Istanbul Guide

15

İstanbul °C/°F Temp

WHEN TO GO

Rainfall inches/mm

30/86

6/150

Spring and autumn are ideal, as the weather is good and festivals are in full swing. Summer can be unpleasantly hot and winter bone chillingly cold.

4/100

20/68

PLAN YOUR TRIP Need to Know

2/50

10/50

0

0/32

J

F

MAMJ JASOND

Arriving in İstanbul

Safe Travel ¨ ¨ Political tensions within Turkey led to a violent, ultimately unsuccessful military coup d’état in 2016. There have also been terrorist incidents including bomb attacks in areas and facilities frequented by tourists. Visitors should monitor their country’s travel advisories and stay alert at all times. ¨ ¨ Always employ common sense when exploring city neighbourhoods. Be particularly careful near the historic city walls, as these harbour vagrants and people with substance-abuse problems – don’t walk here alone or after dark. ¨ ¨ As a pedestrian, always give way to vehicles; the sovereignty of the pedestrian is recognised in law but not out on the street. Footpaths (sidewalks) and road surfaces are often in a poorly maintained state and some shops have basements that are accessed from the footpath via steep steps without barriers – watch where you are walking!

Sleeping Accommodation choices in İstanbul are diverse and plentiful. During peak tour ism periods such as spring, autumn and Christmas it’s important to book ahead. ¨ ¨ Boutique hotels The city’s fastest-growing hotel trend; often in historic buildings and usually with high levels of service and amenities. ¨ ¨ Suite hotels Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, daily maid service and stylish fittings; great for families. ¨ ¨ Hotels Everything from small family-run pansiyons (pensions) to slick business hotels; mid-range options predominate. ¨ ¨ Luxury hotels World class options mostly located in Beyoğlu and along the Bosphorus. ¨ ¨ Hostels Small and friendly options in Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu and Kadıköy; most offer both dorms and private rooms.

İstanbul Airport (p208) Havaist (aka Havataş) buses to destina tions including Sultanahmet (₺18, every 30 to 45 minutes 5am to 4.15am, 60 to 100 minutes depending on traffic) and Taksim (₺18, every 15 to 30 minutes 5.10am to 4.30am, 40 to 80 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis to Sultanahmet (50 minutes) cost around ₺135; taxis to Beyoğlu (40 minutes) around ₺130. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (p209) Havaist (aka Havataş) buses to Taksim (₺18, every 15 to 30 minutes 4am to 1am, 40 to 90 minutes), from where a funicular (₺5) and tram (₺5) travel to Sultanahmet; Havabüs bus to Kadıköy (₺14, every 30 minutes 4am to 1am, one hour). Taxis cost ₺175 to Sultanahmet and ₺165 to Beyoğlu.

For much more on arrival see p208

For much more on sleeping see p177