In a captivating fusion of East and West, İstanbul has long fascinated travelers as the city that bridges Asia and Europe. Part of the metropolis sits on the Asian continent while the remainder occupies Europe, making it the world’s only true transcontinental city. This strategic location established İstanbul as a pivotal trading hub along historic routes like the Silk Road, especially during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras from the fourth to the 15th centuries. Today the city remains a global business center, drawing professionals for manufacturing, commerce and trade.
PHOTO: © NIKOLAI SOROKIN | DREAMSTIME
Beyond business, İstanbul offers rich layers of history and culture to explore. Winding cobblestone streets and ornate architecture tell stories of empires and centuries of prosperity. Visitors remain enthralled by the famed İznik tiles of the Blue Mosque and the kaleidoscopic rooms of Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque reflects 1,500 years of both Christian and Islamic heritage and continues to draw travelers who come to appreciate its deep historical resonance.
© IRINA LEPNEVA | DREAMSTIME
Recent revitalization projects show that İstanbul’s best days are not behind it. The redevelopment of Galataport and the reopening of İstanbul Modern signal fresh investment in culture, tourism and creative industries. The Grand Bazaar remains an emblem of the city’s continuity—a 15th-century souk where traditional handicrafts sit alongside contemporary goods, and bargaining remains part of the experience. Despite global challenges, tourism to İstanbul has rebounded and continues to grow, with the city adapting and emerging more vibrant.
CHECKING IN WITH SINAN SEHA TÜRKSEVEN
General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency
What’s the current tourism landscape in İstanbul?
İstanbul consistently ranks among Türkiye’s most visited destinations. Between January and November 2025, the city was the primary entry point for international visitors, welcoming nearly 17.5 million travelers during that period.
How has the landscape for international visitors changed post-pandemic?
Türkiye returned to pre-pandemic figures in 2022 and reached record tourism revenues and visitor numbers in 2023. The country’s most successful year came in 2024, when Türkiye became the world’s fourth-largest incoming tourism market according to UN Tourism data, recording 62.3 million visitors and $61.1 billion in tourism revenue.
Do you foresee shifts in the tourist landscape looking to 2026?
Into 2026, travelers are expected to seek more from each trip—combining destinations, unique experiences and varied activities to make holidays more memorable. Whether visitors want sun-and-sea relaxation, cultural immersion, or nature-based adventures, Türkiye offers diverse options that allow travelers to tailor their ideal itineraries.
PHOTO: © ANTON ALEKSENKO | DREAMSTIME
Thoughts on cultural developments, including the revitalized Galataport
Galataport has reshaped Karaköy’s historic waterfront into a lively area for dining, culture, arts and shopping. The Atatürk Cultural Center, first opened in 1969 and rebuilt in recent years, reopened as Türkiye’s largest arts center and a major cultural hub in Taksim. The restored Rami Barracks reopened as the Rami Library, becoming İstanbul’s largest library, and the Maiden’s Tower has been renovated and reopened as a museum with striking city views. İstanbul Modern returned to a new, Renzo Piano–designed building on the Karaköy waterfront, reinforcing the city’s modern cultural scene.
What other contrasts define the city besides its transcontinental location?
İstanbul’s character is defined by compelling contrasts. It thrives along the Bosporus, the waterway that both separates and unites Europe and Asia. Here, ancient churches sit beside Ottoman palaces, contemporary galleries neighbor age-old bazaars, and sleek glass towers reflect a dynamic, modern economy. That blend of tradition and innovation is perhaps the city’s most magnetic quality.
© VITALY TITOV | DREAMSTIME
DIVERSIONS
The Grand Bazaar is essential for any visitor, whether or not you’re devoted to shopping. Dating to the 15th century, it is the world’s oldest covered market, a maze of over 60 streets and some 4,000 shops. Offerings range from traditional crafts to modern goods, and haggling remains customary—part of the social ritual that accompanies any purchase. Take a break with a Turkish coffee and enjoy the atmosphere; it’s easy to spend hours exploring.
Explore the Byzantine majesty of Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site completed in 537 that captures the city’s layered Christian and Islamic history. For a contemporary counterpoint, visit the galleries at İstanbul Modern on the Galataport waterfront. At sunset, a Bosporus cruise offers panoramic views of İstanbul’s mix of ancient monuments and modern skylines.
LODGING
MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSPHORUS
This riverside retreat, opened in 2021, quickly won acclaim for its elegant design, waterfront pool and award-winning spa.
Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No:62, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$$$$$
PERA PALACE HOTEL
Built originally for Orient Express passengers, Pera Palace evokes Belle Époque glamour blended with Ottoman influences and historic grandeur.
Meşrutiyet Cd. No:52, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
$$$–$$$$
RAFFLES İSTANBUL
Located atop the Zorlu Center, Raffles offers refined service, 24-hour butler assistance and panoramic city views from its rooms and suites.
Zorlu Center, Levazım, Vadi Caddesi, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$$$$$
DINING
NEOLOKAL
A Michelin-starred restaurant that reinterprets classic Turkish and Anatolian dishes; reservations are recommended for its tasting menus and city views.
Mahı, Arap Cami, Bankalar Cd. No:11, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
$$$$$
SUNSET GRILL & BAR
Known for creative cocktails and a Japanese-Mediterranean menu, this hilltop destination offers fine dining with panoramic vistas—reservations recommended.
Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, Ulus Parkı, Yol Sokağı No:2, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$$$$$
THE HOUSE CAFE ORTAKÖY
This popular café in Ortaköy serves Mediterranean classics and fresh seafood with waterfront views of the Bosporus Bridge and weekend live music in summer.
Yıldız, Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:1, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$
JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: GMT+3
Phone code: Country code: 90, City code: 212
Currency: Turkish lira
Key industries: Manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, automotive and tourism
COMING AND GOING
U.S. citizens should hold passports valid for at least six months beyond their entry date with one blank page for stamps. No visa is required for tourist stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Turkish
INFO TO GO
İstanbul is served by two international airports: iGA Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side, which handles many budget and domestic carriers. IST in Arnavutköy is Türkiye’s largest airport and one of Europe’s busiest, serving as the main hub for Turkish Airlines. Both airports are roughly an hour’s drive from the city center; taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available.