Visiting Istanbul in October: Everything You Need to Know

Straddling both Europe and Asia and divided by the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is where East meets West. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the city boasts an exceptional historical heritage.

With its mild October weather, Istanbul is an ideal destination for a cultural and gourmet getaway, away from the intense heat of summer.

 

Key Takeaways

• Istanbul blends Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, offering a rich historical and cultural legacy at every turn.
• In October, mild temperatures (15–22 °C) make it perfect for exploring on foot, with cooler evenings and the possibility of occasional showers.
• Turkish cuisine delights with mezze, kebabs, böreks, lahmacun, lokum and other specialities, available everywhere from street food stalls to elegant rooftop restaurants.
• Must-sees include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, the Archaeological Museum, and the Great Palace Mosaics.
• For a week’s stay, plan a budget of around 8,200 TRY (economy) to 41,000 TRY (high-end), covering accommodation, meals, transport and sightseeing.

 

Autumn is arguably the best season to discover Istanbul. Temperatures typically range from 15 to 22 °C, offering mild, sunny days ideal for walking tours and breathtaking Bosphorus sunsets.

Pack light, long-sleeved clothing for the daytime and a few jumpers or cardigans for evenings, when temperatures can drop to around 12 °C. A jacket or light raincoat is handy for the occasional shower.
A scarf is also useful both for cooler evenings and for covering shoulders or head when entering certain mosques.

Food lovers will be in heaven in Istanbul, with its wealth of flavourful dishes:

• Meze – Small sharing plates served as starters or for a light meal, including hummus, grilled aubergines, stuffed vine leaves and yoghurt-cucumber salads.

• Kebab – A Turkish classic, whether in skewered form or shaved from a vertical spit and served in soft pita bread. Best enjoyed with a glass of ayran, a refreshing salted yoghurt drink.

• Balık Ekmek – A grilled mackerel sandwich served with salad and onions in soft bread. Look for it along the quays of Eminönü, near Galata Bridge, and at Istanbul’s famous boat-restaurants.

• Börek – A flaky pastry made with yufka dough and filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat.

• Köfte – Flavourful meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices.

• Lahmacun – A thin flatbread topped with minced meat, tomatoes, onions and herbs, rolled up with lemon and parsley for a quick, affordable snack.

• Lokum (Turkish Delight) – Soft, chewy cubes of sugar and starch, often flavoured with rose, lemon or pistachio. Pair with a strong Türk kahvesi for the ultimate Turkish treat.

You can discover the full richness of Turkish cuisine in numerous restaurants:

• Lion Balık Dürüm – Located in Karaköy near the waterfront, this relaxed spot serves fresh fish wraps in a laid-back setting.

• Fine Dine İstanbul – In Sultanahmet, offering panoramic views of the Old City and a menu inspired by classic Turkish and Ottoman palace dishes.

• Beso Rooftop – A stylish rooftop venue perfect for a romantic dinner. Advance booking recommended.

• Mikla – A renowned fine-dining restaurant with spectacular views of Istanbul from the rooftop of The Marmara Pera Hotel. Reservations are essential.

A city steeped in history, Istanbul is brimming with museums and cultural landmarks that you simply cannot miss.

• Hagia Sophia – Once a Byzantine basilica and now a functioning mosque, this iconic monument is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Its monumental dome, dazzling golden mosaics and immense Islamic calligraphy make it an absolute must-see.

• Topkapi Palace – The former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Explore the Imperial Treasury, home to the legendary Sultan’s diamond, and wander through the harem and elegant pavilions overlooking the Bosphorus.

• Istanbul Archaeological Museum – Comprising three buildings and housing over a million fascinating artefacts, this museum showcases treasures such as Alexander the Great’s sarcophagus, the riches of Troy and exquisite Greco-Roman sculptures.

• Great Palace Mosaic Museum – Here you can admire the remains of vast Byzantine mosaics uncovered beneath a former imperial palace.

• Galata Tower – Climb to the top for a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city, stretching from the Bosphorus to the Golden Horn. Visit at sunset for unforgettable photos.

Istanbul remains an excellent value destination, though high-end options are also plentiful. The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange your money before travelling to secure the best rates and avoid unnecessary fees.

• Accommodation

  • Budget hostels or simple Airbnbs: around 500–900 TRY per night.

  • Mid-range hotels (3–4 stars) in popular tourist areas: around 1,200–2,000 TRY per night.

  • Luxury hotels (5 stars) with Bosphorus views: around 3,000–6,000 TRY per night.

• Local Transport

  • The Istanbulkart is the most cost-effective way to travel on metro, tram, buses and ferries. The card itself costs about 20 TRY, with each trip priced around 17–20 TRY.

  • Taxis generally start at 25 TRY plus around 18 TRY per kilometre. Use the BiTaksi app to find licensed drivers.

• Food & Dining

  • Street food meals: roughly 50–150 TRY each.

  • Mid-range restaurant meals: around 200–400 TRY.

  • Upscale dining: around 800–1,500 TRY per meal.

• Activities & Museums

  • Museum entry fees typically range from 350–750 TRY.

  • A Bosphorus cruise costs around 50–150 TRY, depending on duration.

  • The Istanbul Museum Pass offers excellent value at 2,500 TRY for 5 days, giving access to multiple paid sites and paying for itself after 3–4 major visits.

For a one-week trip, plan on spending roughly 8,200 TRY for a budget stay, around 18,000 TRY for mid-range comfort, or 41,000 TRY and up for a luxury experience.