Istanbul Travel Guide for First Timers

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and one of the most unique places on Earth. It’s a massive city with numerous districts and is impressively considered to be Europe, Asia, the Balkans, and the Middle East all at once.

For travelers who have yet to step foot outside of the traditional European destinations, Istanbul may sound like a faraway, foreign place. Naturally, it’s understandable to feel just as overwhelmed as you are feeling excited to visit Istanbul for the first time.

In this travel guide, we cover what to know before traveling to Istanbul for the first time. From choosing where to stay, when to visit, what to see, and what to be aware of – get ready to visit the incredible world of Istanbul!

The Essentials for a First Timer in Istanbul

👣 There’s a ton to see in Istanbul, plus it’s a big place! Unless you’re spending 5 – 7 days in the city, do not expect to see everything on a long laundry list of landmarks and attractions.

😅 Summer time in Istanbul can be miserable due to high temperatures. Plan a visit in the fall or early winter when the weather is comfortable for a lot of walking and sightseeing.

🚊 Public transportation in Istanbul is easy to understand and utilise for foreigners. When booking a place to stay, make sure it’s near a tram stop for convenient accessibility throughout the city.

⛵️ There are two things worth splurging on in Istanbul: a beautiful place to stay and a boat cruise on the Bosphorus.

📷 If you plan on visiting the top landmarks, book a guided tour to gain the most from your experience. It’s one thing to just see the sites, but you’ll have an entirely different perspective if you’re able to learn a thing or two while you’re there.

How Many Days to Spend in Istanbul as a First Timer

Istanbul is an incredible place with much to unpack. For anyone’s first time in Istanbul, it’s important to set expectations of how much you realistically want to see before your trip turns into a series of obligations. Due to Istanbul’s sheer size and activity, it can feel overwhelming, even for experienced travelers.

To get a diligent feel of Istanbul as a city, metropolis, and way of life, it’s recommended to plan an Istanbul itinerary for at least 3 or 4 days. Within a few days, it’s manageable for first timers to see a few of the top Istanbul attractions, eat a lot of good food and wander without direction.

Travelers who can get away for a week in Istanbul will have a better advantage in exploring the city without the pressure of time. Still, Istanbul is one of the busiest cities in the world, and it’s impossible to see it all in just one trip. Our first time in Istanbul caused us to begin planning our return before we’ve even left.

⏳ Short on time? Book a walking tour of Istanbul’s top sights

🎈 Getting around Turkey is most convenient by flying. Nearly every big city in Turkey will have a domestic airport which is connected to Istanbul. Want to see more than just Istanbul? Consider combining a trip to Istanbul with a visit to Cappadocia, one of the most unique places in the entire world.

Best Places to Stay in Istanbul for the First Time

The success of tackling a large city like Istanbul for the first time is dependent on where you stay. Particularly when visiting a new place, it’s best to limit the amount of commuting in order to see the destination’s top sights.

Istanbul is broken down into nearly 40 districts, and not all are well-suited for tourists. Choosing the right neighborhood will have an impact on your first time in Istanbul.

When picking a place to stay in Istanbul, we don’t recommend booking the cheaper hotel or apartment that’s located out of the way. Instead, come to terms with the fact that the extra cost for centrally located accommodation is worth it.

Best Neighbourhoods for Your First Time in Istanbul

Çukurcuma

A hip and trendy area that still manages to be relatively relaxed. It is conveniently located between Galata, Taksim Square, and the waterfront. There are many different places to eat, including traditional joints, organic cafes, and higher-end restaurants. Çukurcuma is particularly known for its rows of antique shops, handmade crafts, and clothing boutiques. This neighborhood feels youthful, artsy and exciting without being generic.

→ 🛌 Top Rated Hotel in Çukurcuma: Hammamhane ←

Galata & Karaköy

Surrounding the famous Galata Tower, you’ll find an endless list of hotels, apartments, and public transportation options. This is a busy area with many coffee shops, a handful of historic landmarks, and a beautiful view from being situated on an elevated hillside. Below Galata is the waterfront neighborhood of Karaköy, which offers picturesque views of Istanbul’s skyline. Karaköy is often known as the “coolest” place to stay in Istanbul and provides an energetic atmosphere after dark. Staying along the water also offers the advantage of a beautiful park and a close location to departing boat tours.

→ 🛌 Top Rated Hotel in Karaköy: Fama Karaköy ←

Eminönü

The neighborhood of Eminönü is one of the most touristy areas to stay in Istanbul. Many first-time visitors will appreciate it because there’s a lot to see and do within steps of your hotel stay. You’ll find the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, and many other of the city’s prominent attractions in the same neighborhood. Naturally, it is very walkable and connected by various tram and metro lines.

→ 🛌 Top Rated Hotel in Eminönü: Cronton Design Hotel ←

Sultanahmet

People who want to prioritize visiting Istanbul’s most classic landmarks should stay in Sultanahmet. It is the location of the most historic and iconic symbols of Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Obelisk of Theodosius, Basilica Cistern, and more. Touring many of the important sites takes time, so being within close proximity will maximize each day.

→ 🛌 Top Rated Hotel in Sultanahmet: Haci Bayram Hotel ←

The Best Time to Go to Istanbul

One of the best things about planning your first visit to Istanbul is that it can be at any time of the year. Based on weather alone, Istanbul can be a year-round destination, even in the winter.

Visiting Istanbul in the winter ensures fewer people, cheaper accommodation, and fewer queues at the major attractions you’ll want to see during your first time.

Comparatively, the winter in Istanbul isn’t extremely cold, and the only aspect you may want to be mindful of is rain. Still, the wettest month of the year is December, and even then, it rains 30% (on average) the entire month.

Much of Istanbul’s magic occurs outside. Whether it’s on the sidewalks, waterfront promenades, or the alleys of the bazaar, the city comes alive outdoors. Ideally, it’s smart to visit Istanbul during a time of year with pleasant weather.

Although visiting Istanbul in the summer sounds like a logical idea, it’s not the only option for experiencing sunny days and, frankly, not our first recommendation. Summer temperatures can reach 32°C (90°F) in August, and trekking around the city under the beaming sun will quickly ruin your trip.

In a perfect world, first-time visitors should plan a trip to Istanbul during the sweet spot of the year – shoulder season.

Fall in Istanbul is perfect, especially in October and early November. Daytime temperatures don’t require a sweater, skies are clear, and accommodation availability and prices work in tourists’ favor.

→ ✈️ Find flights to Istanbul for the fall ←

How to Reach Istanbul

Flying

Flying to Istanbul is the quickest and most accessible way to get there, regardless of whether you’re coming from within Europe or North America.

Not only is Istanbul home to over 15 million people, it’s also the location of one of the top 10 busiest airports in the world. Even more impressive, it’s actually a really well-rated airport, which can’t often be said in today’s world of air travel.

The Istanbul Airport is located on the European Side of Istanbul and 45 km from the city centre. By taxi, it takes just over one hour to get to the airport from Istanbul.

Istanbul Airport serves (what seems to be) every airline in the world. The list of airlines with flight paths to Istanbul is unbelievable, which makes it easy to understand how accessible the city is from anywhere, even the U.S.!

Turkish Airlines offers a handful of nonstop flights to Istanbul from U.S. cities including:

• Seattle
• Los Angeles
• Houston
• Dallas
• Atlanta
• New York City

Flights to Istanbul from major European cities are also plentiful and affordable. Direct flights from London, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen, Budapest, and more are typically available for around €50 (one-way).

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Istanbul ←

Bus & Train

Reaching Istanbul by bus or train is certainly feasible but takes a bit longer. Naturally, longer train and bus rides will be more expensive and may even result in higher costs than flying there.

If you’re set on taking public transportation to reach Istanbul, it’s recommended to search for routes one journey at a time.

For example, if you search for bus rides or train journeys from Prague to Istanbul, you likely won’t get any results. Instead, break it down to first, getting from Prague to Sofia and then Sofia to Istanbul.

→ 🚐 Find routes and cheap bus tickets to Istanbul ←

How to Spend Your First Time in Istanbul

See the Top Sites

1. The Grand Bazaar

If there’s any site in Istanbul you must see, it’s the Grand Bazaar. Particularly if you haven’t traveled outside of Western Europe, the bazaar is distinctly wondrous and impressive to witness.

As one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the entire world, it takes a good chunk of time to walk through the whole complex. The Grand Bazaar is comprised of thousands of stalls and vendors located on real streets within the sheltered bazaar.

It may not look like it at first, but there really are certain sections of the bazaar that are genuinely frequented by locals just trying to get their shopping done.

The other areas are clearly geared towards tourists and sell duplicate items found throughout the bazaar. However, we found that particular shops who have a long history or have even been visited by celebrities are still interesting to check out.

To enter the Grand Bazaar is completely free, and it’s open every day from 9 am to 8 pm. Visitors who are keen on discovering the history of the Bazaar or want to dive into its culinary heart, a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar is an excellent activity.

→ 😋 Book a tour of the Grand Bazaar with a local guide ←

2. The Galata Tower

The Galata Tower, which was originally built in the 14th century, is one of the most historic towers that’s still standing proudly today. Similar to others, the structure served as a watchtower and was once part of a larger defensive fortress.

Over the years, it even played the role of a prison, but in modern times, it’s popularly known as the place with the best view of Istanbul from above.

The Galata Tower is an unmistakable character of Istanbul’s landscape and offers a panoramic view from the observation deck of its 9 stories.

To access the interior of the Galata Tower, it costs 650 TL (around €20) per person. 

→ 👣 Book a tour of the Galata Tower ←

3. The Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

The Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet Square is the hub of Istanbul’s most celebrated landmarks including The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was completed in 1617 and is not only an icon of the city but also attracts practicing Muslims who come to Istanbul solely to visit the mosque.

Although the Blue Mosque is primarily a sacred place, it is also an architectural sensation, a beautiful work of art, and has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The interior is adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles and features other intricate details such as 260 stained glass windows.

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free, but it’s important to adhere to a conservative dress code. Free scarves are available to rent just before entering, in case you need to cover your shoulders or knees.

It may be the most popular tourist destination in Istanbul, but it’s still of utmost importance to be respectful as travellers. Istanbul recognizes this and even provides a separate entrance for tourists opposed to locals.

→ 👍 Top Rated: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour ←

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is another domed token of the city which sits on the other end of Sultanahmet Square and opposite of The Blue Mosque. When Istanbul was still known as Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was the dominant place of worship during the Byzantine Empire.

A transformation of Hagia Sophia was required when the Ottoman Empire took over in the 1400s, and Hagia Sophia became a mosque.

In fact, Hagia Sophia is notable for being adaptable as it’s undergone three major reiterations since its original creation in 360 A.D. Its current state, which still stands today, derives from a remodel that occurred in 537.

No matter the amount of changes it’s experienced, Hagia Sophia has managed to remain an enormous part of the city, both past and present.

To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit Hagia Sophia Mosque during the early morning and avoid Friday afternoons. Be aware of prayer hours as the mosque is closed for non-worshippers during these times throughout the day.

While the mosque is free to visit, there is an additional History Museum that costs around €20 to enter.

Bonus Sites

Among the same Sultanahmet Square, you’ll also find other sites that are sure to impress, including:

• Serpent Column – Remains of an Ancient Greek bronze column
• Obelisk of Theodosius – Featuring carved Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics
• Hurrem Sultan Hammam – Traditional Turkish baths from the 16th century
• Basilica Cistern – An underground water source system covering nearly 10,000 sqm from the Roman era

4. Taksim Square

Touring Istanbul Old Town means you’re just getting to know one out of the many parts of the city. Taksim Square and the neighborhood of Taksim is often called the heart of modern Istanbul.

It’s an important transportation hub, commercial and shopping center as well as a traditional town square with a centrally located mosque.

Taksim Square is a pedestrian boulevard, which is fed by side streets comprised of restaurants, countless bars, and trendy rooftop clubs. The area never seems to stop, and every inch is utilized by some sort of shop or place that sells delicious food.

A visit to Taksim Square at night is best for those curious to understand what Istanbul is like after dark.

Embrace the Cats

Istanbul has a couple of nicknames, including the City of Cats and Catstanbul. These alternative names are derived from the fact that the city is sprawling with felines. There are so many that it’s challenging to get an exact count on the number of feral cats that inhabit Istanbul.

However, to say that there are several hundred thousand would not be inaccurate. Whether you enjoy cats or not, you’ll need to come to accept that they will be a huge part of your first time in Istanbul.

The cats of Istanbul tend to love humans but primarily keep to themselves. For the most part, they’re well taken care of by locals (and tourists!). You’ll see makeshift shelters and bowls of food on nearly every corner of the city.

Even more commonly, just about every shop will have a resident cat or two. The famous landmarks like The Blue Mosque are even said to be the home of a small cat colony.

The remarkable population of cats in Istanbul hasn’t really been deemed a problem as it would in a traditionally westernized city. Instead, they are seen as part of the city, just like people, and are a defining feature of Istanbul’s character as a whole.

Visit the Waterfront

Istanbul’s waterfront can be underrated when compared to the number of other attractions there are to see in the city. The waterfront on the Beyoğlu side of Istanbul is simply lovely and one of the city’s best outdoor features.

The best place to enjoy it is from the Atatürk Bridge down to the Galata Bridge. For people seeing Istanbul for the first time, this is a must-visit place to get one of the best views of the Istanbul cityscape.

From the park in Karaköy, you’re able to see the tops of the mosques in Eminönü and across the Golden Horn.

The promenade is ideal for a sunny day and is lined with small restaurants, cafes and seafood shops. It is a quintessential feature for a city like Istanbul that’s defined by its location on the water.

🏰 Best Activity in Beyoğlu: Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace

Make Time to Wander

If there’s any city we’ve ever traveled to that’s acceptable to see without an agenda, it’s Istanbul. Travelers coming to Istanbul for the first time should not make the mistake of overpacking an itinerary.

Sure, it’s fine to plan on seeing a few of the top sights and must-visit landmarks but it’s just as important to allow for some free time. Istanbul is not Disneyland, and its true highlights and character are not defined by just a handful of monuments laid out on a map to follow.

The city is a maze worth getting lost in because the places and things you’ll stumble upon serendipitously will likely be more memorable than a planned trip to the Galata Tower.

Wandering through the endless outdoor markets in the streets of Eminönü can take you hours alone. In fact, this is how we came across the 400-year-old building of Büyük Valide Han – by chance!

Do not be afraid to steer off the beaten path, even if it is your first time in Istanbul. There are also plenty of inexpensive walking tours that showcase secrets of Istanbul only known to locals!

→ 👣 Top Rated Walking Tour: Discovering Old Town Istanbul ←

Take a Boat Ride

If time and budget permit, taking a boat tour along the Bosphorus (or Bosporus) Strait is unquestionably worth it.

Touring the city’s landscape by boat rather than by sea provides a completely new perspective on your surroundings. It isn’t until you see Istanbul from a further point of view that you understand how mighty of a metropolis it is.

The Bosphorus Strait is a natural divide between the two continents that split Istanbul into Europe and Asia. It also forms a passage between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.

The Black Sea is bordered by countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia. Tours will include views of the glamorous Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Square, and affluent waterfront properties.

→ 🛥 Book a Bosphorus Sunset Cruise←

A typical boat tour of the Bosphorus will start near the Galata Bridge and head towards the Black Sea. After an hour or so, it’ll turn around at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.

Longer boat rides are available that will take you south or even down the Golden Horn. You can easily find guided tours and group excursions to book online and in advance. Alternatively, you can reserve one in person like we did.

In Karaköy, you’ll see privately owned boats that are parked along the water, usually advertising with a sign. We walked up to one and asked about the price and availability.

Upon agreeing to a deal, we promised we would show up the next day at a certain time and didn’t pay anything upfront. The next day, the tour went on as agreed upon, and it turned out to be the most memorable experience of our time in Istanbul.

First Time in Istanbul Travel Advice

What to Buy in Istanbul

You’ll see everything and anything for sale in Istanbul. As a first-time visitor, it’s not exactly clear what is worth buying and what’s OK to pass on. Turkey is overall inexpensive, so the various knickknacks you’ll see, priced under €1, can be tempting.

Spending your Turkish lira on something with more meaning, history, and maybe even sentimental value is a better choice. Istanbul, in particular, is one of the best places we’ve ever visited for antique shopping.

There are neighborhoods in Istanbul such as Çukurcuma that have entire streets filled with flea markets and thrift stores. The inventory can often be overwhelming with the number of treasures ranging from spoons, bells, candle holders, and everything else under the sun.

Things that you should be on the lookout for while perusing antique stores in Istanbul include:

• Used Ceramic Tiles (with exquisite patterns)
• Vintage Newspapers, Postcards or Magazines (with interesting photographs)
• Pocket Watches and Alarm Clocks
• Old Streets Signs
• Silver or Gold Jewellry
• Cushion Covers or Repurposed Saddle Bags
• Turkish Tea Kettle

Vintage items are the best souvenirs to bring back from anywhere you travel to. They’re often beautiful, come with an interesting story or history, and unquestionably more unique than mass-produced trinkets.

Safety in Istanbul for First Time Tourists

If we, as travelers, were to adhere to every travel advisory against visiting certain places, there would be very little to see. Unfortunately, the safety of tourism in Istanbul can be a touchy subject, but more often, a subjective opinion.

We have realized that most of the time, a destination’s reputation of safety is based on assumptions or the simple fear of the unknown. In these cases, our best recommendation is to read real reviews from real people who have been there (like you are doing right now) before jumping to conclusions.

Based on our own visit to Turkey for the first time, we had nothing short of positive experiences.

We did not come across any questionable scenarios, blatantly dangerous situations, or confrontations. Without a doubt, Istanbul is just as safe as any other major city in the world.

Istanbul is not immune to the same issues you’ll come across in any other city with over 5 million people. There will be crowds, there will be people taking advantage of tourists, and people who pickpocket.

We want to help people travel smarter so yes, there are things you can do to feel confident while visiting this massive city.

As experienced travelers, these are the top tips for avoiding unfortunate situations in Istanbul (or any big city):

• Keep your things secure. Don’t leave bags open, don’t leave your phone hanging out of your back pocket, and don’t wear really flashy jewelry. Pickpocketers seek out easy prey, so don’t give them a reason to target you.
• Do not linger in overly packed areas. We hate to say it, but if an attack were to happen, it statistically occurs in crowded places.
• Don’t pay anyone upfront until you’ve received the services or goods you’ve agreed to. Similarly, always agree or be fully aware of a price beforehand. For example, don’t order at a restaurant without clearly seeing the prices. You could be surprised with an outrageous bill and have little to no choice but to pay it in the end.
• Be up to speed with the latest scams. A quick YouTube search will help you identify scam trends so you don’t fall for them. For example, if a vendor hands you something they’re trying to sell (bracelets, etc.), they will request payment for allowing you to touch their product and cause a scene.

→ ⛑ Purchase travel insurance for your trip to Istanbul ←

First Time in Istanbul With Kids

Exploring Istanbul with kids is surprisingly great. The city is very animated with much to see, smell, taste, and in our child’s case, touch. Traveling to Istanbul with children means you are getting free entertainment for the little ones while you still get to enjoy what the city has to offer.

Additionally, there will always be a children’s playground at the parks (small or large) you run into during your tour of Istanbul.

The people of Turkey love children, and being family-oriented is part of their culture. Unlike the U.S., bringing kids along everywhere is just part of their day.

There is little distinction between what is and what isn’t a suitable activity for a kid. Personally, this suits our parenting style well, but we understand it’s a bit of a change for North Americans and some Western Europeans.

Kids will be kids no matter where you are in the world, and this should hopefully relieve any anxiety you may have about bringing the kids along.

Luckily for us, nobody in Istanbul will look twice if your child decides to have a tantrum in the middle of the bazaar. In short, do not overthink your Istanbul itinerary just because you’re traveling with children.

…And if all else fails, try distracting them with “hey, look at those pigeons!”

Must Try Food for First Timers in Istanbul

Quite possibly the best thing about visiting Istanbul for the first time is the initial reaction of tasting Turkish food. The traditional cuisine is pure excellence and best of all, unpretentious.

It is one of the very few places we’ve traveled to where you can blindly count on having a good meal at nearly any restaurant or hole in the wall. Additionally, Turkish food is something that’s hard to get sick of, so if you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time, it’s recommended to eat as much as you can.

Kızılkayalar

Starting with a place that’s not traditional, but absolutely a must-try while in Istanbul. This chain has a few locations in the city, and they serve a specialty burger.

The burger has no correlation to authentic Turkish cuisine other than maybe the patty’s seasoning. Still, it’s one of the most perfectly simple burgers we’ve ever tasted and dangerously addicting. The burgers are ugly but mighty beautiful on the inside.

Döner

You’ve likely had döner in your own city, but you still cannot leave Istanbul without stopping into a classic “fast food” hole in the wall for a döner kebab. They are found on nearly every corner, they’re inexpensive, quick to order, and easy to eat on the go.

Most importantly, they are really filling, and it’s impossible to be disappointed after biting into one. Really, does a better meal exist?

Meze

Mezes are Turkish starters, appetisers, or dishes for sharing. They come in a range of options from olives, dressed-up feta cheese, smoked fish spreads, hummus, eggplant dips, and so much more.

For people visiting Istanbul (and Turkey) for the first time, this is the absolute best way to get a little taste of everything while figuring out which dishes you love most. One of the best places in Istanbul for meze is Mayko Meze Evi.

Balık Ekmek

Primarily found along the waterfront, the best snack to grab after or before a boat ride is this Turkish fish sandwich. It’s a humble meal typically constructed with only a few ingredients, with a grilled fish fillet being the center of attention.

It is most known under or near the Galata bridge which makes it a bit of a micro-specialty to this one small area of Istanbul.

Turkish Coffee & Tea

Turkish coffee is recognized around the whole world. It is unique for a few reasons, including the copper pot it’s traditionally made in and the fact that it’s consumed without a filter. If you order a standard coffee in Istanbul, this is what you’ll receive.

More frequently, tea is the preferred drink of choice among Turkey’s population. Upon visiting the country, it seems like people drink more tea than actual water. The brew is unique, quite strong, and only altered with cubes of sugar at most.

It is an essential custom to Turkish hospitality and a casual activity you’ll see throughout the entire day in Istanbul.

Halva

This delectable sweet is popular throughout the Middle East, but there is a particular chain in Istanbul named Helvacı Ali that does it remarkably well. Halva (also spelled helva) is a paste-like dessert that’s primarily made of sesame seeds and a lot of sugar to make it sweet.

As if halva wasn’t delicious enough, the shop in Istanbul tops it with ice cream. The combination of chewy halva with cold ice cream and drizzled chocolate is the best sweet treat you’ll find in Istanbul.

😋 Top Rated Food Tour in Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents

How to Travel in Istanbul

Public Transportation

The public transportation in Istanbul is super simple to understand and use. When it comes to covering a lot of ground, it’s the best method of getting around for anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time.

The coverage is excellent, there’s a variety of options, and it’s inexpensive. A single ride costs less than €0.50, and there are options to purchase rides in bulk for a better value.

Tourists will want to familiarize themselves most with the metro network, which runs underground, and the light rail, which runs above ground. Additionally, there are historic trams and even funiculars.

The T1 light rail is the primary line that gets you from Beyoğlu to the other side of the Golden Horn. It includes stops at all the major attractions on the Eminönü side, including the bazaar and famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque.

🎟 ALL IN ONE: Istanbul Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferries

Walking

If you allow yourself enough time in Istanbul during your first visit, it’s recommended to walk as much as you can. We truly believe that this is the only way you’ll ever get to know a city, and Istanbul is definitely no exception. Plus, it’s free!

The city is comprised of labyrinth-like streets, some that are barely accessible by cars and can only be discovered on foot. To not plan on walking around means you’ll miss out the core of Istanbul.

Sure, there will be hills on both sides of the Golden Horn but nothing as drastic as Lisbon or San Francisco.

A good strategy to follow when touring Istanbul is to break up your days into geographical sections. Start by taking public transportation to the neighborhood you’ll be in that day and then spend the entire day walking until it’s time to hop on the metro to head back.

→ 🚌 Best One-Day Option: Istanbul Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour ←

Taxi

Travelling by taxi is very common in Istanbul, especially for locals. It is not seen as a luxury. They are nowhere near as pricey as taxi rides in the U.S. or Western Europe, which makes them an obvious choice for getting from point A to B quickly.

Depending on the way you look at it, taxi drivers in Istanbul are either some of the most skilled or chaotic drivers in the world.

But in the end, you get where you need to go in the quickest way possible and without it costing an arm and a leg.

A couple of things to keep in mind when taking a taxi in Istanbul:

• The taxi ride should be metered. A normal journey within the same neighborhood should cost around 15 TL (€0.50).
• If you don’t see a meter, agree to a price beforehand.
• Finding an available taxi can be challenging since they’re so affordable, especially during rush hour. Some persistence and gentle firmness to hail a taxi is required.

→ 🚕 Book a taxi from Istanbul Airport ahead of time ←

Costs of a First Time Trip to Istanbul

Travelling to Istanbul is incredible for many reasons, but one of its best features is its affordability. Compared to visiting high-profile European destinations like Paris or London, exploring Istanbul comes at a fraction of the cost.

Based on our own experience and current costs, below are the main components of budgeting for an Istanbul trip.

Accommodation: €50 – €100/night depending on seasonality, but in a central location

Public Transportation: 15 TL (€0.50) for one ride or up to 170 TL (€5.50) for 10 rides

Food: 50 TL (€1.50)- 200 TL (€6.50) per person for a casual meal and up to 500 TL (€16) per person at a nicer restaurant

Activities: €10 – €20 for entry to popular museums or attractions like the Galata Tower

Travel Resources for Your First Time in Istanbul

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator