia, the Balkans and the Caucasus, offers a plethora of delicious dishes. Here’s a shortlist of must-try foods for your visit:
Food
- Turkish Breakfast: A typical Turkish breakfast includes tea, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, white cheese, olives, honey, jam, eggs, sucuk (spiced sausage) and börek (filled pastry).
- Lüfer: A popular fish dish, often enjoyed with rakı (anise-flavored drink) by the Bosphorus. It's a favorite among locals.
- Simit: A popular street food, simit is a sesame-covered, pretzel-like bread. Try it with honey and creamy kaymak (buffalo-milk clotted cream) and a cup of Turkish tea for a perfect breakfast.
- Doner Kebab: A must-try, doner kebab is thinly sliced meat from a rotating spit, served in various forms, including sandwiches and plates.
- Kumpir: A stuffed baked potato with butter, cheese and various toppings like ground meat, veggies and sauces. It’s a popular street food.
Drink
- Pomegranate Juice: Enjoy freshly squeezed pomegranate or orange juice from street vendors across the city. Just make sure to ask the price before buying.
- Turkish Tea: Enjoy black tea served piping hot in a small tulip-shaped glass, often with a spoonful of sugar.
- Turkish Coffee: Strong and aromatic, Turkish coffee is a must-try. Served in a small glass, it’s thick and can be sweetened to your preference.
Sweet
- Turkish Delight: Known as Lokum, this sweet treat is made with starch and sugar, often flavored with rose, pomegranate, or hazelnut, and dusted with powdered sugar or pistachios.
- Lotus Root Ice Cream: A unique treat, this stretchy ice cream is often served with playful antics from street vendors, making it a fun experience.
- Katmer: A breakfast pastry similar to baklava, katmer is made of phyllo dough filled with kaymak and pistachios, offering a sweet and crunchy start to your day.
Seasonal Tourism Trends: When to Visit Istanbul
Istanbul is an eastern Mediterranean city, so it has a climate that's typically warm and relatively dry, though it gets the occasional rain. Its unique blend of Mediterranean, humid subtropical and oceanic climates makes for diverse weather patterns across the city.
Summer in Istanbul (June to September)
- Rainfall: Summer is the dry season, with less than 50mm of rain each month. August is the driest, receiving only 20mm of rain.
- Temperature: Expect long, hot days with average temperatures around 24°C, peaking at 28°C in July and August. Nights stay warm, with lows around 19°C.
- Sea Temperature: The Bosporus Strait’s water temperature ranges between 19°C and 22°C, perfect for cooling off.
- Tourism: Summer is the peak tourist season, ideal for swimming and outdoor activities, but it can get crowded and expensive.
Autumn in Istanbul (September to November)
- Temperature: Autumn remains pleasant, with October averaging 16°C and November dropping to around 14°C.
- Rainfall: Rainfall increases in autumn, particularly in November with 100mm over 13 days, making it one of the wettest months.
- Sunshine Hours: September has 9 sunshine hours, decreasing to 5 hours by November.
Winter in Istanbul (December to March)
- Temperature: Winter is chilly, with average temperatures around 6°C in January and February.
- Rainfall: December is the wettest month, with 100mm of rain over 17 days. Snow is possible by February.
- Sunshine Hours: Limited sunshine with 5 hours per day in December and January, increasing to 7 hours in February.
Spring in Istanbul (March to May)
- Temperature: Spring sees a gradual warming, with temperatures rising to 20°C by May.
- Rainfall: Early spring has high rainfall averages, about 60mm over 11 days in April.
- Sunshine Hours: Sunshine hours increase from 7 in March to 9 in May, with clearer skies towards the end of the season.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is ideal for those looking to enjoy the heat and outdoor activities, while spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter, although cold and wet, still has its charm, especially with fewer tourists and a quieter city atmosphere.
Is traveling to Istanbul safe now?
Istanbul has faced incidents in the past, such as the Istiklal Street attack in November 2022 and the 2015 bombing near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, although it's important to note that many cities worldwide dealt with terrorism between 2015 and 2017 due to the rise of ISIS. Since 2017, Turkey's safety record has improved significantly. For tourists in Istanbul, the main concern is petty crime, especially pickpocketing in popular spots like Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. To stay safe, it's wise to take precautions against pickpocketing.
Transport and Accessibility: How Tourists Get Around Istanbul
Istanbul is a walkable city, but its excellent public transportation network makes it even easier to navigate. Be aware, though, that heavy traffic jams are common, so public transit is often the best way to get around.
The IstanbulKart
The IstanbulKart is essential for using public transportation in Istanbul, so buy one when you arrive at the airport or from kiosks throughout the city. The card costs about 70 Turkish Lira (TL) and can be topped up at various machines and markets. It’s great because you can use the IstanbulKart on buses, metros, ferries, trams and funiculars, with a flat rate fare of 15TL per journey.
Taxis in Istanbul
Taxis can be tricky to hail in Istanbul. It’s best to go to a taxi rank but even then, they may refuse to take you where you want to go, depending on where it is. Always use yellow, marked taxis and agree on a price or ensure the meter is used before starting your journey, and be cautious of potential scams like the scenic route trick. UBER is also available but can be unreliable.
Public Buses
Istanbul's bus network includes regular and metro buses; regular buses are easy to find and use, while metro buses are more in the suburbs. Simply scan your IstanbulKart, once on board. Note that buses can get stuck in traffic and be very crowded, especially during peak times, but they’re cheap.
Metro
The Metro is the fastest way to travel in Istanbul, covering major areas like Fatih, Taksim, Etiler and Levent. Look for the red, blue and white M signs for stations around the city. Use your IstanbulKart to pass through gates and follow signs or ask staff for directions. The Metro runs from 6:15 AM to midnight and can be very busy during rush hours.
Trams
Trams are another convenient option, especially for traveling from Besiktas to Sultanahmet and beyond. The tram line, known as ‘tramvay,’ operates from 6am to 11pm. It starts at Kabatas and has 31 stops. Use your IstanbulKart on trams, just like on the Metro.
Travel Tips for Istanbul: What First-Time Visitors Need to Know
It can be daunting traveling to another country or city, especially one so different to your own, and knowing what is expected of you as a tourist. While tourists are not held to the same cultural rules as locals, there are dos and don’ts you should know to make your trip more comfortable and seamless. Let’s go through some!
Dos:
- Use an Istanbulkart: Buy an Istanbulkart, a reusable transit pass for buses, trams, Metro, ferries and funiculars. It’s cheaper and more convenient than single-use tokens, and you can easily top it up at machines and kiosks at major transit stops.
- Learn Basic Turkish Phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases in Turkish can be very helpful, especially in less touristy areas where English might not be widely spoken.
- Respect Personal Space: Istanbul can be crowded, but personal space is important. Avoid getting too close to strangers, especially in public transport or markets. You can also assert your own personal space if needed.
- Use Cash in Local Shops: While cards are widely accepted, smaller shops may prefer cash. Carry some cash to ensure smooth transactions and support local merchants.
- Dress Modestly for Religious Sites: When visiting mosques and other religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. Women should carry a scarf to cover their heads if required.
Further Reading: Top 5 Shopping Spots in Istanbul
Don'ts:
- Don’t Haggle Aggressively: Haggling is common in Istanbul's markets but keep it friendly. Aggressive negotiation goes against the spirit of the bazaars. Approach it as a friendly exchange to strike a fair deal.
- Don’t Underestimate Istanbul: Many tourists realize too late that 4–5 days isn’t enough to explore Istanbul. Aim for at least 10 days to see major sights and enjoy local cuisine.
- Don’t Limit Shopping to the Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is a must-see for its atmosphere, but for cheaper souvenirs, explore Eminönü, the Spice Bazaar and the areas connecting the two. For local produce and markets, visit Kadikoy on the Asian side.
- Don’t Disrespect Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Before you travel, learn about Atatürk, the founder and first president of Turkey. His legacy is highly respected, and his image is ubiquitous in Istanbul. Disrespecting him is strongly frowned upon.
- Don’t Get Confused by the Turkish “tsk”: The Turkish "tsk" sound is common and not a sign of rudeness. It often means “no,” “there isn’t,” “I don’t have,” or “I don’t know.” Understanding this can prevent misunderstandings.
Conclusion
How exciting! You’ve now learned all about this culturally rich city and why you should most DEFINITELY visit. Need help planning your trip? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a chat with one of our Istanbul tour guides to plan your perfect trip!
