Important information should know before travelling to Istanbul;
Before photographing the locals, you should definitely ask permission from them.
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.
You can drink alcohol only in specially designated areas.
Don't forget to bargain in markets and bazaars. Sellers increase the price for tourists.
Before you buy anything, you should ask prices few different shops or search from the internet.
Do not drink tap water.
Stay away from street vendors.
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.
Always have your passport with you.
Carry cash with you.
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.
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.
Don't go to every restaurant to eat and drink, usually choose the local people's choice or ask the local people for help.
Be sure to check the voucher when paying at the restaurant.
General Informations About Istanbul
Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)
Electricity in Istanbul: which type do I need? In Turkey Istanbul, the power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. If an F type socket is used in your country, you will not have any problems with the electrical socket. However, if you are using a C type socket, you will need to bring a converter with you. Many hotels in Istanbul will help with this, and you can get a converter from the reception. Or you can buy it for 15-20 TL (2.5 Dollars, 2 Euros) from a store that sells electrical products.
Credit Cards in Istanbul: In Istanbul, you can use Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express.
Using traveler's checks in Istanbul: Exchanging Travelers Checks in Istanbul is difficult and will come with very high fees.
Foreign currency valid in Istanbul: Dollar, Euro and Pound is most popular.
Lifestyle: Istanbul lifestyle is a vivid mosaic; juxtaposing the Occident and the Orient, the ancient and the modern.
Cuisine: Istanbul cuisine is renowned as one of the world's best. You can taste eastern and western dishes.
Weather: There are four seasons in Istanbul. (summer, spring, autumn and winter)
Time Zone: UTC +3 hours all of the period
Best Things to do in Istanbul
You should definitely take an Istanbul Bosphorus cruise tour With its strategic importance (the only natural sea route in the world that separates the two continents), it has built the most important works of many empires throughout history (Galata Tower, Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and more ...) and its magnificent view. it is a location you must see.
There are so many options in the Bosphorus boat tour . The question, which Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise?
If you want to see all the historical buildings in the Bosphorus and get information about their dates, you can join a 2.5-hour sunset luxury yacht tour. You will sit back and eat your free snacks and drinks and relieve all the tiredness of the day. You will feel like in the open-air museum when the night falls on the Istanbul skyline in this Bosphorus sunset cruise
If you say I would like to have a nice lunch on the boat and listen to the entire Bosphorus from the European side of the Bosphorus to the Black Sea shores from a guide. We recommend you buy the long Istanbul Bosphorus and the Black Sea cruise
If your time is limited, you should book the Istanbul Bosphorus and Black Sea boat cruise with lunch
We came to the most important point, if you say I would like to visit the Bosphorus, have dinner and have fun, this tour is for you. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show
Historical Istanbul city tour When it comes to the historical Istanbul city tour, the first place that comes to mind is Sultanahmet. Sultanahmet has been a very important shadow for all the empires that ruled in Istanbul throughout history. For this reason, many iconic historical buildings were built in the region. Centuries-old structures that have witnessed much history such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern. Well, if you ask how to visit Sultanhamet in the best way and learn its history, we recommend you to buy the Istanbul Local Guided Tour
Fener Balat Tour Fener and Balat districts have gained great fame in recent years. Maybe we can call this the "Instagram Effect". Because the nostalgic streets and colorful houses of the district are photographed a lot and these images are shared on social media. As a result of a chain effect, everyone wants to explore Fener and Balat districts.
First of all, it should be noted that Fener and Balat are not just colorful houses. Even with the excitement of the experience, you will experience during the Fener Balat Tour, it is possible to forget the existence of colorful houses.
The places you will most need for a tourist guide in Istanbul are Fener and Balat districts. Because most of the churches on the Fener Balat tour route are closed. A tour guide specializing in the region can make you open these churches and contribute to your unique experience.
Shopping at the Covered Bazaar The bazaar, known as the world's oldest trade center, is a real revival of color.
There are about 3000 shops in this magnificent market with a different atmosphere. You can buy carpet, gold, silver and magnificent home ornaments.
Visiting the Egyptian Bazaar in Eminönü For the locals, visiting the corn bazaar on weekends is like a tradition. The charming atmosphere and you can find quality and cheap all kinds of spices and food. As the name suggests, it is especially famous for its spices. Besides, you can buy a lot of food products such as cheese varieties, Turkish delight and dried fruits.
Climb up to Pierre Loti with the cable car Pier Loti has an excellent location overlooking the Golden Horn region, known as the Halic, also known as the Hill of Lovers. From here the gold horn is really a very different atmosphere to watch. You can also have tea and coffee at the café on the hill.
Go to Galata Tower and Take Photos Galata Tower, the oldest tower of Istanbul, is 63 meters high. The feature of this tower is not only its height. You can watch the panoramic view of Istanbul from the tower 360 degrees. At the top of the tower, which has a café restaurant, you can enjoy a drink with a unique view of Istanbul. Also the most beautiful Istanbul pictures can be taken at Galata tower.
Cruise to the Princes' Islands with Lunch If you want to escape the crowds of the city and plan a trip with nature in the cool waters, you should definitely take part in the Istanbul Princes Islands Tour
Istanbul palaces tour There are many magnificent palaces dating from the Ottoman period in Istanbul. With its interior and exterior architecture, you must visit these magnificent palaces that you have never seen before. Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace , Beylerbeyi Palace and Çırağan Palace are the most important of these palaces.
Istanbul 4 (summer, autumn, winter, spring) is a city seen in the season. Summers are hot and humid, spring and autumn are usually cool and rainy, and winter is cold and rainy. Istanbul's average temperatures;
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp Min °C 3 2 3 7 12 16 18 19 16 13 9 5 Temp Max °C 8 9 11 16 21 25 28 28 24 20 15 11 Rainfall (mm) 109 92 72 46 38 34 34 30 58 81 103 119
Summer is the most visited seasons by tourists. But our advice to you is to visit in the spring or autumn. Because in the summer, the tourist areas are very crowded and you should wait a lot for visiting the historical areas. In addition, summer is a high season for Istanbul. The majority of hotels in this month are usually full and the prices of all activities are high. If you prefer spring and autumn for your trip, you will not encounter a very busy crowd and the prices of hotels and activities will be cheaper.
Is it safe to visit Istanbul?
Is Istanbul safe? ” all travelers always ask this question. And yes, for the most part, Istanbul is a safe city for travelers.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you need to know to make sure you stay safe in Istanbul so you can enjoy your trip. Here’s what you need to know about crime in Istanbul and important Istanbul safety tips to help you while you’re in the city.
Now let's list your recommendations for you:
Keep your passport with you at all times
Don't buy anything from street vendors
Keep a small amount of money with you. You can withdraw from ATMs whenever you need money.
When exchanging foreign currency, always exchange it from banks or foreign exchange offices.
Never exchange currency from street vendors
When you get in the taxi, notice that the taxi meter opens and pay how much the taxi meter is.
When buying carpets, rugs, or souvenirs, be sure to ask a few different shops for prices.
Use public transport instead of renting a car. Because Istanbul traffic is very busy and you can stay in traffic for hours.
When choosing an accommodation area, choose the most popular tourist areas. Such as Sultanahmet, Laleli, Beyazıt, Çemberlitaş, Galata, Taksim
You will not have any problems with food and drink. But check prices in advance.
Our advice to you; To avoid any hassle and to visit Istanbul in the most comfortable and best way, you should book a private Istanbul guided tour . The local guide will be the best choice as they can ensure your safety and comfort.
Food & Drink Tips
When you come to Istanbul, you should try the food and drinks that we recommend.
Istanbul is a city where you can find all the cuisines of the world.
Do not go without taseting the world-famous Turkish cuisine, kebab, lahmacun, Turkish ravioli, stuffed leaves, stuffed meatballs, pancake, rotary meat (doner).
Do not go without taseting famous dessert of Turkish cuisine, baklava, donut sweet, kadayif, icecream, semolina and Turkish delight.
for the drinks Buttermilk, turnip juice, wine and raki should try.
If you think you are a gourmet and enjoy tasting different cuisines in the world take a look at our Istanbul Food Tour
Which airport in Istanbul is better?
The most important decision you will give before starting your trip to Istanbul is which airport. Because Istanbul is a very busy city about traffic. From the first day, you should consider our suggestions so that your trip does not return to a nightmare.
There are 3 airports in Istanbul. Now let us examine all the advantages and disadvantages to make your preferences easier.
1. Atatürk Airport: (It is no longer used.) The nearest airport is the city center. It is about 20 km away and you can reach Sultanahmet Square in 45 minutes. Due to the proximity to the city, the transfer fee will be lower. But air tickets for this airport are expensive.
2. Sabiha Gökçen Airport: It is 44.5 Km away from the city center. The city center is 1.5 - 2 hours away. Because of the long distance, the transfer fee will be higher. Flight tickets are cheaper than Atatürk airport.
3. Istanbul Airport: This airport is the largest airport in Europe. This airport is 47 km from the city center and has a high transfer fee to the city center. Air ticket prices are cheaper than Sabiha Gökçen and Atatürk airports.
How do I get to the Istanbul city center from the airport?
You can get to the city center from Istanbul Ataturk Airport by taxi, private transfer vehicles, airline transfer bus or metro.
There are no metro at other airports. You can use taxi, private transfer vehicles and airway transfer buses.
If you have received your hotel before your travel, you can negotiate with the hotel and get your private transfer. Because there is a very busy traffic in Istanbul, so if you prefer a taxi in Istanbul you can make a large amount of payment. if you choose airline bus transfer, You can have a nightmare in the traffic because it cannot get out of the route.
Istanbul is a very rich city about accommodation.
The most important accommodation area is Sultanahmet. In this area, you can find a pension, boutique hotel and luxury hotel. This region, which is the center of the city, is the most preferred region. Because Istanbul's most important historical structures are located in this region. If you choose a hotel in the Sultanahmet area you can walk to important historical sites on foot without paying a taxi or transfer fee. Accommodation prices are higher than in other regions.
The other area is Aksaray and Laleli, which are approximately 15-20 minutes away from Sultanahmet. Hotel prices in this area are cheaper. You can easily reach Sultanahmet square by using a tram. Be careful while you are choosing a hotel in these areas some hotels may not be suitable for families. Before choosing your hotel please read the comments about the hotel from the internet carefully.
Another area is Taksim. Hotel prices in this area are cheaper than Sultanahmet hotels, it is more expensive than Aksaray and Laleli hotels. It is a 30-minute drive from Sultanahmet Square. You can get there by metro. You can choose this area suitable for family.
The last recommended area is Karaköy and Galat. Hotel prices are also suitable in these areas. It is located in the middle of Taksim and Sultanahmet area. You can get there by tram or metro. For more information...
Istanbul: How many days needed?
There are many things to see and learn in Istanbul. So much so that once you go to Istanbul, maybe not to live, but to visit Istanbul again, you will call yourself. The name of this city, which has witnessed a great history, has been constantly changing throughout history.
Until today, the city was named Byzantion, Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Constantinople, Kostantiniyye, Islambol and Istanbul.
It will be enough if you make a 3-5 day holiday plan to visit the city that smells of history.
You can take a look at the 3-days itinerary sample program in Istanbul
Tips For Getting Around Istanbul
Because the traffic in Istanbul is very busy, traveling by car will really turn your trip into a nightmare. When planning your trip you should decide on accommodation very well. Although hotel prices are a bit expensive, choosing the Sultanahmet area hotels will allow you to visit the historical sites on foot. Another option is to choose hotels on tram or metro routes. In this way, you can reach the historical areas of Istanbul in a short time without traffic.
It is enough to buy Istanbulkart which is sold at the stations to use tram or metro. You can only get money for vending machines that do not require any documents or paperwork.
