Flights from Karachi to Istanbul

Istanbul, the heart of Turkey

The cultural and economic heart of Turkey, as well as the country's largest city, is Istanbul. Designated a European Capital of Culture and a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site for parts of the historical centre, Istanbul has a natural harbour and lies in northwest Turkey on the Bosphorus Strait, between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara

Best time to head to Istanbul

May to October is the best time period for visiting, and if you like holiday and festival times, Turkey's national annual holiday, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, is held on May 19th, celebrating the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence in 1919. On 29th October Republic Day commemorates the declaration of the republic in 1923. Dates vary for the Eid Al-Fitr festival celebrating the end of Ramadan, but it is held on the first day of the Islamic calendar's tenth month.

Tips and facts before going to Istanbul

British nationals must have a visa which is obtainable online. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your entry date into Turkey. It is recommended that you have diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhus vaccinations.

When you go shopping in the markets, such as the Egyptian Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar, be aware that goods are usually overpriced and it's traditional to haggle. Istanbul is a fast food paradise with snacks starting at about 2 TRY and kebabs being around 8 TRY. A beer costs approximately 6 TRY. Fish is expensive. It's worth visiting the car-free Prince Islands where only horse-drawn carriages are authorised.
Istanbul's summer time zone is East European Summer Time, in Winter this changes to EET. 

Istanbul local info

HAVATAS and IETT shuttle buses leave from floor -2 and go to central Istanbul for the price of around 50 TRY. Taxi fares amount to 200 TRY or so. Plan at least 40 minutes for the journey.

There's a wide choice of accommodation in the Eminönü district (near the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar) and the Beyoğlu district (near Taksim Square and İstiklâl Caddesi). A night in a hostel or guesthouse costs from around 30 TRY.

For getting around in Istanbul, there's a cheap and good transport network of metro, minibus, tram, metrobus, bus and ferry. You can buy a rechargeable Istanbulkart covering all public transport. Taxis cost less than in the UK, but are more expensive than public transport.