город и курорт
A city on two continents where in one day you can walk through Byzantine churches, cross the Bosphorus and have dinner on the Asian side. Great for a short break, shopping and a first trip abroad.
best time
April–June and September–November; summer is hot and crowded
highlights
Istanbul is for people who want more than lying by the pool. It is a city for walking, museums, markets and long dinners with a view of the water. It is great for couples, groups of friends, families with teenagers and shoppers looking for anything from textiles and shoes to tableware and sweets.
You can come with young children too, but bear in mind the hills, cobblestones and crowds in the centre. A baby carrier or a lightweight stroller is easier than a full-size pram. For first-time travellers from Uzbekistan, Istanbul is easy to navigate: Russian is widely spoken in the tourist areas, halal food is everywhere and public transport is simple.
The most comfortable time is spring and autumn. In April tulips bloom in Emirgan and Gülhane parks, and May and September are warm without the exhausting heat. Summer in Istanbul is humid and crowded, with long queues at the main museums.
In winter the city is damp and windy, sometimes with snow, but hotels are cheaper and museums less busy. If you are going over the New Year holidays, book early: demand is high. For more on seasons across Turkey, see our guide on when to go to Turkey.
Sultanahmet. The historic centre: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı are all close by. Convenient for a first visit and short stays, though quieter in the evening than other areas.
Sirkeci and Eminönü. The neighbouring waterfront area, where ferries depart and the Spice Bazaar is close by. A good balance of price and convenience.
Beyoğlu, Galata, Karaköy. The European side across the Golden Horn: İstiklal Avenue, cafés, galleries and rooftop restaurants. For those who want the feel of a lively city.
Kadıköy. The Asian side, calmer and closer to local life. A good choice if you have been to Istanbul before and want to see it from another angle.
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome stand practically opposite each other. Topkapı Palace needs a separate half-day, especially if you visit the Harem and the Treasury. The Basilica Cistern is an underground reservoir with columns, best visited in the morning.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world, and bargaining is expected. The Spice Bazaar is smaller, with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit and tea. For everyday shopping, there are big malls in Şişli and Bakırköy.
Public ferries are the easiest way to see the city from the water. You can sail to Üsküdar or Beylerbeyi, or take a sightseeing cruise up to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. In the evening, head up Galata Tower or find a terrace overlooking the strait.
The Princes’ Islands offer a car-free day with bicycles and wooden mansions. If time allows, many travellers add Cappadocia and a hot-air balloon flight to their Istanbul trip.
At least 3 full days, otherwise everything will be rushed. 4–6 days is ideal. A week lets you combine the city, the islands and unhurried shopping. An Istanbul-plus-beach combination usually takes 9–12 days.
Day one: check in and take an evening walk around Sultanahmet. Devote day two to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Cistern and Topkapı. On day three, take the ferry to Üsküdar, then head to Kadıköy for dinner. Day four: the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Galata and İstiklal. Keep day five free: the Princes’ Islands, shopping or simply a long breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus before your flight.
Flights from Tashkent: our manager will find direct and connecting options for your dates. Istanbul has two airports on different sides of the city, which affects your journey to the hotel, so choose your hotel with your arrival airport in mind.
For public transport, buy an Istanbulkart; it works on the metro, trams and ferries. Mosques require modest clothing, women need a headscarf, and tourists are not admitted during prayers. Some museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays, so check opening times in advance.
Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.
Look at a ready-made itinerary in our Istanbul tour or tell us what you have in mind. Send a request, message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1 or call +998 99 760-82-88: our manager will find flights, the right district and a hotel for your dates and budget.
Updated: 2026-10
For a first visit, 4–5 days is enough: two days for the historic centre, a day for the Bosphorus and the Asian side, and a day for the bazaars and Beyoğlu. If you want to add shopping or a trip to the Princes' Islands, plan 6–7 days.
For short tourist trips, citizens of Uzbekistan can currently enter Turkey visa-free, but check the permitted length of stay and the conditions before you fly. Your passport should remain valid well beyond your return date.
For a first visit, Sultanahmet or Sirkeci are the most convenient: the main monuments are within walking distance. If you want nightlife, cafés and shops, Beyoğlu, Galata or Karaköy will suit you better.
Yes, it is a common choice: 3–4 days in Istanbul, then a domestic flight to the coast, for example to Antalya or Bodrum. Our manager will arrange the connection and hotels in both cities.
Turkey is the easiest holiday choice from Uzbekistan: the sea, hotels with meals included for every budget, big cities and mountains, all in one country.
Walks through the old city, the Bosphorus by ferry, markets and coffee houses. We’ll pick a neighbourhood to suit your pace: historic Sultanahmet, lively Beyoğlu or the quiet Asian shore.
A region in the heart of Turkey with surreal rock formations, cave churches and hundreds of hot-air balloons at dawn. It is usually combined with Istanbul or the coast.
The flagship resort of the Turkish Riviera: long beaches, all-inclusive hotels, the old town of Kaleici and mountains right behind the coast. An easy choice for a family beach holiday.
Turkey works for almost any month, but the beaches, sightseeing and cities are at their best at different times. We go through the seasons by region so you can choose dates for your purpose.
Turkey is one of the easiest destinations for a family holiday: a straightforward flight, all-inclusive, kids' clubs and gently sloping beaches. Here's how to pick a resort and hotel for your children's ages.
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To: Global Destination
Where: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel.: +998 99 760-82-88
Email: [email protected]
Telegram: @GlobalDestination1