Trip Planner

Great! Istanbul is a beautiful city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. Here's a plan for your trip based on your preferences and budget: Transportation: The cheapest option for transportation would be to book a round-trip flight from London to Istanbul. Several airlines operate flights between these two cities. As of now, the average cost of a round-trip ticket is around $300. You can use a flight aggregator website such as Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best deals on flights. Accommodation: There are many options for accommodation in Istanbul, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Based on your budget, I recommend staying in a 3-star hotel, which can cost you around $40-$60 per night. Some good options for hotels in Istanbul include the Istanbul Central Hotel and Hotel Momento. Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended for any international trip. You can purchase travel insurance from various providers such as Allianz or World Nomads. The cost of travel insurance depends on the level of coverage you require and the length of your trip. Tours and Activities: Istanbul is a city full of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and delicious food. Here are some must-visit places and activities that you can consider: Hagia Sophia - an iconic landmark that was originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum. Entrance fee is $14. Blue Mosque - a beautiful mosque with six minarets and a unique blue interior. Admission is free. Topkapi Palace - a palace that was once the residence of Ottoman sultans, now a museum. Entrance fee is $12. Grand Bazaar - one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops. Free to enter, but shopping costs extra. Bosphorus Cruise - a relaxing boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, offering stunning views of the city's skyline. Prices vary depending on the tour operator. Turkish Bath - a traditional Turkish spa experience that includes a steam bath, massage, and scrub. Prices vary depending on the spa. Budget: Based on the above recommendations, the estimated budget for your trip to Istanbul would be: Flight: $300 (round trip) Accommodation: $560 (9 nights) Insurance: $100 Tours and Activities: $200 Food and Miscellaneous: $450 (estimated $50 per day) Total: $1610 Money Saving Tips: Avoid dining in touristy areas and opt for local restaurants. Consider using public transportation, such as buses or trams, instead of taxis. Book tours and activities in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Negotiate prices at markets and bazaars. Visit museums on certain days of the week when admission is free or discounted. Additional Relevant Info: The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY), and the exchange rate as of March 2023 is around 8.5 TRY for $1 USD. It is important to note that April is peak travel season in Istanbul, so it's recommended to book accommodations and tours in advance to ensure availability and avoid price hikes. In terms of getting around the city, Istanbul has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and the metro. A single ride costs 5 TRY ($0.60 USD), and you can also purchase an Istanbulkart for multiple rides, which offers a discounted fare of 2.60 TRY ($0.30 USD) per ride. Istanbul is a Muslim country, so it's recommended to dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites. English is widely spoken in Istanbul, so language barriers shouldn't be an issue. Directions: Istanbul has two international airports: Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Both airports are located outside of the city center, but there are several transportation options available to get to your accommodation, including taxis, private shuttles, and public transportation. It's recommended to confirm the transportation options and costs with your hotel or tour operator in advance. Istanbul is a large city, so it's recommended to use a map or GPS to navigate. Many tourist sites are located in the historic district of Sultanahmet, while other popular neighborhoods include Taksim and Beyoglu. Related Links: Skyscanner (flight aggregator): https://www.skyscanner.com/ Istanbul Central Hotel: https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/istanbul-central.en-gb.html Hotel Momento: https://www.hotelmomento.com/ Allianz Travel Insurance: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ World Nomads Travel Insurance: https://www.worldnomads.com/ Istanbul Tourist Pass (includes admission to many attractions and discounts on tours): https://istanbultouristpass.com/ Istanbulkart (public transportation card): https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/en Grand Bazaar: https://grandbazaaristanbul.org/ Hagia Sophia: https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya-muzesi Topkapi Palace: https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/topkapi-palace-museum Blue Mosque: https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/sultanahmet-camii Bosphorus Cruise: https://www.bosphorustour.com/