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Wander-Lush

42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

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50 Essential Istanbul Travel Tips for Your First Visit to the ‘Bul

I adore Istanbul. Turkey was the third country I ever visited (after Mexico and Italy), and I keep returning over and over. But it’s a complicated city for first-time visitors to grapple with. It’s compact yet sprawling. It’s inexpensive yet luxurious. Even though I’m a dog person, I love that it’s a cat city. Istanbul is, to put it succinctly, complex.

So to make it easier for you, we’ve compiled our top fifty Istanbul travel tips. We cover everything from Istanbul safety to cuisine to mosque etiquette. Our hope is that you have as smooth a first trip to Istanbul as possible, so that you, too, want to return over and over again.

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Essential Istanbul Travel Tips

I’ve tried to put these in a somewhat logical order, but when writing about a topic this big, things can get out of hand. Basically, I’ve tried to cover every piece of Istanbul travel advice I’d want to tell someone if they’d never set foot in the country before, and I hope the order makes as much sense as can be expected. 

Don’t Show Up without a Visa

Once upon a time (in 2011), many visitors could show up to Attaturk airport sans visa, pay approximately $20 USD, and voila, they’d get a (pretty cool looking) visa stamp put in their passports.

Well, those days are long gone. Today, visitors from most countries need to apply for an eVisa on their website before getting here. 

We cover this process more in-depth in our guide to planning a trip to Turkey , but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Where to Stay in Istanbul?

You are supposed to have your accommodation information with you when you arrive in Turkey, and the border police may or may not ask you for it when you get here. If they do ask you for it, make sure to have it printed out or downloaded in your phone, since you may not have internet access when you first get here. 

On my last trip to Istanbul from Sofia , I was asked AND our international roaming plans weren’t working. This was at 4 AM. #nightmare  

So, do show up to Istanbul with accommodations prepared. But where to stay?

First, you need to decide which neighborhood in Istanbul you want to stay in. Many first-time visitors to Istanbul stay in Sultanahmet, but I prefer getting out to Beyoglu for a less touristy visit. 

If you want to dig into all our Istanbul neighborhood recommendations, we an entire Istanbul neighborhood hotel guide.  However, if you don’t want to dig through all of that, here are our top three picks (one for each budget category):

• Budget:  A room in a hostel, usually $5-12 USD per night for a dorm bed or under $40 for a double.
• Mid-range:  Around $40-80
• Luxury : Around $100 per night or more

Budget:  For a great budget-friendly hotel, you can stay in single or double rooms at the  Dreamers B&B . Colorful and cozy, the B&B boasts a fabulous location in Beyoglu, less than a kilometer from Taksim Square. You can explore all of Beyoglu from here, and then head to Sultanahmet when you’re ready to see the old city. 

>> Check the pricing, reviews, and availability here. <<

Mid-Range:  For an affordable, yet trendy boutique hotel, we recommend  Peradays . It’s perfect for all Istanbul visitors, from first-timers to Istanbul veterans. The lofted rooms are generously large, so you can spread out and relax after a long day of sightseeing. They also have two cats that live here, Pera and Daisy, which you’ll be happy to greet after counting cats all day when out in the city. 

Luxury:  Istanbul has no shortage of fabulous hotels, but we love   Hammamhane , a boutique apartment-hotel that was originally a hammam, and the sister hotel of Peradays. Built in a historic hammam (Turkish bath), the suites are spacious and luxurious. Located in the heart of Cukurcuma, the antique district, Hammamhane is within walking distance to art galleries, design stores, antique shops, and chic cafés. 

Still can’t decide? Check out our guide to the  best Istanbul neighborhoods and hotels.

When is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

My favorite time to visit Istanbul is in May and June when it’s not too hot yet. In May, you even get to avoid the summer vacation crowds (meaning there are way fewer kids and families visiting). 

If you want to avoid crowds, I love visiting Istanbul in winter.  Here’s an overview of Istanbul weather in January to help you get an idea of what to expect if you come in winter. 

Istanbul is such a great city that I’m confident you’ll have a great time no matter when you come. The only times I would try to avoid it is July and August when the heat is simply sweltering. 

What to Pack for Istanbul

We are in the process of creating packing lists to help you know what to pack for Turkey, but here are the top five things you do not want to leave at home:

1. A Lonely Planet guidebook , to help you plan when on the ground. We recommend the updated Lonely Planet Turkey .

2. An unlocked smartphone , so you can buy a cheap SIM card and use apps like Uber and Google Maps. If you don’t have an unlocked phone and it costs too much to get it online, you can buy a cheap but decent one online, like this unlocked Samsung .

3. An extra swimsuit so you can enjoy Turkey’s hammams and beaches without having to put a wet one back on. We like this cute but affordable one-piece .

4. Motion sickness pills for windy roads, Istanbul traffic, ferries, hot air balloon rides, etc. We recommend something natural that uses ginger rather than chemicals to avoid drowsiness, like these motion sickness pills .

5. Sunscreen (if you’re bringing checked luggage) . Sunscreen and other cosmetics can be expensive in Turkey compared to back home. You can bring these ones in checked luggage, or if you are packing carry-on only, I love having a solid sunscreen stick that doesn’t cut into my liquid allowance.

Istanbul Airports

Istanbul airports are confusing, and since a new airport just opened this year, the information on most websites is also horribly out of date. 

The airport code IST used to mean Attaturk Airport,  but now is being routed to Istanbul New Airport. This airport is fifty kilometers from the city center. This takes about an hour to go by car, but I would never leave for an airport in Istanbul less than four hours before take off. Anxious flyers should leave five hours early. Between traffic and insane security protocols, flying out of Istanbul can be a real nightmare.

Here’s an overview of the public transportation options to get from IST to the city center. I personally prefer to use Uber since it’s much faster than the bus (and not too expensive). 

The other airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, is SAW. It’s also fifty kilometers from the city center. Here’s an overview of public transportation options to and from SAW. 

If you prefer the peace of mind that comes with pre-booking an airport transfer, they are relatively inexpensive in Istanbul. We strongly recommend pre-booking your transfer with a reputable transfer company. This one has nearly a thousand reviews with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. Book here now.

Istanbul Bus Stations

I always plan to take a bus from Istanbul back to Sofia, and then I always cave and decide I’d rather pay the money for a one hour flight than spend the day on the bus. Therefore, I’ve avoided dealing with the bus stations in Istanbul for my last four trips.

If you do decide to use the buses, here’s a great overview of the different stations and which cities they service. 

Istanbul Train Stations

When I took the train from Sofia to Istanbul , we got out at Halkili station and then transferred to a free shuttle for the last hour into the city. 

Trains are a great way to get around Turkey or to travel to nearby Greece and Bulgaria. Until we have more train trips documented, check out the always knowledgable train website  The Man in Seat 61  for information about train travel in Turkey.

Istanbul Taxis

Istanbul taxis have a bad reputation. Luckily, when I’ve needed to get in a yellow cab, I’ve never had an issue. However, you should always be on your toes. 

When using taxis in Istanbul, make sure that the meter is turned on. Always ask ahead of time for the meter. If it’s not on by the time the trip starts, ask again. If the driver refuses, get out of the taxi.

If you’re stressed that the taxi is going out of its way, you can run Google maps on your phone to keep an eye on it (just make sure your phone is on silent so the driving directions don’t get read aloud). Sometimes you’ll realize that Istanbul’s streets really are just that byzantine and there’s no better route. This is great for peace of mind. 

Carry small bills if you’ll be using taxis. Pay as close the fare as possible without needing change. Most drivers will give you change, but others might give you a problem hoping you’ll just give them a tip.

You do not need to tip a taxi driver in Istanbul. Just round up to the nearest lira. 

If you use a taxi from an airport, get one in the official taxi stand line. Never get in a random taxi or go with someone who just grabs your bags or tries to get your attention. 

Remember that taxis in Istanbul are relatively inexpensive compared to most of Europe, so if you do get ripped off a bit keep in mind that the actual value of the scam is probably not very much. 

Uber & Taxi Apps

If the thought of taxis in Istanbul is giving you anxiety, then use Uber instead. The lowest car level is Uber black, but they are priced insanely well. 

You’ll need internet access to get an Uber, so either make sure you have a sim card, and international plan, or find some wifi. 

My only piece of advice for using Ubers in Istanbul: google whether the company is still operating in Istanbul a few days before your trip.

Why? Well, the government is constantly threatening to shut down Uber because the powerful taxi lobby hates them. While they haven’t been successful yet, just make sure they still are there. I found out that Uber left Athens the hard way. 

Get to Know Your Turkish Lira

If you’re coming from a country that uses the USD, GBP, or the Euro, you’ll love the Turkish Lira. Political volatility has hurt the Turkish economy, and thus the Lira has nearly crashed in the last few years.

Double check the exchange rate before your trip, just in case the currency starts to recover.  Listed rates are as of July 2019.

Currency Code:  TRY

Exchange Rate:  1 TRY = 0.16 EUR / 0.18 USD / 0.14 GBP / 0.23 CAD

Most Common Banknotes:  5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200

Most Common Coins:  1, 5Kr, 10Kr, 25Kr, 50Kr

Can I Use My Euros:  Sometimes you can use Euros in Istanbul. If prices are listed in Euros, you can bet the exchange rate is inflated. It’s always better to pay in Lira.

If you’ll be visiting other Balkan countries during your trip, check out our Balkan currency guide .

Tipping in Istanbul 

Tipping is not as common in Istanbul as in the US, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Keep in mind that most of the time, you will not be able to put a tip on a credit card. You need access to small amounts of cash for tips.

Here are the tipping guidelines for different situations:

Restaurants & Bars: tip 5-10%

Taxis: Round up to the nearest Lira

Hammans (Turkish Baths): 10-20%

Housekeeping: 5-10 Lira

Delivery Food: 5-10%

Tour Guides: 20-30 Lira per day per group

Belly Dancers: 5-50 Lira

Salons & Barbers: 15-20%

Using Credit Cards in Istanbul

You will be able to use credit cards at many restaurants, hotels, and other spots in Istanbul that cater to tourists. However, credit card usage is not universal. 

As with the rest of the Balkans, a good rule of thumb is to always ask ahead of time. Between places that don’t take cards, the occasional card reader error, and needing to leave a tip, you’ll always need to have some cash on you. 

Note that American Express is not accepted in most of Europe or Asia, and that includes Istanbul. 

Wifi in Istanbul

I’ve always been able to find decent wifi in Istanbul. Most Istanbul hotels will have free wifi, but double check before you book anything. 

If it’s critical that you be able to check in to wifi during meals, it’s cool to ask restaurants if they have wifi before sitting down (most will). Besides restaurants, it’s common to find wifi at cafes, bars, and even in some public transportation spots. 

Be careful when using public wifi. It’s a good idea to protect your information with a VPN or DNS. I use Smart DNS Proxy which lets me watch that sweet HULU and HBO from anywhere in the world and alerts me if there’s a security issue on my internet connection. 

Censored Internet

You may be surprised to find out that you can’t access Wikipedia, certain hotel sites, or most porn sites. While these are unlikely to ruin your trip, it can make Turkey a difficult place to do online work from. I was trying to write some articles for National Geographic while I was there last year, and I couldn’t access sites I needed to double check place name spellings.

Of course, the issue of Internet Freedom in Turkey (or lack thereof) affects locals much more than it will affect you, but it’s still good to know ahead of time.

You also may choose to refrain from being critical of the government online in your social media posts while you are in the country.

Getting a Sim Card

We are in the process of writing our own guide to getting a sim card in Istanbul (similar to our Serbia sim card and Bulgaria sim card guides). Until we have a full write-up, here are some quick tips.

The main companies for pre-paid tourist sims in Istanbul are Turkcell and Vodafone. Turkcell is supposed to be a bit cheaper, but keep in mind that prices fluctuate.

For a little less than 100 Lira (about $18 USD), you can get a sim with 3 GB of data and 500 local calling minutes. This makes sim card prices in Turkey more expensive than Greece, let alone other Balkan countries. However, if you’re a data fiend, then you need the data. 

Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking is banned inside restaurants and bars. There are typically designated outdoor smoking sections available. There may be separate smoking sections in some places inside, but it’s not common like it is in Greece. 

This is great news for people who want to avoid secondhand smoke. For smokers, the weather in Istanbul is nice so much of the year that you can sit outside much of the year.

There are some places where people will ignore the laws and smoke inside anyway (though still less frequent than in Greece). I would not personally risk breaking the law in Turkey, but it’s up to you. 

Many hotels have smoking accommodations – check before you book if this is crucial for you to enjoy your trip. 

Since Turkey is not in the EU, prescription and medication rules here are different than you may be used to if you come from an EU country. We found that most of what we wanted was available easily, but some things were not. You may be able to get alternatives pretty easy for situations where pharmacies don’t stock a particular brand name that you want.

Pharmacies in Sultanahmet are more expensive than pharmacies in the rest of the city. 

If you plan to buy medications that are cheaper in Turkey than back home, start looking as soon as you get to Istanbul. Since pharmacies are small and owner-operated, you may need to visit a few to find everything you’re looking for. 

Food & Dietary Restrictions

Istanbul is a great place to eat if you are vegan or vegetarian. There are so many restaurant options available, so you can still enjoy a great foodie vacation without cutting corners. Use this vegetarian and vegan guide to Istanbul from one of my favorite local websites. 

If you are traveling to Istanbul and are concerned about how your food allergies will be handled, you’ll be happy to know that most of the restaurants in the busiest parts of the city have servers who speak excellent English. It should not be difficult for you to communicate your food allergy while in the city.

Don’t Drink the Water

When I first went to Istanbul in 2011, we were told to avoid the tap water at all costs. Technically the water is now clean enough to drink, but it still has a funky taste that I would avoid. So while you don’t need to freak out and brush your teeth with bottled water, skip drinking directly from the tap.

Get to Know Your Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is made by a special brewing process that uses unfiltered coffee grounds. The result? It’s thicker than you may be used to back home (unless you’re from the rest of the Balkans, where this Turkish coffee might just go by another name).

It’s delicious, but you may find it to be an acquired taste. No trip to Istanbul is complete without at least having one cup (or five).

Turkish Wine

While Turkey is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, it’s modern wine culture is actually intimately tied to modern Turkish democracy. Kemal Attaturk actually established the country’s first commercial winery in the 1920s. 

Turkish wine doesn’t get exported widely, so make sure to ask your server for recommendations to pair with your meals.

Alcohol Prices

You will probably find that your money goes very far in Istanbul. That is, until happy hour. The reason? Alcohol prices in Turkey are shockingly high compared to other Istanbul prices.

The reason prices are so high is that the government has put a heavy sin tax on alcohol. Prices for beer and raki have increased over 600% since Erdoğan came to power in 2003. According to Politico:

Erdoğan has made no secret of his disdain for drinking, once declaring that “whoever drinks alcohol is an alcoholic.” On top of taxes, the AKP has introduced restrictions on alcohol sales. Since 2013, shops are banned from selling booze after 10 p.m. and no alcohol may be sold within 100 meters of a mosque. Advertising of alcohol — just like cigarettes — is prohibited, and alcohol and tobacco products are often blurred out on Turkish television.

While Turkish is the official language, there are multiple minority languages spoken in Turkey as well. If you want to pick up a few Turkish phrases before your trip, we have a section in our Turkey trip planner with about a dozen phrases that will come in handy while you’re here. 

If you don’t speak Turkish, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll find most people in service and tourism working in Istanbul speak excellent English. When in doubt, have a sim card and Google translate on your phone.

The Turkish Alphabet

The Turkish alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet, but it incorporates diacritical marks to change the traditional pronunciations of certain letters. In addition, the letters Q, V, and W are only used in loan words and when typing foreign names.

Use this Turkish alphabet explainer to learn the pronunciation of letters in Turkey. 

Safety in Istanbul

Istanbul, like most major European cities, is mostly safe. Much of the danger associated with the government is aimed at locals, and tourists will rarely be affected.

Like all major cities, you need to be aware of the possibility of terrorism. However, statistically, its unlikely for an incident to happen during your trip. You can check the US State Department website for current advisory warnings.

The real risks for tourist are the same things that can happen in any major city: pickpockets, tourist scams, etc. You should use the same common sense that you use in any large city.

Read:  Is Istanbul Safe? 13 Tips to Stay Safe in Istanbul

Common Tourist Scams

Tourist scams happen wherever tourists gather. So pay extra attention to your surroundings whenever you’re in the major tourist sites.

One major scam is for people to invite you for a drink. Don’t have a drink with a stranger or take a recommendation for a restaurant or bar from someone on the street. When you get there, they will either rob you or overcharge you.

Another scam is for someone to just start guiding you around without asking you if you want a tour guide. Then they guilt you into paying for the tour. Avoid talking to strangers and don’t go anywhere with anyone you don’t know.

Beware of shoe shiners guilting you into getting a shoe shine. They’ve targeted you because you are an obvious foreigner, and they will overcharge you.

Always check that your bill only includes the dishes you ordered. Most restaurants would not pull a scam and overcharge you, but a few scrupulous ones will. 

Finally, avoid pickpockets by keeping your stuff put away. Never leave your bag unattended (I like to sit with a chair leg through one of the loops on my bag). I also use bags with anti-theft features to help make sure I’m a less desirable target.

Politics…Don’t Talk About (Until You Get Home)

Turkey is the only place in the Balkans where you have to deal with this issue, but it is an important one. Follow this advice from the US State Department to avoid becoming an unwitting target. 

Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government, including on social media, can result in arrest.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency, notify emergency services. Keep these numbers handy just in case:

Ambulance : 112  Police : 155 Fire : 110  Tourism Police : (0212) 5274503 

Electrical Outlets

Turkey uses type F electrical outlets (also typically compatible with type C and E). This is the same as the rest of continental Europe.

Squat Toilets

I saw my first squat toilet in Istanbul (though it would be far from my last squat toilet). In Istanbul, most stalls in women’s bathrooms will be western-style flush toilets, but there will sometimes be squat toilets as an option in one of the stalls. 

You most likely will not need to use one unless you travel out into rural Turkey. 

Don’t Call it Constantinople

Constantinople fell in the 15th century. At this point, if you’re walking around calling the city Constantinople and refusing to call it Istanbul, you’re probably a jerk.

Learn a Bit of Turkish History Before You Get Here

The history of Istanbul goes back to Emperor Constantine (though technically it was a Greek city even before that). If you want to brush up on the city’s history before you come, you can check out these podcasts:

• The History of Rome Podcast  
• The History of Byzantium Podcast
• Ottoman History Podcast

Enjoy the Call to Prayer

If this is the first Muslim-majority city that you’ll be visiting, get ready for a treat! Listening to the call to prayer is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have anywhere in the world. Even non-Muslims can appreciate the beauty and tradition of this moment.

The call to prayer, known as the ezan , happens five times a day. The sound you’re hearing comes from the speakers in the minarets of the city’s various mosques. 

Respecting Islam

Turkey is a secular Islamic country, and the vast majority of Turks are Muslims. Whether they are believers or not, practicing Muslims or not, this is a part of the cultural heritage of almost everyone you meet.

If you can’t be respectful of Islam by adhering to the few (extremely minor) ways to show respect, then just stay home. Don’t come and be an ugly tourist. This would include asking people blunt questions about why Islam has various rules, etc.

The only people you should ask about Islamic practices are tour guides on education tours about Islam or museum guides. It’s not a local’s job to teach you about religion. They’re just trying to live their lives. 

This guide from Passion Passport offers a great overview of how to be respectful of Islam in Istanbul. 

Visiting Mosques

You absolutely need to visit some mosques during your time in Istanbul. To do this properly, you’ll need to adhere to a few simple rules.

1. Only visit when it’s not prayer time . If you see that a prayer service is going on wait until it is over. Don’t try to visit on Friday nights. 

2. Take your shoes off . At most mosques, you will leave your shoes outside, but at the Blue Mosque, you’ll carry them with you in a plastic bag.

3. Men should wear pants rather than shorts. Remove any hats before entering.

 4. Women should also be covered up . Wear clothes that go past the elbow and should be covered in either pants or a long skirt. If it’s hot out, you can just bring leggings and a jacket to put on before you enter. Most mosques will have cover-ups for tourists outside.

5. Women’s hair should be completely covered . I like to bring my own scarf, but most mosques in Istanbul will have headscarves that you can borrow for your visit. 

Get Out of Sultanahmet

Don’t spend every minute in Sultanahmet. In fact, I think it’s best to spend most of your trip outside of this congested (expensive area). I’d rather come to visit the sites for a day or two, and then I spend the rest of my trip in the cool parts of Beyoglu and in Kadikoy.

Be Considerate of the Restoration Work

Yes, the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are under restoration right now. In all likelihood, these two ancient buildings will be under some kind of restoration for the rest of time. Don’t complain about it. Instead, be grateful to every restoration project that happened in the past that allowed you to be lucky enough to see these sacred places.

How to Haggle at the Bazaars

Don’t accept any listed price when in the Grand Bazaar – the whole point is to haggle! Don’t worry about what they quote you. I like to go by this advice:

I pay absolutely no attention to what the first asking price is. I decide how much I am willing to spend, and then I offer 50% less than what my final offer will be. If my offer is rejected out of hand, then I know that there is no point in spending any time with the salesperson. If he moves his price in my direction, I will start to move up in 5% to 10% intervals. If we never reach an agreement about price, I simply say I am sorry but I cannot spend anything above my final offer. I either ask to see something less expensive or I start to walk away. Almost always the salesperson will call me back and we find something in the neighborhood of the price I have already pre-determined in my head. For us, the secret is not to become so caught up in the game that you feel you have to “win” by offering prices that are higher than what you originally decide to spend. If you cannot get your price, keep walking and looking. You will likely find something similar on the next street and a salesperson who will deal with you more equitably. It is a poor strategy to overly praise what you are thinking of purchasing, and certainly a mistake to let the salesperson see that you really want what you are attempting to purchase. Make them believe that you are only semi-interested in the product.

I also like to keep small amounts of cash in different pockets. That way I can get my cash out and show that I literally can’t pay more than I’m offering, and they can take it or leave it. 

Turkish Bath Etiquette

When in Turkey, you must go to a Turkish bath! Called hammams, they’re everywhere. In fact, you could go to a new one every day of your trip and not run out of places to relax.

A few things to know before your first hammam trip:

1. Men and Women have separate facilities (or different hours). There are no co-ed Turkish baths.

2. You’ll be given a towel to cover yourself. Men typically only wear a towel. Women are also typically given a pair of underwear. 

3. If you don’t want to wear the underwear you’re given (or go naked), you can wear your own underwear. Plain black will blend in the best. Plus size women might want to just bring a pair of plain black underwear just to be safe in case the one-size-fits-all pair they give you is a bit snug.

4. Expect the women’s side to be staffed with women and the men’s side to be staffed by men.

5. Expect to tip 10-20% at the end of your visit. You will need to tip this in cash. 

6. Some hammams take credit cards (though not for the tip), but not all do. Call ahead if this will be critical.

Don’t Eat Lunch at Topkapi Palace

I’ve traveled to over sixty countries, and the costs of a simple lunch at Topkapi Palace shocked me to my very core. The views from the courtyard are stunning, so it’s worth coming by. But don’t show up famished needing a meal! 

Spend Some Time on the Water

Whether you walk on the Bosphorus, take a cruise in the city at night,  hire a private yacht, or go swimming, do not go to Istanbul and not spend at least some time on the water! The city is blessed with some of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world.

If you get stuck in Sultanahmet and don’t get out, you’ll miss how beautiful the Bosphorus and Golden Horn truly are. 

Don’t Forget to See Europe & Asia

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m super guilty of this. There’s so much to do on the European side of Istanbul that I get caught up and forget to make it to Asia. But what’s the fun of being in a city that straddles two continents if you don’t take advantage?

There are some great things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul , so make sure you have time to enjoy them!

Don’t Miss the Sunsets

Sunset in the Balkans are epic (my theory is that this is the only benefit to the teensy bit of extra smog we have in the region). If you can, try to be somewhere to take advantage of the great sunsets (or sunrises) the city has to offer. 

Istanbul Shopping

I think Istanbul is one of the best shopping cities in the world, and I don’t just mean the Grand Bazaar!

I always come back with extra bags of art, Turkish delight, and too many boxes of tea. If you want to know what’s special to buy in Istanbul, check out our Turkish souvenir and Istanbul shopping guide.  

Give Yourself Some Free Time

I personally think most travelers cram way too much into their days. While in Istanbul give yourself some time to slow down and appreciate the atmosphere.

Sip your tea slowly, have a coffee, enjoy a long mezze, and stroll aimlessly down the city’s streets. You’ll get just as much enjoyment from people watching in Istanbul as you will trying to hit every single “must-see” museum.

Wear Comfy Shoes

If you plan on hitting all of the best things to do in Istanbul, prepared to have tired feet at the end of the day! While you may be jealous of how (ridiculously) fashionable people are in Istanbul, you’ll be happier if you’re wearing shoes that can keep up with your tour schedule. 

Istanbul & Cappadocia – Not as Close as You Might Like

A lot of travelers want to combine a trip to Istanbul and Cappadocia, but they’re not exactly near each other. We don’t suggest doing Cappadocia as a day trip from Istanbul. If you do want to combine these two Turkish hotspots, check out our guide to  how to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia  and  our suggested Cappadocia itinerary.

Only have time for one of these cities? Check out  Istanbul or Cappadocia: Which Turkish Destination Is Right For You?

Don’t Feel like You Need to Hear a Spiel about Carpets 

If you’re in a situation where someone starts a sales pitch, you don’t have to listen to it. While I personally find salespeople in Israel and Jordan much pushier than in Turkey, Istanbul might be a shock if you’ve never been to this part of the world before. 

If your tour guide takes you to a carpet store or other shop, they would get a commission. You do not need to stay and hear the pitch or buy anything. You can extricate yourself from the situation politely, but don’t feel you need to stay. 

Enroll in the STEP Program

If you’re an American and you are concerned about the possibility of terrorism or political unrest while in Turkey, you can enroll in the State Department’s STEP Program . This lets the government know your travel plans, and they will also email you to alert you if anything happens on the ground.

To be honest, I don’t use it when I go to Turkey (though I probably should) since I feel pretty safe there. I have used it while traveling in Tunisia during protests, and I appreciated the up-to-date emails with what to look out for and areas to stay away from.

There is a similar program for  Canadians . If you are a citizen of another country, check with your government to see if they provide these services. 

Don’t Forget about Travel Insurance!

It’s always a good idea to travel to Turkey or anywhere in Europe with a valid  travel insurance  policy. Istanbul is a very safe place to travel, but accidents or theft can easily ruin your trip if you don’t have the travel insurance coverage to recover the losses. Recently my aunt fell on a train in France and needed surgery, but luckily her travel insurance covered the costs in full. Thank goodness!

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here. <<

More Istanbul Travel Resources

We have a ton of resources to help you plan your trip to Istanbul! We’re working on our massive  things to do post in Istanbul and our Istanbul safety tips , plus you can check out our  guide to the best Instagram spots around Istanbul,  our favorite  Istanbul neighborhoods and where to stay , and tips for  shopping in Istanbul .

If you will be visiting in winter, we have a special  winter in Istanbul  guide plus an overview of Istanbul weather in January.

If you want to be in the city for just a few days (four or less), check out our  Istanbul city break guide , which breaks down the best of the city so you won’t miss anything!

For more general Turkey information, check out this guide to  planning a trip to Turkey (including visa information)  and this guide to other  beautiful places to visit in Turkey . You can also check out our  Balkan currency guide , which explains how the Turkish lira works and guidelines for tipping in Istanbul.

We have tons more Turkey and Balkans resources, and we publish new content nearly daily. Bookmark our  Turkey  and  Balkans  travel pages so you can find any new resources that come out before your trip!

Pin these Istanbul Travel Tips for Your Trip!

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

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Istanbul travel tips: 18 Things to know before traveling to Istanbul

Planning to travel to Istanbul for the first time? Here are the best Istanbul travel tips you need to know to enjoy this incredible Turkish city.

Traveling to Istanbul for the first time? It is exciting to be going to this incredible city that is full of wonders and partially a Unesco World Heritage site.

Having been to Istanbul for the first time myself and making a number of mistakes, I have enough knowledge to write a detailed guide of all the Istanbul travel tips using my personal and general experiences so that you are not as green as I was when you reach this Turkish megapolis city.

Disclaimer* This post contains affiliate links and I might earn a small commission if you purchase through them but with no extra cost to you. This commission helps to keep the lights on here. You can read our privacy policy for more details. Thank you for supporting the Adventurous feet

Istanbul is a big and fascinating city and a dream destination for many travelers.  With so much history and modern sides to it, it is the only city in the world that lies on 2 continents – Asia and Europe.

Istanbul is one of the major touristic cities in the world receiving over 39 million tourists every year (as of 2018 figures). With all those tourists on the go, it might be overwhelming for first-time visitors to figure out how best they can enjoy the city.

Please note that this post is not about the things to do , places to see in Istanbul , or even places to stay but rather travel tips for Istanbul for first-time visitors

If your trip to Istanbul is also the first time you’re taking a flight, read this post to get all the must-know tips for first-time flyers .

Before You Go, Here Are Some Quick Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip to Istanbul

–  Book your accommodation in advance. For the best stay, I suggest staying at Royal Suites Sultanahmet (9.0/10) if you’re on a budget, Meroddi Galata Mansion (8.7/10) if you’re on a mid-range budget, or the Galataport Hotel (8.6/10) for a luxurious stay. If you’d rather book an apartment, this is the apartment rental I recommend. –  Don’t miss out on popular tours and activities in Istanbul. Some of my favorites are; the Whirling Dervishes Show , this 3-hour Bosphorus cruise dinner , this Hagia Sophia guided tour , and this Topkapi palace guided tour . –  Don’t forget to take Travel Insurance.  Request a free quote from my favorite insurance, World Nomads . –  To get the most out of your visit, I recommend buying this Istanbul pass . It will give you free access to popular attractions in the city, free public transportation, and a cruise on the Bosphorus. –  Plan your trip to Istanbul extensively with this Lonely Planet Istanbul guidebook .

General Istanbul travel tips

Arriving in istanbul.

There are so many options for arriving in Istanbul. You can opt for a train, bus, flight or even a ship but of course, that will depend on where you’re coming from!

If you choose to travel to Istanbul by plane, you can check out the flight weekly deals with Skyscanner and book your flight with Expedia , the number one website with great flight deals.

Visa requirements

Just like traveling to any other place, you’ll need to obtain a visa if you’re coming from another country (though some nationalities don’t require one).

If you’re required to get a visa to enter Turkey, you can apply for an e-visa from the Turkish visa information website .

Related post: The ultimate guide to visiting Turkey

Experiences not to miss in Istanbul

While visiting Istanbul, there are some experiences you should not miss out on, whether you’re visiting for a week, a few days, or even a month.

Below are some that will make your Istanbul trip memorable.

Cruising the Bosphorus

There is no trip to Istanbul that is complete without cruising the Bosphorus strait to explore both the European and Asian sides of this country.

Whether you book this afternoon Bosphorus cruise to be able to see how the sun shines on some of the popular attractions, this sunset cruise to see how the sun dips behind the same, or this dinner Bosphorus cruise with entertainment to watch the shimmering lights from those major landmarks of Istanbul, you’re bound to be treated to an amazing experience.

Watching the Whirling Dervishes Show

Spend some time being blown away by the whirling Dervish show as you watch this traditional dance that has been a part of Turkey’s culture and one of the most important heritage from the Islamic culture inspired by Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi (1207-1273).

There are a number of places where you can watch the Whirling Dervish Show in Istanbul but the one I highly recommend is at the HodjaPasha Culture Center .

You can always book your ticket on-site but to make sure you skip the long lines and have a guaranteed spot, you can book an onlıne ticket from here .

Travel tips for Istanbul for first-time visitors

1. don’t try to see everything in istanbul.

As I said earlier, Istanbul is massively huge and the idea that you’ll be able to see everything seems far-fetched.

Instead of running around the city from one place to another in a rush and eventually get overwhelmed, why not prioritize the places to visit by creating a proper Istanbul itinerary .

Istanbul offers a mix of history, culture, and modern, so decide which section you fancy the most or try to even mix it a little bit by visiting half of the historical part and the modern part. With that, you’ll be able to see a great deal of Istanbul.

You can also read my previous post that showcases some of the best things to do in Istanbul for an amazing time in the city.

2. Get yourself an Istanbul kart (Istanbul card).

Like many major cities in the world, Istanbul revolutionized its public transportation by introducing an Istanbul Kart in 2009 also known as the Istanbul Card.

Public transportation in Istanbul is as good or nearly as good as private transportation – so you shouldn’t be afraid to use it.

The Istanbul card is used to pay for all public transportation around Istanbul whether buses, metros, or ship.

It costs a one-time fee of  10TL(Turkish Liras) and comes preloaded with 4TL.  After that, you keep loading credit on it to be able to use public transportation.

Most of the stations have a point where you can purchase or recharge your Istanbul card from.

And the advantage of using an Istanbul card is that you always get a discount on transportation and can be used by up to 5 people.

For example, if you use a bus in the morning (or any time) and a few hours later, you use it for the ship, the ship price will be discounted.

Unfortunately, if you don’t purchase an Istanbul card, it will be sometimes hard to use public buses, metro, or a ship.

However, you can still use the yellow taxis but I found the experience of using an Istanbul card very interesting and convenient.

Related post:  Things to do in Istanbul at night

3. Get the museum pass

If you’re planning to visit different museums and archaeological sites, a museum pass will be very useful.

The museum pass can be obtained from any historical site that accepts them or even online.

It can also be used in selected museums and archeological sites around the country. If you only plan to visit one city in Turkey, you can opt for a regional museum pass instead of the nationwide one.

The advantage of getting the museum pass is that you save more money on entry fees and time as you don’t waste time in queues.

All you have to do is to swipe the pass in the machine, once accepted, you enter immediately without spending time lining up.

The museum pass costs 210TL, saving you some money for your next adventure making it one of the best ways to enjoy Istanbul on a budget .

If you’re planning to travel to Istanbul only, get yourself this Istanbul museum pass that costs 125TL and gives you one-time access to most museums and archaeological sites for 120 hours after the initial usage of the pass.

On top of the Museum pass, I’d recommend you to buy this Istanbul tourist pass . It also has the same advantages as the Museum pass but it can also be used in other major tourist sites, not just museums.

The Tourist pass can be easily bought online from here .

4. Download travel apps for visiting Istanbul

These apps are not only for people visiting Istanbul for the first time but even Istanbul frequent travelers that want to make their trip easier.

So before you go, download these apps to make traveling around Istanbul easier.

The grand bazaar app

With over 4,000 shops and a total number of daily visitors between 250,000 to 400,000 people, the grand bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

With all that, it might be a bit difficult to navigate easily within the grand bazaar especially for first-time visitors.

But with the grand bazaar app, you’ll be able to navigate easily and fast. You can use the app to locate everything you need from an ATM, restaurants, restrooms to specific shops.

The advantage of this app is that it not only shows you the location of the place but also how to get there from your current location.

Even though yellow taxis are widely spread in Istanbul, sometimes it might be a little hard to get one when you urgently need it.

BiTaksi is a great app to order for a private taxi and it will be available in just a few minutes.

The best part is that with this app you’re able to see all the details of the driver from the license number, name to phone number and on top of that, you’ll be able to see how much the journey costs from the fare calculator that is incorporated within the app. “Think of BiTaksi as the uber version in Istanbul.”

This is another useful app that every first-time traveler to Istanbul should download.

Istanbul being a big city curated with traffic, it might be hard for a first-time traveler to get around easily using public transportation.

This is where the Trafi app comes in to show you all the available means of public transportation near your current location.

The app shows you all the schedules of public transit, how long the journey will take, and also the real-time traffic in that area for each particular mode of transport.

With these apps downloaded on your phone, you’re bound to have a fabulous stay in Istanbul.

Other great apps to download while visiting Istanbul include; Sesli Sozluk to easily translate words and sentences from/to English and Turkish, Yandex.maps for easy navigation around Istanbul, and Yemeksepeti for food delivery.

Related: Check out these free travel apps that might also be useful while traveling in Istanbul.

5. Get a prepaid Turkish sim card

When you visit Istanbul for the first time, it will be much easier to buy a prepaid sim card that is if your phone is unlocked.

The most common service providers are Turkcell and Vodaphone. All these have a tourist sim card that comes loaded with the internet, calling minutes, and text messages.

The amount of GBs, minutes, and texts depending on the package you choose.

The best sim card will depend on personal requirements, so I advise you to walk up to both shops, compare the packages and prices and choose the one that suits your needs.

Nevertheless, most people recommend using Turkcell as it seems to have the best packages and most 4G network coverage but Vodaphone is just right behind it.

6. Be aware of Istanbul’s traffic

Traffic in Istanbul is chaotic and can be worse during peak hours that’s why it’s not surprising that it was named one of the worst cities in terms of traffic and congestion in Europe. 

So, for short distances where you can walk, do so, instead of spending unnecessary time in traffic. Just make sure you know where you’re headed by using some of the apps that I suggested above.

Furthermore, Turkey uses the right-hand traffic flow system, so be cautious if you come from a country that uses the left-hand traffic flow.

Since I come from Uganda which uses a left-hand traffic system, it took me time to get used to their system, and a few times I ended up looking in the wrong direction before crossing the roads.

7. Learn a few Turkish words before you go

Turkish people are friendly and welcoming and speaking a few of their words or even making an effort to construct a sentence in Turkish will bring you closer to their hearts.

During the time I visited Turkey, I knew a few words in Turkish, and every time I used them or tried to make a sentence, I’d see the Turks’ eyes light up more.

This shows them that you’re not just visiting the tourist sites but actually care about the people and their language.

Here are a few words and phrases you should learn before you go.

• Hello: Merhabā (mehr-hah-bah)
• Good Morning: Günaydın (gew-nahy-duhn)
• Good evening:  iyi akşamlar
• Please: Lütfen (lewt-fehn)
• Thank you: Teşekkürler (te-shek-kewr-lehr)
• Yes: Evet (eh-vet)No: Hayir (hah-yuhr)
• How are you?  Nasılsınız? ( NAHS-suhl-suh-nuhz)
• I’m fine, thank you. İyiyim, teşekkür ederim. (ee-YEE-yihm, tesh-ek-KEWR eh-dehr-eem)
• Good night  İyi geceler (EE geh-jeh-LEHR)
• I don’t understand: Anlamadım (an-la-ma-duhm)
• Where is: Nerede (neh-reh-deh)What’s your name: Adınız ne (ah-duh-nuhz neh)

You can learn more Turkish words and phrases from here .

Related post: Fun facts about Turkey that you should know

8. Do not rent a car in Istanbul

As you might have read earlier, Istanbul’s traffic is crazy to the point of being named one of the most trafficked cities in Europe and in the world.

As a first-time traveler, you don’t want to waste your precious time in traffic or trying to learn how to navigate the city, so it’s important not to rent a car while in Istanbul.

In the same regard, Istanbul’s public transportation is quite comfortable. Whether it is taking a train, Tram, a ship, or a yellow taxi, you’ll feel comfortable while transiting through Istanbul as the locals do.

Related: While traveling in Istanbul, make sure that you avoid making these Istanbul travel mistakes.

9. Book your accommodation on time

Since Istanbul is a touristy place with millions of visitors, it is better to book your hotel in advance.

Here you’ll get the most value for your money and find a good place in the center of Istanbul.

Ready to book your accommodation in Istanbul? Book it from here with booking.com and choose the best hotel to suit your needs.

Note: Booking.com doesn’t work while in Turkey. So if you need to book accommodation with them, you should do it before entering the country.

Some of the hotels I recommend staying at in Istanbul include; Basileus Hotel Istanbul which is located in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, Cheers Hostel if you’re traveling on a budget, and Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel if you want to stay in the best location.

If you don’t see anything you like in the ones I’ve recommended, then you can check out more places to stay in Istanbul here .

10. Carry comfortable shoes you can easily walk with

Istanbul is very big – I can’t emphasize that enough! And to be able to see most of the things, you’ll need to walk or even take a train.

So taking comfortable shoes to walk around the city is a perfect idea. Actually, if you try to look at the locals in Istanbul, it is soo hard to even find a single person wearing high heels.

Most of them do wear sneakers or sports shoes as they are easy and comfortable to walk with.

Don’t have good walking shoes? Why not check on Amazon for the best walking shoes that are highly rated by previous buyers.

11. Is Istanbul tourist-friendly?

Istanbul is one of the major tourist places in Europe receiving travelers from all over the world.

With major touristic sites like Hagia Sophia, the blue mosque, and the grand bazaar, Istanbul should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Even with so many things to do in Istanbul, first-time travelers still wonder whether Istanbul is tourist-friendly. The simple answer is yes!

Turkish people are always friendly and sometimes willing to go out of their way to offer help.

But even though it is tourist-friendly, there are a few people that target tourists to scam them. Read this post to find out all the Istanbul scams and how to avoid them.

12. How safe is Istanbul for tourists?

Istanbul is generally safe for tourists even solo travelers. But like any other place, you just need to take care of yourself and your items.

Security is paramount whether you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time or a frequent traveler, so you just need to be aware of your surroundings and Istanbul will be very safe for you.

You can my previous post to get all the general tips on how to stay safe while traveling .

Related post: Is it safe to travel to Turkey now?

13. How many days are enough for Istanbul?

There is no specific rule on how many days you should spend in Istanbul. Actually, this should be decided by you depending on the time you have, your budget, and what you want to see in Istanbul.

But personally, I’d suggest spending at least 5 days in Istanbul to be able to experience the city a little more.

But if you have more time and money, why not go as far as a month because there is so much to see and experience that even after a month, you’ll still want more of this amazing city.

14. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul still depends on you individually, whether you want to do summer activities or winter activities .

But as a first-time traveler to Istanbul, it is better to travel during either summer or, early fall or spring months to be able to enjoy Istanbul without worrying about wearing several coats and jackets to warm up.

However, since in most cases, the question of the best time to visit a certain place is based on weather, in summary, the best time to visit Istanbul would be in the spring and autumn months when the weather is ideal and the city is not crowded by the swarm of tourists like in summer.

To make it easier for you to decide on when to visit, here is an overview of Istanbul weather.

15. Places to visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is endowed with a number of incredible places to visit from the oldest church to the heart-throbbing museums that receive thousands of visitors on a daily basis.

And as a first-time traveler, here are some of the places not to miss in Istanbul include;

• The Blue Mosque
• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• The Grand Bazaar
• Galata Tower
• Cruise the Bosphorous to see both the European and Asian side of Istanbul
• Taksim and so many others.
• You can also check out my complete list of the best things to do in Istanbul .

16. What to wear in Istanbul

You’ve probably heard that you need to fully cover up (especially women) while traveling in Istanbul.

But I’d like to set the record straight that this is not ALL true. Yes, almost 95 percent of Turks are Moslems but they’re not very conservative.

This means that they do not mind so much about what you wear especially in big cities as long as you’re modest enough.

However, when visiting places of worship, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and legs! And no, you do not need to cover your head with a scarf.

So in summary, you can literally wear anything in Istanbul as long as your dress appropriately while visiting mosques. Clothes like summer dresses, tank tops, jeans, skirts, or shorts are totally wearable in Istanbul.

17. What to pack for Istanbul

To enjoy Istanbul to the maximum, you need to have all the travel essentials. So here are some of the travel essentials not to leave behind when traveling to Istanbul.

• A Travel scarf:   This scarf   is soft on the skin but also big enough to act as a blanket or a cover when you find yourself in places where you need to cover your hair. But if you need an anti-theft scarf,  this one  is a great choice and can keep a number of items with the phone inclusive.
• A collapsible water bottle:  As a traveler, you shouldn’t leave a bottle behind when going to Istanbul. So pack  this collapsible water bottle  so that you can refill it every time it runs dry.
• A money belt or Travel pouch:  Since there is a lot of street theft in Istanbul, especially in crowded places like the Grand Bazaar, I’d advise you to either carry  this money belt  or this travel pouch  to be able to keep your money safe.
• A universal travel adapter : Since Istanbul might have different sockets compared to other countries, I’d advise you to buy a universal travel adapter so that you don’t keep changing for every country you go to. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have it yet.
•   A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling to Istanbul is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times.
•   Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel   because it is super lightweight, easy to wash, and dries easily.
•   First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers.

18. Be aware of Istanbul travel scams

Like all major cities, Istanbul has its own share of scams targeting majorly tourists.

So as a first-time traveler to Instanbul, the best thing you can do to not get scammed is by researching the most common scams in Istanbul.

Some of the commons scams you should look out for include;

• Being invited for a drink at a bar by a super friendly local that knows a nice place that has the best beers/whiskeys in town.
• Someone offering you help at the Grand Bazaar. 
•  Street robbery/ Pickpockets

Final Thoughts on the Best Istanbul Travel Tips

Now that you know everything you should know as a first-time traveler to Istanbul, it’s time to pack your bags and get ready to experience a trip of a lifetime.

Have you been to Istanbul yet? Do you have other travel tips for Istanbul that worked for you? Share with us by leaving them in the comment section.

NEVER TRAVEL ANYWHERE WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip is to forego Travel Insurance! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s  NOT  that expensive! There are many Travel Insurance companies out there, but I love  World Nomads ! They cover almost every single thing you might face/do while traveling, it is easy to request a quote, and if you ever need to claim, the claiming process is not a rat race! I’ve used World Nomads on all my trips, and I am confident and happy to recommend it to you! No worries if you’re not yet ready to book your trip, you can request a  free quote from World Nomads here  and see if it suits your personal needs!

More posts to help you plan your trip to Turkey:

• Best places to visit in Turkey.
• Things to do in Istanbul at night
• How to enjoy Istanbul on a budget
• Free things to do in Istanbul
• Things to know before traveling to Turkey
• Things to do in Marmaris, Turkey
• Cool facts about Turkey
• Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

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Hey! Came here for other things but since you mentioned scams, I’ll share my experience. I arrived to Turkey to realise my apartment booked on booking.com doesn’t exist. Booking.com refunded me but still, it was very stressful arrival since it was midnight when I got there. Anyway, be aware of any accommodation that has a few reviews on both, booking.com or Airbnb, these are likely to be scam as I found many more similar offers with the same red flags once I realised I fell for the trap. Be safe people, Turks are friendly but not all of them 🙂

That’s really a complete and detailed guide about Istanbul. I will definitely benefit from your advices. Especially Istanbulkart advice.

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Home > 51 Istanbul Travel Tips – Things To Know Before You Visit Istanbul

51 Istanbul Travel Tips – Things To Know Before You Visit Istanbul

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Istanbul is one of my favorite places in Türkiye. You must know a few things before you land in Istanbul, as it is a gigantic city. Here are all the travel tips for Istanbul you need to have a superb time enjoying the tourist sites.

Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents and boasts of its rich and ancient history, breathtaking architecture, mouth-watering cuisines, and warm hospitality. It is also a place where you need to know some of these things before you head there. 

Istanbul is the best place to start in Turkey. I seriously think that if you don’t visit Istanbul at least once in your life, you’ll regret it. I also believe that once is not enough – which is why I have been many times and know not just the most important Istanbul travel tip – but rather many tips!

Packed with history, culture, entertainment, gastronomy, and nightlife, there is so much to see and do that you’ll be exhausted by the end of your trip but so happy that you did it all.

But Istanbul is enormous, literally massive. There are countless tips you need to know if you want your trip to go as smoothly as possible and so you can get the most out of your time. But don’t worry; I’ve got the low-down for you.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled insider tips from seasoned locals who know every nook and cranny of Istanbul .  Here are the must-know tips for Istanbul that you need before you visit for the first time. Or for the second or even the hundredth time. Every visit to Istanbul can bring new surprises.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Transportation And Navigation Travel Tips

1. make peace with traffic.

Look, it’s hectic, and that means traffic. If you think you’ve seen traffic, trust me, you haven’t. Istanbul traffic is on another scale altogether. There’s nothing you can do about it – no matter the day or time in Istanbul. So, the best thing is to make peace with it.

2. Use Public Transport

The best travel tip for Istanbul is to use transport options that avoid traffic problems, such as the Metro line, the tramway, or, y’know, even a short walk. Istanbul is a very walkable city, with the walking distance between central locations ideal for kids (mine just needed breaks!)

• Guide To Istanbul Transport Options

3. Use The “IstanbulKart” 

The IstanbulKart is a pre-paid transportation card that you can use on all types of public transport (except for taxis in Istanbul).

Public transportation in Istanbul is cheap and easy to use, and you’ll be thankful you have it in your bag when your feet hurt, and you want to get back to your hotel.

4. Avoid Buses During Besiktas Games

Besiktas football stadium is located across from Dolmabache Palace on a bustling road that links Besiktas with Taksim, Karatas, Galata, and Eminonu. But, if the football team plays at home, the road to Taksim and Sisli closes, and you’ll have to walk.

It’s a big hill, too – don’t attempt it.

5. Use HAVAIST Bus For Airport

If you’re flying into Istanbul, the HAVAIST bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get to and from both airports. There are numerous routes, and they run 24 hours per day on a regular basis. Taxis might seem more convenient, but they’re costly.

6. Take Taxis Via App Service

If you do decide to use taxi services, use those that are associated with an app. Options include Uber , BiTaksi and iTaksi.

Using these services will help ensure you avoid the scams the yellow taxis are known for in Istanbul.

Travel Preparation And Local Insights

7. pack for comfort.

You’re going to be busy, and you’re probably not going to have time to go back to your hotel and freshen up before your evening out. Even if you do, you’ll be so tired you won’t even care what you look like. With so much to see, including the European and Asian sides, there’s no time to care about style points. My advice? Just pack for comfort and forget about style.

8. Emphasize Footwear

Even if you use public transport, you’ll probably end up standing for most of the way, so make sure you wear very comfortable footwear. Ladies, forget the heels. Just wear trainers that are well broken in, and you’ll be good to go on your day trip in Istanbul. Oh, and throw some plasters in your back, just in case.

• Our Fave Travel Shoes – A Comprehensive Guide

9. Get An eSIM

Large phone companies in Istanbul usually offer touristic sims for visitors to use during their stay, which includes Internet data . Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone are all reliable options, but the prices vary, and getting someone to speak English is not always possible.

Save yourself time and get an eSIM (or a regular SIM card) before you go, which means you’ll save time for more sightseeing instead of negotiating at the stores.

We suggest this eSIM for travel in Istanbul.

10. apply for an e-visa .

If you need a tourist visa, you need to know about visa rules. Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not need one.

Generally speaking, most countries can purchase an online tourist visa, which lasts 90 days out of every 180 days. Introduced in 2013, the Turkey eVisa is a popular option for travelers visiting Turkey for tourism. The process is online and speedy. Remember that this type of Turkish visa is only available for eligible countries.

Great news! As of 2024, tourists from the USA no longer need a visa to visit Istanbul – so you are free just to come and say hello.

11. Plan Your Trip Flexibly

Considering the variety of attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, it’s a good idea to research and determine what you want to see; then, you can decide which part of Istanbul to stay in. However, don’t be too rigid with your planning because you might see something en route that you want to visit. Allow a little flexibility if you can.

12. Avoid Renting A Car

Traffic, crazy drivers, parking problems. Just don’t do it.

13. Know Airport Locations

There is more than one airport in Istanbul. So, one of the biggest Istanbul travel tips I can give you is to check which one you fly into and out of. 

Istanbul has two main airports – New Istanbul International Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Be sure to review which airport your flight is departing from before you go to the wrong airport. The Sabiha Gokcen Airport is on the Asian side, while the New Istanbul Airport is on the European side.

• Istanbul Airports Guide

14. Familiarize History, Politics & Religion

The country blends secular and progressive movements and regions that value more conservative practices. A great place to start learning about Turkey’s past is to read about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the founding father of the Republic of Turkey after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Travel Tips For Cultural Etiquette And Practices

15. mosque etiquette.

There are many mosques in Istanbul, and if you want to explore (highly recommended), then make sure you’re prepared in terms of clothing. Most people want to visit the Blue Mosque at the very least, and it’s important to know what to expect.

So, ladies, you must cover your head (pack a pashmina or scarf) and ensure you’re modestly dressed. Shorts, leggings, and skirts are a no-no; if the attendant thinks you need to cover a little, they will give you a shawl to wrap around your middle and cover your legs.

Also, make sure that your shoulders are covered. Guys, the same goes for you – no shorts or vest tops.

You’ll be asked to remove your shoes, which will be kept safe while you’re inside. So, pack some socks in your bag.

16. Avoid Scams

There are a lot. So, make sure you check your bill before paying and highlight any mistakes to the waiter. If you’re traveling in a taxi, ask how much the bill will likely be before you get in, make sure the driver switches on the taxi meter, and if you feel that they’ve taken the scenic route for any reason, take the license number and report it.

Also, if a shoe shiner walks towards you and then seems to drop their brush “without knowing,” don’t assume they’ve accidentally done so. If you pick it up and offer it back, it basically means they’ll offer to shine your shoes “for free” as a thank you. It’s not free.

The list goes on. Just keep your wits about you, and you’ll be fine.

• Guide To Istanbul Scams
• Our Favorite Anti-Theft Travel Bags

17. Know The Drinks Scam

While this is not something that happens everywhere, you may find that you are given local drinks rather than international imports in some tourist resorts. In some cases, the products you find in the market in Istanbul can be of lower quality and, in some cases, may even be fake. The best advice is to drink bottled or draft beer and never leave your drink unattended. This is the same advice you’d received anywhere else in the world.

If you’re keen to drink spirits, such as vodka, make sure you ask if the vodka is a particular brand and, if possible, ask to see the bottle. You should still heed warnings about this, however, as you may find yourself on a rather dodgy stomach the next day; otherwise, at the very least.

18. Understand Local Timing

It’s never a good idea to assume that anything will be done on time in Turkey. This is known widely as “Turkey Time,” which means that if someone says they’ll be there in one hour, they usually mean an hour and a half at the very least! It’s infuriating at first, but you’ll get used to it; in the end, you might find it endearing or see yourself turning up on Turkish time yourself.

19. Learn Basic Language

Turks love it when you speak Turkish. While most young people in Turkey speak English, you may struggle to find English speakers if you head out of the main cities in Turkey and even into the main towns.

While you can find yourself an app to help your way through it, and most people rely on pointing and hand signals to communicate their needs, learning a few words of the language will make your visit easier and endear you to the locals.

Even a few words of Turkish can go a long way in helping you get around Istanbul. Try to learn some basic phrases before your trip, and look for signs written in English and Turkish.

Some basic Turkish to know is:

Hello – Merhaba

Goodbye – Güle güle

Please – Lutfen

Thanks – Teşekkürler

Good night – Iyi geceler

Good morning – Günaydın

Good evening – Iyi akşamlar

How are you? – nasılsın?

20. Respect Web Restrictions 

The most important banned sites you may try to access while traveling in Turkey are:

• Booking.com

You can use these sites before entering the country and even book hotels using booking.com ahead of time, but you will not be able to access the sites or book on them once in the country. 

If you are a traveler who enjoys making last-minute plans while on vacation, have an idea of sites you will use to book hotels and transport other than booking.com or set up a VPN.

21. Understand The Tut & Nod 

This is a strange one, but it’s certainly something you’ll see if you communicate with locals. When someone makes a tutting noise and then nods their head upwards, e.g., a backward nod, it means “no.” They’re not being rude or doing something strange; they’re telling you they don’t want whatever you’ve asked.

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Istanbul travel tips for finances, 22. avoid eating in tourist squares.

Actually, that’s a little harsh. Totally eat in Sultanahmet but avoid the tourist restaurants in Istanbul that offer ‘traditional’ Turkish cuisine. It’s traditional, but it’s not the best quality, and the prices are waaaaay higher. Know that in Istanbul, as with any international travel, there are many scams around .

If you want traditional food, head away from the tourist streets and perhaps ask in your hotel where the staff go to eat. Away from the touristy areas, places like Besiktas (located on the European side) and Kadikoy (located on the Asian side) have some fantastic traditional restaurants offering much nicer food at a lower price.

23. Carry Some Cash

Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, and ATMs are everywhere, but small markets and stalls may only accept cash. So, have a little cash with you as you explore the markets in Istanbul, but don’t go overboard.

Not only will you lose out when converting your cash back to your home currency, but walking around with a large amount of cash is never safe in a large city, anywhere in the world.

24. Be Aware Of ATM Fees

Not all ATMs charge enormous fees, but there will probably be a small one, at the very least. Research this before you go, but know that your bank will likely charge a currency exchange fee even if you get away with an ATM fee. Just weigh up whether it’s worthwhile or not.

25. Understand Currency

Are you wondering, “What is Turkish money called”? The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey. It is divided into 100 kuruş. The symbol for the Turkish Lira is TL. The Turkish Lira was introduced in 1864, replacing the Ottoman Empire’s currency, the kuruş. The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye issues the Turkish Lira.

• A Guide To Currency In Turkey
• Where To Exchange Currency In Istanbul

26. Tipping Customs

Tipping is customary in Türkiye, especially when dining in high-quality restaurants nationwide and in many other restaurants across Istanbul.

If a service charge/fee hasn’t been applied, it is customary to tip between 5-10% of the bill, depending upon how much you enjoyed the service you received. If you’re dining somewhere extremely high-end, a tip of between 10-15% is more likely. You should always tip in cash and leave the cash amount in the bill sleeve you will receive or give directly to the waiter.

• Complete Guide To Tipping In Turkey

Istanbul Tips For Health And Safety

27. travel insurance.

Because you never know. Istanbul tips for tourists often overlook this obvious tip. But Istanbul is not the place to be sick without insurance. 

• Our Suggested Travel Insurance

28. Locating Pharmacies

If you need painkillers, plasters, or anything else a pharmacy would generally sell, you need to look for an ‘eczane,’ which will have a red and white ‘plus’ sign lit up outside. They’re everywhere.

29. Drinking Moderately

It is legal to drink alcohol in Istanbul, but not in public spaces like parks. It is also taboo to drink excessively. Raki and wine are both quite common, and locals who partake in these beverages do so socially and in moderation. Be considerate of this, especially if you head to the Asian side of the city where things are more conservative. Here, you will find fewer establishments with alcohol licensing. 

30. Stomach Health Tips

This salty yogurt drink that most locals adore can be found in just about any restaurant, day or night. It’s got excellent probiotic properties and helps gut health during your travels.

Exploration And Sightseeing Tips

31. best time to visit istanbul.

Summer is a lovely time to visit Istanbul , but it’s also sticky and hot, and when you combine that with it being busy, it’s not a pleasant time. I always think winter is the best time to visit Istanbul; if you’re lucky, it might snow!

32. Explore Both Continents 

While most first-time visitors tend to stick around the European city side, do not forget about the equally fascinating Asian side of Istanbul – known as the Anatolian Side.

• Explore The Asian Side Of Istanbul

33. Plan At Least Three Days For Exploration

There are pros and cons to how many days are sufficient for Istanbul – but we suggest that a three-day trip to Istanbul would be enough to discover the main Istanbul attractions. Of course, more time is always best!

• Here Is How Many Days In Istanbul Is Enough
• 4 Days In Istanbul Itinerary

34. Enjoy Street Food

While I wouldn’t advise eating random food from a stall that looks unclean, on the whole, street food in Istanbul is very cheap and delicious.

Istanbul is known for its amazing food, and Istanbul tourist guides will show you which stalls are the best. 

I recommend you be sure to try some of the local specialties like kebabs , pide, kofte, borek, simit, nuts, sweetcorn, and lahmacun. Yummy! Wash it all down with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.

• Our Favorite Istanbul Street Food

35. Take A Bosphorus Trip

Any good travel guide for Istanbul (like ours) will tell you to start your Istanbul adventure by taking a cruise on the Bosphorus River. This is one of the best ways to see Istanbul’s incredible skyline and get a feel for the city.

• Bosphorus Cruises We Recommend

36. Get The Istanbul Museum Pass

You can also buy a pre-paid Museum Pass, which allows you free or discounted access to museums and other attractions. You get to jump the queue, too, which is never a bad thing.

• Guide To The Istanbul Museum Pass

37. Offbeat Ideas

No travel to Istanbul would be complete without finding a few hidden gems . Here is a list of some off-the-beaten-path ideas in Istanbul for people who have been before:

• Aya Sofya: This former mosque, now a museum, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, and it is visited even more during the peak season. It’s definitely worth a visit!
• Rüstem Pasha Mosque: located in the center of the city, this hidden gem is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and design
• Balat District: located on the Golden Horn, this part of town is known for its narrow streets and colorful houses. It’s definitely worth exploring! Read all about Balat here. 
• Suleymaniye Mosque: Built in the 16th century by master architect Sinan, this is a must-see place to visit while in Istanbul. grand mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in Istanbul.
• Yerebatan Cistern: an underground wonder, this massive cistern was once used to store water for the city of Istanbul

38. Sightseeing By District

Istanbul is big – really big! It’s hard to see everything in one trip. To better use your time, make the list of things you want to see and do, and then organize your list by location in the city. You can often knock multiple sites off your list at the same time this way. It also minimizes the time you spend in traffic throughout your trip.

• Istanbul’s Districts Guide

39. Arrive Early To Top Tourist Sites

Whether you have a Museum Pass or not, go early in the day if you’re visiting a top attraction. The queues for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahce Palace might look like they’re moving quickly, but they are always super long. Don’t waste your day standing in a queue.

Know Before Visiting About Your Stay In Istanbul  

40. wise hotel booking.

As you travel Istanbul, you will notice that Istanbul is massive, and if you stay somewhere super-cheap, you’re likely to be far away from the main action. And it might be terrible.

I’m not saying always stay in a posh hotel, but this is where you really do get what you pay for. Do some research into where the hotel actually is, and if possible, avoid places like Beyoglu or Taksim, at least if you want to sleep at night – nightclubs are open until around 7 a.m., and they’re LOUD.

Every time I travel to Istanbul, I am reminded that it has many different neighborhoods, each with its own character. Do some research beforehand to find an area that’s right for you.

Also, book ahead of time!

• Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul
• Hotels Near The Blue Mosque

41. Stay Away From Mosques If A Light Sleeper

Book accommodation that isn’t right next to a mosque if you happen to be a light sleeper. The call to prayer sounds are quite powerful and majestic, but it’s perhaps not something your half-asleep self will appreciate. Calls can start as early as 4 am and ring five times a day. So consider that when finding your boutique hotel.

42. Use Mosques For Public Restrooms

If you are in need of a bathroom, find the nearest mosque. These almost always have public restrooms attached and are generally exceptionally clean. 

Remember not to flush your toilet paper while in Istanbul!  Check to see if a small wastepaper basket is near the toilet seat or if there is a sign requesting paper be thrown instead of flushed. This helps keep the pipe system running.

Things To Know About Dining & Socializing In Istanbul

43. lokanta etiquette.

Lokanta are casual restaurants known for serving home-style meals to tradespeople and workers. They are found in most neighborhoods and are excellent places to grab some authentic Turkish cuisine.

However, these establishments turn tables over quickly in order to make a profit, so once your meal is done, settle the bill at a cash desk and head on your way.

44. Meyhane For Lunch

If you want to truly experience life in Istanbul, and linger over a meal of olives and meze, and find a methane. These sidewalk cafes are the opposite of Lokantas and are designed for guests to nibble on meze platters and sip raki while enjoying long conversation.

45. Understanding Meze Platters

When dining out, a server may pass your table with an excellent selection of meze bites: artichoke, eggplant, yogurt, etc. Often, these are not free, so keep that in mind before taking some.

Unique Experiences When You Go To Istanbul

46. enjoying sunsets.

One of the best spots in the city to take in a sunset is the Galata Bridge. You will get fantastic views of both sides of the city, plus you can enjoy the sun as it sinks over the Bosphorus. It’s magical and romantic and everything a sunset should be!

47. Organize Sightseeing

You can’t do it. You’re not a superhero, no matter what you think. Prioritize and then decide to visit again in the future. You’ll save your feet and your sanity.

• 5 Days In Istanbul
• 2-Day Istanbul Itinerary

48. Encountering Stray Cats

Istanbul is home to a million or more cats, most of which roam the streets or can be spotted near the local cafes. They tend to keep to themselves, but some will eagerly take a pat on the head. Istanbul has a no-kill, no-capture policy for these felines, so despite it not being what you’re used to, the cats live relatively unharmed and are fed by the locals who have taken on a community mindset in regard to their wellbeing.

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Special Istanbul Tips

49. visiting mosques during prayer times.

If the stunning Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque or any of the city’s other religious buildings are on your agenda, make sure to double-check the prayer times online before arriving. Most of the city’s mosques are open to tourists, but they close down to non-muslims during prayer times, at least 5-6 times per day. 

If you arrive during prayer time on your visit to Istanbul, you will have to wait in long lines until the building reopens to the public.

Note: Most mosques, such as the Blue Mosque, have no “fee”; however, you still have to wait in the security check lines when required.

As of January 15th, 2024, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has introduced a distinct policy for tourists and worshippers. If you’re visiting for cultural exploration, there’s now a 25 euro entry fee . This ticket grants you access to the gallery floor, where you can admire the sanctuary’s stunning Ottoman and Byzantine features, including the historic mosaics.

This new policy is all about balancing the preservation of this iconic site and enhancing the visitor experience while ensuring that daily worship remains undisturbed.

50. Mosque Visits On Fridays

The Jumu’ah prayer is a congregational prayer that occurs each Friday at noon. This prayer at the Hagia Sophia happens to get incredibly busy with active members, making it a tricky time to visit as a tourist. 

51. Taking Kids Along

There are plenty of activities for all ages in Istanbul, from kids’ parks to historical sites and museums.

• What To Do In Istanbul With Kids

This Istanbul travel guide is aimed to help you travel Istanbul like a pro! Did we do our job? All of this Istanbul advice will make sure you have a great (and safe) trip; of that, I have no doubt. 

Tips For Visiting Istanbul FAQs

What are the must-visit attractions in istanbul.

Istanbul offers a wealth of attractions. Some of the best places include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Strait Cruise.

Is Istanbul’s city center a safe city for tourists?

Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it’s essential to be cautious. Avoid crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your belongings secure to prevent pickpocketing.

What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is a convenient card to use for multiple modes of transportation.

What is the local currency in Istanbul?

The local currency in Istanbul is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It’s best to exchange your money at authorized exchange offices or withdraw from ATMs for the best rates.

Is English widely spoken in Istanbul?

English is spoken in tourist areas and establishments, but you might encounter limited English in more local neighborhoods. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful and appreciated, especially when asking for exchange rates.

Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?

When visiting mosques, dress modestly, and women should cover their hair . It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Avoid pointing the sole of your foot at someone, as it’s considered disrespectful to Turkish people.

What are some traditional Turkish dishes to try in Istanbul?

Don’t miss trying dishes like kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, mezes (appetizers), and Turkish tea or coffee during your stay in Istanbul .

Phew, so I THINK that is everything you need to know before visiting Istanbul. If not, I’ll come back and update this post again with more helpful Istanbul tips, so be sure to bookmark it.

It is far too hard to list exactly what to do in Istanbul for a few days , as there is so much on offer. So, take your pick from the travel guides to Istanbul below, which each have top tips. These Istanbul guides will ensure your few days in this metropolis are a total blast.

• Exploring Istanbul With Kids Can Be The Best Istanbul Experience
• Istanbul Beaches
• Where To Eat In Istanbul
• Best Turkish Bath In Istanbul
• 16 Things To Do In Istanbul, Turkey
• Whirling Dervishes In Istanbul
• Your Guide To Sultanahmet Istanbul
• Top Palaces In Istanbul
• 48 Hours In Istanbul 
• Is Istanbul Safe
• 18 Best Mosques In Istanbul
• Istanbul Nightlife
• Shopping In Istanbul
• Where To Stay Longer In Istanbul
• Best Hotels In Taksim Square In Istanbul
• The Best Festivals in Istanbul
•  A Day In The Colorful Balat Istanbul
• Best Museums In Istanbul
• Top Hotels Near The Blue Mosque
• 5 Biggest Istanbul Tourist Scams To Avoid
• Best Turkish Breakfast In Istanbul
• Romantic Places In Istanbul
• Things To Do In Istanbul In Winter

Comments (2)

Thank you for the information, it’s very informative. I would like to know about transportation from the Airport to Hotel in the Old City, How safe it is for sole female travel.

Very safe! Honestly, the city is huge, and crimes against solo travelers is rare. You’ll love this city. Have a read through this it will help you https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/solo-in-turkey-solo-travel-for-women/

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Travelers visit the ancient city of Istanbul to tour the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, and to shop at the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. Topkapi Palace, once the home of the Ottoman Sultans, features displays of weaponry, porcelain, art, and fabrics in a beautiful example of architecture. Exploring Istanbul’s neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and museums are more visitor favorites.

Istanbul Itinerary: 3, 4, 5, or 7 Day Options

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Istanbul is a buzzing city with so much to see and do. As the once ancient capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, and the border between two continents, Europe and Asia, it’s a melting pot of history and diverse culture that cannot be found anywhere else on this planet.

While Istanbul is often visited as a stopover destination, being the largest transit hub in the world, anyone who just passes through this energetic city is really missing out.

From ancient landmarks to relaxing Turkish baths, serene nature, and world-class museums, there are tons of exciting attractions you could add to your Istanbul itinerary.

Whether you plan to stay for 3, 4, 5, or 7 days, these Istanbul itineraries will take you around some of the best sites in the city and tell you the best order in which to see them.

Planning a trip to Istanbul last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Istanbul:

• Airport Shuttle From Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gocken International Airport (SAW) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Istanbul:

• Luxury Bosphorus Cruise At Sunset (A must-do In Istanbul)
• Whirling Dervishes Show (Unique experience!)
• Historical Turkish Bath Experience
• Istanbul Food And Culture Tour

Here are our recommended places to stay in Istanbul:

• Magnuara Palace Hotel (Gorgeous hotel in the historic centre!)
• Pera Palace Hotel
• Cheers Hostel (Budget hostel near the Blue Mosque!)

How many days is sufficient in Istanbul?

This is the age-old question we get asked the most. The amount of time you spend in Istanbul is usually dictated by how much time you have to spare. 

You could easily spend a week here and not get bored. We even spent two weeks there and didn’t run out of things to do.

We would say the optimal amount of time to spend in Istanbul is between three and five days. You could see all the highlights in three days, but if you have more time on your side, allow an extra couple of days for relaxation and to soak in the culture of the city.

After all, you don’t want to spend your time rushing from place to place and not take in the atmosphere. If you have time on your side, take it slow, don’t rush, and spend some time wandering the streets and take it all in.

📚 Read More: A Complete Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 3 Days

Most people visiting Istanbul only have a few days before they embark on a greater Turkey itinerary. After all, 3 days is the optimal amount of time to spend in the city.

Below is an Istanbul itinerary for 3 days, which takes you to all the top attractions and iconic landmarks in the city.

Day 1: Sultanahmet

Our itinerary begins in the enchanting city of Istanbul. This once capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, named then as Constantinople, is brimming with history and culture. It’s also the only city in the world to span two continents; Europe and Asia.

On the first day of your visit to Istanbul, you’re going to want to explore the neighborhood of Sultanahmet . This is where you’ll find the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.

This day will do a lot of walking but it’s all within the same area, so you won’t need to travel far today, you’re going to see exactly why Istanbul is a city worth visiting .

Stop 1: The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is the most beautiful work of architecture in Istanbul, so it makes sense to visit this attraction first. It was built between 1609- 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. It became famous for its hand-painted blue tiles that you can see inside.

The mosque features more than 200 stained glass windows, as well as a stunning carved marble mihrab that’s worth checking out. It’s also the resting place of Sultan Ahmed I.

The Blue Mosque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is one of Turkey’s most famous sites.

Stop 2: Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is just across the park from the Blue Mosque and is another one of the most important mosques in Turkey. It was built in 537 by the Roman Emperor Justinian. It was originally used as a cathedral for Constantinople, where it remained the largest Christian church in the Eastern Roman Empire for over 1000 years ago.

After Constantinople was seized by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. It was a museum for a short time between 1935-2000 but was converted back into a mosque. It has some of the most stunning architecture, mosaics, and artistic coverings of all the mosques in the city.

Stop 3: Topkapi Palace

Around the corner from the Hagia Sophie is the Topkapi Palace. The palace was the former home of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Today, it is a large museum, showcasing artifacts from the Ottoman era. Not all rooms are open to the public, but the most beautiful ones are. The Ottoman Imperial Harem and the treasury are the main reasons to visit this palace in Istanbul .

The Topkapi Palace was also declared a UNESCO site in 1985 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Stop 4: Basilica Cistern

During the Roman Empire, the Romans built several cisterns under the city as a water filtration system for the city’s palaces. The largest and best-preserved cistern in the city is the Basilica Cistern.

It is just 150 meters away from the Hagia Sophia, so it makes sense to see this historical landmark on the same day.

Stop 5: Istanbul Archeological Museums

The Istanbul Archeological Museums is a collection of three museums in the Sultanahmet district. They are made up of the Archeology Museum, The Ancient Orient Artifacts Museum, and the Tile Museum (Tile Kiosk).

They contain historic relics dating back to the early Ottoman period after it captured Constantinople from the Roman Empire.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alexander Sarcophagus, which is the tomb of Alexander the Great, found in the Archeology Museum, and the Egyptian Grave with two coffins in the Ancient Orient Artifacts museum and the geometric tiles of the Tile Kiosk, one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Stop 6: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Another one of the major landmarks in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. It is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It began operating in 1455 after the Ottomans captured Constantinople.

The vibrant Grand Bazaar is the best place to pick up Turkish souvenirs , from Turkish delights, Turkish lamps, rugs, towels, and clothes.

Around the corner from Grand Bazaar is the Spice Bazaar. This is another souk market where you can shop for various teas and spices. The spices are said to help with certain medical conditions, from diabetes control to weight loss, and mood enhancers.

Stop 6: Evening Turkish Hamam

After all this walking around, you’re going to want to relax a little. We recommend finishing off the day in a Turkish Hamam, which is similar to a Roman Bath. It’s not just a public bathing space, but a spa where you can get massages and beauty treatments.

Located next to the Hagia Sophia is the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which was built in the 16th century. It’s a little pricey, but if you’re going to enjoy a Turkish bath , you might as well go to an authentic one!

Day 2: Istanbul: Taksim

On the second day, we’re going to cross the Galata Bridge and explore the Kabataş neighborhood. This is still part of Europe, but also features many iconic attractions that should not be missed.

Stop 1: Galata Bridge

We’ll begin at Galata Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that crosses Istanbul’s Golden Horn channel. The bridge is famous because of the fishermen who cast their lines here, attracting hundreds of seagulls.

The bridge has two parts, the top part is where the cars cross the bridge and also where you’ll find the fishermen, and along the bottom part you’ll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood meals.

Stop 2: Galata Tower

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Galata Tower. By now you have probably noticed the tower in the skyline, given that it is the city’s watch tower.

It was built as a part of the Walls of Galata in 1348 by Roman Empire. The Galata Tower has had a tumultuous past, having caught fire in 1794 and 1831. It was also badly damaged in a storm in 1875.

The tower was renovated in the 1960s to look like the original but using concrete instead of wood. You can climb to the top of the tower and witness 360-degree panoramic views of the city. There is also a museum and exhibition hall in the tower.

Stop 3: Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the most famous street in Istanbul and is where you’ll find a blend of historic and modern. It was historically known as Grand Avenue of Pera, and is a pedestrian street made famous for its red tram that rides from one end to the other.

There are many high-street brands setting up shops here in the old buildings that were once apartments for the Romans. It’s a great place to pick up some street food or find a traditional Turkish restaurant down one of the side streets.

If you’re into nightlife, you’ll find vibrant bars in this area. There are also many things to do on Istiklal Street , including visiting some of the top museums in the city.

Stop 4: Pera Museum

The Pera Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It was established in 2005 and is home to a large selection of iconic works from renowned Turkish artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, Cihat Burak, and Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, as well as European artists such as Jean-Léon Gérôme and Jean-Baptiste van Mour.

The museum is a cutting-edge cultural space spanning over 5 floors and provides a fantastic space where history and art collide.

Pera has served as a hub for creative expression since it first opened its doors. Amongst its many fascinating collections, there is an art gallery hosting diverse works from across Turkey’s dynamic cultural heritage. Notable pieces include Orientalist paintings and rare photography pieces that explore the late 18th century through to modern-day times.

Stop 5: Bosphorus Cruise

If your legs are a little tired from all this walking, then a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to enjoy an afternoon or early evening.

The cruise takes you through Istanbul’s Golden Horn and out into the Bosphorus. It gives you a unique perspective of the city from the water, and it’s also the best way to see the palaces in Istanbul. Many of the palaces were built next to the water, and their beautiful decoration and architecture are best seen from the water.

You will see boats lined up on the waterfront in Eminönü, and there are plenty of cruises to choose from. They are all pretty much the same, but you do need to book your ticket in advance.

You can either head to the harbor early in the morning and book your ticket, or you can book your ticket online.

Day 3: The Asian Side

On the third day in Istanbul, you’re going to explore the Asian side. We’ll be visiting the largest mosque in Istanbul, the hip and vibrant area of Moda, and tasting delicious Istanbul street food .

Stop 1: Çamlıca Mosque

The first stop is Çamlıca Mosque, located at the top of Çamlıca Hill. To get here, you must first take the metro to Üsküdar and then change to the metro to Kısıklı. From here, you simply walk up the hill.

The Camlica Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and measures at 72 m (236 ft). The six minarets measure even higher to 107.1 m (351 ft). This stunning mosque is a sprawling complex large enough to house 63,000 worshipers at one time.

There’s also an art gallery, library, and conference hall. It was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, and was said to have cost $110 million USD to make.

Stop 2: Kadikoy

After spending time admiring the mosque, head over to the area of Kadikoy, one of the biggest attractions in Istanbul’s Anatolian side . Here you’ll find bustling markets and fishermen on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to sample some street food. We highly recommend the balık ekmek (fish sandwich).

Stop 3: Moda

After wandering the neighborhood of Kadikoy, head further south to Moda. This is a hipster neighborhood with street art, boutique stores, cool coffee shops, and a relaxing park.

Stop 4: Whirling Dervishes Show

If you went for an afternoon Bosphorus cruise, then you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy a whirling dervishes show in the evening. This is a traditional Turkish dance where dancers look as though they are floating across the floor.

As well as being a dance, it’s an active meditation exercise, which originated from the Sufi tribes in the 13th century. This is one of our favorite things to do in Istanbul at night .

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 4 Days

If you have an extra day to spend, you might want to spend it doing something more relaxing. Not many people know this, but Istanbul is surrounded by serene nature, and you don’t have to go far to find it.

In our Istanbul 4 day itinerary, we would suggest following the itinerary for 3 days, and on the fourth day, visit the Princes Islands…

Day 4: Princes Islands

On the fourth day, you’ll need to allow a full day to explore the Princes Islands , or Adalar as they are referred to in Turkish. There are nine islands in total, but only four are inhabited. Each island was once used as an exile home for the rich, famous and powerful, including members of the royal family (hence the name, Princes Islands).

There are no cars on the islands and they can only be explored on foot or by bike. You will notice several examples of luxurious, stunning architecture and 19th-century mansions as you explore each of the islands.

To get to these unique islands in Turkey , you must take a ferry from Kabatas or Kadikoy. The ferry stops at Kınalıada, Burgazadası, Heybeliada, and finally Büyükada, or “Big Island” as it’s often referred to.

It takes 75 minutes to reach the last island, Buyukada, and ferries operate every hour – this gives you an hour to explore each island, so you need to plan your trip accordingly.

You may wish to pick two out of the four islands we mention below if you want a more leisurely day.

Be sure to check out the ferry times here .

Stop 1: Kınalıada, Princes Islands

The first stop is Kınalıada, the smallest island in the Princes Island archipelago. It’s the nearest island to mainland Istanbul and its history dates back to the ancient Greeks.

The name Kinaliada means “Henna Island” in Turkish, and it is so named because of the red-color land you see here. This is made by iron and copper deposits which were once mined here.

The first settlers on the island were the Greeks, who used the island as a place of exile from the Byzantine rulers. The most famous exile to live here was Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, who lived at the Monastery of the Transfiguration on Hristo Peak.

It won’t take you long to explore the small village on the island. Make sure to check out the former Greek Orthodox monastery, the Monastery of Christ, and wander along the small streets to check out the unique architecture. The old fire station and school are particularly beautiful.

After an hour, make your way back to the ferry pier to go on to the next island.

Stop 2: Burgazadası, Princes Islands

Burgazada, or Burgaz Adası, is the third largest in the group and was also an exile settlement for the Greeks. It was once called Antigoni, after Antigonus I Monophthalmus, father of one of the successors of Alexander the Great.

Antigoni built a fort on the island, which you can still see today. The island is small and has one single hill, so you can easily see all the main attractions in an hour.

Be sure to check out the Spanudis Mansion, which was the home to the famous Turkish short-story writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık. Then there is The Church of Iohannes Prodromos which was built in 1899. It was built on the site that was once a prison for St Methodius the Confessor, who was exiled here.

There are also a few monasteries to see, the Monastery of Hagios Georgios Garipi which was a refuge for White Russians fleeing the Russian Revolution, and the Monastery of the Transfiguration, which dates back to the Byzantine era.

Stop 3: Heybeliada, Princes Islands

The second largest island is Heybeliada, which was once used by the Turkish Navy. Each year, the island holds a few small open-air concerts in the summer, which attracts many visitors to the island.

Make sure to check out the Naval High School, which was founded in 1773 and has stunning architecture. It’s also the home of the only remaining Byzantine church on the island,  Kamariotissa , as well as the last church to be built before the conquest of Constantinople.

The grounds are where you’ll find the grave of Edward Barton, who was the second English Ambassador for Elizabeth I of England, who was sent to Constantinople and spent his last days on Heybeliada trying to escape the plague.

As with all the other islands, Heybeliada also has a monastery, named Hagios Georgios tou Kremnou, which was built in the 16th century. There are also the ruins of the Hagios Spyridon monastery which was built in the 19th century.

You can also visit the house of the second President of Turkey, Mavromatakis Köşkü, which is a museum, as well as several other beautiful 19th century mansions.

Stop 4: Büyükada, Princes Islands

The last island is the biggest island, Buyukada. If you only have time for one, make sure this is it. You can see many of the island’s notable landmarks, including the Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy from 1870, and the ruins of a villa where Trotsky lived during 1929-1933 on Hamlaci Street 4.

Since this island is much bigger than the rest, we recommend you rent a bike and cycle around the island, taking in the quietness and beauty of the island. See the Greek Orthodox Church, St. George Church, which sits on the highest point of the island with amazing views of the city.

Other notable landmarks on the island are the former Greek Orphanage, which was the largest wooden house in Europe.

You can also find a beach for swimming and relaxing on, as well as a huge green park. You could easily spend more than an hour here. Be sure to stay for sunset and try one of the top-rated restaurants on the waterfront.

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 5 Days

For those blessed with five full days in the city, you might be wanting to see more off-the-beaten-path places in Istanbul. On our fifth day, we are going to explore the Fener district.

This is home to Balat, the Jewish district of Istanbul. Here you get to see the diverse cultures of Istanbul and see a unique side of the city in its architecture, history, and general way of life.

If you’re looking for a 5 day Istanbul itinerary, we suggest following the itinerary above and adding the following stops on your fifth day…

Day 5: Fener District

The Fener District is where you’ll find the remnants of Istanbul’s Jewish Population. In the late 15th century, Sultan Bayezid II offered citizenship to the Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Africa, and most of the immigrants ended up here.

The Fener District is part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic Areas of Istanbul . Fener has become a melting pot of culture, with ethnic minorities from places like Armenia, Bulgaria, and more.

The neighborhood also has a number of charming coffee shops and restaurants, as well as art galleries and boutique stores.

Stop 1: Balat District

Balat is the most famous neighborhood in Fener. It’s known for its colorful, narrow wooden houses and cobbled streets. Kiremit Caddesi (Kiremit Street), is the most famous place to find these buildings.

These pastel-colored buildings are some of the  most beautiful buildings in Istanbul . But this is not the only reason to visit Balat .

Nestled among the historic buildings and winding streets, are unique, cozy cafes, some of which are an artist’s playground, such as İncir Ağacı Kahvesi which is known for its umbrella installation and colorful huts where you can sip your coffee in.

You can also find many antique shops and vintage shops, if you enjoy thrift shopping. Be sure to check out the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, which you won’t miss as it’s a striking red building ontop of the hill.

Stop 2: Kariye Mosque

The Kariye Mosque, or The Chora Church as it’s also known, is one of the most historically significant mosques in Istanbul. It was built as a Greek Orthodox Church in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great, at the time when the walls of Constantinople were being built.

It was part of a monastery complex outside the walls of the city and served as an Orthodox church until it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century by Ottoman Turks.

What makes this church unique is that it still has stunning mosaics depicting biblical stories and figures, some of which date back to the 14th century. It also hosts a number of incredible frescoes that showcase Ottoman artistry and engineering prowess.

The Kariye Mosque has been under renovation since 2005 and there has been no end date announced at present. We will update this guide as soon as we know of a re-opening date, and this is one site in Istanbul not to be missed.

Stop 3: The Walls of Constantinople

Have you ever wondered if the walls of Constantinople still stand? The answer is yes, but only in some areas. You can see the remains of the walls of Constantinople on Hoca Çakır Cd, this is where they are the most well-preserved.

The walls were built in the 4th century and were used as a defense against oncoming invasions, and they were withheld for many centuries before the great Mahmet II finally seized the city in 1453.

You can walk along the walls in some areas as well, which offer an incredible view of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn.

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 7 Days

For those who have a full week at their disposal, you have time to truly experience the diversity and uniqueness of the city, but now you might be after a bit of adventure.

So on our sixth and seventh day, we plan to take you to the theme parks and on a day trip outside the city.

If you’re looking for a 7 day Istanbul itinerary, follow the itineraries above and add the following stops to day 6 and 7…

Day 6: Theme Park Day

Istanbul is also home to several exciting theme parks. If you are travelling with kids, you might want to have a theme park day!

Stop 1: Vialand Theme Park

If you only have time for one park, it should be Vialand. There is so much to see and do here, you should spend a full day here.

Vialand Theme Park has something for everyone – from its rollercoaster rides and other thrilling attractions such as Parkour land, mall, and Disney-inspired palace, to its interactive theaters and kid-friendly carnival games.

It opened in 2013 and was the first shopping, entertainment, and living complex in the world that combines a Theme Park and a shopping mall.

The park is spread over a huge 600,000 meters squared and features the world’s 4th biggest rollercoaster, the Nefeskesen, which accelerates to 110 kilometers in just 3 seconds. Don’t miss the “Justice Tower”, which descends from 50 meters, as well as the 7-D movie theatre.

If you’re looking for thrills and entertainment, Vialand has something for even the pickiest traveler!

Stop 2: LEGOLAND

If you have time for another theme park, then we recommend LEGOLAND. You can get a taxi here from Vialand and be here within less than 15 minutes.

Legoland is the perfect place for both grown-ups and children looking for an unforgettable day out. There’s so much to explore – from massive models, three incredible rides, and interactive activities, to 10 LEgo-build areas and Lego workshops.

Open since 2015, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey within a few years. It not only offers lots of fun to kids but adults can also enjoy themselves playing with large building sets made from genuine Lego bricks.

No matter how old you are, you’ll be sure to find the perfect way to have some incredible fun at Legoland.

Day 7: Day Trip to the City of Troy (Çanakkale)

By now you must be feeling you’ve seen a lot of Istanbul and would like to explore some other parts of Turkey. Located four hours away by car is the ancient city of Canakkale, which is most famous for being where the ancient city of Troy once was.

Stop 1: Troy National Park

Perhaps the most famous thing about Çanakkale is the nearby ancient ruins of Troy, located in the Historic Troy National Park, which can be visited by guided tours or independently.

This legendary city served as an important historical battleground between Greeks and Trojans in the 8th century BC. Visitors can explore the remains of Troy or take a tour through its open-air museum featuring archaeological finds from Hellenistic and Roman eras. 

According to archaeologists, the City of Troy is only one of nine cities that was built on top of each other, so the findings you see here are that of several civilizations. The oldest city is said to have dated back to 3000 BC.

As well as being historical, it’s also an area of outstanding natural beauty, so take a moment to look out for several species of bird and wildlife that make this park their home.

Stop 2: Cimenlik Castle

The city of Çanakkale is also worth stopping off at, since it has some notable historical attractions, such as the Cimenlik Castle.

It was built in 1462 by Mehmet the Conqueror to protect the Ottoman Empire in the Dardanelles. Just right across the Dardanelles, visitors will also find Kilitbahir Castle, another fortress built around the same time.

Both of these castles are now museums and offer spectacular sea views.

Stop 3: Troy Horse

Many have heard the legend of the Fall of Troy , which has been passed down through Greek mythology for centuries. The story was also featured in Homer’s  Iliad .

If you don’t know the story, the Trojan War  went on for years, in which the Greeks tried to break through the walls of the City of Troy but were unable to breach them.

To trick the Romans on the other side, they built a wooden trojan horse and gave it to them as a gift. Little did the Romans know, the Greeks had waited inside the horse until nightfall, and then attacked the Romans as they slept. And thus the war was won.

To remember the story, head to the waterfront of Canakkale, where you can see the huge steel and fiberglass statue of the horse that was used in the 2004 movie “Troy.”

Extend to 10 Days Istanbul Itinerary

If you have fallen in love with the city and want to spend more time here, you could easily extend it to 10 or more days. 

If you’re looking for some ideas for how to spend 10 days, we recommend you fill your time taking some day trips to the cities near Istanbul . 

Bursa, Kumköy, or Şile are three cities we would recommend adding to your Istanbul itinerary. If you plan your visit right, you could even spend time at the beach in Şile if beaches are your thing.

There are also some beaches closer to Istanbul, which would be the perfect place to spend your days in the summer. 

Aside from that, I would spend time wandering the city, shopping for souvenirs, stopping off at traditional cafes , and gorging on street food. 

Explore some of the parks in Istanbul or check out the museums . There is so much to see and do, we know you’ll find something fun to fill in your time on a 10 day Istanbul trip.

Getting Around The City

Istanbul is a very walkable city, as long as you have some comfortable shoes on. We have purposely organized the stops in our itineraries to allow you to be able to walk from place to place, without the need for public transportation.

However, sometimes taking public transportation is necessary, especially if you plan to visit the theme parks or head over to the Fener district.

We have written a complete guide on public transportation in Istanbul for those who are visiting for the first time. Read about how to get around Istanbul here .

Tips for Visiting Istanbul

To help you have the best trip to Istanbul, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every museum and mosque. Take time to just wander the streets and soak in the atmosphere as well.
• Get the Istanbul E-Pass, this is a tourist pass that gives you free entrance to many of the city’s top attractions. You can save up to 70% by using this card.
• Download Offline Google Maps or MapsMe, so you don’t need to rely on data.
• Pick up a Turkish sim card, but not from the airport. Turkcell is our preferred operator, but you can read more about it here.
• Dress modestly . This is a Muslim country and even though it’s hot, respectful attire should be worn at all time. Leave the hot pants at home, and bring light clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
• Bring a headscarf if you’re a woman. You will need to wear one when entering the mosques.
• Take out cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts on Istanbul Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Istanbul, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Istanbul, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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Travel Guide

Traveling to Istanbul Soon & Need a Bit of Guidance?

What to Know Before Visiting Istanbul

Istanbul, although not being a capital, is one of the most famous and popular cities in Turkey . It is considered a cultural and commercial center of the country which is also a very special place with an endless list of things to do. Besides an amazing heritage of art, culture, history, and architecture Istanbul is also a culinary hub.

You can visit Istanbul on its own or when on a big trip around Turkey . 

But my main advice to you is not to be in a hurry. One or two days here is never enough. I recommend planning to spend at least five full days in Istanbul (if you can) and explore the city at a slower pace. During this time you will be able to visit all significant tourist attractions, see vibrant life on Asian and European sides, get acquainted with Turkish cuisine, and even venture to some lesser-known spots.

But if you don’t have that much time, I have plenty of resources to help you also plan a shorter trip, just browse through all the posts on this Istanbul travel blog page!

Istanbul Travel Tips & Istanbul Itineraries

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Istanbul Airport Transfer: How to Get From Istanbul Airports to the City Center

50+ Practical Travel Tips For Istanbul to Make the Most of Your Trip

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4 Days in Istanbul Itinerary – Alternative Route for First-Time Visitors

Is Istanbul Expensive in 2024? Guide to Prices in Istanbul & How Much You Need

1 Day in Istanbul Itinerary – 2 Routes Depending on the Airport Where You Land

Antalya or Istanbul for a Holiday – How to Decide Which One to Choose?

Travel resources for istanbul.

Check if you need a visa when traveling to Turkey (most passports get a visa on arrival, but you may need to arrange it in advance) Learn More

Travel Insurance

Do not leave home without insurance & take care of it before entering the country (as policy does not start immediately after purchase) Learn More

This is the website I use most of the time to rent a car in Turkey (see more of my tips on car hire below) Find a Car

Simcard for the phone to stay connected on your trip & have internet anywhere in the country Check Offers

Local Tours

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Balat & Fener – The Most Two Colorful Neighborhoods in Istanbul

Guide to Nisantasi: Istanbul’s Most Posh Neighborhood With Cool Things to Do

Cihangir Neighborhood: Life & Things to Do in Istanbul’s Artistic Hub

Karakoy Neighborhood: Why Not to Miss It & What to Do

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Where to stay in istanbul.

Best Areas in Istanbul: What to Expect From Istanbul Neighborhoods & Districts

Where NOT to Stay in Istanbul – 9 Dangerous Istanbul Neighborhoods to Avoid

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8 Best Beach Destinations in Turkey From Istanbul for a Quick Trip

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Istanbul in Winter – All Important Things to Know Before You Go (!)

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Visiting Istanbul in Spring – Best Things to Do Each Month + My Travel Tips

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Istanbul   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Leonardo Patrizi | Getty Images

Why Go To Istanbul

Bridging East and West – Europe and Asia – Istanbul possesses a richly complicated heritage. Once the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, this city's prestigious history has left us with many monuments to cherish. Plus, it integrates its past and present to create a unique mix of architecture; a glass skyscraper next to a Byzantine church or a colorful bazaar in the shadow of a shopping mall. The natural landscape is also impressive. The Bosphorus, a narrow strait, cuts the city in two and connects the Sea of Marmara in the south to the Black Sea in the north. From the blue waters, visitors will see a skyline of domes, steeples and modern towers.

Although Istanbul looks serene from afar, the internal atmosphere is wonderfully chaotic. Discover the bustling streets and busy bazaar stalls that have characterized the city for hundreds of years. Drivers will jockey for position; shopkeepers will barter in an avalanche of chatter; and you'll be struggling to digest all of the sights, sounds and smells. Speaking of smells – during your exploration, smell and taste the distinctly Turkish treats off the streets, including döner , Istanbul's version of fast food. And when the sun goes down, you'll see that Istanbul sheds some of its conservative facade to reveal a thriving nightlife. At the intersection of civilizations and continents for centuries, Istanbul surprises visitors with its fast pace, its ancient history and its present culture.

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Istanbul Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Istanbul are from March to May and between September and November. That's when crowds at the city's attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime temperatures generally sit in the 60s and 70s. Peak season – from June to August – sees temps soar into the low 60s to low 80s, and accommodation prices increase to match the demand from incoming tourists. December through February, meanwhile, are the cheapest months to visit, but Istanbul's rainy, snowy and chilly conditions (temps are in the high 30s to high 50s) mean you'll have to don cold weather attire and lug an umbrella during your stay.

Weather in Istanbul

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Politeness is highly regarded here Many U.S. customs are different from those in Turkey. But, this one still applies: Be gracious, even if you don't understand what is going on.

Using Turkish goes a long way  Communicating with the locals can be difficult, although many Turks know at least some English. It is, however, best to try speaking Turkish first. Phrases such as " merhaba " (hello), " hosçakal " (goodbye) and " tesekkür ederim " (thank you) will come in handy.

Kid-friendly? Not so much If you have kids in tow, you might want to vacation elsewhere. Istanbul does not have much for children to do, and they will likely quickly tire of touring Byzantine architecture.

How to Save Money in Istanbul

Pay for items with Turkish lira  Vendors in tourist areas will accept dollars and euros as a form of payment, but you'll generally overpay when using these currencies, so use Turkish lira.

Buy a Museum Pass Istanbul card  Most of the city's museums have entrance fees of 200 to 700 Turkish lira (or about $14 to $25) per person. To save some coin, invest in a Museum Pass Istanbul card , which costs 2250 Turkish lira (about $80) for five days of access to attractions like the Topkapi Palace Museum  and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums .

Travel by ferry for Bosphorus cruises  Bosphorus excursions offered by private companies can cost up to 79 euros (more than $88) per person, so if you want to take in your surroundings from the water without burning a hole in your wallet, use Sehir Hatlari, the city's ferry operator. Tour tickets start at 65 Turkish lira (about $3).

Culture & Customs

Although Turkey is a secular state, the predominant religion is Islam, and travel writers generally characterize the country as conservative. During your stay, you might notice that practicing Muslims pray five times a day. During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

Casual clothing is not unusual in more modern areas like Beyoglu, but women should cover their legs, shoulders and heads in more conservative neighborhoods like Fatih and inside mosques and other religious sites. Also, make sure to bring a scarf if you're visiting these places, though some offer ones to borrow.

In general, it is better and safer to travel accompanied by others. If you venture into the Grand Bazaar , keep a close eye on your belongings, as pickpockets are in no short supply here. And remember to be mindful of your surroundings at all times, especially at popular tourist attractions.

Rather than shaking their heads to say "no," Turks will throw their heads backward slightly and raise their eyebrows accompanied by a "tsk." When shaking hands, never offer your left hand, as it is considered rude and unclean. Also, point the soles of your feet away from others when sitting on the floor; doing otherwise is very offensive.

Turkish is the official language spoken in Turkey, and Turkish humor is a bit different from what you'll encounter in the United States. Extreme sarcasm should be avoided in conversation, as should discussions about political and religious views.

Visitors will also find that smoking is more socially acceptable here. Don't be surprised to see Turks taking frequent cigarette breaks during a meal.

Finally, the official currency here is the Turkish lira (1 Turkish lira is equal to about 4 cents). Some tourist locales will accept dollars or euros as a form of payment, but exchange rates are generally poor, so it's best to use Turkish lira at all times. Turkish lira to dollar rates often fluctuate, so check the latest exchange rate  before you go.

What to Eat

Turkish cuisine can best be described as a fusion of its seven regions (the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, Black Sea, and Central, Southeastern and Eastern Anatolian), each of which has its own culinary identity shaped by its geography and multiethnic nature. In terms of cuisine, Istanbul is a microcosm of the entire country, with many different types of restaurants serving many different dishes.   

Some Istanbul staples include the simple esnaf restaurants, where classic homecooked dishes are made fresh daily and served cafeteria-style for lunch, including everything from meat stews and stuffed vegetable dishes accompanied by buttery rice or bulghur. There are fish restaurants that serve their freshest catch grilled and with a slice of lemon accompanied by a slew of meze (cold appetizers) that are either fish or vegetable based with plenty of olive oil. There are kebab restaurants where different meats are grilled in-house on a hooded charcoal barbecue. There are bakeries making sweet and savory pastries or dough-based specialties like lahmacun and pide (flatbreads with different toppings). There are the classic Istanbul meyhanes (taverns) serving meze and raki , the national licorice-flavored spirit made from the anise plant and mixed with water and ice. When the two liquids make contact, it forms a milky white color, giving the drink its nickname, aslan sütü  (lion's milk).

There are confectionary shops dating to the Ottoman period selling traditional treats such as baklava, lokum (Turkish delight) and akide  sekeri (hard candies with different flavors). Istanbul's street food includes pilafs, stuffed mussels, roasted chestnut or corn, simit (a ring-shaped bread covered in sesame), fish sandwiches, böreks (pastry made of thin layers of dough with different fillings) and dürüm (a wrap with döner – thinly sliced lamb meat from a spit). And then there are the contemporary restaurants (some boasting Michelin stars) that serve reinterpreted Turkish dishes accompanied by wines from the country's thriving boutique vineyards.

Classic Istanbul beverages include the ubiquitous Turkish tea, served hot in a tulip-shaped glass at the end of every meal or as a welcoming offering to guests. Turkish coffee is strong and is also enjoyed at the end of a meal with lokum , but make sure to not drink the grounds at the bottom of the cup. In the winter, there is boza , a drink made of fermented grains and served with cinnamon and leblebi (roasted chickpeas).

For the most authentic experience, avoid the Sultanahmet area. The tourist-heavy neighborhood's restaurants, in general, serve overpriced and mediocre food. Take a short trip on the tram north across the Golden Horn to Beyoglu, where you'll find a mix of simple home cooking, as well as some of the trendiest options in the city.

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers should exercise some caution when visiting Turkey, due to possible terrorist attacks. Tourist sites, major events, transportation hubs and popular locales (like restaurants and nightclubs) are most prone to terrorist attacks. Also, avoid protests, gatherings and demonstrations, and keep tabs on local news. Signing up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , which notifies the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your travels, is strongly advised. To learn more about security concerns and safety tips for Turkey, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

Getting Around Istanbul

The best ways to get around Istanbul are the buses and trams, which conveniently cover the touristy areas. But remember, buses don't have maps inside and drivers do not announce stops, so you'll need to remain vigilant and watch where you are going. The metro is also a reliable and cheap means of getting around; however, stops are farther apart and not as well-positioned for seeing the sights. When visiting Sultanahmet and Eminönü, walking between the area's attractions  is doable, but you'll need to rely on another mode of transportation to reach other neighborhoods. Driving is strongly discouraged because of heavy traffic and since road signs are in Turkish and accidents are fairly common. Ferries are also available to get to the Princes' Islands and between the European and Asian sides.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Even though Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, you can travel freely between the two sides. To enter Turkey, you will need a passport that's valid for six months past your arrival date, as well as a visa. Visas cost $50 and are available on the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs website . The sticker visa (which is placed in your passport along with an official stamp) is valid for 90 days. To stay longer, contact a Turkish embassy or consulate to apply for a residence, work permit or Turkish ID card. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website . 

Named for its interior's blue tiles, the  Blue Mosque  is one of the city's most popular mosques to visit.

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13 Important Istanbul Travel Tips You Should Know

A popular choice among international tourists, Istanbul can be an awesome place to go to for a nice vacation experience. In case you are planning to visit this city, you may be in need of some good Istanbul travel tips . From practical tips to tips regarding the experiences to have in this city, there are numerous Istanbul travel tips to know about. On this blog post we will share some great tips for Istanbul travel that can be worth checking out! If you are ready, let’s start with the first tip we have.

Table of Contents

Consider learning about the city and planning your travel beforehand.

The first one among the Istanbul travel tips that we have on this post is about travel planning. Istanbul is a very big city that has a lot to offer for tourists. So, trying to explore this city without a good plan can feel like an overwhelming experience. In order to avoid that, you may want to create your travel plan for this city beforehand. Before visiting Istanbul, you can learn about this city and plan your travel accordingly. For learning about Istanbul, it can be a great idea to check out our website for more tips for İstanbul and info about this city.

Learning Some Basic Turkish is One of the Istanbul Travel Tips

When you visit a city in a foreign country, one of the important things can be your ability to speak the local language. Communication with the locals can be a significant part of being able to explore a city fully. For some foreign cities, only being able to speak English may be just fine. But for visiting Istanbul, speaking a bit of Turkish can be very helpful. This is because in Istanbul, you may not always find an English speaker. So if you want to visit Istanbul, consider learning some Turkish or have a plan for quick translations.

Be Aware of the Possibility of Getting Scammed and Pickpocketed

Another important one among tips for Istanbul that we should definitely mention is to be careful about your safety. Although Istanbul can be regarded as a fairly safe city for the most part, there can be various risks. Criminals may target tourists and visitors may be a victim of crimes such as scamming, fraud, pickpocketing and so on… So it can be a good idea to be aware of these, as well as other possible criminal activity. Be vigilant about potential dangers in the city, try your best to stay safe and take all the necessary precautions!

Carry Your Documents with You While Exploring the City

This one is another important one among tips for Istanbul travel. While travelling, it can be important to keep your documents with you at all times, as much as possible. Although it may be tempting to be a bit too relaxed about such practical matters, it may be a good idea to be careful. Just like in many other cities, you may be asked to provide documents like your passport by the authorities while visiting Istanbul. So during your Istanbul trip, make sure to carry such documents with you in case they are needed.

Explore the Historical and Natural Attractions of Istanbul

On this post we already talked about numerous practical Istanbul travel tips. So at this point, you may be feeling a bit intimidated about visiting this city. However, tips for Istanbul travel don’t have to be just about practical matters. Another tip we have is this: don’t forget to check out the historical and natural sights of Istanbul, as there are many amazing ones… In Istanbul, there are a variety of popular historical places of interest, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapı Palace. Moreover, there are numerous natural spots like Gülhane Park and Belgrad Forest.

Try Turkish Foods and Drinks

In case you are looking for Istanbul travel tips , we should definitely talk about the local foods and drinks in this city. When visiting Istanbul, there can be a lot of activities to do. One of the enjoyable activities to do in this city can be exploring the local cuisine. There are many delicious dishes in Turkish cuisine that you can try in Istanbul, like kebabs, kokoreç, midye dolma, mantı, lahmacun and many others… Once you are done with tasting savory dishes and start looking for dessert, there are lots of choices, as well, like baklava and künefe. In terms of drinks, don’t forget to try ayran, Turkish tea and Turkish coffee.

Also Read: Istanbul Famous Food Choices: 7 Amazing Foods to Eat in Istanbul

If You are Looking to Escape the Hustle and Bustle, Visit the Princes’ Islands

Istanbul can be an amazing place to visit, with lots of places of interest and a lot to do… However, the hustle and bustle in the city, as well as the crowds, can be overwhelming, too. So when visiting Istanbul, you may find yourself needing to get away from the crowds and go to a place that is more tranquil. When you feel like this, visiting the Princes’ Islands can surely be an amazing idea. In the Princes’ Islands, you can experience a side of Istanbul that is calmer. Also, there are lots of amazing places to explore in the Princes’ Islands…

Also Read: 9 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises: Prices & Online Booking

When the Weather is Nice for That, Check out Some Beaches in Istanbul

Are you a fan of swimming and sunbathing? If so, another one of the tips for Istanbul that can be worth mentioning is: check out the beaches in Istanbul. Although for many people, Istanbul is famous for its historical structures, bazaars and streets, there are beaches in this city, as well. When the weather is good for it, consider visiting some beaches in Istanbul to have some amazing time! In case you are looking to visit some beaches in this city, going to areas like Kilyos and Şile can be a good idea.

Also Read: Istanbul Attractions: Top 9 Places You Shouldn’t Miss in This City

Don’t Forget to Get Some Souvenirs

Getting some souvenirs while visiting this city is another one of the tips for Istanbul that we have. An Istanbul trip can certainly be a wonderful experience. You can fill this travel journey with many enjoyable activities and visit lots of amazing spots. After your trip is finished, you may remember this journey with fond memories. To help you remember about this trip every time you see this item, you can consider getting some souvenirs during your Istanbul trip. For getting souvenirs in Istanbul, you can check out historical bazaars, as well as other shops in this city.

Also Read: Istanbul Souvenirs (That You Can Buy for Your Loved Ones)

Make Sure to Take Some Nice Photos During Your Trip

The purpose of this one among our tips for Istanbul travel is quite similar to the one that we had about souvenirs. After you finish your Istanbul trip, you may want to have some souvenirs with you, as well as some photos of your travel, to help you remember this journey and the memories you created during it. Whether it is with a professional or amateur camera, or simply with your smartphone, you may take photos of places you visited, activities you enjoyed, foods you tried and many other things while exploring this city…

Enjoy the Nightlife of the City

One of other Istanbul travel tips that can be worth mentioning may be to enjoy the nightlife of this city. Istanbul has a very vibrant and active nightlife, with lots of bars and clubs to check out. So if you like to have some drinks, listen to some music and dance the night away, Istanbul can be an awesome city for that! If you want to enjoy the nightlife of Istanbul, make sure to find good spots for this and get ready to have so much fun.

Also Read: Top 10 Night Clubs in Istanbul: Discover Some Great Options

Private Boat Tours in Istanbul Can Offer an Enjoyable Experience

Enjoying a nice private cruise experience can be an amazing activity choice in Istanbul. So another one of the Istanbul travel tips that we have on this post is to consider having a private boat tour in this city. When visiting Istanbul, you can do things like sightseeing, exploring the streets of this city, as well as having fun in Istanbul’s bars and clubs. All these activities may be quite tiring and you may want to have some leisurely time. For this, an excellent idea can be to enjoy a nice private cruise in Istanbul and relax.

Also Read: Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tours

How About Going on a Day Trip from Istanbul?

Have you been looking for Istanbul travel tips? Here’s the last one among the tips for Istanbul that we have on this post: consider going on a day trip from Istanbul, if you have enough time for that. Depending on how much of the city you want to explore, the time needed for visiting Istanbul may vary. But if you are confident that you have sufficient time for a day trip from Istanbul, there can be numerous awesome choices for that, such as a Cappadocia day trip or a Pamukkale day trip from Istanbul.

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Best of Istanbul: Our Travel Guide & Tips

Speechless. Overwhelming. Exciting. These impressions of Istanbul are forever lasting and it is probably the most memorable city we have ever explored. Despite harbouring a tinge of skepticism before our trip, it wasn’t long before we fell in love with the city of Istanbul.

If you happen to be planning a city trip to Istanbul , then you’ve landed on the right page. In this article, you’ll find out what you can expect from the largest city in Turkey. We will share with you the most beautiful sights and of course our personal tips for your trip to this fascinating city situated on the Bosphorus.

1. Istanbul: Our Experiences & What to Expect

2. sights and activities in istanbul, 3. the most beautiful lookout points in istanbul, 4. food an drinks in istanbul: our tips, 5. our hotel recommendations for istanbul.

This much we can tell you right away: Istanbul is a city you absolutely must see for yourself. The pulsating vibes of the Metropolis is hard to put into words – this city exudes life like no other.

At the same time, Istanbul is so unique and unlike any other city. It is literally a collision of two worlds – the European continent meets the Asian continent and creates a fusion, that is Istanbul. What’s so fascinating is that Istanbul is the only Metropolis in the world that encompasses two continents. This Turkish city is divided into two parts. There are two sides, two continents, two cultures. It is this contradiction that makes Istanbul one of the most intriguing cities we have ever been to.

Is Istanbul safe?

Unfortunately, Istanbul isn’t all beautiful. By that, we think back to the terrorist attacks in 2016 and 2017, which led to a massive slump in tourism. On top of all that, they also have a tense political situation.

Nevertheless, reducing Istanbul to terror and the coup attempt would never do justice to the city. In the end, Istanbul is a great city that really impressed us and is one we will surely return to again.

Currently, there are no travel warnings for Istanbul as far as the British Foreign Ministry is concerned. Up-to date information can be found under the following link: Travel information Turkey .

How much time should I plan for Istanbul?

If you want to explore Istanbul as stress-free as possible, we recommend you to stay about 5 nights. That way, you will have enough time to visit all the main sights and also to make a trip to the Asian side of Istanbul. Of course, more time is always better. No doubt, you will still be discovering new corners of Istanbul even if you stay longer.

Do not worry if your time is tight: even on a weekend you can visit the highlights of Istanbul, as most of the sights are very close together.

Our Tip: Travel Guide for Istanbul

We can recommend the Istanbul Travel Guide by Lonely Planet, which was published in 2017, therefore making it still very relevant and up-to date. We really like the concise design of the Lonely Planet Travel Guide and they have done a great job with the information about Istanbul. You definitely can’t go wrong with this guide.

You can view and buy the travel guide here: Lonely Planet Istanbul Travel Guide (Edition May 2017)

Many sights in Istanbul can be reached quite easily by foot. You are best to start off directly in the historic quarter of Sultanahmet in the Fatih district. Here you will find all the main tourist attractions in the Old Centre of Istanbul, including the world famous Hagia Sophia.

Once you cross the Galata Bridge, you will reach the other side of the Golden Horn in the Beyoglu district – the modern side of Istanbul. Here, the focus is no longer on the sightseeing, but more on the Turkish lifestyle. Nevertheless, there are some places worth seeing here as well.

Hagia Sophia

Once the largest church in the world, it then became a mosque, and now museum: The Hagia Sophia is probably the most important landmark and one of the absolute highlights in Istanbul. Visiting the world-famous building is certainly a must on a trip to Istanbul.

Important Note – just so that you are not disappointed: some of the interior parts of the Hagia Sophia have been under scaffold for years now (or even decades). It seems like the Hagia Sophia may be under permanent, ongoing restoration.

Our tip: Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most visited attractions, so it may be that there is a waiting line at the entrance (especially in high season). Depending on the time of day and the season you visit, we would therefore recommend that you buy your ticket in advance.

You can buy your ticket online here: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia

Information about visiting the Hagia Sophia:

Admission: 60 Turkish Lira Location: Sultanahmet in the Fatih district Getting there: you can take the Tram line 1 to the Sultanahmet Station

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Directly opposite the Hagia Sophia is the largest and undoubtedly most impressive mosque in all of Istanbul: the Blue Mosque. It is most noticeably unique for its six minarets.

As visitors of a different faith, you are allowed enter the mosque for free – but only outside the prayer times. Shoes must be taken off at the entrance, and women are also required to cover their hair with a cloth and to cover their clothing if it is considered too tight.

Information about visiting the Blue Mosque

Admission: Free Location: Sultanahmet in the Fatih district Getting there: you can take the Tram line 1 to the Sultanahmet Station.

Topkapi Palace

The third highlight in Sultanahmet is the aristocratic Topkapi Palace. It is located north of Hagia Sophia. The Topkapi Palace was once the residential and governing seat of the Sultans – today it is one of the most important sights of Istanbul and a museum exhibition showcasing the historic rule of the Ottoman Empire.

The palace consists of several buildings with countless rooms from high nobility and a large spacious garden park. Make sure you don’t miss the highlight of the Topkapi Palace: the Harem. You have to pay extra for this, but the 35 Lira is well worth it.

Information about visiting the Topkapi Palace

Admission: 60 Turkish Lira (+ 35 Turkish Lira for the Harem) Location: Sultanahmet in the Fatih District Getting there: you can take the Tram line 1 to the Sultanahmet or Gülhane Station.

Grand Bazaar

Not far from Sultanahmet, you will reach a fascinating indoor labyrinth with all kinds of goods down every lane. The Grand Bazaar reportedly attracts up to half a million people every day.

Whether the statistic is accurate or not, it is obvious that the Grand Bazaar lives up to its name. You can buy everything here, from leather and textile goods to jewellery, souvenirs and sweets. As is the case with most markets, bartering is essential. It’s not uncommon to push the offered prices down by as much as 50 percent.

Information about the visit of the Grand Bazaar

Location: In the Fatih district, west of Sultanahmet Getting there: you can take the Tram line 1 to the Station Beyazit; or you can walk from Hagia Sophia and it should only take you about 15mins.

Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn and connects the historic city centre (Sultanahmet or Fatih) with modern Istanbul (Beyoglu) – the bridge is two-storeys high: the upper section is where traffic flows, while the bottom section is home to numerous restaurants.

The Galata Bridge is an integral part of Istanbul. There is always so much going on here, no matter the time of day. We could have spent forever watching the fishermen on the bridge. Another thing that really impressed us was the view of the city centre. From the Galata Bridge you have a spectacular view towards Sultanahmet, including the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque on one side, and the New Mosque on the other.

Location: North of Sulanahmet; connects the two districts Fatih and Beyoglu Getting there: you can take the Tram line 1 to the Eminönü Station

Beyoglu: Istiklal Caddesi and Taksim Square

In the modern district of Beyoglu, you will find the city’s most famous shopping street lane: the Istiklal Caddesi. It stretches from the south -near the Galata Tower (more on that later) – all the way to the famous Taksim Square in the north.

Right in the middle of the pedestrian zone, you’ll see the red, historic tram make its way through the crowds. Unlike other shopping streets, the Istiklal Caddesi is buzzing all day and all evening long. When night falls, the crowds retreat into the nearby bars and restaurants.

Location: In the Beyoglu district Getting there: you can take the Metro to Taksim, from there you can walk along the Istiklal Caddesi towards the south.

Crossing the Bosphorus by Boat

The Bosphorus separates the European side of Istanbul from the Asian side. We can highly recommend a boat trip across the strait, as Istanbul is so stunning from the water. No wonder every guide tells you that a boat trip across the Bosphorus is one of the biggest highlights.

There are countless providers offering both short and long boat trips. However, we chose to go with what we think is the cheapest option. You also get a stunning view of Istanbul from the ferry as you commute between the European and Asian continents.  

Ferries to Kadiköy (on the Asian side) depart from both the Eminönü Ferry Terminal (on the south end of the Galata Bridge) and the Kadiköy (at the north end of the Galata Bridge).

Asian side of Istanbul

Even if it’s just for an hour or two, a trip to the Asian continent is a must on an Istanbul city break, especially when it’s so close! Only 20 minutes by ferry to be exact.

A good starting point to explore the Asian city of Istanbul is Kadiköy. Suddenly all those international brands that you just saw at Istiklal Caddesi are but foreign words. The city is the same, but the atmosphere on the Asian side is definitely something else – that much we can promise you.

Getting to Kadiköy:

Our recommendation: You can take the ferry from either the ferry terminal Eminönü (at the south end of the Galata bridge) or Karaköy (at the north end of the Galata bridge).

Galata Tower

Probably the best panoramic view of Istanbul is up by the small viewing platform on the Galata Tower. Unfortunately, the tower is far from a secret. Therefore, expect to wait up to 30 minutes or even more.

Nevertheless, it is still worth the visit! The 360 ​​degree view is simply spectacular and the viewing terrace itself is fairly easy to reach. There is a lift that takes you almost to the top, so you only have to walk the last two floors.

However, the viewing platform is very narrow, so it can be a bit tight up there. Our thoughts: although the rush is usually the worse just before sunset, the light is just simply so beautiful.

Information about visiting the Galata Tower

Admission: 35 Turkish Lira Location: In the Galata area of the Beyoglu district. Getting there: you can take the Metro to the Sishane Station

360 Istanbul

The name already says it all: From the terrace of the 360 Istanbul restaurant, you have a spectacular view over the city. Since the prices are quite high, we would recommend just coming by for a cocktail.

Location: At the Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu Getting there: you can take the Metro to the Sishane Station

In Istanbul and Turkey in general, there is great emphasis placed on food – something we love to hear! The most important meal here is dinner and people usually meet with their family and friends no earlier than 8pm.

What we didn’t fancy so much is that the food culture is incredibly meat heavy and it can be quite difficult for vegetarians to find creative dishes. Nevertheless, Turkish cuisine is delicious.

Bakery Hafiz Mustafa: Baklava & Other Turkish Sweets

If you want to taste Turkish sweets, then there’s no way you can pass by the bakery Hafiz Mustafa. Supposedly they make the best baklava in all of Istanbul. Even though we are personally not the biggest fans of this sticky sweet dessert – we will admit that the baklava was good.

Due to the large selection, making a decision is really hard. However, you can try and sample all sorts of Turkish sweets, including the baklava in all its many variations. They now have several branches in Istanbul (including one near the Galata Bridge in the south and one in Sultanahmet).

Nevizade Sokak

The bars and restaurants of this vibrant area in Beyoglu is where half the population of Istanbul meet up in the evenings for beers. Nevizade Sokak is actually the name of a particular street, but it is used mostly to refer to this particular quarter.

If you can, you should try find a seat right on the street, order an “Efes” (the most famous Turkish beer) and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul.

Location: Northwest of the Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu (parallel to it)

More tips for dining in Istanbul

Privato Café: Cozy café near the Galata Tower. Great breakfast and a good selection of vegetarian options. Mandabatmaz: “The place to be” if you want to try Turkish coffee. You have to try: a Simit (sesame ring) at Galata Bridge and then take the ferry to Kadiköy. You cannot get a more authentic feeling in Istanbul!

The choice between staying close to the historic centre (Sultanahmet) or staying in Beyoglu on the other side of the Galata Bridge – is a matter of personal preference.

In the historic centre (Sultanahmet), you have the advantage of being able to reach the main attractions by foot. While Sulanahmet is pretty touristic, Beyoglu offers a much more authentic atmosphere.

Option 1: Staying in the Historic Centre (Sultanahmet)

We can highly recommend the Hotel Miniature . The location could hardly be more central with the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque just a short 5 minutes walk away.

The entire hotel is very nicely decorated, especially the cozy wooden panels and decor. One of the highlights is definitely the small roof terrace. All in all highly recommended!

You can view and book the hotel here: Hotel Miniature

Option 2: Stay overnight in Beyoglu

On the Beyoglu side, we can recommend the very chic and modern Hotel DeCamondo Galata . It is located in the south of Beyoglu near the Galata Bridge. From the rooftop terrace, you get a great view of the Bosphorus.

The rooms are very immaculately decorated. The surrounding neighbourhood is also very nice with several restaurants within walking distance. Plus, you can get to the historic centre very quickly with the tram – just so you know!

You can view and book the rooms here: Hotel DeCamondo Galata

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. For you, this does not change the price at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you been to Istanbul before? How did you like it? Do you have any further tips for sights or restaurants? We look forward to reading your experiences!

You might also be interested in this

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3 responses.

Hey kathi, Thank you for your post. It is very helpful. My husband and I just moved to Istanbul. We fell in love with the city and looking forward to discovering every corner of it. I got so many valuable information in your post

Hi Fay, thank you for your comment & sorry for our late reply. :) Oh yes, Istanbul is amazing. We definitely want to come back. Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

Fay – are you still in Istanbul? My friends and I are traveling there in May and if you have any further recommendations please let me know!

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The Best of Istanbul in One Place

Things to Know Before Visiting Istanbul: Istanbul Travel Tips for First-Timers

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Istanbul! If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you’re in luck – this vibrant city is full of culture, history, and delicious food. As your go-to tourist guide, we’ll provide you with all the travel tips you need to know before traveling to Istanbul. Our guide covers everything from what to see and do in Istanbul, to how to get around, and even if you should tip while you’re here. Read on for our top travel tips for Istanbul, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!

Page Contents

🚗 First Time in Istanbul? Be Prepared & Carefree!

Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

Istanbul: Turkey and Europe eSIM Roaming Mobile Data 🌟 4.1 / 5 (216 reviews)

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch 🌟 4.5 / 5 (1101 reviews)

🕌 Discover Famous Landmarks of Istanbul

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide 🌟 4.2 / 5 (205 reviews)

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

Tip 1: Don’t Forget to Check the Weather in Istanbul Before Your Trip

Istanbul has a moderate climate, but it can get hot in the summer and chilly in the winter. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Read more…

The temperature in Istanbul can vary throughout the year, with the hottest months being July and August, and the coldest months being January and February.

During the summer months, make sure to pack lightweight clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. In the winter, you’ll need to pack warm clothes, a jacket, and a scarf to keep yourself warm.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is in the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.

However, Istanbul has its charm in every season, and you can enjoy it even in the winter when the city is covered in snow.

During the summer months, the city can get very crowded and hot, and it can be challenging to get around. Spring and fall are the best times to explore the city, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Still not sure? Read our article “How to Choose the Best Time to Visit Istanbul”

How Many Days Are Enough for Istanbul?

You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice. Anything less than that, and you will miss out on some of the best experiences that the city has to offer.

With three days in the city, you’ll have enough time to visit the top attractions, try the delicious food, and explore the different neighborhoods.

But even if you live in Istanbul for a year, you will never run out of things to do. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that will keep you engaged and fascinated. From exploring the ancient sites to trying new foods to shopping in traditional markets, there is always something to discover in Istanbul.

Here are our itineraries that would help you not to miss the must-see places in Istanbul:

• 48 Hours in Istanbul: Tour or Best Sights and Flavors
• Your Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Istanbul: Places to See and Schedule (Full Edition)
• Your Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Istanbul: Places to See and Schedule (Short Edition)
• Must-see Historical Places in Istanbul to Visit in 24 hours: Full Guide 2024
• 24 hours in Istanbul: a Guide for a Perfect Itinerary for 1 Day Travel

Don’t Miss The Best Tours and Cruises in Istanbul

Apply for an e-visa to save time and potentially money.

To enter Turkey, you will need a visa. You can apply for an e-visa online, which is quick, easy, and can save you time and money.

The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be used for tourism, business, or transit purposes. You can apply for the e-visa on the official website of the Turkish government or through a travel agency.

The cost of the e-visa is $50, and it can be paid online using a credit or debit card.

Don’t Forget to Check Travel Restrictions

Another travel tip for your Istanbul trip: before you book your tickets, make sure to check the travel restrictions that are in place.

As of March 2024, there are no travel restrictions in place for Istanbul. However, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest information as travel restrictions can change quickly.

Check out our guide for more information on travel restrictions for tourists entering Turkey in 2024.

Purchase Travel Insurance Before Your Trip

Travel insurance is always a good idea, but it is especially important for international travel. Be sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip to Istanbul.

Don’t Forget about Public Transport from the Airport to Save Money

Taking public transport from the airport is the cheapest way to get to the city center. You can take the metro, bus, or private transfer.

Avoid Taxi Scammers and Book Transfer

Be cautious while using taxis: there are a lot of scammers here! If you prefer a more comfortable and private travel option from the airport, you better book a private transfer.

Our personal recommendation for a hassle-free airport transfer experience in Istanbul: Welcome Pickups .

Welcome Pickups provides reliable and affordable private transfers from Istanbul Airport straight to your accommodation. Their friendly, English-speaking drivers will greet you with a warm smile at the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name on it. It’s like having a local friend waiting to welcome you to their city!

Check out this guide for more information on private transfers from Istanbul airport.

Don’t Mix Up Airports

Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Make sure you know which airport you are flying into and plan accordingly.

Istanbul Airport is the newest and largest airport in Istanbul, located on the European side of the city.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on the Asian side of the city and is used by low-cost airlines.

Both airports are well-connected to the city center, and you can easily get to your destination using public transport or a private transfer.

Book Hotel Online to Save Time and Avoid Stress

Booking your hotel online will save you time and avoid the stress of finding a place to stay once you arrive in Istanbul. There are many options available, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Pera Palace : Historic hotel in Beyoğlu with luxurious accommodations, rich history, and famous guests like Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie.
• White Corner Hotel : Modern boutique hotel in Istanbul’s historic district with stylish rooms and suites, perfect for exploring major attractions.
• Loka Suites : Spacious and comfortable apartments in the trendy Kadikoy neighborhood, fully equipped with amenities like a kitchenette and washing machine, ideal for exploring the nightlife and cultural scene.

Don’t Forget That ATMs Can Take a Fee

Knowing Istanbul travel tips can save you money. For example, ATMs in Istanbul can charge a fee for withdrawing money. Be sure to check with your bank about any international fees before you withdraw money.

Some banks may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the withdrawal amount for using foreign ATMs. It’s essential to know the fees in advance to avoid any surprises when you arrive in Istanbul.

Buy a SIM Card or Rent a Wi-Fi Device

Buying a local SIM card or renting a Wi-Fi device will keep you connected during your trip. You can easily purchase a SIM card at the airport or any mobile phone shop. Check out this guide for more information on how to buy a tourist SIM card in Istanbul.

You can also rent a Wi-Fi device online to be sure you would lost in Istanbul without the internet!

What Special to Pack for Turkey: Istanbul Travel Tips Digest?

• Pack comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking
• Also, be sure to bring a travel adapter, as the electrical outlets in Turkey are not the same as in the US or Europe.
• If you plan on visiting a mosque, pack modest clothing that covers your shoulders, arms, and legs, and a scarf or shawl to cover your head and shoulders if you’re a woman.
• Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, a jacket, and a scarf if you’re visiting during the winter, and lightweight clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the summer months.

Hop up on Public Transport

Public transport is the best way to get around Istanbul. It is cheap, efficient, and easy to use. Read more…

The public transport system in Istanbul consists of buses, trams, metro, and ferries. You can use the Istanbulkart , or The City Travel Card to pay for your trips.

Buy a City Travel Card

The Istanbul City Card is a great way to save money on public transportation in Istanbul. With the Istanbul City Card, you can take unlimited trips on buses, trams, metro, and ferries for a fixed price!

The Istanbul City Card comes with 1-3-5-7-15 day options for you to choose from, so you can tailor your experience to the length of your stay and explore Istanbul to your heart’s content.

Easily purchase it online and have it delivered to your hotel for ultimate convenience. To buy a transport card, click on the link below and click “Book this attraction” after that:

Be Cautious with Taxi in Istanbul

One of he most important travel tips for visiting Istanbul: be cautious in taxis! Taxis can be expensive and sometimes unreliable in Istanbul. Check our guide Outsmarting Taxi Scams in Istanbul: Your Ultimate Guide for 2024 to avoid being ripped off by taxi scammers!

Does Uber Work in Turkey?

Uber does not officially operate in Turkey (officially), but it still works somehow. There are also alternatives like BiTaksi or Maxim. These apps work similarly to Uber and allow you to book a taxi with your smartphone. You can pay for your ride with cash or credit card.

Be Aware Of Istanbul’s Traffic

Istanbul’s traffic can be chaotic and congested, especially during rush hour. Plan accordingly and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. If you need to get somewhere on time, it’s best to use public transport or walk. Read more…

Bring Travel Adapter to Turkey

The electrical outlets in Istanbul are not the same as in the US. Be sure to bring a travel adapter so that you can charge your electronic devices.

Buy A Museum Pass Or Istanbul E-Pass and Save Money

If you plan on visiting Istanbul’s museums and historical sites, consider purchasing a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-pass, which will save you time and money.

The Museum Pass allows you to visit 12 museums in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Archaeological Museum.

Enjoy Free Entry to the Famous Museums and Guided Tours with Istanbul E-Pass

The Istanbul E-Pass  is a valuable option for travelers, as it offers free entry and guided tours to the famous museums, along with 50+ other attractions, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.

Don’t Forget About Tips

Tipping is customary in Istanbul, especially at restaurants and cafes. The standard tip is 10% of the total bill. If you receive good service, you can leave a higher tip.

Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so make sure to check before you tip.

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Istanbul?

It is generally safe to drink tap water in Istanbul, but it is recommended to drink bottled water to avoid any potential health risks.

You can buy bottled water at any supermarket or convenience store.

Don’t Worry About English or Use Google Translate

English is widely spoken in Istanbul, especially in tourist areas.

However, it is always a good idea to have a translation app like Google Translate on hand, just in case. You can use Google Translate to translate signs, menus, and other important information.

Pharmacies Are Called Eczane

If you need to buy medicine or other health-related products, look for a pharmacy, which is called “Eczane” in Turkish.

Be Ready for Lots of Uphill Walking

Istanbul is a city of hills, and you will be doing a lot of uphill walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take breaks when needed.

If you need to get up the steeper hills in Istanbul, you can use public transport like funiculars or cable cars . These options can be more convenient and less tiring than walking uphill, especially in the hot summer months.

Don’t Forget Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring Istanbul. You will be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Sneakers or hiking boots are a good choice.

Enjoy Turkish Breakfast

When you’re in Istanbul, trying a Turkish breakfast is an absolute must. You will not regret it! A typical Turkish breakfast consists of fresh bread, a variety of cheeses, sliced olives, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and of course, hot tea.

This breakfast is not only delicious but also gives you a glimpse into the local cuisine and culture. You can enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a cozy café or restaurant, while gazing at the stunning views of the city or the sea. Furthermore, the breakfast can be accompanied by other delicacies like sucuk (a type of spicy sausage), eggs, honey, and jams. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience that will make your trip to Istanbul even more unforgettable!

Read Best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul Right Now: 12 Excellent Places

Don’t Skip Food in Turkey & Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is delicious and varied, with influences from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes, like mezze, kebabs, and baklava. You can find great food in Istanbul at both casual eateries and high-end restaurants.

The Best Istanbul Visiting Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Travel Solo

For a solo traveler, Istanbul is a safe and welcoming city. You’ll never feel alone, and you can easily meet other travelers or locals. The people are friendly and hospitable, and you’ll find that they are more than happy to share their culture and traditions with you.

You can find more information on the safety of Istanbul, specifically for women traveling alone, in our article Is Istanbul Safe?

Don’t Miss Shopping Heaven

Istanbul is a city of many delights for shopaholics. Not only does it offer a wide range of trendy boutiques and traditional markets, but it also boasts a unique shopping experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

One of the most famous shopping destinations in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar , a labyrinthine covered market that has been around for centuries. It’s a place where you can find anything from spices to rugs to jewelry to Turkish delight. You can easily spend hours wandering through the maze of shops and haggling with the friendly vendors.

If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, head to the Spice Bazaar , where you’ll find rows upon rows of colorful spices, teas, and sweets. This market has a long history, as it was once the center of the spice trade in the Ottoman Empire.

Finally, Istiklal Street is another great place to shop in Istanbul. This bustling pedestrian street is lined with shops ranging from high-end boutiques to local souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and spend a lazy afternoon browsing the stores.

And Haggle at the Bazaar

When shopping at a market or bazaar in Istanbul, don’t be afraid to haggle. Bargaining is a common practice, and you can often get a better deal by negotiating with the seller. Read more…

Don’t Fall for the ‘Shoe Cleaner Trick’ and Other Scams

Be aware of common tourist scams in Istanbul , like the “shoe cleaner trick,” where a stranger will offer to clean your shoes and then demand an exorbitant fee. Always be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings.

Meet New Friends Between Istanbul Cats

Istanbul is famous for its many stray cats , which are well-cared for by locals. Don’t be surprised if you see cats lounging in restaurants or cafes. They are a beloved part of Istanbul’s culture.

Don’t Miss Must-See Places

Some of Istanbul’s must-see places include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. These attractions are all rich in history and culture and are not to be missed.

Discover Modern and Traditional Districts

Istanbul is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional neighborhoods. Some of the best areas to explore include Beyoğlu , Karaköy , Besiktas and Kadıköy .

And Look at Contemporary Turkish Art in Museums

The city has a thriving art scene, with many local and international artists showcasing their work. You can visit galleries like Arter, Istanbul Modern, and SALT for a taste of modern Turkish art. Read more…

The city also hosts many cultural events throughout the year, such as the Istanbul Biennial , which showcases contemporary art from around the world.

Consider Signing up for a Food Tour

A food tour is a great way to explore Istanbul’s culinary scene and try new dishes. There are many food tours available, and they typically include visits to local markets and eateries.

And Don’t Miss Bosphorus Tour

A Bosphorus tour is a must-do when you’re in Istanbul. The Bosphorus is the strait that separates Europe and Asia and is a scenic and historic waterway. You can take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.

Experience the Mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes Show

The Whirling Dervishes show is a traditional Sufi dance that is performed in Istanbul. The dance is a mesmerizing and spiritual experience that you won’t want to miss.

To make the most of your experience, be sure to read up on the history of the dance and its significance in Sufi culture.

Take a Ride on an Old-Fashioned Tram on Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is one of Istanbul’s most famous shopping streets . To truly experience the street and its many shops and cafes, we recommend taking a ride on an old-fashioned tram .

Not only will you get to see the sights in comfort, but you’ll also get a taste of the city’s history.

Plan Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

Many of Istanbul’s top attractions can get very crowded, especially during peak season.

To avoid the crowds and make the most of your time, try to get an early start and visit popular sites in the morning. Alternatively, consider visiting less popular attractions or going during off-peak season.

Be Mindful of Prayer Times When Visiting a Mosque

If you plan on visiting a mosque in Istanbul, the best travel tip is to be sure to check the prayer times in advance.

Mosques are closed to visitors during prayer times, which occur five times a day. To ensure you have ample time to explore the mosque, plan your visit around the prayer schedule.

Catch the Breathtaking Sunset from Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the Bosphorus. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend walking across the bridge or taking a ferry to see the stunning views.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment.

Choose the Best Neighborhood for Your Stay

There are many great neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the best areas to stay in include Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, and Kadıköy. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm and attractions, so be sure to do your research to find the perfect fit for your trip.

You Would Want to Know About Istanbul: More Travel Tips

• Turkey uses the Turkish lira as its currency.
• The official language of Turkey is Turkish.
• The time zone in Istanbul is Eastern European Time (EET), which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).
• Smoking is not allowed in most indoor spaces in Istanbul.
• The emergency number in Turkey is 112.

Conclusion: Last Travel Tips for Visiting Istanbul

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city full of history, culture, and beauty that is worth visiting. To fully enjoy your trip to Istanbul, it is important to plan ahead and do your research. This may include knowing the best time to visit, where to go, what to avoid, and how to get around. It is also important to understand the tipping culture in Istanbul and Turkey. By following these tips and taking advantage of available travel resources, such as travel blogs and tourist guides, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Istanbul. Whether you are visiting as an American or from any other part of the world, a trip to Istanbul can be a memorable and fulfilling vacation

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Passing Thru

Journey Through Istanbul: 12 Steps to Discover Its Soul

Posted: June 25, 2024 | Last updated: June 25, 2024

Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, is a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and modernity. Its strategic location between Europe and Asia has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. From the majestic Hagia Sophia to the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul offers a journey through time, where ancient architecture, traditional crafts, and contemporary life seamlessly intertwine. This guide explores the lesser-known gems and iconic landmarks of Istanbul, providing insights into each destination’s rich history and cultural significance.

1. Hagia Sophia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mehmet Cetin

The Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, stands as evidence to Istanbul’s complex history. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, it was later converted into a mosque and now serves as a museum. Its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and historical significance make it a must-visit. The Hagia Sophia is not just an architectural marvel; it’s a symbol of the city’s ability to blend different cultures and religions.

2. Grand Bazaar

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christian Mueller

The Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, is a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and sweets to jewelry and ceramics. Walking through its crowded alleys, you’ll be enveloped in a sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds. The bazaar is a cultural experience offering insights into Turkish craftsmanship and the art of negotiation.

3. Topkapi Palace

Image Credit: Shutterstock / RuslanKphoto

Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, now serves as a museum showcasing imperial collections, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. The palace complex is an architectural marvel featuring opulent courtyards, intricate tilework, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Exploring its chambers offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman elite and the empire’s administrative heart.

4. Basilica Cistern

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Luciano Mortula – LGM

The Basilica Cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city, offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering. Built-in the 6th century to supply water to the Great Palace, it now stands as a hauntingly beautiful attraction, with its dimly lit corridors and the sound of dripping water echoing off its vaulted ceilings. The cistern’s Medusa head columns are particularly noteworthy, adding a touch of mystery to the already atmospheric setting.

5. Galata Tower

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Stoktur

The Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter, offers one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul. Originally built as a watchtower, it now features a restaurant and café on its upper floors. The tower’s balcony encircles the structure, providing a 360-degree view that spans the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and the Asian side of Istanbul. Visiting the Galata Tower is an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, highlighting the blend of old and new that characterizes Istanbul.

6. Bosphorus Strait

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Uhryn Larysa

A cruise on the Bosphorus Strait is an essential Istanbul experience, offering views of palaces, mosques, and mansions lining the shores of this narrow waterway that divides Europe and Asia. Various cruise options range from short hops on public ferries to private yacht tours. A Bosphorus cruise provides a unique vantage point of the city’s skyline and a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s strategic and cultural significance throughout history.

7. Chora Church

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ints Vikmanis

The Chora Church, or Kariye Museum, is renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Originally a church, it was converted into a mosque and is now a museum. The artistry and preservation of the mosaics make it a pivotal site for those interested in Byzantine art and history. The Chora Church offers a more intimate setting than the Hagia Sophia, allowing for a closer examination of its artistic details.

8. Suleymaniye Mosque

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sabino Parente

The Suleymaniye Mosque, a grand masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by the renowned architect Sinan, symbolizes Istanbul’s skyline. Built in the 16th century, it combines stunning aesthetics with innovative engineering. The mosque complex includes a hospital, library, and bathhouse, reflecting the Ottoman tradition of building social complexes around religious institutions. The Suleymaniye Mosque’s interior, with its harmonious proportions and exquisite tile work, invites contemplation and admiration.

9. Dolmabahce Palace

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gelia

Dolmabahce Palace, with its opulent European-inspired design, marks a departure from traditional Ottoman architecture. Built in the 19th century as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, the palace features a blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements, adorned with lavish interiors, crystal chandeliers, and extensive gardens. A tour of Dolmabahce Palace offers insights into the empire’s final years and the lavish lifestyle of its last sultans.

10. Istiklal Avenue

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lizavetta

Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street in the heart of Beyolu, is a microcosm of Istanbul’s vibrant urban life. Lined with historic buildings, churches, art galleries, and cinemas, the avenue is a hub of cultural activity. The nostalgic tram running down its length adds to its charm. Istiklal Avenue is also home to a diverse array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering everything from traditional Turkish cuisine to international fare. It is a perfect spot for people to watch and soak in the city’s contemporary culture.

11. Princes’ Islands

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ann Stryzhekin

The Princes’ Islands, a group of nine islands off Istanbul’s Asian shore, offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Büyükada, the largest island, is known for its Ottoman-era mansions, pine forests, and vehicle-free streets, making it ideal for bicycle rides and horse-drawn carriage tours. The islands glimpse into Istanbul’s multicultural past, with historic churches, synagogues, and mosques dotting their landscapes. A visit to the Princes’ Islands is a journey into a slower-paced lifestyle, where the beauty of the Marmara Sea and the charm of island life take center stage.

12. Emirgan Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / epic_images

Emirgan Park, one of Istanbul’s largest public parks, is a verdant oasis on the European shores of the Bosphorus. Spanning over 117 acres, this historic park offers a peaceful retreat with its colorful flower gardens, pine forests, and scenic ponds. Initially established by the Ottomans, the park features three historic pavilions, each painted in a distinctive color, which now serve as restaurants and cafes. The park is particularly famous for its Tulip Festival in April, when millions of tulips bloom in a spectacular display of colors, drawing visitors from around the world.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / muratart

Istanbul, a city where continents collide, offers a tapestry of experiences that weave together the threads of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. As you explore its ancient streets and modern boulevards, remember that Istanbul is more than just a destination; it’s a gateway to understanding the complexities and beauties of human civilization. Whether you’re marveling at the architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia, wandering through the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar, or finding serenity on the Princes’ Islands, Istanbul promises a journey that will captivate your heart and enrich your spirit.

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell

American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

The post Journey Through Istanbul: 12 Steps to Discover Its Soul was first published on PassingThru .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elizaveta Galitckaia.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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