Istanbul

Where East Meets West

Explore Istanbul

City Overview

Get to know the essential facts about Istanbul

Coordinates

41.0082° N, 28.9784° E

Country Code

TR

Population

15.4 million

Time Zone

UTC+3

Nearby Cities

Explore cities around Istanbul

Ankara
Ankara

Turkey

Izmir
Izmir

Turkey

Bursa
Bursa

Turkey

Athens
Athens

Greece

About Istanbul

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman empires, making it one of the most historically significant cities in the world.

With a population of over 15 million people, Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis that blends ancient history with modern life. It's famous for its stunning architecture, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, as well as its bustling bazaars, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife.

As a major cultural and economic hub, Istanbul attracts millions of visitors each year who come to explore its rich heritage, experience its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and enjoy its warm hospitality.

Istanbul Skyline

Top Attractions

Discover Istanbul's most iconic landmarks that blend Eastern and Western cultures, from ancient temples to vibrant bazaars.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Sultanahmet

An architectural masterpiece that served as a Byzantine church, Ottoman mosque, and now a museum. Its massive dome and intricate mosaics are testaments to Istanbul's rich history.

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet

Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it's famous for its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior walls and domes.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

Sultanahmet

The former residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring opulent chambers, beautiful gardens, and a treasury housing priceless artifacts including the Topkapi Dagger.

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Beyazıt

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs.

Location

Find Istanbul on the map

Population & Climate

Discover key statistics about Istanbul

Population Growth

Annual Temperature

Travel Tips

Useful information for your visit to Istanbul

Currency

The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available.

Language

The official language is Turkish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Safety

Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, but it's always advisable to take standard precautions, especially in crowded areas.