Intriguing Istanbul: A quick guide for first-time visitors

From domes and bazaars to ferries across the Bosporus, here’s how to navigate Istanbul’s essential sights, neighbourhoods and transport without losing your way.

 If Istanbul is not on your bucket list for 2026, I want to know why. Straddling Europe and Asia, it’s one of the world’s most storied cities, a place where Roman roads, Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces and modern cafés coexist in a daily, lived-in way. For first-time visitors, the scale and intensity can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, the city will reveal itself to the patiently curious.

Mural detail inside Hagia Sophia (Roderick Eime)

If you’re taking a package tour or exploring independently, first visits should begin in Sultanahmet, once the heart of Constantinople, a name the city bore for 1600 years, from 330AD until 1930. This rich and compact precinct contains several of the city’s most important landmarks, all within easy walking distance.

RELATED STORY: Visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia is a logical starting point. Built in the 6th century as a Byzantine cathedral, later converted into an imperial mosque, then a museum and now a mosque again, it remains one of the most significant buildings in the world. When visiting it is important to dress modestly and expect queues, but once inside, you’ll have time to absorb the vast, ornate interior with clues to the various civilisations which once dominated the city.

Stunning interior of the Blue Mosque (Roderick Eime)

Directly opposite is the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). Still an active place of worship, its six towering minarets and cascading domes define Istanbul’s skyline and have become emblems of both modern and ancient Istanbul. Visiting outside prayer times will make access easier.

Behind them lies Topkapı Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman sultans. Spread across a series of terraced courtyards overlooking the Bosporus, it offers insight into imperial life, politics and power. The Harem section is optional but worthwhile.

Ortaköy Mosque and 15 July Martyrs Bridge seen from Üsküdar (Roderick Eime)

Speaking of the Bosporus, this narrow, natural strait serves as a crucial divider between Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south. It's a historically significant and strategic waterway, famous for its iconic suspension bridges and tunnels that cross it, linking the continents. The sites of Sultanahmet are on the European side, while the Asian side hosts such historic districts as Kadıköy, a busy hub known for its lively market, modern cafes, restaurants (like Ciya Sofrası), and a more local feel. Several top-tier hotels are located here, with their waterfronts directly on the Bosporus. Kuzguncuk is a charming neighbourhood with colourful wooden houses, quite distinct from other districts within Istanbul. If you’re taking one of the public transport ferries, which I recommend, you’ll likely end up at the tiny historic port of Üsküdar with its cute cafes and shopping boutiques, as well as getting a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Asian waterfront.

Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) on the Asian side (Roderick Eime)

Be sure to include The Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, with more than 4,000 shops - and don’t be afraid to haggle! Nearby is Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) with its exotic food, sweets and teas. It’s a smaller, more aromatic venue and easier to navigate.

We based ourselves on the European side, in the shadow of the Topkapı Palace, at the Akgün Istanbul Hotel (a member of Best Western’s WorldHotels Elite Collection), a classic, larger hotel with full amenities and very handy to both buses and the Metro. What it lacked in fancy new decor, it more than made up for with exceptional staff, a relaxing bar, a bountiful breakfast buffet and keen room rates. In fact, we found the good citizens of Istanbul unfailingly polite and helpful to two sometimes befuddled tourists, helping us navigate the complexities of their fair city. As a bonus to choosing the Akgün, the famous Theodosian Walls, built in the 5th century to protect the city, are literally just around the corner.

Preserved section of the Theodosian Walls (Roderick Eime)

Getting around Istanbul may appear daunting at first, but after a little while, you’ll get familiar with its unique and efficient transport system. Many will recommend the reloadable Istanbulkart, an all-encompassing travel pass, but we found it temperamental and confusing and opted instead to just pay as we went for the various services.

We found the trams fun and ideal for sightseeing, especially the T1 line connecting Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Kabataş, while ferries offer a more scenic alternative. If you have further to travel, try the Metro, but it gets packed at peak times, where buses may be preferable. And while taxis are plentiful, Uber is by far the preferred way to hail and pay for them. For maximum immersion, good old “Shank’s Pony” is still the best way to explore central areas, although expect hills and some uneven pavements.

Modern trams in Istanbul cover the city comprehensively (Roderick Eime)

We left fully convinced of Istanbul’s status as one of the world’s great cities to visit and could easily have spent more than the scant few days we allotted. Next time!

TRAVEL TIPS:

• While credit cards are generally accepted, it’s always handy to pay for some goods and services with cash. Local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY, ₺). For ease of calculation, 1 AUD is about 25 Lira. A fee-free debit card is the best way to draw cash from an ATM.
• The airport is about 40km from the city, and while we took an Uber (A$70) for our departing flight, on arrival, one of us took the Metro and the other a public bus. We voted for the bus as cheaper, faster, and less hassle.
• Day trips to Gallipoli can be booked at your hotel desk. Allow a full day.

STAYING:

Akgün Istanbul Hotel (a member of Best Western’s WorldHotels Elite Collection) is a large, full-service, classic hotel with exceptional staff and a generous breakfast - the most important meal of the day for busy sightseers. Close to all public transport networks, it was a perfect choice for our visit. And great, budget-friendly rates!

Akgün Istanbul Hotel - part of WorldHotels Elite Collection


RECOMMENDED CITY TOUR:

Istanbul Tours With Intrepid Urban Adventures

OFFICIAL VISITOR SITE:

Visit Istanbul https://visit.istanbul/


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