Istanbul is where East meets West, straddling two continents across the Bosphorus strait. This mesmerizing city offers 2,500 years of history, from Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques to bustling bazaars and modern rooftop bars.
What to Do in a Day in Istanbul
Start at Sultanahmet Square to visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, two of the world's most magnificent buildings just steps apart. Walk to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world, for spices, ceramics and Turkish delight. Take a Bosphorus ferry for stunning views of the city's skyline. If time permits, visit Topkapi Palace or enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in the Sultanahmet district.
The tours below are not organized by the cruise lines. Bookings are made directly with GetYourGuide and you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. If you prefer the cruise line's guarantee, contact our travel advisors after booking.
Cruise Port Address
Istanbul Airports (IST & SAW)
IST (Istanbul Airport) is about 40 km from Galataport — taxi takes 40–50 min and costs ~€50–65. By public transit, take the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, change to M2 + F1 funicular, then the T1 tram to Tophane (~70–90 min). SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) is on the Asian side, ~50 km away — about 1 hr by HAVABUS coach or taxi.
City Centre (Sultanahmet)
Galataport is already in the historic centre — Galata Tower is a 15–20 min walk uphill. Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque) is about 3.5 km away — ride the T1 tram from Tophane (right by the terminal) for about 10 min (~₺25 / ~€0.70), or walk ~50 min across the Galata Bridge.
Istanbul Weather by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High °C | 9° | 9° | 12° | 17° | 22° | 27° | 29° | 29° | 26° | 20° | 15° | 11° |
| Rainfall mm | 🌦️ 99 mm | 🌦️ 72 mm | 🌦️ 66 mm | 🌤️ 45 mm | 🌤️ 35 mm | 🌤️ 22 mm | ☀️ 15 mm | ☀️ 14 mm | 🌤️ 42 mm | 🌦️ 76 mm | 🌦️ 92 mm | 🌧️ 116 mm |
Available cruises
MSC Orchestra7 days Mediterranean
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
9 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
MSC Orchestra7 days Mediterranean
Istanbul, Turkey
18 Nov 2026 - 25 Nov 2026
MSC Lirica7 days Mediterranean
Istanbul, Turkey
13 Jan 2027 - 20 Jan 2027
MSC Lirica7 days Mediterranean
Bari, Italy
9 Jan 2027 - 16 Jan 2027
MSC Orchestra7 days Mediterranean
Bari, Italy
28 Nov 2026 - 5 Dec 2026
MSC Lirica7 days Mediterranean
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
11 Jan 2027 - 18 Jan 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and other lines offer organized excursions in Istanbul. Popular options include Sultanahmet walking tours, Bosphorus cruises, and combined city and bazaar tours with a local guide.
Ships typically dock for 10–14 hours, and many itineraries include an overnight stay, giving you even more time to explore this vast city.
Istanbul is very walkable around the main tourist area of Sultanahmet, and the tram system is easy to use. Independent exploration works well, though organized excursions help you navigate the city's sprawl and skip ticket queues at popular sites.