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Frequently asked questions
How to reach the centre of Turkey
Istanbul International Airport (IST) is Turkey's largest airport, situated approximately 23 km west of the city centre. The journey from airport to Sultanahmet typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your chosen transport method.
Several convenient options are available: the Havaş bus service costs around £8–12 and takes approximately 1 hour to major city landmarks; the metro and Marmaray train combination offers the most economical route at roughly £3–4, though journey time extends to 90 minutes with transfers; taxis and ride-sharing services charge approximately £25–35 for the same journey. For travellers preferring direct transfers, private car services are bookable in advance.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side serves some international routes and is roughly 40 km from the city centre; shuttle buses and taxis provide transfer options, with journey times of 60–90 minutes.
What to see in Turkey
Istanbul is a city where Europe meets Asia, with world-renowned historical sites concentrated primarily in the Sultanahmet district. The Bosphorus Strait divides the city, offering stunning views and separating the European and Asian continents across a mere 750 metres at the narrowest point.
Explore the vibrant neighbourhoods that define the city's character: wander through the historic bazaars and mosques of Sultanahmet, experience the modern energy of Beyoğlu with its independent shops and galleries, and enjoy the upmarket dining and nightlife of Taksim. Each district offers distinct atmospheres ranging from classical Ottoman grandeur to contemporary Turkish culture.
- Hagia Sophia – UNESCO World Heritage 6th-century Byzantine monument
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – iconic Ottoman architecture with distinctive blue İznik tiles
- Topkapi Palace – former residence of Ottoman sultans with expansive collections
- Grand Bazaar – labyrinthine market with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, spices, and crafts
- Galata Tower – 14th-century Genoese tower with panoramic city views
- Bosphorus Strait – scenic waterway separating Europe and Asia with ferry routes and waterside dining
Local cuisine in Turkey
Turkish cuisine is celebrated throughout Europe, and experiencing it authentically in Istanbul is essential for any visitor. The dining culture emphasises fresh, seasonal ingredients, time-honoured preparation techniques, and the social ritual of sharing meals. Turkish hospitality extends to dining, with generous portions and complimentary appetisers (meze) often accompanying main courses.
Turkish coffee, prepared in small copper pots and served strong with grounds settling at the bottom, is a cultural institution; this thick, aromatic beverage is often accompanied by sweet treats. Ayran, a savoury yoghurt-based drink, provides a refreshing alternative, whilst Rakı – an anise-flavoured spirit – is traditionally enjoyed with seafood and meze during evening meals.
- Döner Kebab – slow-roasted meat (typically lamb or chicken) served in flatbread with salad and yoghurt sauce
- Meze – assorted small plates including hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed vine leaves, and feta cheese
- Pide – Turkish flatbread boat filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or egg
- Baklava – phyllo pastry layered with nuts, honey, and spices
- Kebab varieties – including Adana kebab (minced meat) and Shish kebab (grilled meat skewers)
- Turkish Delight (Lokum) – gelatinous sweet confection dusted with icing sugar, popular with coffee
