Istanbul, Turkey uses Europe/Istanbul, currently +03 (UTC+03:00). No clock changes are scheduled in the next 12 months.
Istanbul ranks among the biggest cities in Turkey, home to around 16 million people. Unlike many places, it does not observe daylight saving time.
The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.
Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.
Neighborhoods on the historic peninsula and along the Bosphorus keep major sights, ferries, and tram lines within close reach of each other. Districts further from the water are generally quieter and more residential, with a longer commute into the historic core.
The historic peninsula's mosques and palaces are pleasant to explore for much of the year, though spring and autumn avoid both summer crowds and heat. Ferry rides along the Bosphorus offer scenic views best enjoyed in clear, mild weather.
Trams, a metro network, and ferries across the Bosphorus and Golden Horn cover the city efficiently, with taxis and ride-hailing apps filling in the rest. Many historic neighborhoods are walkable, though the city's hills can make for a workout.
Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and comfortable conditions for sightseeing, avoiding the summer's heat and crowds as well as winter's cold, wet spells. Summers are warm and dry, drawing the largest number of visitors.
Turkey uses the TRY, calling code +90.
Turkey uses the Turkish lira, and Turkish is the official language, though English is commonly understood in tourist areas. A polite, hospitable manner is customary, and tea is often offered as a gesture of welcome.