The Complete Istanbul Guide for Couples: Where to Stay & Things to Do

Whether it was the hot air balloon photos of Cappadocia that caught your eye, or the stunning architecture and busy markets of Istanbul, you can't overlook Turkey (officially Türkiye) as the ideal honeymoon location. If you're looking to plan your honeymoon or a couples trip to Istanbul, the region is full of incredible food, amazing markets like the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar, beautiful mosques and architecture. From tasting Turkish Delight in this transcontinental city to exploring the region's therapeutic traditional baths, here are some of our suggestions for visiting Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul Travel Tips in this Article:

• The Best Times to Visit Istanbul, Turkey
• Istanbul Tourism Tips for Couples
• Things to Do in Istanbul
• Day Trips from Istanbul and Overnight Excursions to Book in
• Is Istanbul Good for Honeymoons & Romantic Vacations?
• The Best Hotels in Istanbul
• What to Pack for an Istanbul Trip

The Best Times to Visit Istanbul, Turkey

When it comes to the best time to visit Türkiye, it depends on the weather you're looking for and the activities you want to do. The country has a pretty mild climate throughout the year, with high temperatures in July and August, and cooler temperatures in January and February. For the best weather, plan to visit April through June and September through October—but even if you end up making the trek in February, there should be plenty of sunny days ahead of you… they'll just be a little colder. (Like 40 degrees.)

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Istanbul Tourism Tips for Couples

A flight from New York to Turkey is over nine hours, so you might want to consider splurging on a business class ticket. (Hey, it's your honeymoon!) Companies like Turkish Airlines has packages like the Istanbul Stopover Service, which offers flyers who book extended layovers a free two-night stay at a four-star property for economy class traveler, and a three-night stay in a five-star hotel for business class passengers. In addition to lounge access and other perks, you'll be able to lay down and relax, getting a decent night's sleep on the flight. That way, you'll arrive well-rested for your honeymoon abroad.

Istanbul runs on GMT plus 3 hours and uses Turkish Lira, (about ~19 Turkish Lira to every $1 USD). If you're wondering if Istanbul is safe for tourists, it's considered an acceptable vacation destination according to the US department of foreign affairs, though—just like anywhere—you need to be aware of your surroundings and exercise common sense in crowds or when confronted with financial requests.

Things to Do in Istanbul

When you're planning your trip, looking for romantic things to do in Istanbul for your couples honeymoon, or simply considering a fun couples trip, there's a lot of different activities to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites!

Karakoy and Street Food Tour

Although it's called a street food tour, it's more about exploring the neighborhood and locally owned shops. During the tour, you'll visit places like Karakoy Galata Simitçisi (Turkish Bagel), Arıoğulları Petek Turşuları (Pickle Store), Tunç Balık (Seafood Restaurant), Üç Yıldız Şekerleme (Local Candy Store), Dürümzade (Turkish Wrap), and Mandabatmaz Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee).

Mürver Restaurant

Check out Mürver Restaurant to eat a Michelin-level meal from star chef Mevlüt Özkaya. His concept of "live fire cooking" is a natural way to add smokiness to the roasted meats and seafoods, and uses old-school methods and recipes adopted from his Turkish grandmother. The meal is a special experience, with perfectly cooked lamb shoulder, fresh octopus, and beautiful traditional desserts like baklava from the pastry chef.

Experience a Turkish Bath

When staying at the NG Sapanca, there's a modern version of a Turkish Bath. You can wear your swimsuit, but they prefer the women to go topless for the treatments, with a thin towel to use for discretion. You'll lay down on the marble slab, where you'll then be scrubbed from head to toe with an invigorating mixture of herbs and exfoliants, leaving your skin exfoliated and smooth. If you get the complete package (around $55), you'll move on to the foam massage, where they cover you in bubbles and massage your entire body. Complete the experience by adding a deep tissue massage to the package to work out any sore muscles left over from your long flight.

Dinner at Araka

Dinner at the Araka, a Michelin star restaurant in Istanbul, has an intimate setting and romantic ambience where guests can relax and share one of the best meals they'll have in the city. The experience starts with freshly-baked bread with salty anchovy butter and parsley oil, followed by dishes to share like freshly-caught squid, paprika-rubbed fish, and ample Greek salads.

The Grand Bazaar and The Spice Market

The Grand Bazaar is truly an experience. The Bazaar has everything from designer items and souvenirs to locally-made goods (like Turkish Delight!) and hand-woven scarves. A quick stroll away is the city's famous Spice Market, home to famed saffron stalls and tea mills that carry herbal remedies and seasonings from all over Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Take a day trip from Istanbul

Take a beach day in Sakara, located along the Black Sea. Enjoy some wellness activities like morning yoga, spa treatments, walks around the lake, and Turkish bath treatments at many of the seaside resorts. For walks along the ancient Ottoman ruins, check out Antalya in the southwestern part of Türkiye and hike the Lycian Way, a scenic, lengthy trail that wraps around a section of the coast of Lycia. There's also Bodrum, a former ancient villa with access to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. And if you're a history or literature nerd, book a tour of the Dardanelles to see ruins from the legendary city of Troy, the famed mythological hotbed for The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Visit the mosques in Istanbul

Explore the city by foot to discover beautiful mosques and sites throughout the historical Istanbul neighborhoods. To start, visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, assembled to be an Eastern Orthodox church all the way back in 360 A.D. (It was a "working" church until 1453.) The Blue Mosque (a.k.a. the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul is another that can't be missed thanks to its intricate mosaic work in the style of the Ottoman empire. Keep in mind, these are historic and religious sites, so proper dress (including head coverings for women, and a removal of shoes at the door) may be required. Check the dress code before visiting any religious site, and refrain from taking photographs or shooting social media footage until you're given permission by the guides.

Day Trips from Istanbul and Overnight Excursions to Book in Turkey

Sakarya

Sakarya, a Turkish province near the Black Sea, is a great way to escape the city after a few days exploring Istanbul. It's much calmer, and a little bit off the beaten path, well-known for Sapanca Lake. The fishing and boating scene is strong here, but keep in mind that the region is more conservative, so don't expect to find many bars—and do pack headscarves if you plan on visiting the local market.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is stunning and famous for its hot air balloons. There are beautiful rock formations and historical sites to explore while in the city, but what draws people to Cappadocia is the unbelievable weather, making it perfect for first-timers to experience the serene magic of a balloon ride. (If you're more comfortable with your feet on the ground, you can also just watch!)

Bodrum

This city is packed with entertainment and surrounded by strikingly blue water. Explore the local neighborhoods, in addition to the architecture and historical landmarks, in between spending time by the Mediterranean Sea.

Bodrum

Santorini and Mykonos may get all the Instagram love, but Bodrum has the same blue skies, azure waters, white-walled villas, and yacht parties without the crowds and price surges that come from online hype. A mix of traditional craft villages, seaside resorts, and inventive ocean-adjacent cocktail bars, this port city is packed with a mix of cultural heritage, historic landmarks, splashy beach clubs, and laid-back seafood restaurants right on the beach.

Antalya

Explore Antalya and the famous Lycian Way, a coastline road with historical sites and a bustling harbor. Stay overnight at the Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort, Belek to experience the bars right on site, 8 restaurants which includes Palazzo Lounge with gorgeous views from the private pier, and water activities like Antalya's largest waterpark with seven waterslides. There are a variety of options when it comes to the rooms, from villas like the Palazzo Mansions to swim-up suites. When guests decide to splurge on the mansions, they have their own fitness and yoga studios, with professional coaches and therapists, along with private heated pools and exclusive beachside access.

Is Istanbul Good for Honeymoons & Romantic Vacations?

If you're looking for something other than a normal beach honeymoon, but still a romantic vacation, an Istanbul honeymoon should be at the top of your list with the city offering a little of everything.

Pros of a Istanbul Honeymoon or Romantic Getaway

Istanbul is filled with art, culture, history, and incredible food throughout the city. The city of Istanbul spans across two continents, Europe and Asia, with each side offering their own markets and activities.

Cons of a Istanbul Honeymoon or Romantic Getaway

Big city trips aren't always the most relaxing option for a honeymoon, although unlike some cities, Istanbul does offer proximity to beaches. You also need to think about things like applying for a Visa, which is an added cost (but very simple to do online) and having plenty of cash for tips. The Visa process is easy and fast and can be done online for about $50. Istanbul is also located in a more culturally conservative nation, and so extra precautions should be taken to ensure safety and respect.

The Best Hotels in Istanbul

NG Sapanca

NG Sapanca is a fantastic option for an elegant stay. They offer plenty of amenities like workout classes, a buffet, a gorgeous spa with a Turkish Bath right in the building, and three indoor pools (in addition to an outdoor pool during the summer season). Sign up for treatments like a foam massage or a scrub in the Turkish bath before relaxing by the pool or grabbing dinner, trying a little of everything from a selection of Turkish desserts and roasted kabobs and seafood specialties at the hotel's buffet.

The Marmara Pera

The Marmara Pera Hotel is in a great location in Istanbul. With modest, comfortable rooms, it provides what you need after a day of exploration. They also have a delicious breakfast bar available each day with plenty of simits (traditional bread), pastries, olives, meat, cheese, eggs, fruit, and more.

Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus

Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, has modern rooms with an amazing restaurant attached right to the property called Mürver Restaurant. Just a short distance from the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market, this hotel is located on the European side of the city.

What to Pack for an Istanbul Trip

Be sure to keep in mind when packing for Istanbul that it's best to pack clothing that covers your body and is pretty conservative, especially if visiting any religious sites. The rest of your outfits depend on the time of year you plan to visit. If you're visiting in the summer, you'll want plenty of T-shirts, breathable pants, sunscreen, and walking shoes. In the winter, be sure to have a coat, a hat, gloves, walking shoes, and plenty of warm socks.