Cruise AtlasWorld cruise atlas
View of Istanbul
Photo: Hunanuk · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
View Mediterranean on the mapHistoric metropolis where Europe and Asia meet

Istanbul

Istanbul · Turkey · 41.03, 28.98

A historic city spanning Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus. It flourished as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and its World Heritage historic district includes Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Shopping at the Grand Bazaar and Bosphorus cruises are classic activities. This vibrant metropolis where Eastern and Western civilizations meet offers seemingly endless attractions.

Port highlights

About 15 million
Population
A Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cool and rainy.
Climate
Turkish
Language
Turkish lira (TRY).
Currency
April to June and September to October (spring and autumn)
Best time to visit
Local food

Kebab, meze, Turkish cuisine, baklava, and Turkish coffee

Sights
Hagia SophiaBlue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)Topkapi PalaceGrand Bazaar
Monthly average high / low temperatures
9°
4°Jan
9°
3°Feb
11°
5°Mar
16°
9°Apr
21°
13°May
26°
17°Jun
29°
20°Jul
29°
20°Aug
25°
16°Sep
20°
13°Oct
15°
8°Nov
10°
5°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2006 · Station: ISTANBUL · about 10.7 km from port · Approximate (limited observation period) · Last checked: Oct 4, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers
More expensive than Tokyo
Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)133 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, water is much cheaper; coffee, meals, beer and a Big Mac are somewhat more expensive.

TRY 15.00
Water 500 ml
TRY 187.00
Coffee
TRY 338.00
Inexpensive meal
TRY 290.00
Local beer
TRY 325.00
Big Mac

Prices in Istanbul. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)

Getting there from Japan

IST
Nearest airport
60 min
Airport to port (approx.)
A — Direct flight
Ease of access

Access from Japan: A = direct flight / B = one connection / C = two or more connections (indicative)

Itineraries calling here

MediterraneanNov 2027

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Athens (Piraeus)

Rotterdam/ Holland America Line
Athens (Piraeus)›Mykonos›Kusadasi›+2›Athens (Piraeus)
Indicative fare
From $1,600.00
Standard
10 nightsRound trip · 4 ports of call
Last checked Jul 22, 2026Details
MediterraneanDec 2027 – Mar 2028

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Istanbul

EXPLORA V/ Explora Journeys
Civitavecchia (Rome)›Naples›Messina›+2›Istanbul
Indicative fare
From $5,500.00
Luxury
7 nightsOne way · 4 ports of call
Last checked Jul 22, 2026Details
MediterraneanAll departures are in the past (may no longer be on sale)

9-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Istanbul to Civitavecchia (Rome)

Norwegian Viva/ Norwegian Cruise Line
Istanbul›Kusadasi›Santorini›+6›Civitavecchia (Rome)
Indicative fare
From $2,189.00
Standard
9 nightsOne way · 8 ports of call
Last checked Jul 22, 2026Details
MediterraneanMay–Sep 2027

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Istanbul

Costa Pacifica/ Costa Cruises
Istanbul›Mykonos›Heraklion›+3›Istanbul
Indicative fare
Fare in preparation
Standard
7 nightsRound trip · 5 ports of call
Last checked Oct 5, 2026Details
MediterraneanMay 2027

8-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Athens (Piraeus)

Costa Pacifica/ Costa Cruises
Athens (Piraeus)›Mykonos›Volos›+4›Athens (Piraeus)
Indicative fare
Fare in preparation
Standard
8 nightsRound trip · 6 ports of call
Last checked Oct 5, 2026Details
MediterraneanMay–Sep 2027

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul

Enchanted Princess/ Princess Cruises
Athens (Piraeus)›Chania (Souda)›Katakolon›+5›Istanbul
Indicative fare
Fare in preparation
Premium
10 nightsOne way · 7 ports of call
Last checked Oct 5, 2026Details

Sources

Source: Wikipedia “Galataport”, “Istanbul” (CC BY-SA 4.0)