Your Mini Travel Guide For Istanbul Including Top Attractions And All The Dos And Don'ts!
Welcome to Istanbul!
Turkey and specifically Istanbul are close to my heart as this is where my grandmother is from! I grew up with the stories and the delicious food of Turkey, visiting this city for the first time was a real treat!
Istanbul is a wonderful and exciting city to explore; rich with history, culture, unique religious sights, beautiful views, smells & colors to celebrate the senses, and did I mention, the food is yummy!
What makes Istambul unique apart from its history is its strategic location across the Bosphorus Strait, which is a strategic waterway considered the gateway to Europe and Asia ~ Istanbul is a place where the East meets the West in more ways than one.
This fascinating city is historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it has attracted many rulers throughout the centuries until the Ottomans arrived, took over, and decided to call it home, and the rest is history as they say.
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Istanbul travel tip- Try the Turkish bagels sold on the street!
Things To Know Before Visiting Turkey
Have Travel Insurance ~ You should NEVER leave home without having the right travel insurance and coverage for your trip. One of the best insurance companies out there is World Nomads. This is one of the fastest-growing global travel insurance brands in the world.
What is the best time to visit?
Visiting Istanbul is best during springtime from late April through to June because it isn't as busy as summertime, and the temperature is comfortable to be out and about. Summer temps might not be pleasant for Europeans not used to such heat. Spring is considered off-season so it will be cheaper regarding flights and accommodations.
Where to stay?
You can choose between Europe or Asia! How fun is that! Istanbul has a European side (Avrupa Yakası) and an Asian side (Anadolu Yakası). I recommend staying in the Old Town on the European side, it is not only beautiful and charming but you will also be within walking distance of all the major attractions Istambul has to offer.
Hotel recommendations I think you will love!
Top Range Hotels
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
AJWA Sultanahmet
Mid-Range Hotels
Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Sisli
Lazzoni Hotel
Legacy Ottoman Hotel
How many days should you spend in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a gold mine of sights and activities to see and do and for you to be able to truly experience the city I recommend staying at least three days, especially if you are a first-time visitor.
Money: You can use your credit cards in the big cities, however, if you plan to venture out of the city into the smaller towns/villages, you will need to have cash with you. Remember to have cash with you when wandering in Istanbul for the markets, tips in restaurants, public transport, and taxi fares.
Are you expected to tip? Yes, you are! Tips are given not only in restaurants and bars but also to tour guides, belly dancers if you watch a show, housekeeping, and taxis.
Internet access: The best way for internet access is to use a local sim card.
Getting around Istanbul: Get yourself the Istanbulkart for public transportation, it is the cheapest way to travel around.
Dress modestly, ladies! Istanbul is relatively modern however that's not to say you will not attract (what I think is unwanted) attention if you dress in the "wrong" way.
Remember, Turkey is a conservative Muslim country, you can wear whatever you want but dressing modestly will go a long way with the locals, they will see this as a sign of respect for their culture and faith.
Important: Please follow the dress code when visiting holy religious sights!
NOTE: For you to have accurate and updated information regarding opening hours and prices please check once you have booked your trip. COVID-19 rules and restrictions updated very often so make sure you know what they are before confirming your trip.
PRO TIP! Book your tickets for the different attractions & activities in advance. You can use the links below:
Recommended activities:
Istanbul travel tip ~ Enjoy the beauitufl views of the city from the water.
The Dos and Don’ts in Istanbul!
Do follow the dress code when visiting the mosques! Women should cover their hair and ensure their legs are covered as well when entering. If there's something inappropriate about your dress the staff greeting you at the entrance will let you know, they normally have shawls for tourists so you can cover what needs to be covered.
Men are expected to wear long pants and a t-shirt, and everyone will need to remove their shoes at the door.
Please don't stand next to someone who is praying allow them to have space to practice their religion without being closely observed. People here don't like having their photos taken without permission especially, people praying in the mosques.
Do try the traditional Turkish Hamam!
Do explore the local cuisine! As a vegetarian, my favs are the filled wine leaves and stuffed peppers and tomatoes.
Do taste Turkish sweet delights granted it is an acquired taste, it is worth a shot.
TIP: it will be cheaper for you to shop for such items in the supermarket or a local smaller Bazaar.
Do Haggle when visiting the Bazar! It is the only way to shop there.
When visiting someone's home, please don’t refuse any food or drinks offered to you. This is at the heart of Turkish hospitality and refusing is seen as an insult to your host.
Only use authorized taxis, no sign? Don't ride! Taxi drivers in Istanbul have a bad rep and unfortunately, often for good reason. The best way would be to ask the hotel to arrange a taxi for you, make sure the price is set in advance or that the meter is running once the driver realizes you know what the ride should cost it will discourage him from taking a D- tour to your destination at your expense.
TIP: Aim to have the exact amount to pay for your ride it will make life easier for you when you don't need to wait for change as some drivers will argue it is their tip. Uber, of course, is also possible!
Istanbul, Turkey
You can find more Mediterranean travel inspiration using this link.
Top 12 things to see and do in Istanbul
Wander around the Old City: This is the oldest part of town and the best place to experience and see the heritage and cultural influences that once were present here.
The Sultanahmet neighborhood is home to the most beautiful sites of the city ~ The vibrant Sultanahmet Square is a great starting point, from here beautiful places await you such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Blue Mosque ~ the most impressive mosque in all of Istanbul ~ a MUST VISIT, the Grand Bazaar, the stunning Hagia Sophia ~ the most important and possibly famous landmark of Istanbul, the Topkapi Palace that was once the residential and governing seat of the Sultans, Soman-era Hippodrome, several churches, smaller mosques, and museums.
Istanbul, Turkey
The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
Visit the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: This is a former Greek Eastern Orthodox church dating back to the sixth century, during the Ottoman Rule it was converted into a mosque.
Walk the Theodosian City Walls to the Golden Horn waterfront.
Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
Visit Miniatürk: This is one of the largest miniature parks in the world and the details are mind-blowing!
Take a boat trip on the Bosphorus: The views from the water are spectacular! You can combine it with a stop at the Maiden's Tower; this tower dates back to the Medieval Byzantine period.
Boat on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
Cross the Galata Bridge for shopping and a taste of modern Istambul in the district of Beyoglu, this vibrant area has good nightlife too.
For the best panoramic views of Istambul, go up the Galata Tower! Another option is to take in the views from the top of Çamlıca Hill situated on the Asian part of the city at 290 m above sea level. It's nice to have a stroll around the gardens, have lunch or an afternoon coffee and cake and watch it all from above.
Don't miss a visit to the Basilica Cistern: Several hundred ancient cisterns lie beneath the city built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian. These were built to catch and store rainwater and were then distributed as drinking water to the citizens. It was quite an experience going down below and exploring it.
Visit the breathtaking Dolmabahçe Palace.
Bonus tip! Spend the day on the island of Heybeli Ada in the Sea of Marmara.
And now all that is left is to wish you a wonderful trip!
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