Cheap city break Istanbul
Istanbul straddles two continents: the European side with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Asian side with quiet teahouses and vibrant markets. Flights from Schiphol direct in 3.5 hours, return from approx. €100. Four days including accommodation from approx. €420 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Istanbul →When is the best time to go?
April to June and September to October: 18-25 degrees, perfect temperature for walking. July and August are 30+ and very busy. Winter is cheap, sometimes rain or snow.
The best neighborhoods in Istanbul
- Sultanahmet Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı, a must for your first visit.
- Beyoğlu On the west side of the Golden Horn, modern, hip.
- Karaköy Coffee scene, design boutiques, best viewpoints.
- Kadıköy Asian side, local, best markets.
- Balat Colourful neighborhood with antique shops and Insta-worthy facades.
Top 5 things to do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque Both free, best visited before 9am or after 5pm.
- Topkapı Palace Ottoman sultan's palace, €25, with harem €30.
- Grand Bazaar 4000 shops, free, haggling required.
- Bosphorus ferry €2 local ferry Eminönü to Üsküdar.
- Hammam at Çemberlitaş Authentic Turkish bath, €40.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Schiphol, Turkish Airlines flies daily direct to Istanbul Airport (IST) in 3 hours 30 minutes. KLM flies several times a week. Return tickets from approx. €100 when booked early. The Havaist bus takes about 90 minutes to the city centre (approx. €5 per journey). Alternative: metro M11 to Gayrettepe or a taxi (fixed fare approx. €20 to Sultanahmet).
What costs a trip to Istanbul?
Hostels from €15, mid-range hotels €50 to 90, vacation rentals €60 per night. Food: kebab €5, lunch €8, dinner €15 to 25, çay (tea) €0.50.
Comparable destinations
Find Istanbul interesting? Check out these cities in the same region:
Plan better with these guides
Practical tips to get more travel value from the same budget:
Frequently asked questions about Istanbul
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April to June and September to October: 18-25 degrees, perfect temperature for walking.
Which neighborhood is best to stay in Istanbul?
Sultanahmet is a good first choice: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı, a must for your first visit.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Istanbul?
Direct from Schiphol to Istanbul (IST) in 3 hours 30 minutes.
What costs a trip to Istanbul?
Hostels from €15, mid-range hotels €50 to 90, vacation rentals €60 per night.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Istanbul?
Hotels, vacation rentals and hostels in Istanbul on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
Interactive map from our partner Stay22. Loads only when you click. If you book through a partner we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.