Istanbul trip cost and budget guide
Mosques, bazaars and ferries between two continents. Here’s what a trip to Istanbul typically costs, when to go, where to stay and how to plan your days.
Work out your own Istanbul trip
How much a trip to Istanbul costs
Daily costs depend most on how you travel. On a budget, expect around $36–$67 per person a day; in comfort, $86–$155; and in luxury, $230–$440 (two people sharing a room, before getting there).
| Typical cost | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotelper room per night | $30–$55 | $80–$140 | $220–$420 |
| Foodper person per day | $10–$18 | $20–$38 | $55–$100 |
| Local transportper person per day | $3–$6 | $6–$12 | $20–$40 |
| Activitiesper person per day | $8–$15 | $20–$35 | $45–$90 |
A sample trip: 2 adults, 5 days and 4 nights
- Budget: $330–$610 in total, about $165–$305 per person.
- Comfort: $780–$1,410 in total, about $390–$705 per person.
- Luxury: $2,080–$3,980 in total, about $1,040–$1,990 per person.
Hotel prices are about 15% higher in peak season and 10% lower in the low season. Amounts are in US dollars and don’t include getting there, visas or insurance. They’re TravelWise planning estimates, last checked 12 October 2026, not quotes: check prices before you book.
Best time to visit Istanbul
April to June and September to October.
| Month | Season | Temperature | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | 3–9°C | rainy |
| February | Low | 3–10°C | some rain |
| March | Shoulder | 4–12°C | some rain |
| April | Peak | 8–17°C | some rain |
| May | Peak | 12–22°C | mostly dry |
| June | Peak | 17–27°C | mostly dry |
| July | Peak | 20–29°C | mostly dry |
| August | Peak | 20–29°C | mostly dry |
| September | Shoulder | 17–25°C | mostly dry |
| October | Shoulder | 13–20°C | some rain |
| November | Low | 9–15°C | some rain |
| December | Low | 5–11°C | rainy |
Where to stay in Istanbul
- Budget: Guesthouse, around Sultanahmet or Kadıköy ($30–$55 a night).
- Comfort: Boutique hotel, around Galata or Karaköy ($80–$140 a night).
- Luxury: Bosphorus palace hotel, around Beşiktaş or Ortaköy ($220–$420 a night).
A sample Istanbul itinerary
After an arrival day, here’s how you could spend your time:
- Day 2: Old City
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Day 3: Bazaars
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Bazaar
- Galata Bridge fish sandwich
- Day 4: Bosphorus
- Bosphorus ferry cruise
- Ortaköy Mosque
- Rumeli Fortress
- Day 5: Asian side
- Ferry to Kadıköy
- Moda seafront
- Meze dinner
Money, apps and practical tips
- Currency: TRY. Plan on about $15–$30 in cash per person a day. Cards are widely accepted; carry lira for bazaars, ferries and small cafés.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: Types C & F · 230 V
- Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants
- Taxis: BiTaksi, Uber. Book licensed yellow taxis
- Food delivery: Yemeksepeti, Getir
- Transit: Moovit. Use an İstanbulkart on trams, metro and ferries
Entry and visas
- Many nationalities apply for a Türkiye e-Visa online in minutes; some need a valid US, UK or Schengen visa to qualify.
- Valid for at least 150 days from arrival.
- Apply for an e-Visa only on the official government site if your passport needs one.
Entry rules change and depend on your passport: always confirm them with official government sources before you travel.
Plan your Istanbul trip
Enter your own dates, travellers and travel style to see a full budget with every cost broken down, real places to stay and eat, a day-by-day plan you can add activities to, and the total in your currency.
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