Are You Ready to Explore Istanbul?

 Istanbul is a mesmerizing city that bridges Asia and Europe, offering an extraordinary mix of ancient history and vibrant modern life. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the lively alleys of the Grand Bazaar, it’s filled with unforgettable sights. Food lovers will delight in the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine, with endless spots to sample authentic local dishes. To make the most of your visit, it’s wise to explore some essential travel tips to Istanbul, covering everything from cultural etiquette to getting around by taxi, train, or bus. These insights will help you enjoy a smoother, more enriching adventure in this iconic city.

1. Avoid Visiting Istanbul in Summer

 While Istanbul enjoys mild weather compared to other cities, the summer months can be challenging. With temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C, the intense heat and dry conditions can be exhausting. Summer also attracts large crowds to the city’s popular attractions, and accommodation prices rise significantly, making it difficult to find a place to stay. The best times to visit are during autumn (mid-September to November) or spring (April to June). For a unique experience, winter is also a great option, as the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with snow, creating a magical atmosphere.

2. Don’t Miss the Sunset from Galata Bridge

Watching the sunset from Galata Bridge is the most enjoyable way to bring a day to a perfect close. The picturesque views of boats and the sea, along with the silhouetted minarets of mosques against the blue sky, are simply breathtaking. You should strive to find a location on the western side of the bridge, near the Karakoy ferry terminals. This location in Istanbul is ideal in every way.

3. A minimum of three days is recommended to explore Istanbul.

For first-time visitors, a three-day stay in Istanbul is generally recommended, though you could easily spend more than a week exploring the city. If you find the city too much at times, there are plenty of day trips to help break things up. Istanbul's food scene is a major draw, so it's best to think of your trip in terms of the meals you savor rather than the nights you spend sleeping. Eating your way through the city's top restaurants—aiming for multiple meals a day—is a great way to truly experience Istanbul. This is some of the best advice we can offer for visiting the city.

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4. Travel Insurance is a Must

Travel insurance is essential for every international traveler heading to Istanbul. While the city is generally considered safe, incidents like crime and pickpocketing can occur. More importantly, healthcare costs in the region can be high, making it wise to have insurance to cover any accidents or unforeseen illnesses.

5. Always Carry Cash

Around 90 percent of stores and venues accept debit cards, credit cards, and contactless payments. You'll need cash for regional restaurants, bars, small markets, taxis, and convenience shops, as well as for exploring the street food scene. Many smaller shops in the city impose a primary limit on card purchases. In these circumstances, cash is essential. Don't forget that most ATMs in the country charge a fee for cash withdrawals.

6. Use an App for Taxis in Istanbul

Turkey’s taxi system is organized and offers three types of taxis at different price levels. Yellow taxis are the most common and have the lowest fares. Turquoise taxis offer a premium service and are 20% more expensive, while black taxis are the priciest, costing twice as much as yellow taxis. All taxis are metered, making it generally safe for visitors to take a taxi from the street.

7. Ensure you're Selecting the Right Airport

Istanbul Airport is the city’s biggest and most active global terminal. Arnavutkoy, located 45 kilometers from Taksim Square, is occasionally referred to as Istanbul Grand Airport. The second terminal is Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, which welcomes aviation from the Middle East and Pegasus Airlines within Turkey. You can find it on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 40 km from Taksim Square. The two terminals are 85 kilometers apart, and it takes a minimum of 80 to 90 minutes to travel between them.

8. Pre-Book your Accommodation

There are plenty of online resources to help you learn about hotels and resorts in the city. During peak travel seasons, it's important to book in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly, and last-minute bookings can result in significantly higher prices. If you'd rather stay in local neighborhoods, Airbnb is also a great option in Istanbul.

9. Be Ready for Lots of Uphill Walking in Istanbul

 Exploring Istanbul on foot requires patience and comfortable shoes, as moving between sites can be physically demanding. Known as the ‘City on Seven Hills,’ you’ll quickly realize it might feel like a city of countless hills. To make things easier, you can use funicular railways, like the Taksim to Kabataş line, which is the world’s second-oldest funicular. Be prepared for a lot of uphill walking during your visit!

10. Dress Modestly to Blend In with Local Culture

 Women visiting Istanbul should avoid low-cut necklines, sheer fabrics, and short skirts. The city’s Asian and European sides differ in dress style, with areas like Üsküdar showing more modest dress compared to Eminönü. When visiting mosques, modest dress is required, including covered arms, legs, and hair. Most mosques offer free robes for visitors to ensure proper coverage.

11. Experience a Traditional Turkish Hammam

 A visit to a Turkish Hammam is a must-do experience in Istanbul. These historic bathhouses offer a deep cleansing and soothing massage. Men typically enjoy the Hammam in the nude, while women wear underwear with a towel. The treatment can be intense, focusing on skin and muscle relaxation. It’s customary to give a 5–10% tip for your Hammam treatment.

12. Avoid the 'Shoe Cleaner Scam'

 Be cautious of the ‘Shoe Cleaner Trick,’ especially in tourist-heavy areas. A person with a shoe-shining cart may drop items in front of you to prompt you into offering help. Once you do, they may insist on cleaning your shoes and demand payment afterward. Always be aware of this common scam.

13. Witness the Dervish Ceremony in Istanbul

 The Mevlevi Dervish Ceremony is a unique spiritual ritual performed in a small mosque, offering a glimpse into the traditions of Istanbul. During the ceremony, a group of five Dervishes spin in synchronized circles to live music, embodying the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This mesmerizing performance is a cultural experience you won’t want to miss while in Istanbul.

14. Join a Food Tour to Discover Istanbul’s Culinary Delights

 A food tour is one of the best ways to explore Istanbul, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Every neighborhood in the city boasts an array of eateries, street food vendors, and cafes. For an unforgettable experience, consider the Taste of Two Continents tour, which includes 11 food stops and a scenic Bosphorus ferry ride.

15. Pharmacies in Istanbul Can Be Hard to Find

 In Istanbul, pharmacies are separate from cosmetic stores. Chains like Rossmann, Watsons, and Gratis specialize in cosmetics and personal care items, while drugstores are the place to go for medication beyond basic painkillers like paracetamol. Be prepared to seek out a dedicated pharmacy if you need more serious medication.