Istanbul - A City Where East Meets West.
Istanbul was once known as Constantinople, and before that, as Byzantium. It has been the center of different empires for over 2,000 years.
From the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul boasts a rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant bazaars, and cobblestone streets, which truly captivate its visitors.
How to reach Istanbul:
Istanbul has two main airports, one on the European side and one on the Asian side. The flight destination depends on the airline. For example, most Turkish Airlines flights from Europe arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), while Pegasus Airlines flights typically arrive at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side.
Where to stay in Istanbul?
Being a big city, Istanbul has wide options to stay from luxury hotels to budget-friendly Airbnb. The choice of where to stay depends on your budget and preference.
Sultanahmet is an ideal place to stay if you want to easily access the landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Whereas, if you want to stay in a vibrant neighborhood, then Beyoğlu (Taksim and Galata) is the best choice as you will be close to the lively atmosphere with modern shops and nightlife.
Karaköy is perfect for those who enjoy trendy cafés and art and Kadıköy district is located on the Asian side and famous for its budget-friendly options.
Nişantaşı is famous for luxury travelers with high-end shops and chic accommodations.
As we wanted to live closer to vibrant Taksim Square, so we stayed in the district of Beyoğlu at Doubletree by Hilton at Piyalepasa.
The hotel has an amazing location and ambiance with a beautiful lobby. We were welcomed with Chocolate chip cookies and escorted us to our room. We had an amazing stay - we highly recommend it.
How long should you stay in Istanbul:
This question mainly depends on your schedule and budget. However, if you're planning to stay for just 2 days, we can tell you in advance that it's not enough.
If you want to explore the main tourist spots, then a 3-4 day trip would be nice. But if you really want to enjoy the culture, local vibes, and hidden gems, you should plan for at least a week.
In our case, we’ve been to Istanbul four times, and there are still places we need to go back to visit. Aoon visited Istanbul for the first time in 2016 for 4 days. Then, we went to Istanbul for our honeymoon, staying for another 4 days. After that, we visited Istanbul twice more, each time for 2 days.
Best way to Commute in Istanbul:
Uber or Taxi:
As Istanbul is a large city, it often struggles with traffic jams. During our honeymoon, we made the mistake of using Uber for commuting, but honestly, it was very time-consuming. Even for short distances, it always took much longer than expected. We definitely don't recommend it.
Public Transport in Istanbul:
Istanbul has an extensive system of Public transport that connects the different parts of the city whether it's main tourist spots or local areas. The public transport includes Tram, buses, Metro, and Ferry.
To travel on public transport, you need to buy an Istanbulkart (Istanbul transport card), which is available at various locations, including the airport. You can purchase it from yellow ticket machines or kiosks at Istanbul airports.
Don't get confused by the different types of Istanbulkart – for tourists, the unlimited card is the best option. After purchasing the card, you need to load it with credit. Credit can be loaded onto the card at either yellow or blue machines, but be aware that yellow machines do not return change if you overpay, whereas blue machines do provide change.
You can also load credit online. The same card can be used for up to 5 people – you just need to pay the fare for each individual using the same card.
You can also purchase an Istanbulkart on the official website, but it takes time to be delivered to your address, so it’s recommended to buy it from a kiosk or ticket machine instead.
Note: Taxi drivers aren’t so trustworthy in Istanbul. Most of the time, they are taking long routes to earn more money . The problem is also the language barrier - They really don’t understand if you try to tell them or explain something to them.
Best time to visit Istanbul:
The best time to visit Istanbul depends on what you want to experience. During the spring season from April to May and Autumn from October to November, the weather is mild and good for outdoor activities.
During summer, from June to September, the city is busted with tourists which means that hotels and activities are also a bit on the higher side due to extensive demand.
Best tips to visit Istanbul:
Taxi Awareness:
Always ask taxi drivers to use the meter, as some may try to overcharge tourists. It’s also recommended to carry small cash, as taxi drivers may claim they have “no change.” It’s highly advisable to use Uber or public transportation when possible.
Proper Attire in Mosques:
When visiting mosques, it’s mandatory to dress modestly. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs. Shoes must also be removed before entering. Always be respectful, avoid loud talking, and refrain from taking pictures during prayer times.
Beware of Pickpockets:
In popular tourist spots like the Grand Bazaar, Istiklal Street, and on public transportation, be vigilant about your surroundings and keep your valuables secured in a zipped bag or money belt.
Watch Out for Scammers:
Be cautious of friendly strangers who invite you for tea or try to sell items at inflated prices. Beware of fake jewelry or carpets as well. Politely decline if approached by street hawkers.
“Shoe Shine” Scam: A common scam involves a shoe shiner "accidentally" dropping their brush in front of you. If you pick it up and return it, they may insist on shining your shoes and then demand a high fee. Politely decline and walk away.
“Lost Tourist” Scam: Avoid strangers who approach asking for directions and then invite you for drinks or food; they may take you to an overpriced venue and pressure you to pay the inflated bill.
General Tips:
Learn a few basic Turkish phrases like "teşekkür ederim" (thank you) to show respect and make interactions smoother.
While crossing streets, always use crosswalks and be cautious of cars and motorbikes, as they may not always stop.
Use official exchange offices or banks for currency conversion to avoid being cheated on rates.
Istanbul is famous for its friendly street cats and dogs, but always approach them with caution and avoid feeding them directly in crowded areas.
SIM prices at the airport are usually very expensive. It’s highly recommended to buy an eSIM and activate it before arriving in Istanbul. You can check out Maya Sims for their eSIM Balkan or Turkey packages.
Let's find out what are the best things to do in Istanbul:
1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia used to be a famous Orthodox Christian Church during the Byzantine Era. The church changed into a mosque and later on turned into a museum in 1935 and now again to Mosque.
The interior and exterior architecture are just amazing and the gallery is worth visiting where you can see the mind-blowing masterpiece of Islamic calligraphy.
There was a long waiting time in the queue for the tickets. so, It's highly recommended to book your ticket in advance or online to avoid a long waiting time in the queue.
The museum has changed into a Mosque recently, So, you have to be mindful about your dress.
2. Blue Mosque
You shouldn't miss your trip to the most beautiful mosques of Istanbul which is Blue Mosque. It’s a unique mosque with six Minars.
Tips for Blue Mosque:
When visiting the Blue Mosque, it’s essential to dress modestly, especially for women. If you don’t have a headscarf, you can borrow one at the mosque.
You also need to remove your shoes before entering. Note that entry is not permitted during prayer times.
3. Basilica Cistern
Our next stop was the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir located just a few meters from the Hagia Sophia. It was built in the 6th century during the Byzantine era to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
The Cistern has a dim light with a serene ambiance and it also has a small amount of water to enhance the atmosphere with its 36 columns and a vaulted ceiling.
The Basilica Cistern has also gained fame as a filming location for movies such as James Bond's "From Russia with Love" and Marvel's "Black Widow,"
4. Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is one of the must-visit palaces of Istanbul. It's located on a hill and provides a reflection of the lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire as it used to be a residence and admin center from the 15th to the 19th century.
The palace has a different complex, rooms, a Harem, an Imperial treasury, a Kitchen, a court, and much more to explore. There are also beautiful gardens and terraces with a view of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
5. Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is undoubtedly the heart of Istanbul. It is a central square situated between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Take a moment to sit and imagine how this place looked during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire and reflect on the historical moments it has witnessed.
The square also features the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot-racing arena from the Byzantine era.
Today, the square is always bustling with tourists and is adorned with lush green grass, fountains, and surrounding cafes.
6. The Taksim Square
Taksim Square is home to the Republic Monument, which was inaugurated in 1928 to mark the 5th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. It's located in the center of the city,
Taksim Square is one of the main tourist attractions and is always bustling with people. The square is surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels.
7. Istiklal Street
After spending some time near Taksim Square, we made our way towards Istiklal Street. This pedestrian stretches about 1.5 kilometers and has over 3 million visitors in a single day on the weekends. The street is famous for combining historical landmarks with modern-day urban culture.
Istiklal Street offers different attractions, including art galleries, cinemas, theaters, libraries, and music stores, alongside popular shopping brands. The food scene is also top-notch, the street has restaurants, ice-cream stands, Turkish patisseries, pubs, and nightclubs.
Beyond the main avenue, narrow cobblestone side streets are filled with cozy street cafes and charming restaurants, adding to the lively vibe.
8. Red Tram Ride in Istiklal Street
The traditional Red tram of Istiklal Street takes you back late 19th century and it also passes from the center of the street which makes it even more charming and unique.
The tram runs slowly through the center of Istiklal Street, passing by crowds, vibrant shops, and historical landmarks. Riding a Red Tram Ride in Istiklal Street is a must-experience.
9. Exploring the street in Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu is the area where the main attractions like the Galata tower, and Istaklal street are located and this area is also famous for its vintage shops. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, you should explore the vintage shops and enjoy the vibrant culture of Beyoğlu.
10. Galata Tower
Galata Tower was built in 1348 by the Genoese and was the part of defensive fortification of the Genoese colony in Galata located across the Golden Horn for the purpose of controlling Constantinople during the Byzantine period.
It used to be the tallest building in the city back in time. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the tower was used as a fire lookout tower, a watchtower, and even a prison. On the top of Galata Tower, there is a restaurant and café offers a beautiful view of the city.
To enjoy the best view of the Galata Tower, we would suggest you check out Karaköy Shore, near the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, which offers stunning distant views of the Galata Tower, especially during sunset.
The famous street of Serdar-ı Ekrem Street also offers a unique and charming view of Galata Tower.
There are many Rooftop cafés and restaurants that offer a unique view of the Galata Tower or you can also visit Şişhane Park to admire the view of the Galata Tower from there.
11. Galata Bridge
From the Galata tower, we walked a few miles toward the Galata Bridge to enjoy the refreshing breeze coming off the water from Golden Horn. The bridge connects the historic districts of Karaköy and Eminönü.
The bridge was full of fishermen who had placed their hooks in the sea and were catching fish and holding small glass of their traditional Turkish chai.
We have been to the bridge in the daytime and at night aswell. At night time, the city lights reflected off the Bosphorus, creating a beautiful nighttime panorama of Istanbul.
12. Grand Bazar and other Bazars in Istanbul
Istanbul's most famous bazaar is the Grand Bazar and it's the largest and oldest market from the 15th century. Grand Bazaar has 60 streets and over 4,000 shops selling handwoven carpets, antiques, and jewelry to spices, ceramics, and textiles.
The street of the bazaar is like a maze busting with tourists and its lively atmosphere. Another significant bazaar is Spice Bazaar it's located in Eminönü district and it's famous for its shops selling spices, dried fruits, teas, and Turkish delights.
There are also other traditional and local bazaars like Arasta Bazaar located near
Blue Mosque - if you want to buy traditional carpets - it's a place to go. In the Asian side of Istanbul, there are markets like Kadıköy Market depicting the Turk culture.
13. Walk Along The Promenade In Bebek and other Promenade in Istanbul
Bebek Promenade is truely one of the most picturesque walking promenades located on the European shore of Bosphorus in the Bebek neighborhood.
The waterfront has stylish cafés and luxurious waterfront mansions.
As you walk along the Promenade, you will enjoy the view of yachts and ferries and the sound of seagulls. This track is also famous among joggers and cyclists.
It's also a must to walk on the Moda Promenade which is on the Asian side of Istanbul. It's a long Promenade where you can enjoy the view of the Marmara Sea.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful skyline of Istanbul, take a walk along the Golden Horn Promenade and enjoy the view of mosques, churches, and ancient architecture,
14. Bosphorus Night Cruise
When the city of Istanbul is lit up with the lights, the Bosphorus Night Cruise is the most magical experience. The cruise has a stunning view of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with landmarks like the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Ortaköy Mosque.
Our cruises also offered traditional Turkish music, dance performances, and dining options. Check out our blog about the Bosphorus Night Cruise.
15. Dolmabahçe Palace
One of the tourists made the mistake of skipping Dolmabahçe Palace. If you're in Istanbul, this is the must-visit place.
The Dolmabahçe Palace was constructed between 1843 and 1856 during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I. The modern palace has been used as a residence of the Caliph (earlier Topkapi Palace).
The palace has been extensively decorated with gold and crystal. We can totally imagine the lifestyle of the Ottoman Emperor. Inside the palace, it’s not allowed to take photos. There were security guards standing near each other and keeping a strict eye on visitors.
The palace also has a Museum where you can see the gold-plated cookery used during the time of the Caliphate. After the tour of the palace, we enjoyed the beautiful view of the Bosphorus from the lawn of the palace.
It's highlight recommended to book the tickets in advance or online to avoid the long waiting queues.
16. Day cruise in Bosphorus
After experiencing the magical Day cruise of Bosphorous, our trip can't be completed by enjoying the Day cruise which offers a delightful exploration of Istanbul's waterfront.
Unlike the night cruise, which was quite pricey and included dinner and live performances, this daytime cruise was more relaxed and focused on sightseeing.
It took us to various key landmarks along the Bosphorus Strait, including the impressive Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
The day cruise provided a unique perspective of both the European and Asian sides of the city and let us enjoy the beautiful architectural landmarks.
17. Süleymaniye Mosque
Among all the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, The Süleymaniye Mosque also holds significant importance. This mosque was constructed under the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent by renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
The dome, minarets, and tile work make it one of the highlights of the Istanbul skyline. The mosque has a library, a religious school, and a courtyard. While visiting the mosque, it’s important to dress up modestly.
18. Balat Neighborhood Exploration
You might have seen pictures of colorful buildings, and narrow streets with hanging umbrellas, and wondered, "Which place is this?"
This is the Balat neighborhood, located on the European side of Istanbul, known for its narrow cobblestone streets that transport you back in time and offer glimpses of its multicultural past with a blend of Ottoman, Greek, and Jewish influences.
Here, you can find the Church of St. George, the historic Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and lively local markets.
19. Kadıköy
If you have been to the all main tourist attractions, we would like to recommend going to Kadıköy district which is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. The district is known for its lively culture and shopping and cafe scenes.
While walking through the Kadıköy’s streets, you can find the local vibes and essence of Istanbul as there are many theaters, art galleries, and music venues.
20. Fish Market and Restaurants
If you’re a seafood lover, you should definitely try out the Fish Market which is located in Eminönü district. This place isn’t only famous among tourists but also locals come here to enjoy the seafood.
The street vendors offer a variety of fish and seafood, from anchovies to octopus. There are also lots of restaurants where you can enjoy the savor specialties like grilled fish, seafood stews, and meze.
21. Traditional Istanbul Hammam
The hammam experience takes you back to the era of the Ottoman Empire, where this was a part of Turkish culture. There are several like Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam, Çemberlitaş Hamam, and the Galatasaray Hamam offer a unique and relaxing experience.
The ritual of bathing provides a soothing environment and the chance to enjoy a massage, providing both physical and mental relaxation. The good part is that there’s a different section for men and women.
22. Walls of Constantinople
The Walls of Constantinople was constructed by Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century. The wall includes inner and outer walls with towers and gates, While walking on the walls of Constantinople, we traveled back to Byzantine time and lost in the deep thoughts on the conquer of Constantinople by Fâtih Sultan Mehmed.
23. Maiden Tower
Maiden's Tower is a famous tower located on a small Island in Bosphorus Strait on the Asian side of Istanbul. It used to be a watch tower but now, it's a popular spot because of its cafe and restaurant which offer a beautiful view.
24. Princess Island
You can also take a day trip to Princess Island which is an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara. There is a ferry ride from Istanbul to different islands. The largest island is Büyükada known for its Victorian-era mansions and horse-drawn carriages. You can also explore other islands aswell.
Ending Note:
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or food, Istanbul always leaves an unforgettable impression on every traveler.
List of Things to do in Istanbul:
1. Hagia Sophia
2. Blue Mosque
3. Basilica Cistern
4. Topkapi Palace
5. Sultanahmet Square
6. The Taksim Square
7. Istiklal Street
8. Red Tram Ride in Istiklal Street
9. Exploring the street in Beyoğlu
10. Galata Tower
11. Galata Bridge
12. Grand Bazar and other Bazars in Istanbul
13. Walk Along The Promenade In Bebek and other Promenade in Istanbul
14. Bosphorus Night Cruise
15. Dolmabahçe Palace:
16. Day cruise in Bosphorus
17. Süleymaniye Mosque
18. Balat Neighborhood Exploration
19. Kadıköy
20. Fish Market and Restaurants
21. Traditional Istanbul Hammam
22. Walls of Constantinople
23. Maiden Tower
24. Princess Island
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