In an intoxicating blend of East and West, İstanbul has long enchanted visitors as the crossroads between Asia and Europe. Indeed, while part of the city sits in Asia, the rest belongs to Europe, representing the sole transcontinental metropolis on the planet. İstanbul’s unique geographical positioning rendered the city a critical trading post along the Silk Road, especially during the Byzantine and Ottoman empires from the fourth to 15th centuries. The city’s global influence persists today as business travelers flock to İstanbul for matters regarding manufacturing, commerce and trade.

PHOTO: © NIKOLAI SOROKIN | DREAMSTIME

Of course, İstanbul offers much to explore beyond the corporate boardroom. The ornate architecture lining the city’s winding, cobblestone streets represent centuries of kingdoms and prosperity. Modern travelers are as beguiled by the iconic İznik tiles of the Blue Mosque and stunning, kaleidoscopic swirls of Topkapı Palace (a former sultans’ residence) as they were hundreds of years ago. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque represents 1,500 years of the city’s Christian and Islamic heritage, and people still plan pilgrimages to this day.

© IRINA LEPNEVA | DREAMSTIME

But that’s not to say the city’s best days lie in the past; the revitalization of the Galataport and İstanbul Modern represents a new wave of innovation and industry in Türkiye’s largest city. The Grand Bazaar serves as the quintessential embodiment of the old and the new — a 15th-century souk teeming with treasures from near and far, whether faux designer handbags or hand- knotted Turkish rugs. Tourism to İstanbul has increased in recent years despite a global pandemic and increasing geopolitical unrest. The city simply withstands the changing of time, only to emerge more vibrant than ever before.

CHECKING IN WITH SINAN SEHA TÜRKSEVEN
General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency

What’s the current tourism landscape in İstanbul?
İstanbul is among Türkiye’s most visited destinations — between January and November 2025, İstanbul once again ranked as the most popular entry point for foreign visitors to Türkiye, and the metropolis welcomed nearly 17.5 million visitors during this period.

How has the landscape for international visitors changed post-pandemic?
While our country returned to pre-COVID figures in 2022, it reached all-time high tourism revenues and visitor numbers in 2023. Türkiye’s most successful year in tourism was 2024, and our country became the world’s fourth-largest incoming tourism market according to UN Tourism’s 2024 data, with 62.3 million visitors and $61.1 billion in tourism revenue.

Do you foresee shifts in the tourist landscape looking to 2026?
Looking ahead to 2026, travelers are expected to prioritize maximization — seeking to make the most of their holidays by combining multiple destinations, creative escapes and diverse experiences within a single journey to create unforgettable moments. Whether travelers prefer sea-and-sun vacations, seek to dive into history and culture, or pursue nature-focused experiences, Türkiye offers a wide range of options that let every visitor design their ideal trip.

PHOTO: © ANTON ALEKSENKO | DREAMSTIME

Please share your thoughts on the latest developments from a cultural perspective, specifically the revitalized Galataport.
Galataport İstanbul has transformed Karaköy, the historical port of the city, into a vibrant neighborhood for gastronomy, culture, arts and shopping. The Atatürk Cultural Center, originally opened in 1969, reopened in 2021 after extensive reconstruction and now stands as Türkiye’s largest arts center and a major cultural hub in Taksim. In early 2023 the historic Rami Barracks reopened as the Rami Library, becoming İstanbul’s largest library. That same year, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, off the coast of İstanbul’s Asian side, reopened as a museum following comprehensive restoration, offering visitors stunning views of the city. Additionally, İstanbul Modern, Türkiye’s first modern and contemporary art museum, welcomed visitors back to its new Renzo Piano-designed building on the Karaköy waterfront.

İstanbul is famous as a city that straddles Europe and Asia; what other dichotomies make the city unique?
The city thrives on its location on the Bosporus — the waterway that separates and connects Europe and Asia — and captivates visitors with its diversity. Blending tradition with vibrant modernity and history with the present is İstanbul’s greatest strength. Eastern Roman churches stand next to Ottoman palaces, and modern art galleries next to centuries-old bazaars. While iconic historical landmarks offer insight into the city’s storied past, glass skyscrapers reflect its dynamic and modern spirit.

© VITALY TITOV | DREAMSTIME

DIVERSIONS
Whether or not you’re a devoted lover of retail therapy, the Grand Bazaar in İstanbul is a can’t-miss, centuries-old attraction. First built in the 15th century, the bazaar stands as the oldest covered market in the world, a labyrinthine maze with more than 60 streets and 4,000 shops. Wares range from the ancient to contemporary, and prices vary just as much, though they are always negotiable. Haggling is an art form in İstanbul, and refusing to engage in the performative back-and-forth is considered rude. So ask for a Turkish coffee and stay awhile (though, in this spectacular souk, it’s quite easy to stay all day).

Check out the magnificent Byzantine grandeur of Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site completed in 537 that reflects the city’s distinct blend of both Christian and Islamic heritage. Then shift gears from the old to the new by perusing the contemporary art galleries at İstanbul Modern, which reopened in 2023 along the bustling Galataport waterfront in Karaköy. In the early evening, book a cruise along the Bosporus to witness the city’s magnificent blend of modern and ancient architecture at sunset.

LODGING
MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSPHORUS
When this ultra-chic riverside hideaway opened in 2021, it became an instant favorite among the global jet set. Enjoy waterfront views while sunbathing poolside, and luxuriate at the award- winning spa.
Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No:62, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$$$$$

PERA PALACE HOTEL
Originally built for passengers of the Orient Express, it’s easy to feel like royalty at Pera Palace, where opulent décor blends Ottoman influences with the elegance of the Belle Époque.
Meşrutiyet Cd. No:52, Tepebaşi, Beyoğu, İstanbul
$$$–$$$$

RAFFLES İSTANBUL
Experience unparalleled elegance in the heart of the city, with 24-hour butler service and panoramic city views from guestrooms and suites atop the Zorlu Center.
Zorlu Center, Levazım, Vadi Caddesi, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$$$$$

DINING
NEOLOKAL
Reservations are required at this Michelin-starred eatery which puts an inventive spin on classic Turkish and Anatolian cuisine. Indulge in a 10-course tasting menu while enjoy- ing stunning views of the city skyline.
Mahı, Arap Cami, Bankalar Cd. No:11, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
$$$$$

SUNSET GRILL & BAR
Fantastic cocktails complement the Japanese/ Mediterranean cuisine at this glamorous hot spot in the city. Reservations are required at this fine-dining institution, located on a hilltop of Ulus Park.
Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$$$$$

THE HOUSE CAFE ORTAKÖY
The Ortaköy outpost of this beloved Turkish café boasts beautiful seaside views of the Bosphorus Bridge, a menu of Mediterranean classics and fresh seafood, and live musical performances on summer weekends.
Yıldız, Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:1, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
$

JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: GMT+3
Phone code: Country code: 90 City code: 212
Currency: Turkish lira
Key industries: Manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, automotive, tourism

COMING AND GOING
U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond entry date and must include one blank page for stamps. No visa is required for a tourist visit up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Turkish

INFO TO GO
The city is home to two international airports: iGA Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which services more budget and domestic carriers, on the Asian side. IST, located in the Arnavutköy district, is the largest airport in Türkiye and the second-busiest in Europe. It serves as the main hub for Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance partner. (The Turkish Airlines stopover program encourages travel throughout the nation en route to final destinations farther afield). Uber and taxi services are available at both airports, each of which lie roughly an hour’s drive from city center.