It’s exciting to plan a trip from India to Istanbul because the city has the perfect mix of history, culture, shopping, food, and beautiful scenery. Indian travellers find Istanbul to be both familiar and strange, as it is situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. If you plan your trip well, it can go smoothly, be enjoyable, and provide good value for your money.
- Pick the Best Time to Go
April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Istanbul because the weather is nice and perfect for sightseeing. Summers can be hot and busy, but winters are cold and magical, especially if you like fewer tourists and a festive atmosphere.
- What Indians need to get a visa
People with Indian passports need a tourist visa to go to Turkey. If you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can get an e-visa. If not, you can get a sticker visa from the Turkish embassy or an official visa centre. Apply well in advance to avoid stress at the last minute.
- Flights from India to Istanbul
There are direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai, two of India’s biggest cities, to Istanbul. Sometimes, flights that go through the Middle East or Europe are cheaper. To get the best deals, compare prices early and think about changing your travel dates.
- Where to Stay in Istanbul
There are places to stay in Istanbul that fit every budget. Sultanahmet is a great place for first-time visitors because it is close to many of the city’s main attractions. Taksim and Beyoğlu are great places to go out at night, shop, and hang out in modern cafes. Budget travellers can stay in comfortable hostels, while luxury travellers can stay in hotels with views of the Bosphorus.
- Best Places to See
Don’t miss famous sites like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. A Bosphorus cruise is a great way to see the whole city.
- Indian Travellers’ Food and Dining
Turkish food is full of flavour and variety. There are many vegetarian options, such as mezze, lentil soup, pide, and desserts like baklava. There are also Indian restaurants in popular tourist spots, which makes it easy and comfortable to choose what to eat.
- Transportation and connections in the area
There are great public transport options in Istanbul, like the metro, trams, ferries, and buses. Get an Istanbulkart to make travelling easier. You can also learn about historic neighbourhoods by walking around.
- Daily and Monthly Costs
Istanbul is not as expensive as many other cities in Europe. Make a plan for how much money you can spend each day on food, transportation, tickets, and shopping. It’s a good idea to have some cash in Turkish Lira on hand, even though cards are widely accepted.
Last Tip
Make a plan for your trip ahead of time, but leave some time to explore. You should take your time exploring Istanbul’s streets, cafes, bazaars, and waterfront views.
If you plan ahead, the trip from India to Istanbul can go smoothly and be very rewarding. Istanbul promises a trip you’ll never forget, from its ancient history to its modern charm. ✈️🇹🇷