Why Visit Now: Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of impossible contrasts - ancient and modern, chaotic and calm, familiar yet endlessly surprising. In a single day you can walk past ancient ruins, tracing the rise and fall of empires, witness communities and religions co-existing side by side, shop in the twisting alleyways of an ancient bazaar, then hop on a ferry to cross over to another continent and a whole new side to the city. Sample inventive dishes at Michelin Star restaurants and exciting wines from some of Turkiye’s hundreds of native grapes. It’s a city that will leave an impact on all who visit.

So many have been tempted to stay over the years and those who have called Istanbul home over the years have included literary greats, artists and actors. These days you’ll also find a vibrant art scene and a wave of youth willing to speak up for injustice and progress. It’s worth a visit to come and see Istanbul for yourself.  

1. Food as a modern day migration story

With waves of migration over the centuries, Turkiye has always been an exciting hub for flavors from other lands. But after the Syrian War started in 2011, a new influx of refugees began to settle in cities like Gaziantep and Istanbul, and after more than a decade of conflict, many brought with them recipes or businesses that were both familiar and also that have adapted to the new surroundings, creating entirely new businesses. When the war came to an abrupt end with the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, many migrants began to dream of returning to their homeland. Others have stayed and the city’s cuisine is richer for it. You can find enclaves of Syrian restaurants and shops in the Fatih district along with Lebanese, Palestinian, Yemeni or Uygur Cuisine all within a few blocks. A couple of Syrian spots to try: Al Muallim Restaurant or Buuzecedi for their delicious falafel and pickles.

2. Soak in centuries of history at a hammam

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Turkiye is to spend time in a traditional hammam. There’s no shortage of options as there are tons of hammams dotted throughout the city and they remain in use by residents and visitors alike. Whether you opt for a simple scrub in a no-frills neighborhood hammam or a luxury package with spa services, it's up to you! The recently restored 500-year old Zeyrek Çinili Hamam is just one of the latest additions, complete with an interesting hammam museum should you be curious to learn more.

The recently restored historic Zeyrek Çinili Hamam brings you back in time with traditional wellness service rooted in the Turkish tradition.

Okanozdemir

3. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the Bosphorus

One of the most magical ways to get from point A to point B in a sprawling city like Istanbul is on one of the city’s ferries. Numerous lines criss-cross the waters of the Bosphorus daily, transporting residents on their commutes and visitors out for sightseeing. For a longer ride, you can head out to the Princes Islands or all the way to the north end of the Bosphorus near the Black Sea. There is no shortage of tourist boats aimed at visitors, but you can also get the same experience (along with excellent people watching) by hopping on any regular public ferry. There are also four species of dolphins that live in the Bosphorus strait, so keep an eye out for them and you may be lucky enough to spot a pod, especially in the springtime. I’ve personally seen them on both the European and Asian sides of the water. Grab a cup of tea from the on board vendors and sit back to enjoy the view from the water.

Watch the silvery-backed dolphins navigate the swift Bosphorus waters, silhouetted against the iconic minarets.

Yalcins

4. View modern expression through art 

Istanbul has a wealth of venues for art lovers to explore – from the Istanbul Modern, now housed in a striking waterfront building designed by Renzo Piano, to SALT Galata, a contemporary space in the former Imperial Ottoman Bank. Independent galleries in neighborhoods like Beyoğlu, Tophane, and Balat showcase works that examine identity, memory, and migration. But some of the most exciting exhibitions are happening in unexpected places: the Feshane, a former Ottoman-era textile factory; the Çubuklu Silolar, now used for immersive installations; and Bulgur Palas, a once-crumbling villa reborn as a municipal art space. In a city where speaking openly isn't always easy, artists often turn to visual storytelling as a powerful outlet for reflection, protest, and reimagining the future. 

5. Listen to jazz in the summer evenings

Summer brings the annual Istanbul Jazz Festival, with numerous open air performances in the month of July. Some of the best events feature performers from Turkiye like Meltem Ege or the Kerem Gorsev Quintet and visiting artists from around the world. It’s not just jazz either, participants come from genres diverse as pop, bossa nova, reggae, funk, classical and electronic music. Venues and activities ranging from free events in some of the city's parks, workshops and concerts, an evening musical walking tour in Kadikoy and even a “Jazz Ferry” boat that crosses the Bosphorus.

The sound of a world-class jazz performance fills the air at one of Istanbul's magnificent historical sites during the Istanbul Jazz Festival.

Aytug Kucukbukucu.

6. A taste of Turkiye’s native grapes 

Long before wine became synonymous with France or Italy, grapes were cultivated in Anatolia as one of the oldest wine producing regions of the world. Turkiye is home to more than 1400 native grape varieties and both Turkish wine and the spirit called raki are having a quiet renaissance, bringing attention to indigenous varieties. Wineries like Pasaeli are spotlighting varietals such as Kalecik Karası, Emir, Yapıncak, Narince, Boğazkere, and Öküzgözü. Head to wine bars like Wayana in Kadikoy or Solera in Beyoglu to taste your way through them. Small batch raki producers like Prototip Raki are using some of the same native grapes along with hand-selected anise seeds to create a smoother, more expressive version of the classic spirit, which is the perfect accompaniment to an evening of fish and meze in a meyhane.

7. Step back into time aboard the Orient Express

The original Orient Express departed from Istanbul, made famous by mystery writer Agatha Christie, who was a frequent guest at the swanky Pera Palace Hotel in Beyoglu. Landmarks still stand today that can give you a hint of the glamour experienced by train passengers from a century ago. You can dine at the Orient Express restaurant in the historic Sirkeci Train Station (which also houses a small train museum with artifacts from the time period) or have high tea or sip a cocktail at the Pera Palace Hotel and imagine yourself in the middle of the intrigue. If you’re staying overnight, ask for the Agatha Christie suite!

8. Make your own souvenir 

Step beyond the usual souvenir shops and create something uniquely yours in one of Istanbul’s artisan workshops. Try your hand at Turkish crafts such as ebru marbling, hand painted Iznik tiles, or creating a unique souvenir like a mosaic lamp or stained glass tile to take home. Many studios offer short classes where you can dive into these traditional crafts and see more of the city in neighborhoods or tucked away corners that you might not visit otherwise. It’s a creative and tactile way to connect with the city’s heritage while making a keepsake that carries your own story home. 

Traditional ebru marbling captures a brief, beautiful moment of chaos and control, resulting in a mesmerizing piece filled with swirls, droplets, and crystalline shapes.

Zeynep Ozorpak

9. Public parks and green spaces 

From seaside promenades to luxurious gardens formerly used by the sultans, Istanbul has no shortage of green spaces in the city. Residents love hanging out at the parks along the Bosphorus or on the Asian side of the city and you’ll see newly renovated green spaces near ferry ports up the Golden Horn or at Besiktas, Kabatas or under the Halic bridge. Every April, millions of tulip bulbs are planted for the Istanbul Tulip Festival, with colorful designs and family-friendly displays like a “Turkish Carpet” made out of tulips in front of the Hagia Sophia. Gulhane Park is one of the easiest to access and locals enjoy locations like Emirgan Park or Goztepe on the Asian side. 

10. Satisfy your sweet tooth 

Besides the well-known desserts such as baklava or Turkish Ice Cream, you can try a different variation of dessert each day without repetition. Head to Musa Dagdeverin’s Ciya in Kadikoy on the Asian side to try unique desserts where humble ingredients like pumpkin, unripe walnuts, or even eggplant can be candied and served as dessert (don’t knock it til you try it!) Or try rich dairy-based desserts like sutlac (an oven-baked rice pudding) or tavuk gogsu, which translates to chicken breast pudding - many versions these days are made without the chicken, but if you get a chance to try the original, you definitely should!

Made with slow-simmered milk and rice, this sütlaç is dense, velvety, and features that desirable, slightly smoky, caramelized crust. A true taste of Turkish pastry tradition.

RauL C7

11. Elevated tasting menus and Michelin stars

While some of the best food you can experience in Istanbul might just be a humble doner kebap or balik durum, fine dining lovers can check out the latest additions to Turkiye’s Michelin constellation. Istanbul is still home to the only two-star restaurant, along with seven one-star and more than a dozen Bib Gourmand recommendations. While inflation continues to rise, you can still find tasting menus under $200 or so (more if you add wine pairings) and closer to the $300 range for the two-starred Turk Fatih Tutak. Green starred restaurants highlight the local terroir and many of the wine programs include native grapes.