Book a Bespoke Room at Istanbul’s 9 Best Boutique Hotels

Spend Luxurious Nights at Istanbul’s 9 Most Opulent Hotels

Galata

Neighbourhoods

Places to stay

From upscale to historic, laid-back to modern, check out the neighborhoods that must be visited in Istanbul.

Asia

Turkey

Istanbul

The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Istanbul

Historical sites, amazing food, the awe-inspiring Bosporus – these are but a few of the 11 reasons why you should visit Istanbul.

11 Reasons To Visit Istanbul

Read our guide to find out the best things to do in one of Istanbul's most beloved districts, Sultanahmet.

Sultanahmet and Beyond: Things To Do in Istanbul’s Old City

Read our guide to discover the essential stops on your trip to Beyoğlu, Istanbul.

Beyoğlu Beckons: Things To Do in Istanbul’s Most Bohemian District

Istanbul’s skyline is lined with mosques and palaces that have been turned into museums. With places like the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, there are lots to choose from; check out Culture Trip’s top picks.

Museums To Visit in Turkey’s Cultural Capital, Istanbul

Insider Travel Guides

The aroma of Turkish coffee prepared in a cezve, the hubbub of a bustling craft market, mosques adorned with mosaics, neighbourhoods lined with cafés and boutique shops, walls covered in street art: This is Istanbul, where it’s impossible to stop discovering something new. 

Turkey’s largest metropolis touches two continents across the Bosporus Strait. Remnants of past empires including the Byzantine and the Ottoman give the city, home to almost 15 million people, a historic charm. Stir in ambitious modern projects such as the country’s largest mosque and you have quite a stew. 

Insider Travel Guide to Istanbul

Blessed with a rich culinary heritage, the city offers top-notch restaurants and delectable street food. Indulge in juicy doner meat wrapped in lavash, search shops for the best Turkish delight, and bite into borek, a savory baked snack. 

Delve into history on the European side. Must-dos include visits to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. The annual Tulip Festival is a highlight of spring. Take a ferry across the Golden Horn (stunning at sunset) to reach the Asian side, beloved for its murals and farmer’s market. 

The best of Istanbul tourism

Things to do

Food & Drink

The Yi people of Yunnan celebrate Saizhuang festival by hosting a bug eating competition.

China

Lijiang Holds Insect Eating Competition to Attract Tourists

Finding breakfast in Guilin doesn't have to be overwhelming. Read our guide for the best street food and Western breakfasts in the area.

Guilin

The Best Breakfast Food and Brunch Spots in Guilin

A polar bear kept on display in Guangzhou, China, has caused a global outcry from animal advocacy groups.

Guangzhou

'World’s Saddest Polar Bear' Temporarily Removed From Display Case After Global Outcry

Want to know where to get a good cup of coffee in Tianjin? Here are the city's best coffee shops and cafés.

Tianjin

Tianjin's Best Coffee Shops and Cafés

Read about the ecologically significant Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong, which provides a habitat for 380 species of migratory birds.

A Spotlight Of The Mai Po Marshes

Justin Bieber might have a tour date scheduled for China in September, but it looks like his "bad behavior" will keep him out of the country.

Justin Bieber Banned from China

Justin Bieber Officially Banned from China

On the cusp of international recognition, Chinese artist Liang Yuanwei sits down over tea with writer/blogger Luise Guest for a frank discussion about the frustrations and disappointments particular to women in the Chinese art world.

Between Fear And Trust: The Art Of Liang Yuanwei

China's northernmost province, Heilongjiang is a diverse and dynamic winter traveler's paradise.

Spotlight on a Chinese Province: Heilongjiang

A brief history on the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the second largest Buddha statue in the world.

Hong Kong

The History Of The Tian Tan Buddha In 1 Minute

From Korean treats to Tex-Mex tacos, enjoy lunch or dinner at these terrific restaurants in Wudaokou, Beijing.

Beijing

The Best Restaurants in Wudaokou, Beijing

Explore some of the best places in Shanghai to check out local fruits and vegetables, eggs and meat, and get a taste of some delicious treats.

Shanghai

The Best Fresh Markets in Shanghai

MAD Architects have unveiled a striking design for Beijing's new China Philharmonic Hall – a translucent, state-of-the-art concert hall.

Be The First To See Beijing's China Philharmonic Hall

Attention book lovers: you need to get to this amazing new library as soon as humanly possible!

This Incredible New Library Is the Best Spot for Book Lovers Ever

This Incredible New Library in Asia Is the Best Spot for Book Lovers Ever

China is continuing its ongoing fight against fake food and food fraud. Can new technology like blockchain help it battle this widespread problem?

Here's How China Is Tackling the Fake Food Scourge

Check out the magical places where you will feel like doing nothing other than studying and working.

7 Quiet Places to Study or Co-Work in Beijing

Discover the best and latest articles about Places to stay in Istanbul, Turkey