Istanbul
Country: Turkey · Region: Eastern Mediterranean · Currency: Turkish Lira
Istanbul is a massive city of over 14 million people straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, offering more than 2,000 years of history blending ancient Christendom, medieval Byzantine heritage, and modern Middle Eastern culture. Most cruise visitor sights concentrate in the old Sultanahmet peninsula on the European side.
Top sights
Hagia Sophia, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower, Galata, Beyoğlu, Taksim
Things to do
- Hagia Sophia
- Among the top 10 most visited places on earth.
- Rumeli Fortress
- Historic fortress located on the European side of the Bosphorus.
- Maiden's Tower
- Historic tower located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul.
Forecast for Istanbul
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Weather in Istanbul by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 39°F | 4.2 in | 13 |
| February | 51°F | 41°F | 3.0 in | 10 |
| March | 54°F | 42°F | 2.9 in | 10 |
| April | 62°F | 48°F | 2.2 in | 9 |
| May | 70°F | 56°F | 2.1 in | 9 |
| June | 79°F | 65°F | 1.7 in | 7 |
| July | 84°F | 70°F | 0.9 in | 5 |
| August | 85°F | 72°F | 0.6 in | 3 |
| September | 78°F | 66°F | 2.0 in | 7 |
| October | 68°F | 58°F | 2.1 in | 7 |
| November | 61°F | 51°F | 3.3 in | 9 |
| December | 53°F | 44°F | 3.6 in | 12 |
Getting around
Use the metro system, public buses, ferries across the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, or taxis to reach attractions from the cruise port area.
What to eat
Istanbul has diverse dining options throughout the city, with local food and restaurants concentrated in various districts accessible by public transport.
Tips
Purchase an Istanbulkart for all forms of public transport including metro, buses, trams, and ferries to save money and simplify travel.
Best for
History, Culture, Architecture, Sightseeing
More ports in Eastern Mediterranean
Alexandria · Izmir · Kusadasi · Limassol