Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city, unique in that it spreads over two continents. This ancient megalopolis (over 15 million inhabitants) was once the center of as many as four great empires – Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman. Today it is a living interface between East and West, with landmarks such as Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia), Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Topkapi Palace, hundred-year-old bazaar and modern shopping districts. Below we present practical tips and examples of how to plan a trip to Istanbul by plane or bus, what to see and how to save time and money.
How to get to Istanbul: by plane, bus or agency
- by plane from the region: Istanbul have two main airports (IST and SAW) with numerous direct flights. The air flight is much faster than the land route: from Zagreb it takes about 2 hours, from Belgrade about 1 hour 48 minutes, and from Sarajevo about 1 hour 55 minutes. Cheap airlines (Wizz Air, Pegasus, Air Serbia, Turkish) occasionally offer favorable tickets, especially for earlier reservations. For example, a return map of Zagreb-Istanbul can be found as early as around HRK 1,600 for regular carriers. Keep in mind airport transfers at the arrival end – Ataturk/ist airport is relatively remote, so plan a taxi or metro.
- By bus from the region: Traveling by bus is longer, but more favorable for the budget. There are day and night lines from Belgrade, Zagreb, Split, Rijeka and from the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo, Banja Luka). For example, the distance between Belgrade-Istanbul is about 953 km, and the fastest bus travels around 17 hours. The bus from Sarajevo travels about 1162 km and takes about 14½ hours. The Zagreb-Istanbul road has about 1174 km, with an average driving time of about 21 hours. FlixBus has once a day take-off (the last bus is late in the evening) and the ticket price can be from €59. The bus ride from Split or Rijeka usually involves a transfer in Zagreb or Ljubljana. Traveling by bus can be tiring, but night departures allow you to arrive in the morning hours of the next day (eg departure from Belgrade 14:45, arrival around 07:50).
- Travel agencies and package deals: Many travel agencies offer organized tours to Istanbul with included transport and accommodation (eg cosmopolitan, mondo, jazon). Typical arrangements are 4-6 days by bus, often include a tour and a guide. For example, a short bus arrangement from Dubrovnik lasts 6 days with a night drive and two days in Istanbul. However, organized travel can be more expensive – independent planning often allows flexibility and savings (especially flight directly). In addition to the classic ones, there are also Black Sea cruise ships that combine Istanbul and the coast, and ‘Journey for two’ arrangements for romantic excursions.
Itineraries: How many days in Istanbul?
The planning of the stay of the stay depends on interests and speed:
- 3 days: For a short weekend or extended vacation (city break), 2-3 full days are enough. In the first day, visit the historic district of Sultanahmet: visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the morning, and in the afternoon explore Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. On the second day, walk through the taxima, the Galata tower viewpoint and pass the Turkish hammam for relaxation. On the third day, you can visit the Asian part (Kadıöy, Üsküdar), enjoy a boat ride in the Bosphorus and taste traditional cuisine. Of course, there are many sights for additional days as well – for example, Prince’s Islands and Sulejmanija Mosque are among the options for those who stay longer.
- 5–7 days: For an average tourist trip of 5 to 7 days, you can schedule a tour in more detail. Add a boat ride along the Bosphorus, a more modern Karaköy district and museum tours (archaeological, mosaic). If you want to extend the path, it is possible to combine Istanbul and Cappadocia. Namely, from Istanbul to Cappadocia it is about 730 km by land – by plane it is only 1 hour 20 minutes of flight. Many passengers run a fast variant (flight) or night bus (~11-12 hours). Some examples of itineraries from agency offers are: 3–4 days Istanbul + 3 days of Cappadocia, or 8–10 days including traveling from the Adriatic via Split or Dubrovnik.
- Travel for two, group or special occasions: Istanbul is also a popular destination for couples and families. For two, ‘romantic’ planning is often recommended: boat rides at sunset, dinner overlooking the Bosphorus and a private tour. For the New Year (New Year Istanbul), the city offers big welcomes with fireworks on the Bosphorus. Group trips (8+ days) often combine Istanbul and Antalya or Bodrum (Turkish Riviera), and enthusiasts from the region sometimes choose travelogue tours.
Prices, actions and how to save
- Airline tickets: Prices vary depending on the season. Low-cost carriers are often significantly more favorable, but paying attention to additional costs (baggage). It is generally cheaper to buy 2-3 months in advance. By booking a return flight, it is possible to save money (return tickets from Zagreb start from ~140 € in promotions). Also follow ‘Last Minute’ promotions for flights from Belgrade, Zagreb and Sarajevo.
- Bus tickets: The bus is already from 50-60 € one-way from Zagreb or Belgrade. For example, the cheapest Zagreb-Istanbul ticket at FlixBus is around €59. More affordable carriers from Bosnia (Arriva, Biss-Tours, Blic, etc.) often offer night lines. Compare prices and take promotional discounts – reading experiences and forums can reveal actions (eg student tickets, group discounts).
- Accommodation and tourism: Hotel and apartment prices depend on location and season. Sultanahmet and Taksim are popular zones. It is often more convenient to book earlier online. It is possible to find affordable accommodation for €20-30 per person at night in a 3* hotel. Agency trips sometimes offer ‘all inclusive’ packages (especially for longer trips), but in an independent organization you control costs more easily.
Tourist tips and recommendations
- Transportation within Istanbul: In public transport, it is mandatory Istanbulkart (like our prepaid card) which is valid for the metro, tram, boat (Ferry), buses and trolleybuses. Get it immediately after arriving at traffic stops – the supplement is cheap (driving 15-20 TL). The tour of the Bosphorus and Princess Islands can last for hours (permanent ferries European side – Kadıköy / Üsküdar). Taxis are charged per taximeter; Choose official (yellow-red) cars and check the included tariff.
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Nutrition: Turkish cuisine is known for its various specialties. Don’t miss eating right Turkish coffee and drink tea in local teahouses. Inside Istanbul, try to try:
- Kebabs and mezes: Ayam Šiš, Adana Kebab, Dolme, Börek.
- Barbecue and fish: in the Kumkapı district or at Boat restaurants next to Bosphorus.
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Sweets: baklava, lokum (Turkish rahat lokum), kadayif.
In the Old Town (Sultanahmet) you will find numerous restaurants, but they are often more inclined to tourists. For a more authentic impression, visit smaller Kumkapı streets or shopping centers like Istorye Park.
- Language and culture: In addition to Turkish, you can pass in English in tourist zones. Learn a couple of phrases (eg thank you – ‘Teşekkür Ederim’, please – ‘Lütfen’). Near holy places (eg Blue Mosque) put on suitable clothes (clean and decent dressing for entry, women sometimes need a head scarf). There is an Islamic atmosphere on the street – do not consume alcohol publicly.
- Safety: Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, but as in any big city, petty thefts are taken care of in crowds (especially in traffic and bazaars). Keep money and documents in securely closed bags. At night, greater caution is required in the taxi tram zone or on the streets along the Aksaray-Laleli border. The city normally has good police surveillance in tourist areas.
- Discounts and special events: If you are planning a trip during the holidays, an earlier reservation is necessary (eg Christmas/New Year Istanbul may be in high demand). Be aware that summer is the warmest (June-August up to 40°C), while spring and autumn are the most pleasant periods. In the spring (April–May) you can see the flowering of tulips in the parks. The calendar of events includes the Istanbul Marathon (November) and a series of festivals (film, jazz). In your free time, check local discounts on boat tours or museums (eg Istanbul Kart occasionally offers discounts on attractions).
To make the most of the trip, plan a daily schedule and be sure to include at least the main sights. Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) from the 6th century, with extraordinary mosaics and a large dome, was not replaced by the sultan’s commitment either. The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) with which it shares the square, is impressive with the exterior architecture and vivid, blue and white tiles inside. In a large bazaar, it is worth spending a few hours shopping for local handicrafts, but be prepared to bargain as well.
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Must-See list (H1 attractions):
- Hagia Sophia – The former church and mosque, today a museum with an incredible dome.
- Blue Mosque – known for six minarets and blue tiles inside.
- Topkapi Palace – The former residence of the Ottoman sultans, now a museum with a rich collection of treasures.
- Hippodrome (At Meydanı) – Ancient Hippodrome in the heart of the city, where the Egyptian obelisk and the Roman cube are located.
- Galata Tower – Medieval tower with a 360° view of the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula.
- Bosphorus ships – Boat trip between Europe and Asia. Water tours offer spectacular views of the city from the sea.
Conclusion
Traveling to Istanbul is an unforgettable experience that combines rich history and modern culture. whether you are traveling by plane or bus, The key to success is good preparation: book transportation and accommodation on time, plan an itinerary and explore transport options in the city. Take advantage of the advice of other travelers (forum experiences) and arm yourself with local knowledge of language and customs. In the end, the most important thing is to make the trip your own – comfortable transport, a walk in local city neighborhoods and tasting Turkish cuisine will give you the impression of Istanbul hospitality.
Book a trip to Istanbul Even today – the city is waiting for you to pass through its historic streets, enjoy spectacular views and experience the combinations of cultures. Surely and with pleasure explore this city from two sides of the world!
Cover photo: Mstyslav Chernov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Via Wikimedia Commons