Travel to Istanbul: travel tips for tourists

The choice of hotels, guesthouses and hostels in Istanbul is endless. And their prices are much cheaper than in Europe. There is also a great alternative to hotels: many locals rent their apartments for €15-20 per day. If you look through and book accommodation in advance, you can find a comfortable apartment in the center of Istanbul with its own kitchen for a ridiculous price. Hostels are another budget option, with accommodation prices starting from €7.

The most economical way to travel around Istanbul is by buses and dolmushi (shuttle buses). The most advantageous thing for a tourist is to buy an IstanbulKart - a transportation card that can be used not only in the above-mentioned modes of transportation, but also in the subway, funicular, streetcars and electric trains.

The cost of one IstanbulKart ride will be half the price of the full price you pay for a token or ticket. You can buy it at special kiosks marked I.E.T.T. or at newsstands around the city.

In order to quickly and qualitatively get acquainted with Istanbul, we sincerely recommend a big sightseeing tour by bus. All the main sights of Sultanahmet Square, the walls of Constantinople, the Marmara Sea promenade, Dolmabahce Palace and much, much more await you, isn't it cool?

To calculate the route and find out the best way to get to any attraction in Istanbul, you can use this city service.

Although this advice is obvious, we still have to warn you: never take a cab near the main sights. Cab drivers here catch tourists on the "live", or rather "non-live" - after long excursions. It is better to order a car in advance or move away from the tourist center and catch a cab there.

Istanbul is an ideal city for budget travelers. Not only is there no need to apply for a visa, and accommodation costs pennies, but you can see the historical center for free.

The first point of an economical walk around the city is the Yildiz Palace and Park Complex. A leisurely promenade with a look at old Ottoman houses and historical pavilions is complemented by a unique view of the Bosphorus. And all this is absolutely free of charge.

For lovers of intellectual food, the Elgiz and Dogancay museums are suitable. The first one contains works by famous European and Turkish masters. The second one exhibits paintings, sculptures, photos and drawings by the modernist artist after whom it is named. Entrance to both museums is free.

Another little-known to tourists trick - a perfect free 2.5-hour tour of Istanbul from local guides-enthusiasts. All you need to do is to book a place in advance with the group on their website. There you can also find a list of places that are included in the tour program.

Egyptian Bazaar is a great option for those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of the East: spices and dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, sweets - you can't name it all! A pleasant bonus is that you can taste the goods for free, so you can have a good snack while strolling around the bazaar.

Another great way to save money on sightseeing in Istanbul is to buy a Museum Pass İstanbul card, which gives you the right to enter most of the city's museums completely free. It costs 125 liras for 5 days - a really significant saving on tickets. You can view the entire list of attractions and buy a Museum Pass immediately on this website.

When entering the mosque, it is obligatory to take off your shoes. So if you are not wearing socks, we advise you to bring them with you. Clothing is as modest as possible: shoulders, legs and head (for women) should be covered.

It is forbidden to eat or drink in mosques, as well as to talk loudly, laugh or otherwise draw attention to yourself.

It is not recommended to disturb the worshippers, especially when they are praying: standing near them or passing in front of them. In mosques, it is not allowed to take pictures of people during prayer or ablution.

It is not allowed to visit mosques during the prayer (namaz), which is performed at noon. It is better to do it during a break between services. For example, in the Blue Mosque visiting hours are 8:30-12:45, 14:00-16:45, 17:45-18:30.

By the way, it is better to find out about the mode of operation of all temples in advance, it varies depending on the season and each has its own peculiarities. For example, the famous Hagia Sophia Cathedral does not work on Mondays.

Tourists should remember that criticizing or otherwise speaking negatively about the personality of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, is highly undesirable. This also applies to his monuments and other images. You can easily go to jail for insulting the personality of the leader.

It is also not worth having conversations on slippery topics, such as the situation with the Kurds, the recent waves of protests, and sensitive religious issues.

When buying something in Istanbul's bazaars, be sure to bargain. This way you will not only reduce the price (which is initially very high), but also pay tribute to local customs. In this case, it is important to remember that in no case you should not speak disparagingly about the goods. It is better to praise it and express regret that you cannot afford it.

Tap water in Istanbul is very chlorinated, so drinking it is not recommended. There are two ways out of this situation: buy bottled water (costs about 0.5 lira per half-liter) or use drinking water fountains, which are quite numerous in the city center, and the water there is clean.

Although Istanbul has an impressive law enforcement system, it is still worth observing elementary prudence when getting acquainted with the city. Thus, it is better to keep valuables and documents in the hotel safe, and have a copy of your passport with you (just in case). Be careful when walking: unfortunately, theft is traditionally rampant here.

A separate item worth mentioning is shoe shiners. This is strictly an Istanbul "thing". They usually operate near the main tourist routes. The trick is that the cleaner "accidentally" drops his brushes - of course, in full view of tourists. And, of course, someone will pick them up. This is absolutely not to be done! Not only that you will impose a completely unnecessary service, but then also ask for it a fabulous amount. And rest assured: they will not let go until you pay.

Another common scam in Istanbul: two men in uniform come up to you, introduce themselves as police officers and ask to search your bag for drugs. During this "search" they cleverly pull out your wallet right in front of frightened tourists. Remember - never show the contents of your bags to anyone on the street. Even if they are really police officers, ask to search them at the station.

Also do not take pictures of Turkish women in black capes - it is strictly forbidden. Drink alcoholic beverages only in specially designated places (you can find out about them from the hotel/hostel staff). Otherwise, you risk being fined.

And, of course, always, under any circumstances, show maximum politeness and respect - it will help to prevent conflict and will certainly favor you with the locals!