Book cheap flights to Istanbul

Istanbul is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and comfortable, crowds are manageable, and the city is at its most beautiful. Summer (mid-June to mid-September) brings soaring temperatures, peak tourist numbers, and higher accommodation rates — but also a buzzing atmosphere, rooftop terraces in full swing, and the spectacular Istanbul Jazz Festival in July. The Bosphorus is particularly beautiful in summer when boat life is at its peak. Winter (November to February) is the quietest and most affordable season. While temperatures drop and occasional rain is possible, the city is far less crowded, hotel rates fall significantly, and Istanbul’s café culture and hammam scene make it a wonderfully atmospheric winter destination. Experiencing Ramadan in Istanbul — dates vary annually — is a uniquely special time, with the city coming alive after dark with communal iftar meals and a festive spirit. For the cheapest flights to Istanbul, the low season of November to March offers the best value.

South African passport holders require a visa to visit Turkey. The most convenient option is the Turkish e-Visa, which can be applied for online before departure at the official Turkish government e-Visa portal: www.evisa.gov.tr. The e-Visa is typically processed within minutes to a few hours, but it is strongly recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure date to allow for any delays.

The e-Visa for South Africans is generally issued as a single or multiple-entry visa valid for 180 days, allowing stays of up to 30 days per entry. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date.

For more information or if applying for a different visa category (work, study, or long stay), contact the Embassy of Turkey in South Africa:

Address: 1067 Stanza Bopape Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0083

Tel: ( 27) 12 342 6056

No specific vaccinations are required to enter Turkey. However, the following are recommended before travelling to Istanbul: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies. Routine vaccinations including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza should be up to date. There is no malaria risk in Istanbul or the western regions of Turkey.

Turkey has excellent private hospitals and medical facilities, particularly in Istanbul — private healthcare is of a high standard and widely accessible. EU health coverage does not apply to South African travellers, so comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency treatment is strongly recommended. Carry any chronic medication in its original, clearly labelled packaging along with a doctor’s prescription.

Istanbul is generally a safe city for tourists, though standard precautions apply. Bag-snatching and pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas such as the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, and Istiklal Avenue — keep valuables secure and be particularly alert in crowded spaces. Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps such as BiTaksi or Uber (both operate in Istanbul) rather than hailing unknown taxis, and always ensure the meter is running. Some taxi drivers have limited English — ask your hotel to write your destination in Turkish on a card to avoid confusion.

Istanbul offers accommodation across two continents and dozens of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character and proximity to different attractions.

Sultanahmet is the historic heart of the city and ideal for first-time visitors — steps from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. The neighbourhood is packed with boutique hotels, many housed in beautifully restored Ottoman buildings. Beyoğlu and the area around Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue offer a more contemporary Istanbul experience — close to rooftop bars, galleries, and the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. Well-regarded hotels in this area include the Pera Palace Hotel, a legendary Istanbul institution. For stunning Bosphorus views, hotels along the waterfront in Beşiktaş and Ortaköy offer some of the most spectacular settings in the city.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Istanbul at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Istanbul has an extensive and well-integrated public transport system covering both the European and Asian sides of the city. The easiest way to navigate it is with an Istanbulkart — a rechargeable transport card available at kiosks throughout the city that works across metro lines, trams, buses, and ferries, and offers a significantly cheaper fare than single tickets.

The tram (particularly the T1 line) is the most useful for tourists, connecting Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Karaköy. The metro is fast and efficient for longer distances. The Bosphorus ferry network is not only practical for crossing between the European and Asian sides — it is one of Istanbul’s great travel experiences, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and waterfront.

For taxis, BiTaksi and Uber both operate in Istanbul and are the safest and most transparent options — always ensure the meter is running if using a street taxi. If you plan to explore beyond Istanbul — Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, or Bursa — search, compare, and book a car hire in Istanbul at Travelstart. Note that driving within central Istanbul is not recommended due to heavy traffic and complex road systems.