It’s often said that Istanbul is where “east meets west,” as it stands at the border of Asia and Europe. But even more than a meeting point, Istanbul is a city of layers. Over thousands of years, it has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt by Roman and Byzantine empires, European crusaders, and Ottoman sultans.

Today, Istanbul draws travelers from all over the world. See remarkable architecture. Taste delightful food, from sesame-crusted simit for breakfast to baklava for dessert. Relax in a steamy Turkish bath. Just don’t forget to protect your Istanbul adventures with travel insurance.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for Turkey (Türkiye)

1. In a medical emergency, insurance can come to the rescue. Many travelers are surprised to discover that their U.S. health insurance will not cover emergency medical expenses overseas. Most providers only accept cash payment up front. Also, while Istanbul does have high-quality hospitals, not all are equipped to treat certain serious conditions.¹ That’s why it’s so important to have emergency medical insurance for travel to Türkiye that includes emergency medical benefits and emergency transportation benefits.
2. Travel insurance protects your trip investment. What happens if you have to cancel your trip to Türkiye because of a last-minute emergency? If you don’t have insurance, you could lose all the money you spent. When you have insurance that protects you in case of covered trip cancellations and trip interruptions, you can breathe easy.
3. Insurance helps you navigate travel mishaps. Travel-disrupting strikes and demonstrations are common in Türkiye,² along with other delays and hurdles. Trip delay benefits can reimburse you for eligible expenses, such as food and accommodations, during a covered delay. Plus, all Allianz Travel Insurance plans include 24-hour assistance, accessible by phone or with the Allyz® app, to help you solve travel problems.

3 of the best travel insurance plans for Turkey (Türkiye)

1. OneTrip Prime is our most popular plan for international trips, and for good reason. OneTrip Prime includes generous emergency medical benefits plus trip cancellation/interruption and all the protections you need for overseas travel. Kids 17 and under are covered for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).
2. AllTrips Premier is an annual travel insurance plan designed for people who are planning two or more trips in the next 365 days. Short or long, domestic or international—all your adventures can be protected. Choose one of four benefit levels for trip cancellation/interruption.
3. OneTrip Basic is perfect for international travelers on a budget. It includes all the essentials: up to $10,000 in emergency medical benefits, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption benefits, and more.

 See all plan options and get a quote for your next trip.

3 of the best things to do in Istanbul

1. Spend the day in the Sultanahmet District. Istanbul’s historic quarter is a delight for the senses. Inhale the scents of the Spice Market. Take in the stunning interior of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, an ancient Christian basilica that became a mosque in the 15^th Hear stories of harem life and royal intrigue at Topkapı Palace, the sprawling former residence of the sultan. When you get tired, stop for a strong Turkish coffee.
2. Experience a Turkish bath. Istanbul is home to hundreds of hamams: communal bathhouses that offer cold rooms, hot rooms, and vigorous massages. You can try a laid-back neighborhood spot or visit one of the grand historic baths, such as the 500-year-old Zeyrek Çinili Hamam.
3. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait. Going out on a boat gives you an entirely different perspective on the city. Daytime tourist cruises offer great views of Istanbul’s architecture, while evening sails feature splendid sunsets. For an all-day adventure, voyage to Büyükada, one of the nine Princes’ Islands. This car-free enclave is known for its historic Ottoman architecture.

3 of the best hotels in Istanbul

The Bank Hotel Istanbul is indeed a converted bank, which was built in 1867 in the port district of Karaköy. The hotel is known for understated luxury, with marble bathrooms, high ceilings, and a rooftop bar with water views. Best of all is the location: a short walk from the Karaköy tram and train stations and the Galata Tower.

The conventional wisdom is that you shouldn’t stay in Istanbul’s old Sultanahmet District: It’s too expensive, too touristy, and just too much. The White House Hotel proves the conventional wisdom wrong. Guests absolutely adore this boutique hotel near the Hagia Sophia. They praise the hospitable staff, the breakfast served in the roof garden, and the lovely rooms. Best of all, it’s affordable.

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to live like a royal? Wonder no more; check into the Çırağan Palace Kempinski. Yes, it is a real palace, built for a 17^th-century sultan on the banks of the Bosphorus. The enormous, airy Palace Suites occupy the historic part of the hotel, and even the modern rooms have touches of Ottoman glamour.

3 of the best restaurants in Istanbul

Few restaurants in Istanbul are owned by women. One famous exception is Giritli, a meyhane (tavern) in a historic Ottoman mansion that’s the creation of chef Ayse Sensilay.³ Giritli serves Cretan meze and main dishes, emphasizing seafood. Time Out recommends the “girit mezesi, a cheese spread packed with green olives, goat cheese, garlic, walnuts, dried herbs and olive oil, and çiğ balık, thinly-sliced raw fish cooked in salt and lemon.”⁴

For fine dining, try TURK Fatih Tutak, which has earned two Michelin stars for Chef Fatih Tutak’s modern takes on traditional Turkish dishes. “Part of his originality lies in his nuanced use of delicate acidity and smoky flavours. Think grilled lamb with a sumptuous fermented vegetable jus or confit mackerel with the tang of kaffir lime,” the Michelin Guide raves.⁵ Diners move through the restaurant as their meal progresses, from lounge to dining room to the kitchen.

Don’t leave Türkiye without experiencing an ocakbaşı. Meaning “by the fireside,” this is a Turkish barbecue restaurant with a big charcoal grill in the center of the room, surrounded by tables. One of Istanbul’s most popular ocakbaşı spots is Zübeyir Ocakbaşı, where you can get savory kebabs, wings, and ribs, as well as delicious salads and vegetarian dishes.

Related Articles

• Destination Guide: Kerala
• Destination Guide: Sicily
• Destination Guide: Munich