Enjoy a unique city break in Istanbul – where Asia and Europe meet
Istanbul is one of the world's most captivating cities, where centuries of Islamic, Ottoman and Byzantine heritage blend seamlessly with vibrant modern life. Straddling both Europe and Asia, it offers magnificent mosques, historic palaces, bustling bazaars, scenic Bosphorus cruises and world-renowned cuisine, making it one of the most rewarding city breaks for Muslim travellers.
From the call to prayer echoing across the skyline to the aroma of freshly brewed Turkish coffee and spices filling its historic streets, every corner of Istanbul offers something to discover.
Istanbul guide for a halal-friendly city break
Must-see attractions in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is undoubtedly Istanbul's most iconic landmark and has a history spanning almost 1,500 years. Originally built as a Greek Orthodox church, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed II (Fatih Sultan Mehmed). In 1935, it became a museum before reopening as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in July 2020.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Also known as the Blue Mosque, it is a historic Ottoman-era imperial mosque that attracts many visitors. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Ahmed I. It is located next to Hagia Sophia and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 under the name "Historical Areas of Istanbul".
Grand Bazaar
One of the largest and oldest markets in the world, it has over 4,000 shops that take more than a full day to see. Between 250,000 and 400,000 people alone visit it every day and you can find bargains on almost anything you are looking for, from gifts for the family to souvenirs from your trip to Istanbul!
Galata Tower
One of the symbols of the Istanbul panorama, it dates back to the 6th century and is one of the oldest in the world. It is said to have been built as a lighthouse in the Byzantine Empire and has been destroyed several times over the course of history by the conquests of various empires.
Gulhane Park
Opened in 1912, the oldest park in Istanbul borders on the famous Topkapi Palace. It is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or to connect with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Topkapi Palace
It was the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Although much of the palace is not accessible, daily tours are of great interest to tourists. Is also the place where many of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) belongings are displayed, such as his turban, a strand from his beard, bow and sheath and his grail from which he drank water.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
This glorious mosque houses the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the standard-bearer of the faith and a trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who became a shahid (martyr) at a very old age during the First Muslim Siege of Constantinople in the pursuit to realise the famous hadith.
“Verily, you shall conquer Constantinople. What a wonderful army will that army be, and what a wonderful commander will that conqueror be.”
Fatih Mosque
The beautiful mosque in the Fatih district was named after Sultan Mehmed, who conquered Constantinople in 1453. Many of the funerals of important figures take place in its large courtyard. Each Wednesday the largest street market of Istanbul (Fatih Çarşamba Pazarı) takes place around the mosque.
Süleymaniye Mosque
The city's second largest mosque was built in 1557 by order of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and designed by the famous imperial architect Mimar Sinan. It offers extensive views of the city and it was the largest mosque in Istanbul until it was surpassed by the Çamlıca Mosque in 2019.
Dolmabahçe Palace
This beautiful palace in the Beşiktaş district was built in 1856 by order of Sultan Abdulmecid I and since then has served as the new royal residence, replacing Topkapi Palace which was used as a royal palace for 400 years.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi)
Located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, it displays Islamic calligraphy, tiles and carpets, and recreated rooms or dwellings of Turkish cultures, particularly nomadic groups.
National Palaces Painting Museum (Milli Saraylar Resim Müzesi)
Located in the city centre, it exhibits approximately 553 pieces from the palace's collection of paintings by 19th-century Turkish and international artists. The collection from the 16th and 20th century includes many exhibits such as portraits of sultans, compositions on historical themes, orientalist works, nature and city views as well as still life.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Built in 1994, it is a private industrial museum dedicated to the history of transport, industry and communications.
Sakıp Sabancı Museum
This art museum is dedicated to calligraphic art, religious and government documents and paintings from the Ottoman period.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums (İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)
Located near Topkapi Palace and Gulhane Park, they are among the largest museums in the world with over a million artefacts representing almost every era and civilisation in world history. The complex consists of three museums: the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk Museum.
Istanbul Museum of the History of Science & Technology in Islam
Located inside Gülhane Park below Topkapi Palace in the Fatih district, it features replicas of scientific instruments used by Muslim scholars from the 9th and 16th centuries.
Carpet and Kilim Museum
Housed in the Imperial Pavilion of the Blue Mosque, the museum contains a fine collection of Usak, Bergama and Konya carpets from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The Carpet Museum exhibits a series of carpets mainly from Anatolia and the Caucasus countries and the Kilim Museum exhibits Kilim carpets. Unlike the knotted carpet, the Kilim is characterised by the fact that it is embroidered.
Bosphorus boat tour to Princes' Islands
Cross the Bosphorus, the strait between Europe and Asia that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, in style on a boat tour and enjoy the wide blue waters while admiring the famous Bosphorus Bridge that connects Europe and Asia. See majestic old Ottoman mansions, then continue sailing on the Sea of Marmara to the Princes' Islands. Ticket prices usually start at around €10 for a 2-hour round trip. On a good day, you may even see dolphins! Audio guides are also available in multiple languages such as English, German, French, Arabic, and many more.
Areas and districts of Istanbul
Today, Istanbul is made up of 39 districts spread across its European and Asian sides - 25 in Europe and 14 in Asia. Each has its own distinct character, from historic neighbourhoods and elegant residential areas to bustling commercial centres and vibrant waterfronts. Exploring every district would take a lifetime, so here are some of the city's most interesting areas to discover.
Sultanahmet Area
The historic Sultanahmet district is home to many of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace(seat of the Islamic Caliphate), Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), the Grand Bazaar and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
Beyoglu Area
Located on the European side of Istanbul, Beyoğlu is one of the city's liveliest districts. Here you'll find iconic landmarks such as Galata Tower, İstiklal Caddesi(Avenue), Taksim Mosque and the brand new and trendy Galataport.
Wider Fatih Area
Known as the historic heart of Istanbul, the wider Fatih area is in the city centre and has some historic and famous sites including the Fatih Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, Beyazıt Square, and Eyüp Sultan Mosque.
Beşiktaş Area
One of Istanbul's oldest districts, Beşiktaş combines historic landmarks with modern shopping, dining and waterfront cafés. Highlights include the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy neighbourhood, famous for its kumpir(Turkish stuffed baked potatoes), the Painting Museum (Milli Saraylar Resim Müzesi), Zorlu Shopping Mall and Yıldız Palace and Park.
Asian side of Istanbul
The Asian side of Istanbul offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Start in Üsküdar, where you can visit Beylerbeyi Palace, Aziz Mahmut Hudaiya Mosque, Yeni Valide Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Camlica Mosque (Türkiye's Largest Mosque), Baghdad Street, Haydarpasa Railway Station and Uskudar Fisherman's Market.
Where to shop in Istanbul
Zorlu Center - Located in Beşiktaş, Zorlu Center is one of Istanbul's premier shopping destinations and has 200+ shops and 40 cafes + restaurants including many luxury and designer brand stores such as Moncler, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dior, Burberry and many more.
Istinye Park - One of Istanbul's most prestigious shopping centres, complete with an IMAX cinema and around 300 shops, including brand names such as Chanel and Dior. There are also many restaurants with cuisines and dishes from all over the world.
Kanyon Shopping Centre - This centre offers a unique approach to shopping, entertainment and retail within an extraordinary architectural shell. It features 160 stores, 9 cinemas and a fitness centre.
Mall of Istanbul - This shopping mall is home to Moipark, Türkiye’s only and Europe’s largest indoor theme park. In the Mall of Istanbul you will find familiar high street brands such as Calzedonia, Aldo, Adidas and Bershka as well as designer shops from Armani and Guess.
Forum Istanbul - One of the city's largest shopping malls, Forum Istanbul combines international brands with restaurants, entertainment and family attractions.
Zeruj Port Shopping Mall - This is the largest shopping mall of its kind for women in Istanbul for modest fashion. Here you will also find jewellery, cosmetics, bags, shoes, fabrics, household supplies, kitchen utensils and many other products. It is particularly popular with women looking for modest fashion and Islamic lifestyle products.
How to get around in Istanbul
It is easy to get around Istanbul using public transport - whether by metro, tram, boats, funicular or buses. Make sure you get an IstanbulKart as soon as you arrive, which you can get at metro stations, docks and the main bus stations. You are able to top it off at vending machines by using banknotes and coins. The Istanbulkart offers the most convenient and economical way to travel across the city's integrated public transport network. It can be purchased and topped up at metro stations, ferry terminals and many transport hubs.
To get taxis, download the BiTaksi app, available in multiple languages. The BiTaksi app is one of the easiest ways to book licensed taxis throughout Istanbul. Available in multiple languages, it allows you to estimate your fare before your journey begins.
Is halal food easy to find in Istanbul?
Absolutely. Istanbul is one of the easiest cities in the world to find halal food, with everything from traditional lokantas and kebab restaurants to fine dining and international cuisine. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and diverse influences, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Eastern European, Armenian and Georgian culinary traditions. Many restaurants also offer special menus during Ramadan.
Must-try dishes include:
Meze - Small varied plates of dishes including fava- mashed broad beans, köpoğlu- fried eggplant cubes with yoghurt and tomato sauce or muhammara - a dip made from paprika paste, walnuts, lemon juice and pomegranate molasses.
Kebap - There are many types of kebap including adana and urfa, spicy and not spicy, hand kneaded seasoned lamb grilled on a skewer, beyti- minced beef or lamb grilled on a skewer, wrapped in lavaş bread and topped with yoghurt and tomato sauce, and Şiş(skewered and grilled spiced lamb or chicken cubes).
Lahmacun - Often compared to pizza, lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat, parsley and a squeeze of lemon before being rolled and eaten.
Karnıyarık - A very common dish in Istanbul's many restaurants, is consists of whole baked aubergines stuffed with seasoned minced meat and parsley, then coated in a tomato sauce.
Kuzu Tandır - An ancient dish prepared by cooking lamb in a Tandır - a clay oven in the ground. Today, Kuzu Tandır is still traditionally made from extremely tender meat and served with Iç pilaf rice with nuts, diced liver and currants.
Is Istanbul an affordable city to visit?
Istanbul is a city known for its bargains and value for money across the board, be it food, clothing or souvenirs, especially at local souks or markets. Accommodation ranges from excellent-value boutique hotels to luxury five-star properties, with options to suit almost every budget throughout the year. As you would expect, demand for rooms is extremely high and booked many months in advance.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Istanbul can be visited throughout the year, with spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) generally offering the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. These seasons also avoid the peak summer heat and busiest holiday periods. Ramadan is another rewarding time to visit, with a unique atmosphere, special evening events and seasonal menus across the city.
Where to stay in Istanbul?
Since Istanbul is a halal-friendly city, it offers many alcohol-free hotels, as well as properties with ladies-only pools. You are spoilt for choice! Choose one of the many hotels on offer that suits your needs.
One of Halalbooking's most popular properties is the five-star Ottoman’s Life Deluxe Hotel, offering elegant Ottoman-inspired interiors, halal-friendly facilities and an excellent base for exploring the city's historic attractions.
We also recommend the following halal-friendly hotels, rated highly by Halalbooking guests:
Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer stay, Halalbooking offers a wide selection of halal-friendly accommodation across Istanbul. Browse our collection to find the perfect stay for your next visit.
Itinerary suggestion for a short city trip to Istanbul
To get the full Istanbul experience and see as much as possible, we suggest the following itinerary for a four-day trip in Türkiye's largest city:
Day 1 - Begin your first day in Sultanahmet to see the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque. From there, walk a few minutes directly opposite to the spectacular Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. After a delicious Turkish lunch, it is a short journey to the Topkapi Palace to discover the artefacts of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the grounds of the site including the Sultan’s Harem. Be sure to visit the nearby Istanbul Archaeological Museum as it houses a collection of around 1 million objects from many different civilizations and cultures. Round off your day with a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
Day 2 - Start the day by crossing Galata Bridge, the perfect link connecting Istanbul’s historic Old Town and modern New Town to the North. From there, visit Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Istanbul. After lunch, go to the world-famous Grand Bazaar, where you will be busy for the whole afternoon.
Day 3 - In the morning, head towards the Beşiktaş area and visit the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace. Afterwards, visit the Museum of Painting and Sculpture, which is just a short walk away. Then it is another short walk to visit Galata Tower. And be sure to visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque, one of the city’s most spectacular mosques. If you want to do some shopping, we recommend the Zorlu Center, where you can browse the latest fashions and have lunch in one of the many restaurants. And don’t miss the bustling market district and try some affordable local restaurants.
Day 4 - Take a Bosphorus cruise on your final day by booking a ticket for a short two-hour tour or a full six-hour tour. For the fullest experience, we recommend the longer cruise as it sits between Europe and Asia and offers a new perspective of Istanbul from the water. Begin your journey at Eminönü Dock/Galata Bridge and sail to the Princes' Islands with audio guides in your language. Lunch and light snacks are available on board. On the way back, you can get dropped off at Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower or Eminönü /Spice (Mısır) Bazaar if you want to explore further!
