How much does it cost to travel to Istanbul?
You should plan to spend around $119 (TRY4,076) per day on your vacation in Istanbul. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $30 (TRY1,009) on meals
- $52 (TRY1,781) on local transportation
- $90 (TRY3,071) on hotels
A one week trip to Istanbul for two people costs, on average, $1,670 (TRY57,064). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Istanbul has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Istanbul expensive to visit?
Prices in Istanbul are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Istanbul is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Saint-Etienne or Bristol.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Istanbul Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Istanbul?
The average Istanbul trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Istanbul travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
TRY3,071
($90)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
TRY1,781
($52)
|
|
Food 2
|
TRY1,009
($30)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
TRY2,566
($75)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
TRY240 -
721
($7 - 21)
|
Accommodation Budget in Istanbul
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Istanbul can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Istanbul is $45 (TRY1,536). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Istanbul is $90 (TRY3,071). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Istanbul include:
- Stories Hotel Kumbaraci starting at $46
- Romance Istanbul Hotel Boutique Class starting at $79
- Faik Pasha Suites Special Category starting at $82
Transportation Budget in Istanbul
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Istanbul is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $52 (TRY1,781) per person, per day, on local transportation in Istanbul.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$52
TRY1,781
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Istanbul Camlica Tower: Private Entry, Transfer & Dine Choices for $39 details
- İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer for $57 details
- Luxury Private Istanbul Tour (allTickets and Transfers) VIP OSCAR for $300 details
How much does it cost to go to Istanbul? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Istanbul will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Transportation in Istanbul are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Istanbul, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Ferry
TRY2.80
-
Local Bus
TRY3.00
Food Budget in Istanbul
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Istanbul can vary, the average cost of food in Istanbul is $30 (TRY1,009) per day, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$30
TRY1,009
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Istanbul, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Private Istanbul Food Tour in Asia & Europe. Istanbul Foodie Walking Tour. For $220 details
- Half-Day Istanbul Private Food Tour & Culinary Experience for $300 details
- Learn To Cook From a Local: Private Cooking Class In an Istanbul Home for $140 details
Typical prices for Food in Istanbul are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Istanbul, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Juice
TRY2.00
-
Turkish Delight
TRY0.60
-
Dessert
TRY8.50
-
Pastries
TRY1.50
Entertainment Budget in Istanbul
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Istanbul typically cost an average of $75 (TRY2,566) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$75
TRY2,566
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Istanbul. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Daily Ertugrul Tour from Istanbul for $241 details
- Istanbul Old Town Tour: Classics, Highlights & Hidden Gems for $100 details
- Recording memories in the photography tour of Istanbul for $124 details
Typical prices for Entertainment in Istanbul are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Istanbul, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Alcohol Budget in Istanbul
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (TRY481) on alcoholic beverages in Istanbul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
TRY481
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Istanbul. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries for $253 details
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul for $50 details
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus for $30 details
Last Updated: Apr 16, 2023
Istanbul on a Budget
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
The climate in Istanbul is temperate oceanic. The summers are hot and humid and the winters are cold and wet, with occasional snowfalls. There is a surprisingly high amount of rain in the city, more than that of London, Dublin, or Brussels. Rain is most common during the late fall and winter months. Spring and summer are the driest times of year, although there is no time that is considered a "dry" season. Summer months can be quite hot with average temperatures around 27 degrees during the day. Humidity makes it feel even hotter. Winter is cold and damp with temperatures reaching 7 degrees Celsius during the day.
Sights
Many of Istanbul's historic sights are found in Sultanahmet. These include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Outside of this neighborhood there is also the Church of St. Savior in Chora, the Galata Tower, and the Galata Whirling Dervish Hall.
The Grand Bazaar is nearby, too. You shouldn't miss it, as this is a great place to
go shopping in Istanbul. Even if you don't buy anything, it's a destination itself with plenty of cultural experiences.
Elsewhere in the city you can find other mosques open to the public, as well as tours and trips up the Bosphorus. For more details and ideas about what to do if you're in Istanbul for just a short time, check out this
guide to visiting Istanbul in one day on a layover.
Neighborhoods
Sultanahmet is the Old City in Istanbul. This is where you will find most of the historic sights including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The New City is the main business center and has a much more modern atmosphere. There are many shopping areas and popular districts such as Elmadag, Nisantasi and Etiler. The Bosphorus is lined with beautiful palaces, parks, and mansions. Along the Bosphorus there are popular areas such as Besiktas and Ortakoy. Other neighborhoods include the Golden Horn, where you'll find Eyup, and Princes' Islands, which offers a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Activities
Hamams, or Turkish Baths, are great places to visit while you're in Istanbul. Most neighborhoods have at least one Hamam, but they each vary in cleanliness and quality, so ask around for a recommendation.
Another popular activity is smoking a hooka, or water pipe. There are a good number of places near the Grand Bazaar where you can smoke a hooka.
A Bosphorous Cruise is another great activity.The best option is to take the cruise offered by the state run company Sehir Hatlari. The cruise is 90 minutes each way or you can take a 2 hour non-stop cruise. During the peak season there are three daily departures, but it is still best to arrive early. You can buy tickets near the Eminonu terminal just east of the Galata Bridge.
And if you're looking for even more activities, check out this
great 4-day itinerary for Istanbul which covers plenty of things to do.
Food and Dining
As you walk around Istanbul, restaurant employees will do their best to persuade you to come into their restaurant. This is particularly true in the touristy areas. They are generally friendly and welcoming, so a smile as you decline can go a long way. If you're trying to figure out
where to eat in Istanbul, there are plenty of affordable restaurants and fast food options in the city. Many of the restaurants in Sultanahmet are geared towards tourists. Taksim has some wonderful restaurants that are upscale in style but still reasonably price. Affordable food options include doner, hamsi and kumpir. Pastry shops are spread throughout the city and have some very delicious desserts that are reasonably priced. Look for one with a rooftop patio so you can enjoy a view of the city at night.
Transportation
Although the
public transportation system can seem chaotic, it is the best way to travel around the city, particularly when you're on a tight budget. The light rail system has four underground metro lines, four Tramvays, which are aboveground, two Funikulers, two mini-lines, and the Marmaray, or underwater lines. There are also ferries that travel the Bosphorus frequently. The above ground trams must deal with traffic, so they can be frustratingly slow, particularly during rush hour. If you're hoping to explore the Bosphorus, just hop on one of the ferries. These are cheap and efficient, and far more affordable than any private tour that is available.
Private dolmus minivans also follow set routes and offer a good option late at night. They are not on a set schedule but instead wait to fill up before departing. They do run through the night, unlike the public transportation system.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.