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

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 a rich, ancient history, breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, 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 essential 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,e 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 you need before yyourfirst tvisit Or for the second or even the hundredth time. Every visit to Istanbul can bring new surprises.

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 a scale altogether different. 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!)

3. Use The “IstanbulKart.” 

The IstanbulKart is aprepaidd transportation card you can use on all types of public transport (except 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

The Esiktas 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 the AVAIST Bus for the Airport

If you’re flying into Istanbul, HAVAIST is a convenient, budget-friendly way to get to/from Istanbul Airport (IST) (around ₺280 on many routes). At the same time, Sabiha Gökçen (SAWGökçen) is typically served by HAVABUS (e.g., ₺367 to Taksim).

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 app-based. Options include Uber, BiTaksi, and iTaksi.

Using these services can help reduce taxi hassles and price disputes 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 useFootweartransport, you’ll probably end up standing for most of the way, so make sure you wear very comfortable Footwear. Ladies, forgetFootwearls. Just wear well-worn trainers, and you’ll be good to go on your day trip in Istanbul. Oh, and throw some plasters in your back, just in case.

9. Get An eSIM

Large phone companies in Istanbul usually offer tourist SIMs for visitors to use during their stay, including data. Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone are all reliable options, but prices vary, and finding someone who speaks English is not always possible.

Save yourself time and get an eSIM (or a regular SIM card) before you go, so you can spend more time sightseeing instead of negotiating at stores.

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! U.S. ordinary passport holders can visit Türkiye visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180 days

11. Plan Your Trip Flexibly

Given the variety of attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, it’s a good idea to research and decide what you want to see; then you can choose 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 airpoAirportstanbul. 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 GökçeGökçenGökçennal Airport. Be sure to review which airport the flight is departing from before you go to the wrong airport. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Asian side, while the New Istanbul Airport is on the European side.

14. Familiarize with 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), make sure you’re dressed appropriately. 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 fare will likely be before you get in, make sure the driver switches on the meter, and if you feel 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 return it, 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.

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 see in Istanbul may be of lower quality and/or vice versa. If you drink bottled or draft beer, never leave your drink unattended. This is the same advice you’d receive anywhere else in the world.

If you’re keen to drink spirits, such as vodka, make sure you ask iwhether it’sa 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 widely known as “Turkey Time,” meaning 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 find yourself turning up on Turkish time.

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 an app to help you 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:

20. Respect Web Restrictions 

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

1. PayPal
2. Wikipedia
3. Booking.com

You can use these sites before entering the country and even book hotels on booking.com ahead of time, but you will not be able to access tthemor 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, and 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, as with any international travel, there are many scams in Istanbul.

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

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 moneyon handu as you exploreIstanbul’se marketl, 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 at least one. small one. 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.

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 Currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). The Lira was introduced as the monetary unit in 1844 (Ottoman Lira). The Turkish Lira became the Republic’s Currency from 1923. The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye issues the Turkish Lira.

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 at a high-end restaurant, a tip of 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.

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. 

28. Locating Pharmacies

If you need painkillers, plasters, or anything else a pharmacy would generally sell, look for an ‘eczane,’ usually marked by a big red “E” sign. They’re common across the city. They’re common across the city.

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, beloved by most locals, can be found in just about any restaurant, day or night. It has excellent probiotic properties and supports 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 the city’s busyness, 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.

33. Plan At Least Three Days For Exploration

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

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 fantastic food, and Istanbul tourist guides will show you which stalls are the best. 

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

35. Take A Bosphorus Trip

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

36. Get The Istanbul Museum Pass

You can also buy the İstanbul Museum Pass (currently €105), which gives free one-time entry to participating state museums for 5 consecutive days once activated.

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 (Hagia Sophia): This historic site is an active mosque with paid visitor access to the upper gallery. 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 sight 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 – huge! It’s hard to see everything in one trip. To better use your time, make a 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 once this way. It also minimizes the time you spend in traffic throughout your trip.

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 in 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!

41. Stay Away From Mosques If A Light Sleeper

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

42. Use Mosques For Public Restrooms

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

Some older toilets ask you not to flush toilet paper—check for a sign or bin! Check to see if a small wastepaper basket is near the toilet seat, or if there is a sign requesting that paper be thrown in 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 quicklytoo 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, find a meyhane. These sidewalk cafes are the opposite of Lokantas, designed for guests to nibble on meze platters and sip raki while enjoying long conversations.

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 magica, romantic,c and everything a sunset should be!

47. Organize Sightseeing

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

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. They are fed by locals who have adopted a community mindset regarding their well-being.

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Special Istanbul Tips

49. Visiting Mosques During Prayer Times

If the stunning Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque,ue 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 thare closedose to non-Muslims during prayer times (five 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.

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 tends to get incredibly busy, 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.

 

This Istanbul travel guide is designed to help you travel to 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

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.