Istanbul Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Dec 2023

The classic east-meets-west destination, Istanbul is absolutely one of the world’s most interesting and most historic cities. Famous divided by the Bosphorous Straight, Istanbul has a huge section in Asia and a smaller and more important section in Europe.

Istanbul City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Istanbul

Population 12,800,000
Area 12,800,000
Timezone UTC+2
Currency Turkish lira
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$59.54
1 USD = 32.3000 TRY
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Istanbul

Istanbul Hotel Seasons

Istanbul Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar33.70 - 45.65
starstarstarstarstar56.52 - 146.74
starstarstarstarstar76.09 - 367.39
starstarstarstarstar130.43 - 420.65
starstarstarstarstar208.70 - 706.52

Istanbul Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed25.00 - 38.04

Istanbul Attractions Prices

Best tours in Istanbul

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Hagia SophiaThis 6th century temple is the city's most famous attraction. It's now a mosque again, and free to enter.
adults
0.00
Museum of ArcheologyThis popular museum is a look into the numerous ancient specimens in the region.
adults
10.53
Topkapi PalaceThis wonderfully decorated Ottoman palace is a top draw.
adults
23.22

Istanbul Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastYour hotel will likely include breakfast, but if it doesn't you'll have many options of local favorites nearby.3.72 - 7.43
Budget lunchSandwiches and other Mediterranean dishes are usually good bargains in local shops.4.95 - 9.29
Budget dinnerAvoiding the most touristy places should find you with high quality at reasonable prices.6.50 - 10.84
Beer (pint)Restaurants and local pubs will be cheaper than night clubs for beer in Istanbul.4.95 - 7.12

Istanbul Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center6.04 - 7.12
Express bus from airport to city center2.17 - 3.16
3km taxi ride in Istanbul1.08 - 1.70
Metro ride in Istanbul0.46
Tram ride in Istanbul0.46

Getting to Istanbul

Getting around Istanbul

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When to visit Istanbul

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January48373.4
February48372.8
March52392.5
April62461.8
May71541.3
June79611.0
July83650.9
August83660.9
September77601.7
October68542.8
November60473.3
December52424.2

Istanbul Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:06am6:17pm
21 Jun5:32am8:40pm
21 Sep6:50am7:04pm
21 Dec7:26am4:39pm

Where to go before and after