Flight to Istanbul from €119 — Return Flight in March

A flight to Istanbul is currently as cheap as it rarely gets: for 119 euros per person, you’ll fly nonstop from Frankfurt to the metropolis on the Bosphorus in March 2027 – return flight included. 15 days to get to know the real Istanbul among mosques, markets and waterways.

🛂 Visa: Not required for German citizens (tourist stay).

Why Istanbul now?

Istanbul connects two continents and even more eras. The Hagia Sophia with its mighty domes, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and the Topkapı Palace, once the seat of the sultans, are all within walking distance of each other in the Sultanahmet district. A stroll through the Grand Bazaar with its covered alleys is an experience in itself, as is the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü.

Things get more modern in Beyoğlu: cafés, bookshops and galleries line the streets around İstiklal Caddesi, and the Galata Bridge offers the postcard view of the skyline with its mosques. If you love the water, take the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side – the market there is more relaxed and the fish restaurants are legendary. When it comes to food, you absolutely must try Balık Ekmek (fish in bread) on the waterfront, Simit for breakfast and a plate of Meze with Rakı. For something sweet, go for Baklava and Turkish mocha.

Flight to Istanbul: 119 euros for a return flight

The deal in detail: you depart from Frankfurt on March 9, 2027 and return on March 24, 2027 – that’s 15 days in Istanbul. The price is 119 euros per person for the return flight, and the flight is nonstop, so no layover. With this combination of a short flight time (around three hours) and a low price, the flight to Istanbul is particularly worthwhile for anyone who wants to combine a city break with a longer stay.

A booking tip: such promotional fares are often tied to specific travel dates and contingents. Check availability soon and secure your flight to Istanbul right away if the dates work for you. If you’re flexible, you can also compare weekdays – fares are often slightly cheaper during the week.

Best time to travel & practical tips

Mid-March is a good choice: daytime temperatures are usually between 8 and 14 degrees, the sun comes out again and again, and the big summer crowds aren’t there yet. Rain is possible, so pack an umbrella. For mosque visits, covered shoulders and knees are ideal, and comfortable shoes pay off on the cobblestones.

• Transport: The İstanbulkart works for tram, metro, bus and ferries – buy it once, top it up again and again. From the airport, the metro takes you conveniently into the city.
• Museums: The Museum Pass card can be worth it if you visit several attractions. Check in advance what’s included.
• Food: Eating lunch at local restaurants (lokanta) is often cheaper than in tourist areas. Water from the supermarket instead of the minibar saves real money.
• Money: Carry smaller amounts in lira; many bazaars like to haggle – it’s part of the ritual.
• Ferries: A Bosphorus ferry costs little and is both sightseeing and transport.

You’ll find more inspiration for cheap city breaks in our other flight deals.

Istanbul in 15 days

With two weeks, you’ll have enough time not only to tick off the classics but also to get to know everyday life. A realistic plan:

• Day 1–3: Arrive in Sultanahmet – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, walk to the Sea of Marmara.
• Day 4–5: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Eminönü and a first ferry toward the Bosphorus.
• Day 6–7: Beyoğlu and İstiklal Caddesi, Galata Tower, Galata Bridge and an evening with meze.
• Day 8: Chora Church with its mosaics and a quiet afternoon in the Fener district.
• Day 9–10: Day trip by ferry to Kadıköy, market visit and fish restaurants by the water.
• Day 11: Boat tour on the Bosphorus, past palaces and villas.
• Day 12: Dolmabahçe Palace and a walk along the waterfront promenade.
• Day 13–14: Free days for markets, cafés and the odd hamam visit.
• Day 15: Last simit, souvenirs, return flight to Frankfurt.

You can find more about the city and its history in the Wikipedia article on Istanbul. Anyone who books their flight to Istanbul early and makes the most of the 15 days gets an exceptionally varied trip for 119 euros.