Book flights to Istanbul

Istanbul is a sprawling metropolis that straddles two continents, and is a historic bridge between Europe and Asia. This geographic position has made the city a central hub for global travel and a primary destination for those crossing the Bosphorus. Its skyline is defined by a mix of Byzantine and Ottoman influences that greet visitors long before they land.

The city contains several world-famous landmarks, including the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and the intricate tilework of the Blue Mosque. Travellers can explore the subterranean Basilica Cistern or wander through the expansive corridors of the Topkapi Palace. Artistic heritage is equally present in the bustling stalls of the Grand Bazaar, where centuries of trade history continue today.

Visitors often find that the local atmosphere is a blend of ancient traditions and a thriving modern culture. Exploration through different districts reveals a rich culinary landscape and a deep-rooted passion for history. This destination has a distinct character shaped by its layers of civilization, providing a diverse experience for every journey.

High season in Istanbul

Istanbul experiences its peak energy during the late spring and early autumn months, specifically from May to June and throughout September. During these periods, temperatures are typically mild, ranging between 20°C and 25°C, which creates ideal conditions for exploring the city on foot. When arriving at Istanbul Airport, visitors find a city in full bloom, with public parks like Emirgan Park including colourful displays of tulips and greenery. The atmosphere is bustling as outdoor cafes along the Bosphorus fill with locals and travellers enjoying the clear, sunny skies.

The high season is also a time of significant cultural activity, including the Istanbul Music Festival and various open-air art exhibitions. The pace of life accelerates, and the streets of Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu remain lively well into the evening. Taking a ferry across the Bosphorus is a favourite pastime during these months, as the gentle sea breeze provides a refreshing escape from the daytime sun. This period defines the city through its social scene and the seamless blend of historical exploration with modern outdoor leisure.

Low season in Istanbul

The low season in Istanbul arrives with the colder months of December to February, when the city takes on a more introspective and tranquil character. Temperatures often hover around 5°C to 10°C, and occasional snowfall can transform the domes of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque into a picturesque winter landscape. Landing at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport during this time reveals a mistier, more atmospheric version of the skyline. The rainy weather encourages a shift toward indoor pursuits, such as visiting the sprawling Grand Bazaar or relaxing in a traditional Turkish bath.

Social life during the winter months revolves around cozy interiors and warm flavours, with the scent of roasted chestnuts and salep—a traditional orchid-root drink—wafting through the streets. Cultural institutions and museums are much quieter, allowing for a more intimate experience of the city’s vast history without the summer crowds. While the wind off the Marmara Sea can be brisk, the low season offers a peaceful perspective on Istanbul, and highlights its resilience and the enduring warmth of its hospitality amidst the winter chill.

Two primary gateways are the region, ensuring that a flight to Istanbul connects travellers efficiently to both the European and Asian sides of the metropolis. These modern hubs handle a massive volume of international and domestic traffic, positioned at opposite ends of the city to manage the vast geographic spread.

Istanbul airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport, identified by the IATA code IST, is the primary international gateway and is located approximately 35 km northwest of the city centre in the Arnavutköy district. As one of the largest aviation hubs in the world, it is the main base for Turkish Airlines and hosts a wide array of global carriers connecting to hundreds of destinations. The facility consists of a massive, single-terminal structure designed to process millions of passengers through its extensive international and domestic concourses.

Upon landing, the most efficient way to reach the central areas is the M11 Metro line, which provides a fast connection to the Kağıthane and Gayrettepe stations, where you can transfer to other parts of the network. For those seeking a direct route to major tourist hubs, the Havaist luxury shuttle buses operate frequent services to Taksim Square and Sultanahmet, with journey times typically ranging from 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are available 24 hours a day at the ranks outside the arrivals level, offering a door-to-door service to the Fatih or Beyoğlu districts.

Sabiha Gökçen international airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, known by the code SAW, is situated on the Asian side of the city, roughly 40 km southeast of the central districts. This airport is a major hub for low-cost carriers, particularly Pegasus Airlines, and handles a significant volume of flights to Istanbul from across Europe and the Middle East. The airport consists of a large, modern terminal that manages both domestic and international traffic.

Travellers arriving here can access the city via the M4 Metro line, which links the airport directly to Kadıköy, a major transport hub on the Asian shore, in approximately 50 minutes. From Kadıköy, frequent ferries cross the Bosphorus to reach the European side at Eminönü or Karaköy. Alternatively, the Havabüs shuttle service offers convenient transfers to Taksim Square and Kadıköy, while local public buses and taxis provide additional flexibility for reaching the Pendik or Üsküdar areas.

As the plane descends toward the shores of the Bosphorus, the sight of minarets piercing the horizon signals your arrival at a true crossroads of the world. Stepping off the aircraft, you quickly realize that Istanbul has a restless energy that bridges two continents and thousands of years of history.

Hagia Sophia
This architectural marvel was both a cathedral and a mosque, and houses golden mosaics and massive Islamic calligraphy under a dome that seems to float above the prayer floor. The light filtering through its ancient windows creates a spiritual atmosphere that reflects the city's complex religious heritage.

The Grand Bazaar
Wandering through one of the largest covered markets on earth, you are greeted by the scent of leather and the glitter of hand-painted ceramics. It is a labyrinth of over 60 corridors where the age-old tradition of tea-drinking and bargaining remains the heartbeat of local commerce.

Bosphorus Strait
Taking a boat across these deep blue waters allows you to see the city's skyline from its best vantage point, with Ottoman summer palaces and wooden villas lining the shore. It is the geographic soul of the region, where the cool breeze carries the salty scent of the Marmara Sea.

Topkapi Palace
The former residence of sultans contains lush courtyards and the famous Harem, and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire. Its terrace provides a commanding view of the Golden Horn, which makes it clear why this hilltop was chosen for the seat of power.

Galata Tower
Standing tall over the cobblestone streets of the Karakoy district, this stone tower has a panoramic balcony that reveals the entire peninsula in a single gaze. It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset turn the city's rooftops into a sea of amber and gold.

Blue Mosque
Known officially as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, its interior is lined with tens of thousands of blue Iznik tiles that give the space its famous hue. The building is a masterpiece of classical Ottoman design, and is characterized by its six slender minarets and cascading domes.

Spice Bazaar
The air here is thick with the aroma of dried saffron, sumac, and freshly ground coffee, and draws visitors into a sensory exploration of Eastern flavours. Stalls are piled high with colourful Turkish delight and medicinal herbs, and preserves the city's status as a historic terminus for the Silk Road.

By using the eDreams search filters to compare different airlines and departure times, you can easily find a journey to Istanbul that fits your schedule and budget. Frequent travellers may also find that eDreams Prime provides additional value and convenience when securing those all-important flights to this historic destination.