I finally crossed off a bucket list item when I went to Istanbul in May 2026. And I did it on a moderate budget! It was the most amazing trip.
Sections
3
Planning
Sights and Things to Do
Food
Planning
Round trip airfare and 6 nights hotel in Istanbul cost me $1,588 total booking through Expedia. Deals exist!
Expedia Travel
This book is THE most useful guide to planning a trip. Take it with you because the neighborhood walks in it, with maps included, are invaluable. Stuffed FULL of useful information.
Istanbul Guidebook for 2026 - Rick Steves' Travel Store
I watched every single Istanbul video on this site before going and learned SO MUCH that was helpful and useful when I was there. Highly recommended.
Turkey Travel Planner
Sights and Things to Do
Gorgeous. Packed with people and totally worth a visit.
The Blue Mosque
Very cool place to visit, literally and figuratively.
Basilica Cistern
One of the main reasons I went to Istanbul, but they were doing renovations, so didn't see it as well. Still worth it to visit.
Hagia Sophia
I liked this place even better than the Grand Bazaar. So much going on. Best place to get Turkish coffee.
Egyptian Bazaar
Do not skip going to the Asian side of the city via a cheap and fun ferry ride.
Kadikoy Ferry Istanbul - Everything You Need to Know
Use the Rick Steves Istanbul guidebook so you won't get lost or ripped off. The book even offers discounts at some of the merchants. You can spend hours in here without spending a dime, though it might be hard to fight temptation.
Grand Bazaar
Incredible views from the top. Very popular, so expect a line to get in. A Turkish couple was having their wedding photos taken on the plaza outside when I visited.
Galata Tower
Beautiful museum that seems to be less visited if you want to escape the crowds on the Hippodrome outside. Gorgeous textiles, illuminated books, and lots of the famous Istanbul cats roaming around.
Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum
I learned to make Turkish coffee, and made a mosaic lamp in classes here. HIGHLY recommend. There are lots of different kinds of classes from food to perfume making. Groups are small and instructors are fabulous.
Highlights In Istanbul Workshops
You have to get out on the water while in Istanbul and TripAdvisor makes it so easy to book in advance.
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul (with Reviews)
Food
I could live on simit. It's perfect between stops before you're ready for a restaurant. Carts selling this are everywhere.
Simit Turkish Sesame Bread
Fantastic place for breakfast. Loved their Turkish coffee, pastries, outdoor patio and all the cats in the neighborhood.
The Rabbit Hole Coffee Sultanahmet
Incredible views. You'll take a tiny elevator to the top of the building. Very warm and welcoming staff. The Beyti Kebab and rice pudding are outstanding.
MY HOME TERRACE RESTAURANT
One of my new favorite foods. I can't make it as well as the ones I tried in Istanbul, but I'll keep trying.
İçli Köfte (Turkish Kibbeh) Recipe
So good, so different from the lentil soup I grew up with, and easy to make at home. Also, a very cheap meal in Istanbul.
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kırmızı Mercimek Çorbası)
There's so many kinds of kebab, but this is one you have to try in Istanbul.
