Things to know before travelling to Istanbul

1. Before photographing the locals, you should definitely ask permission from them.
2. When you enter a house or a mosque, you should definitely take off your shoes. You should be very careful when choosing clothes before visiting the religious places of istanbul. Short skirts, shorts and open hills are not suitable for city observations.
3. You can drink alcohol only in specially designated areas.
4. Don’t forget to bargain in markets and bazaars. Sellers increase the price for tourists.
5. Before you buy anything, you should ask prices few different shops or search from the internet.
6. Do not drink tap water.
7. Stay away from street vendors.
8. Stay away from the vendors selling tours on the street, if you want to buy a tour, you should buy from the internet or tour agency.
9. Always have your passport with you.
10. Carry cash with you.
11. When you buy a plane ticket to go to istanbul, choose Atatürk Airport because it is much closer to the city center. Sabihagökcen airport is far from the city center, so the transfer fee will be higher.
12. Air in istanbul is generally hot during the summer months. Choose casual and sports outfits. Pick up a few winter clothes for the other months.
13. Don’t go to every restaurant to eat and drink, usually choose the local people’s choice or ask the local people for help.
14. Be sure to check the voucher when paying at the restaurant.

Before coming to istanbul for vacation, there are many things that you should know about istanbul.

When to go to istanbul ?

As you know, istanbul is a popular tourist destination. So, if you are planning your visit during peak holiday seasons or at festival times, make sure that you book the best hotels with their best room rates. To find out when are the high seasons you should check the weather in istanbul. Generally summer season is the peak season.

Which airport should I land?

There are 2 airports in istanbul. Atatürk Airport in Yeşilköy on the European Side of the city and Sabiha Gökçen Airport located on the Asian Side of the city. Gökçen Airport is to far to city center, so you will pay more transfer fee.

What to wear in istanbul?

You can wear anything you would wear on a trip to any European city. European dress styles are predominant but you headscarf is also freely and commonly worn. Wear appropriate clothing when you are visiting mosques and tombs which will be provided to you by the attendants at the entrance.

Which currency should I carry?

Make sure you have cash, not all credit cards may be used in istanbul.

Visa, Master card, American Express, Maestro card can be used in istanbul.

Shopping in istanbul

If your travel plans include a lot of shopping, istanbul is the right place. Its shopping malls, streests full of shops, bazaars, historical Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar might interest you. Try to bargain with the sellers. Have Turkish Liras in your pocket even though a lot of the places except Euros or Dollars.

Food in istanbul

There are thousands of food venues in istanbul and offer you the finest tastes of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, as well as international cuisine. If you want to test different tastes, try the rich Turkish cuisine. Ask your local people for help with what to eat and where to eat.

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