Travel to Istanbul: travel tips for tourists

The choice of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in Istanbul is virtually unlimited. And accommodation prices here are much lower than in Europe. There is also a great alternative to hotels: many locals rent out their apartments for as little as €18–25 per night. If you browse and book accommodation in advance, you can find comfortable apartments in the very center of Istanbul with a private kitchen at a ridiculously low price. Another budget-friendly option is hostels, with prices starting from €17 per night.

The most economical way of getting around Istanbul is by buses and dolmuşes (shared minibuses). The best option for tourists is to purchase an IstanbulKart as soon as you arrive — a transport card that can be used not only on the above-mentioned types of transport, but also on the metro, funicular, trams, and suburban trains.

The cost of a single trip with an IstanbulKart is about half the price of a token or single ticket. You can buy it at special kiosks marked I.E.T.T. or at newspaper stands throughout the city.

To get a quick and comprehensive introduction to Istanbul, we highly recommend taking a large sightseeing bus tour. You will see the main attractions of Sultanahmet Square, the Walls of Constantinople, the Sea of Marmara waterfront, Dolmabahçe Palace, and much more — sounds great, doesn’t it?

To plan your route and find out the best way to reach any Istanbul attraction, you can use this city transport service.

Although this advice may seem obvious, we still have to warn you: never take a taxi near the main tourist attractions. Taxi drivers often target tired tourists after long sightseeing walks. It’s better to book a car in advance or walk away from the tourist center and catch a taxi there.

Istanbul is an ideal city for budget travelers. Not only is no visa required and accommodation extremely affordable, but the historic center can also be explored completely free of charge.

The first stop on an economical city walk is the Yıldız Palace and Park complex. A leisurely stroll past historic Ottoman houses and pavilions is complemented by breathtaking views of the Bosphorus — and all of this is absolutely free.

For lovers of intellectual experiences, the Elgiz and Doğançay museums are a perfect choice. The former features works by renowned European and Turkish artists. The latter displays paintings, sculptures, photographs, and drawings by the modernist artist after whom the museum is named. Admission to both museums is free.

Another lesser-known attraction is a completely free 2.5-hour walking tour of Istanbul led by enthusiastic local guides. All you need to do is book a spot in advance on their website. There you can also find a list of places included in the tour.

The Egyptian Bazaar is a great option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the East: spices and dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, sweets — the list goes on and on. A pleasant bonus is free tasting, so after wandering around the bazaar you can even enjoy a decent snack.

Another great way to save money while sightseeing in Istanbul is to purchase the Museum Pass Istanbul, which grants free access to most of the city’s museums. It costs €105 for 5 days and offers significant savings on entrance fees. You can view the full list of attractions and purchase the pass on this website.

When entering a mosque, you must remove your shoes. If you’re not wearing socks, it’s a good idea to bring a pair with you. Clothing should be modest: shoulders, legs, and head (for women) must be covered.

Eating and drinking inside mosques is prohibited, as is talking loudly, laughing, or drawing attention to yourself in any other way.

It is not recommended to disturb worshippers, especially during prayer — do not stand close to them or walk in front of them. Photographing people during prayer or ablution is also forbidden.

Visiting mosques during prayer time (namaz), which takes place around midday, is not allowed. It’s best to plan your visit between services. For example, visiting hours at the Blue Mosque are 8:30–12:45, 14:00–16:45, and 17:45–18:30.

By the way, it’s best to check the opening hours of all religious sites in advance, as they vary depending on the season and have their own specific rules. For instance, the famous Hagia Sophia is closed 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 works as follows: two people in uniform approach you, introduce themselves as police officers, and ask to search your bag for drugs. During this so-called “search,” they skillfully steal your wallet right in front of frightened tourists. Remember — never show the contents of your bag to anyone on the street. Even if they are real police officers, insist that the search be conducted at a police station.

You should also avoid photographing Turkish women wearing black cloaks — this is strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in designated areas (you can ask hotel or hostel staff for information). Otherwise, you risk being fined.

And, of course, always show the utmost politeness and respect in any situation — this will help prevent conflicts and will certainly leave a good impression on local residents!