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Picture of Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye

Travel Guide for
Istanbul

Türkiye

Mediterranean with wet winters

Introduction

Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, is a city where ancient history meets cosmopolitan flair. June brings warm, pleasant evenings—perfect for strolling along the waterfront or dining al fresco.

Once the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul dazzles with grand mosques, majestic palaces, and vibrant bazaars. Luxurious hotels offer breathtaking views, while private yacht cruises along the Bosphorus set the scene for romance.

Enjoy gourmet rooftop dinners with panoramic sunsets or book a couples’ spa at a historic hammam—romance and elegance thrive in Istanbul’s enchanting atmosphere.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleRomantic getaway

Dates22-25 June 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyfestivals and eventsoutdoor adventuressightseeing and tours

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Picture of Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye

Key Facts

Location

Marmara Region

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Religion

Islam (Sunni majority), others

Population

15,600,000

Language

Turkish, some English

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type C/F

Time zone

UTCTRT (UTC+3)

Country code

+90

Internet access

Widespread, high-speed, affordable

Climate

Mediterranean with wet winters

See More Türkiye Facts

Language:

Turkish

  • hello

    merhaba (mehr-hah-bah)
  • goodbye

    hoşça kal (hosh-cha kahl)
  • yes

    evet (eh-vet)
  • no

    hayır (hah-yuhr)
  • how much

    bu ne kadar? (boo neh kah-dar)
  • please

    lütfen (loot-fen)
  • thank you

    teşekkür ederim (teh-shehk-kur eh-deh-reem)
  • excuse me

    affedersiniz (ahf-feh-dehr-see-niz)

Map

Logistics

Reaching Istanbul is easiest and quickest via air, with two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). For a romantic, high-budget getaway, consider flying business or first class with direct connections from major world cities. Many luxury airport transfer services are available for a seamless hotel arrival.

High-speed trains connect Istanbul to other Turkish cities, while long-distance buses offer overland routes across the country. If you wish for a more romantic approach, private yacht charters can take you to Istanbul via the Bosphorus. Weather in late June is warm and ideal for sightseeing, but booking in advance is recommended due to high travel demand.

Weather

Istanbul has a temperate climate, blending Mediterranean and Black Sea influences. Winters are cool and wet, with occasional snow, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant, making them perfect times for sightseeing and exploring outdoor adventures.

From June 22 to June 25, expect warm temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F), with long daylight hours and occasional humidity. Rain is rare but not impossible. Extreme weather is uncommon during this time, providing excellent conditions for outdoor festivals, gastronomy tours, and exploring historic sights along the Bosphorus.

Food & Drink

Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers, offering romantic experiences with its vibrant culinary scene. Savor traditional dishes like meze, fresh seafood, kebabs, and baklava, accompanied by raki or Turkish wine. For a luxurious, romantic dinner, consider Mikla for contemporary Turkish cuisine with skyline views, or enjoy seafood on the Bosphorus at Sunset Grill & Bar.

High-end rooftop bars such as 16 Roof and fine cafes like Çırağan Palace’s afternoon tea offer elegant atmospheres. In upmarket restaurants, tipping 10-15% is customary. Istanbul caters well to vegetarians and vegans, but informing your server about dietary needs is wise. Reservations are recommended for top restaurants, especially during weekends or special occasions.

A picture of Kebab

Kebab

Kebab is a famous Turkish dish consisting of meat that is either skewered and grilled or cooked in...

A picture of Manti

Manti

Manti is a type of Turkish dumpling filled with spiced ground meat and served with yogurt and a...

A picture of Baklava

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet, rich pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with...

A picture of Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight, also known as Lokum, is a confection made from starch and sugar, flavored with various fruit...

A picture of Menemen

Menemen

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with tomatoes, peppers, and eggs, all cooked together to create...

Accommodation

For a romantic, high-end stay, consider hotels in Sultanahmet or along the Bosphorus. The Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet and Ciragan Palace Kempinski offer luxury, historic charm, and exceptional views. Nişantaşı is also ideal for upscale boutiques and chic hotels like Park Bosphorus Hotel.

Beyoğlu and Karaköy neighborhoods are lively and stylish, housing options like The Bank Hotel and Soho House Istanbul with elegant suites and superb amenities. Book through trusted websites like Booking.com or Expedia for the best rates and flexible options. For travel in late June, reserve early—summer is peak season and luxury properties fill up fast.

Itinerary

Begin your journey by soaking in Istanbul's storied past with immersive sightseeing and indulging in refined gastronomic experiences, all wrapped in a romantic atmosphere.

Sunset Bosphorus Cruise with Champagne

Drift along the Bosphorus at sunset on a private yacht, sipping champagne as you pass opulent palaces and illuminated bridges. Ideal for couples seeking an unforgettable start to their romantic getaway.

Istanbul “PRIVATE“Guided Tour: For Major Historical Attractions

Istanbul “PRIVATE“Guided Tour: For Major Historical Attractions

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Private unique guided tour covers the major Sightseeings of Istanbul without waiting in ticket lines and with this day tour You will visit the Blue mosque-Hagia Sophia-Topkapi palace -Basilica cistern-Hippodrome and Grand bazaar .historical places can be visited easily with short distances by walking BRIEFLY 1- BLUE MOSQUE : 400 year old mosque built by the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century AD 2- HAGIA SOPHIA : 1500 hundred year old church from the 6th century-Roman time right now partly mosque and museum 3- TOPKAPI PALACE : 500 year old imperial palace of Ottoman Empire .( closed on Tuesdays ) 4 Basilica cistern : underground water tank from the 6th century AD by the Roman Empire to provide the water to the city 4 HIPODROM the area where chariot races were held 5 -Grand bazaar: 500 year old bazaar from the ottoman time together with 3500 shops inside (closed on Sundays )

5.0 (179 reviews)

From $90 USD

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Attractions

4.8 (82 reviews)
Best Seller: Private Guided Istanbul Excursion

Best Seller: Private Guided Istanbul Excursion

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with rich historical context and engaging storytelling. Your journey begins at Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture that has stood for over 1,500 years and reflects the city’s unique cultural heritage. Continue to the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and magnificent domes, representing one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman design. Walk through the Hippodrome, once the center of public life during the Byzantine era, where grand ceremonies and sporting events shaped the city’s social and political landscape. Conclude your experience at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, filled with vibrant stalls offering spices, textiles, jewelry, and Turkish handicrafts. Your private guide will bring each stop to life with engaging stories, ensuring a personalized and deeply enriching experience across Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

From $95 USD

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4.9 (260 reviews)
Istanbul Food Tour - History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

Istanbul Food Tour - History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Get a taste of Turkey's varied cuisine during this half-day food tour through the Beyoglu (Pera) neighborhood. With a small group limited to eight, enjoy samplings of everything from mezes to baklava to kebabs; there is even a chance to enjoy raki, an anise-flavored liquor local to the region. Stop at bustling markets, street food stalls, restaurants, and backstreets for a closer look at Turkish culture and history. ⦿ Take a half-day food tour of Istanbul's Beyoglu neighborhood ⦿ Sample snacks, drinks, confections, meats, mussels, and more ⦿ Learn about Turkish culture, history, and cuisine from your guide ⦿ This tour is limited to eight travelers for a personalized experience

From $125 USD

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4.8 (5 reviews)
Istanbul Private Tour Guide

Istanbul Private Tour Guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Walk through Istanbul’s historic Old City and discover the wonders of the city where Europe meets Asia. In the company of a private guide, explore the highlights of Istanbul on this 6-hour Guiding service, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel or Cruise port

From $85 USD

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4.8 (68 reviews)
Istanbul Private Guiding Service

Istanbul Private Guiding Service

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Your local tour guide will meet you at your hotel, airport, or cruise port. Upon your meeting, you will make a program off what you would like to see and do. Then after the meeting then you will start your tour. This is an ONLY Guiding service, the guide will meet you at your hotel, and depending on your itinerary he will guide you, if you don't have an itinerary then he/she will help you to customize your day program The guide will be with you anytime you like between 09.00 to 17.00 Istanbul is more beautiful if you have a tour guide with you!! You will love it

From $85 USD

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4.6 (18 reviews)
Best Seller; Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Best Seller; Private Guided Istanbul Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This private tour of Istanbul's old town is an absolute must! The most significant sites are made memorable by an expert guide and then the exciting atmospheric Bazaar experience, history, and culture at its best

From $95 USD

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5.0 (10 reviews)
Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour

Istanbul Constantinople City Walls and Chora Church Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We will drive you by the Old City Walls of Constantinople while our guide will be giving you all historical information behind of these walls. The Istanbul city walls has eyewitness many Sieges, Raids, Events. You will stop by 2/3 most important historical main attractions located near by city walls. First one is Seven Dungeons or well known name Yedikule Fortress. Second one is Chora Church with beautiful Byzantine Mosaics. And the third one is the last palace of Byzantine Emperors Tekfur Palace, and last one is hidden Nakkaş Cistern. A secret landmark in the center of Istanbul. This tour is operated by a professional licensed tour guide whom have certificate from Republic of Türkiye Minister of Culture and Tourism. -Private Guide Service -Private Luxary car with driver -Pick up from your hotel -Drop off back your hotel -Wifi on the board

From $368 USD

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4.7 (3 reviews)
Private Istanbul Old City and Shopping Tour

Private Istanbul Old City and Shopping Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the wonder of Istanbul on a flexible private tour with a local guide. This 6-hour tour explores the historic area of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Your guide can also show you the best places to shop for unique Turkish souvenirs. Hotel or port transfer in a private vehicle is available.

From $95 USD

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5.0 (203 reviews)
Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul

Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul

INSTANT

From kebabs to baklava to Turkish delight, Turkish food is famous worldwide. While many people have enjoyed more than the odd kebab in their time, there is so much more to Turkish food than just kebabs, as you will discover on the 5- 6 hour Istanbul Food Tour. The tour takes you off the beaten track so you can sample the authentic tastes of Istanbul and experience delicious Turkish delicacies you may not have known existed. While discovering local markets, you will also gain an overview of Turkish history and culture while appreciating the unique architecture of Istanbul. Whether you are a food expert or love food, the Private and Guided Istanbul Food Tour - Taste of Istanbul will fulfill your eating dreams.

From $270 USD

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