Istanbul Guidebook

Rick Steves Istanbul is a personal tour guide in your pocket. Better yet, it's actually two tour guides in your pocket: The authors of this book have been guiding Rick Steves tours in Turkey for more than a decade. As Turkish natives and residents of Istanbul, Lale and Tankut give you an insightful, knowledgeable look at this exciting and complex destination, including:

Practicalities

• Easy-to-follow maps (including color maps of Istanbul's Old Town, New District, and transit system)​
• Trip planning: When to go and pre-trip checklist
• Getting around Istanbul by metro, tram, boat, bus, and taxi
• Advice on planning your time and avoiding lines
• Detailed advice on managing money, communicating, reserving rooms, handling emergencies, and other helpful hints

Recommended sights and activities

Recommended hotels and restaurants

Self-guided walks and tours

• Historic Core
• Old Town Back Streets
• Karaköy & the Golden Horn
• New District
• City Walls and Neighborhoods
• Bosphorus Cruise
• Asian Istanbul

Self-guided tours

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapı Palace
• Grand Bazaar
• Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent
• Chora Church

Beyond Istanbul

• Ephesus
• Cappadocia

And more

• Istanbul's history, culture, and cuisine
• Shopping and entertainment
• Unique Istanbul experiences (including Turkish baths)
• Extra chapter on understanding Islam and Turkish religious traditions
• Handy Turkish survival phrases