safari childrens bed

KIDS SAFARI BEDROOM

Bring the style of the Savanna to your child’s space by creating a jungle or kids safari bedroom. Although this look is most often desired by little boys, it can also be perfect for an adventurous young girl. Find an extensive collection of adorable safari bedding, covered with zoo animals such as elephants, lions, zebras, and tigers. Add woven rugs with African-inspired patterns to continue the safari theme. Other great additions are world globes, suitcase storage, and safari art. Pops of green and orange accents in an otherwise neutral room is the perfect way to the bring the jungle into your little one’s room. Shop by theme: jungle safari bedroom , shark bedroom ,  woodland bedroom , outer space , kids nautical bedroom and woodland bedroom . Directly below the images is an informative article with inspirational tips on how to design a kid’s safari bedroom.

HOW TO DESIGN A KID’S SAFARI BEDROOM

It’s easy to take your little one’s bedroom to the wild side with a kids safari bedroom. It’s a great choice for kids that are drawn to the exotic and colorful nature of the jungle. By adding old world globes and maps to the mix, it also provides the perfect opportunity to add an educational note to spark your child’s imagination to learn about places around the world.

The most simple way to start designing a kids safari bedroom is to choose a jungle or safari bedding set to use as the initial focal point and kick-start the design process.

There are many quilt and comforter sets available that depict safari scenery and animals, such as lions, zebras, giraffes, and tigers. Safari bedding can be found in bold and dynamic colors, as well as more muted, earth tone shades.

When I have designed a safari room for a teenager, I generally prefer to start with a solid tan or creme color comforter and incorporate the animal print patterns into cushions that are placed on the bed as well as larger ones in groups of three on the floor.

Walls can be painted in a color captured directly from the bedding, in a more muted tone, or perhaps a bolder one, depending upon the look you are seeking.

Color plays an important role in a kids safari bedroom. If you want to create the feel of an African safari, be sure to incorporate earthy shades such as browns, creams, golds or taupes to echo the landscape that exists there. It’s also a great way to add warmth to the space. Complete the look with burnt oranges, olive greens, and shades of rust. Paint color can also reflect the Savannah’s great expanse of sky, by incorporating blue to the walls or ceiling.

For an older child, soft tones of brown work well. If there is a color that is predominant in the bedding, such as a bright orange, this can also be incorporated into the rooms overall color scheme.

There are many accessories and options available that can be integrated into a safari theme bedroom, which help complete the look or pull it together. If you are wondering how to design a kid’s safari bedroom, the following tips hopefully will make it easier for you to create this fun and creative theme.

1. Hang safari themed artwork on the walls

Consider animal print or safari theme wall murals, wallpaper, or borders. Have an artist paint a safari theme on one of the walls. Murals can include tropical plants, flowers, and trees as well as monkeys, lions, zebras, toucans, parrots, cockatoos and giraffes. Wall art instantly enhances the theme. You can purchase prints depicting jungle scenes and animals, or simply cut out images you like from magazines and books and frame them. There are many websites that sell stock print photography, for as low as $2.00 per image. Bring in animal prints, but remember – a little goes a long way. Add prints in small doses, such as a pillow, throw or tray. It’s perfectly fine to mix and match prints if you vary the scale of the patterns.

I usually take this route, as the images can be printed in sizes that fit standard frames, hung on the wall, or clustered in small groups on dressers or built-in storage cubicles. If you are handy with Adobe Photoshop or a similar program, you can create your own artwork.

For my teenage daughter’s room, I used one image of a zebra, erased the white stripes, and incorporated other unique colors of her choice into the empty space.

2. Throw in a few stuffed animals, such as lions, elephants, and zebras

Stuffed animals can be placed on the bed, a chair or tucked into a corner. Incorporate accessories such as netting, binoculars and animal print pillows to add to the collection.

For an older child, large weathered African style vases stuffed with twisting branches look great. You can purchase the branches at many home decor stores. They look best in black for this theme. When grouping items together, odd numbers work best, e.g. three animal print cushions on the bed, rather than two. Odd numbers create a better balance.

3. Think about adding plants and small trees as the space allows

Border the room in large leafy plants to create a feeling of being enclosed, or tucked into the jungle. Plants and trees can be real, fake or painted on the walls.  Tropical plants such as banana and rubber trees add a drama and depth.

4. Incorporate rugs, window treatments, and lighting that reflect the theme

Rugs, curtains, and lighting can also add to the safari theme. Choices available are thick green or earth tone rugs, or floor mats. When searching for a safari bedding set, often a coordinating rug is also available for purchase. African-inspired patterned rugs instantly tie in the design elements in a kids safari bedroom. For older kids, an animal print area rug is a good option.

Curtains can be purchased that coordinate with the bedding, with the same print reflected in the valence, or solid colors that reflect a color that exists in the bedding.

When choosing window treatments, or paint color, it’s a great idea to bring the bedding with you to the store. Lampshades can be purchased in earth tone shades, or again, by picking out a color from the bedding. I like to pick out a brighter color sometimes, like an orange or blue as it adds a bold splash of color.

5. Don’t forget about the wall color

If you feel comfortable with painting, you can paint the walls of the room a soft blue color, and then paint images of cartoon type giraffes, tigers, and lions throughout the room.

6.  Use natural materials to create an instant Safari vibe

Natural materials such as leather, wood, rattan and native materials work best in a jungle-safari bedroom and instantly add a sense of authenticity. This can be achieved through the use of furniture and décor such as drums, bamboo lampshades, woven baskets, and plants.

7. Design safari-theme accent walls for added interest

Create an accent wall to be a focal point of the room with wood framed mirrors, images of exotic birds and waterfalls, tribal art and African masks.

I hope you have found these tips helpful. Have fun creating your kid’s safari bedroom!

Kids Safari Bedroom Ideas: Images

Safari Bedding If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of a few favorite jungle animals without leaving the house, then this Safari Bedding is for you. The 100% cotton quilt is adorned with lovable printed animals, embellished with various embroidered details. Add the coordinating sham for a really wild look.

Bon Voyage Suitcase Set Bon Voyage Suitcases are great for displaying all the trinkets you’ve amassed on your voyages around the world. The bright, vibrant colors also make them perfect for use as a gift package.

Jumbo Plush Tiger This tall, huggable safari animal will transform your child’s room into an adventurous animal kingdom. Lifelike eyes and stripes make this tiger extra special, while sturdy construction ensures that he’ll last through years of hugs and love.

Jungle Map Bedding Whether you’ve found yourself lost in the jungle or you’re looking to add a few safari accents to your bedroom, the Jungle Map Sham is just what you need. The playfully printed design makes it the perfect complement to our Jungle Map Bedding.

Bold Type Flag Banners Make every day a banner day with Bold Type Flag Letters. Spell out your child’s name or favorite saying anywhere you want. One hanging string holds up to 19 flags, so there’s plenty of room to get wordy.

Charcoal Cargo Dresser When it comes to furniture that’s ready for the long haul, our Cargo 2-Over-2 Dresser was made to last. That’s because it features clean, simple lines, giving it a timeless look that can coordinate with nearly any style. Plus, the sturdy, made-to-last construction means it’ll be ready to carry its weight for years to come. And with a variety of stunning colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your home.

Midnight Blue Dresser If you want a dresser with a stylish design and an adventurous spirit, our Campaign Dresser is the perfect candidate. Its solid wood drawers provide plenty of storage and its brass finished drawer pulls and decorative corner brackets give it a refined touch. Plus, it’s available in multiple bold colors that’ll stand out in any room.

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• How to Design a Kid’s Theme Room

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Jungle Safari Themed Kids Bedrooms

Discover the most paw-some and unique Jungle & Safari Themed Beds & Bedroom Accessories. Featuring Treehouse Beds, Animal Wall Art and fabulous Bedding Sets. Whether you have a ticklish tiger, a mischievous monkey or a fidgety frog, decking out their jungle style room will be a breeze with our jungle themed bedrooms for Toddlers and Kids.

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Jungle Safari Themed Kids Bedroom Ideas

Creating a Jungle Safari Themed Kids Bedroom is up there with the most fun things to do, ever! Whether you have a ticklish tiger, a mischievous monkey or a fidgety frog, decking out their jungle style room will be a breeze with our carefully selected range of products. From awesome Treehouse Beds and Loft Beds to Banana Bedding from Snurk , we’ve gathered together everything lush and jungle-tastic and popped it into one easy to shop category.

Samantha Faiers loves the Jungle Safari Theme!

Often the journey begins by selecting the ultimate kids bed . This was the case for Samantha Faiers, who we worked closely with when she created Baby Pauls stunning Jungle-Safari Bedroom that featured in season 5 ITVBe series “The Mummy Diaries”. Check out our Samantha Faiers Jungle-Safari Room for Baby Paul  blog post for more inspiration and to see Baby Paul’s completed room makeover. The Mathy By Bols Treehouse Bed certainly stands proud and offers up a great focal point to accessorize with all things animal safari! If you’re looking for a bed that’s perfect for sleepovers (let’s face it every child and his teddy will want to experience a night in the jungle!) the Lifetime Low Treehouse Kids Cabin Bed is a super option. If you’re on a tight budget we have finance options available on most of our kids beds, check out the product detail pages for further information.

We just love the Jungle Safari Theme as it’s playful, fun and most of all, full of animals!

Require more assistance?

We make it our mission to bring our wonderful customers the most paw-some and unique bedroom ideas for children. If you have a question about any of our Jungle Bedroom Decorating Ideas or Jungle Safari Themed Kids Bedrooms, our friendly team is here to help! Drop us an email here or call +44 (0) 1305 231231 to have a natter with resident kids bedroom gurus.

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THE BEST Elektrostal Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in elektrostal with kids.

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Valesko hotel & spa, choose dates to view prices, photo gallery for valesko hotel & spa.

Overview of Valesko Hotel & Spa

Popular amenities.

• Pool Pool Pool
• Spa Spa Spa
• Parking included Parking included Parking included
• Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant
• Bar Bar Bar
• Free WiFi Free WiFi Free WiFi

Main amenities

• Daily housekeeping
• On the beach
• Restaurant and bar/lounge
• Full-service spa
• Indoor pool
• Breakfast available
• Free children's club
• Free ski shuttle
• Outdoor tennis court
• Beach umbrellas
• Beach sun loungers

For families

• Children stay free
• Playground on site
• Children's club (free)
• Refrigerator

What's around

• Popular Location Moscow Kremlin 42 min drive
• Popular Location Bolshoi Theatre 44 min drive
• Popular Location Red Square 45 min drive
• Airport Moscow (BKA-Bykovo) 50 min drive

Room options

View all photos for comfort double or twin room, 1 bedroom.

Comfort Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

• 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Comfort

Superior Comfort

• 2 Large Twin Beds OR 1 Double Bed

View all photos for House, 4 Bedrooms

House, 4 Bedrooms

• 2 Double Beds and 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Comfort Light

Comfort Light

• 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

• 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Comfort Plus with Balcony

Comfort Plus with Balcony

View all photos for cottage, 4 bedrooms.

Cottage, 4 Bedrooms

• 2 Queen Beds and 4 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

What's nearby.

• Moscow Kremlin - 42 min drive
• Moscow City - 43 min drive
• Bolshoi Theatre - 44 min drive
• Red Square - 45 min drive
• St. Basil's Cathedral - 45 min drive

Getting around

• Moscow (DME-Domodedovo Intl.) - 30 min drive
• Zhukovsky (ZIA) - 31 min drive
• Podolsk (OSF-Ostafyevo) - 70 min drive
• Moscow (VKO-Vnukovo Intl.) - 76 min drive
• Sheremetyevo Intl. Airport (SVO) - 95 min drive
• Vidnoye Rastorguevo Station - 23 min drive
• Moscow Biryulevo Pass. Station - 25 min drive
• Moscow Moskvoreche Station - 25 min drive
• Airport shuttle (surcharge)

About this property

At a glance, arriving/leaving.

• Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: noon
• Minimum check-in age: 18
• Check-out time is 3 PM

Restrictions related to your trip

• Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

• Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Required at check-in

• Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
• Government-issued photo ID may be required
• Minimum check-in age is 18
• If you require a visa to enter the country, your property may be able to help with the supporting documents needed to obtain one*
• Russian citizens: Adults (aged 14 and over) must present a valid internal passport at check-in (international Russian passports and driver's licenses are not accepted). Birth certificates must be presented for all Russian children (aged under 14) at check-in. If a Russian relative or legal guardian (rather than a parent) is traveling in Russia with a child under 14, that relative or legal guardian is also required to present documentation certifying authority to accompany child at check-in. Non-Russian citizens: Adults and children must present a valid passport, visa, and migration card at check-in.
• Up to 5 children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
• No pets or service animals allowed
• Free WiFi in public areas
• Free WiFi in rooms
• Free onsite self parking
• Airport shuttle*

Other information

• Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink.

• Buffet breakfast (surcharge) each morning 9 AM–11 AM
• Poolside bar
• Barbecue grills
• Room service (limited hours)

Traveling with children

• Children stay free (see details)
• Beach volleyball
• Ice skating

Working away

• 2 meeting rooms
• Conference space
• 24-hour front desk
• Dry cleaning/laundry services
• Bicycle rentals
• Picnic area
• An indoor pool
• Arcade/game room
• Massage/treatment rooms
• Snow tubing
• Downhill skiing nearby

Room amenities

Be entertained.

• 50-inch LCD TV
• Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

• Air conditioning and heating
• Electric kettle
• Bed sheets provided
• Shower only
• Soap and shampoo
• Toilet paper

Stay connected

Special features, fees & policies, optional extras.

• Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately RUB 400 for adults and RUB 400 for children
• Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Children & extra beds

• Rollaway beds are available for RUB 2500.0 per day

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

• Pool access available from 10 AM to 10 PM
• Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

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Frequently asked questions.

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New & Custom Home Builders in Elektrostal'

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• Elektrostal', Moscow Oblast, Russia

Professional Category (1)

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Featured Reviews for New & Custom Home Builders in Elektrostal'

• Reach out to the pro(s) you want, then share your vision to get the ball rolling.
• Request and compare quotes, then hire the Home Builder that perfectly fits your project and budget limits.

Before choosing a Builder for your residential home project in Elektrostal', there are a few important steps to take:

• Define your project: Outline your desired home type, features, and layout. Provide specific details and preferences to help the builder understand your vision.
• Establish a budget: Develop a comprehensive budget, including construction expenses and material costs. Communicate your budgetary constraints to the builder from the beginning.
• Timeline: Share your estimated timeline or desired completion date.
• Site conditions: Inform the builder about any unique site conditions or challenges.
• Local regulations: Make the builder aware of any building regulations or permits required.
• Land Surveying

What do new home building contractors do?

Questions to ask a prospective custom home builder in elektrostal', moscow oblast, russia:.

If you search for Home Builders near me you'll be sure to find a business that knows about modern design concepts and innovative technologies to meet the evolving needs of homeowners. With their expertise, Home Builders ensure that renovation projects align with clients' preferences and aspirations, delivering personalized and contemporary living spaces.

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Nous avons une mission : aider les amoureux de voyage à découvrir de nouveaux horizons. C’est pourquoi nous vous proposons une formule vol + hôtel + Tansfert à Istanbul ultra pratique : regroupez votre hôtel, vos billets d’avion et transferts Aéroport > Hôtel > Aéroport dans un forfait sur mesure. Vous pouvez inclure des activités en extra à votre séjour.

Quoi privilégier lors d’un voyage à Istanbul?

Pour découvrir ce que la ville a de plus beau en quelques jours seulement, n’hésitez pas à poser vos valises dans un hôtel du centre d’Istanbul. LA solution pour visiter les incontournables de la ville en quelques minutes seulement! Première escale indispensable de votre séjour : la basilique Sainte-Sophie. Doté d’une coupole de 32 mètres de diamètre, cet imposant édifice est devenu le véritable symbole de la ville. On vous recommande également de faire un détour par la superbe Mosquée bleue. Ce joyau architectural se pare de plus de 21 000 morceaux de faïence bleue auxquels il doit son nom.

Que faire lors d’un week-end à Istanbul?

Impossible de poser ses bagages à Istanbul sans visiter le palais de Topkapi! Ancienne demeure des sultans d’autrefois, le palais séduit toujours par la magnificence de ses salles, de ses jardins et de ses kiosques. D’ailleurs, si vous recherchez toujours l’hôtel idéal pour votre périple, jetez un œil aux établissements proches du palais de Topkapi. Pratiques, ces adresses tout confort vous offriront également une superbe vue sur les rives du Bosphore. Amateur de culture et d’histoire? Profitez de votre week-end pour visiter les musées archéologiques d’Istanbul. Cet énorme bâtiment rassemble en fait trois musées : le musée des Antiquités, de l’ancien Orient et de la Céramique.

Quelles activités tester lors d’une semaine de vacances à Istanbul?

Vous avez un peu plus de temps devant vous? C’est parfait! Profitez de votre voyage pas cher à Istanbul pour explorer d’autres facettes de la ville, à commencer par la célèbre place Taksim. Vous y trouverez une multitude de restaurants très animés tout au long de la journée et à la tombée de la nuit. Elle est aussi le point de départ de l’Istiklal Caddesi, un important axe piéton débordant de boutiques, d’adresses gourmandes et d’activités sympas à tester avant de prendre le chemin du retour idéal pour le shopping.

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Offres de séjours pas chères Istanbul

Offres de vol et d'hôtel les plus populaires à istanbul, séjours tout compris pour istanbul, séjours de dernière minute pour istanbul, rechercher par nombre d’étoiles, rechercher par note, recherche par type de pension, rechercher par prix, rechercher par services inclus, quand réserver un séjour à istanbul , astuces utiles pour trouver des offres de séjours à istanbul.

• Il existe de nombreux styles de vacances àIstanbul et le coût dépendra du type de voyage que vous ferez et de la durée de votre séjour. Voici les tarifs actuels pour un voyage de 3 nuits pour 2 personnes : Séjours populaires 261 € ;Vacances en famille 243 € ;Vacances romantiques 276 € ;Vacances de luxe 307 € ;Vacances économiques 179 €.

Pourquoi réserver un séjour à Istanbul?

Vous ne savez pas comment vous y prendre pour avoir droit aux meilleurs tarifs sans chercher trop longtemps? Faites le choix d'un forfait vol+hôtel à Istanbul. Vous ferez une recherche en ne cochant que les critères qui vous intéressent, donc vous gagnerez du temps. Mais vous gagnerez aussi de l'argent car vous bénéficierez de réductions en réservant le vol et l'hôtel en même temps. C'est ainsi que vous aurez droit à un séjour à Istanbul pas cher.

Quand réserver un voyage à Istanbul?

La plupart des touristes préfèrent la saison de mai à septembre pour partir en vacances à Istanbul. Le climat est sec et les températures sont chaudes. Entre novembre et février, il fait plutôt froid et la neige fait régulièrement son apparition. En avril, vous pourrez assister au festival international du film d'Istanbul, et en venant en juin, c'est le festival de musique.

Où dormir lors de vos vacances à Istanbul?

Tout type de séjour à istanbul.

C'est décidé, vous partez en vacances à Istanbul? Réservez une chambre dès maintenant dans l'un des établissements les plus appréciés de la ville. C'est le cas de l'hôtel Santefe, proche des commerces, et de l'hôtel Ottoman 2 Class, non loin des transports en commun. Pour rejoindre le Santefe dès votre arrivée à l'aéroport, vous avez le choix entre un trajet de 16 minutes en taxi ou de 35 minutes en métro jusqu'à la station Yenikapi puis 16 minutes à pied. Pour l'Ottoman, un taxi n'aura besoin que de 16 minutes alors que le métro M1 et la station Aksaray ne vous rapprochent que de 2 km de votre hôtel. Ainsi, prévoyez près d'une heure en transport en commun dont 25 minutes de marche.

Vacances en famille à Istanbul

Vous partez tous ensemble à Istanbul? Pour que ce bon moment familial se déroule au mieux, réservez un séjour à l'hôtel Naz Wooden House Inn Byzantine House, bien situé, non loin de la mosquée Sultan Ahmet Camii. Pour vous y rendre en arrivant à l'aéroport, le plus rapide est de louer une voiture et de suivre la Kennedy Cd vers le nord-est pendant une demi-heure. En métro, vous en auriez pour 1h08 et en bus 1h48. Autre bonne adresse, l'hôtel 3 étoiles Galley est aussi adapté aux familles et offre son propre restaurant. Dès votre descente de l'avion, empruntez la Kennedy Cd pendant 25 minutes et arrêtez-vous au niveau du parc Kadirga. Prévoyez 27 minutes en voiture au lieu de 56 minutes en métro ou 1h31 en bus.

Vacances romantiques à Istanbul

Vous rêvez d'une évasion à deux et de dépaysement loin des tracas du quotidien? Immergez-vous vraiment dans l'ambiance locale en réservant au petit hôtel Asmali avec sa jolie vue depuis ses chambres. En sortant de l'avion, prenez un Uber pendant 17 minutes, à moins que vous ne souhaitiez prendre le métro et faire une halte à l'Aquarium d'Istanbul. L'hôtel Santa Hill vous laissera aussi de bons souvenirs avec sa piscine extérieure. À l'aéroport, optez pour un taxi et demandez-lui de longer la côte pendant 20 minutes afin de rejoindre votre hôtel.

Vacances de luxe à Istanbul

C'est une décoration orientale raffinée qui vous attend à l'hôtel 4 hôtels Sultania. Réservez un chauffeur privé pour vous conduire de l'aéroport à l'hôtel en 17 minutes. Vous pouvez aussi loger à l'hôtel Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Dudullu, un hôtel haut de gamme très moderne. Lui est à 30 minutes de l'aéroport vers l'est.

Vacances à petit budget à Istanbul

Vous pouvez partir en voyage à Istanbul sans grever votre budget. Pour cela, optez pour une chambre à l'hôtel Kadikoy Port. Prenez une voiture de location à l'aéroport international Atatürk, puis suivez Kennedy Cd, qui longe la mer, vers le sud-ouest. Vous arriverez à l'hôtel en une quarantaine de minutes. Autre adresse intéressante, l'hôtel La Petite Maison, à côté du centre-ville et des transports en commun. Remontez vers le sud sur la C-7, puis tournez à droite pour rejoindre la E80. Le trajet durera aussi quarante minutes depuis l'aéroport.

Où dormir à Istanbul ?

Informations sur les séjours à istanbul.

• 1 Districts
• 2.1 History
• 2.2 Orientation
• 2.3.1 Summer
• 2.3.2 Spring and Autumn
• 2.3.3 Winter
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2.1 Trains from the east
• 3.2.2 Trains from Europe and European Turkey
• 3.3.1.1 Alibeyköy
• 3.3.1.2 Esenler
• 3.3.1.3 Emniyet Terminali
• 3.3.2 Asian side
• 3.4 By boat
• 3.6 By bicycle
• 3.7 By thumb
• 4.1 Istanbulkart
• 4.2 By train
• 4.3 By metro
• 4.4 By tram
• 4.5 By boat
• 4.7 By taxi
• 4.8 By shared taxi (Dolmuş)
• 4.9 By bicycle
• 5.1 Museum Pass
• 6.1.1 Theodosian Walls Walk
• 6.2 The classic Bosphorus cruise
• 6.3 Association football
• 7.1 Ottoman Turkish
• 9.2.2 Where
• 10.1 Snacks
• 13.1.1 Airport scam
• 13.1.2 Shoe shine scam
• 13.1.3 Blue Mosque scam "guides"
• 13.1.4 Restaurant scams
• 13.1.5 Bar and club scams
• 13.1.6 Metro Scams and Theft
• 13.1.7 Water scams
• 13.1.8 Lira/euro scams
• 13.1.9 Taxi drivers
• 13.2 Overpricing
• 13.3 Stalking
• 13.4 Tourism Police
• 14 Stay healthy
• 15.1 Telephone codes
• 15.2 Mobile
• 16.1 Consulates

Istanbul ( Turkish : İstanbul ) is a very large city of fantastic history, culture and beauty. Called Byzantium in ancient times, the city's name was changed to Constantinople in 324 CE when it was rebuilt by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine. The name "Istanbul", perhaps surprisingly, comes from Greek and could be translated as a corruption of "to the city". While the term had been in widespread use for centuries, it only became the official name of the city upon the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in the 1920s.

The most populous city in Europe , Istanbul forms the financial and cultural center of Turkey and confidently straddles the borders between Asia and Europe as it has for millennia: this is the result when you mix ancient Christendom, a medieval metropolis and the modern Middle East. Situated on either side of the Bosphorus, Istanbul retains its metropolitan status: the city's population is more than 14 million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Lauded in antiquity as "the second Rome", this is a city where you most certainly should roam — culture and excitement lie around every corner and more than 2,000 years of history await you.

Districts [ edit ]

The system of districts and municipalities of Istanbul is quite sophisticated and was changed in 2009. Here is a simple division of the city into approximate regions:

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

While relics of prehistoric human settlement were found in the Yarımburgaz Cave near the Küçükçekmece Lake and during the construction of a subway station in Yenikapı, Greek colonists from Megara , directed by their legendary leader Byzas, have been traditionally accepted as the founders of Istanbul. Expanding the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium by the order of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, the imperial city of Constantinople was for nearly a thousand years the heavily-fortified capital of the Eastern Roman (later termed Byzantine) Empire . To this day, the Ecumenical Patriarch, head of the Eastern Orthodox Church continues to be the Archbishop of Constantinople, who is still based in Istanbul. It was finally conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II on 29 May 1453, an event sometimes used to mark the end of the Middle Ages. It was the nerve centre for military campaigns that were to enlarge the Ottoman Empire dramatically. By the mid-1500s, Istanbul, with a population of almost half a million, was a major cultural, political, and commercial centre. Ottoman rule continued until it was defeated in the first World War and Istanbul was occupied by the allies. When the Republic of Turkey was born in 1923 after the War of Independence, Kemal Atatürk moved its capital to the city of Ankara , strategically located in the centre of the new republic. However, Istanbul has continued to expand dramatically; today its population is approximately 14 million and increases at an estimated 400,000 immigrants per year. Industry has expanded even as tourism has grown. It continues to be a city that creates its own history at the intersection where both continents meet.

Orientation [ edit ]

Istanbul is divided in three by the north-south Bosphorus Strait ( İstanbul Boğazı , "the strait of Istanbul"), the dividing line between Europe and Asia, the estuary of the Golden Horn ( Haliç ) bisecting the western part and the Sea of Marmara ( Marmara Denizi ) forming a boundary to the south. Most sights are concentrated in the old city on the peninsula of Sultanahmet , to the west of the Bosphorus between the Horn and the Sea. Across the Horn to the north are Galata , Beyoğlu and Taksim , the heart of modern Istanbul, while Kadıköy is the major district on the comparatively less-visited Anatolian side of the city. The Black Sea forms the relatively less developed northern boundary of Istanbul.

Climate [ edit ]

Despite what its stereotypes, artificially placed palm trees, or misleading tourism brochures may imply, Istanbul is not the sunny, warm year-round holiday destination some people might hope it is. In fact, Istanbul has way more in common with Southwestern France or the Pacific Northwest than with virtually all of the cities near the Mediterranean Sea, with an average temperature around 12-14°C, it is only 1°C warmer than New York, and around the same average temperature as Portland, Oregon or Bordeaux, France.

Simply put, Istanbul has an oceanic climate with some Mediterranean influences. This means very warm, mostly sunny summers, and cool to chilly, bleak winters with very frequent rain and, on occasion, snow.

Istanbul is a fairly cloudy city, especially for the Eastern Mediterranean, with around 1,700-2,300 hours of sunshine, which means the skies are overcast around half of the time. Overcast conditions can occur because of dense fog, which is common year-round, affecting certain inland parts of Istanbul for an impressive 200 days per year. However, because of the urbanization of Istanbul and the resulting 'urban heat island', fog has become increasingly rare in the densely inhabited coastal regions of Istanbul, making summers much sunnier than they once were.

Another potentially surprising part of Istanbul's climate is its frequent rainfall, as even though rainfall varies a lot depending on where you are in the city, the city average is somewhere around 800mm over some 150 days of the year. This makes umbrellas useful, especially in summer and fall when rains tend to be heavier. Istanbul is wetter than most major European cities, such as London, Paris, or Berlin. However, a large part of Istanbul's rainfall happens in the colder months, leaving the warmest months to sunny, moderately dry weather.

Before getting into more detailed information, it's important to understand that because of its huge size, topography, and maritime influences, Istanbul exhibits a multitude of distinct microclimates. Thus, different sections of Istanbul can experience different weather conditions at the same time. A good example of this would be the occasional summer showers in the city. These showers often affect the north of the city much more than the south, and the south would likely stay dry while the north gets soaked.

Summer [ edit ]

Summer (Jul-Aug) is generally quite warm, averaging around 26°C during the day and 17°C at night. The weather is often pleasant, and there is an almost constant northeasterly wind called Poyraz that prevents the city from experiencing temperatures higher than 32-33°C on most years. However, the same breezy conditions, also bring very humid air from the Black Sea, causing very muggy conditions, which raises the perceived temperature quite a bit.

Summer is relatively dry, but generally not rainless, with around four to five rainy days a month. The rain that does fall during this time can get heavy however, and for a number of reasons Istanbul is known to be a severe weather hotspot, with, among other things, around 2-3 hailstorms per year, which is extremely high for a Mediterranean-influenced city.

Light clothing is recommended during summer. A light jacket and/or light sweater if the summer evenings do become a little cooler than average could be useful.

Spring and Autumn [ edit ]

Spring (Apr-Jun) and fall (Sep-Nov) are both mild, with a good mix of rain and shine. Late spring (late May to early June) and early autumn (late September to early October) are quite pleasant and the best times to visit the city. During these periods temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the weather is less rainy than in winter; even though the nights can get a little chilly, and rain can definitely not be ruled out.

Winter [ edit ]

Winter (Dec-Mar) is generally chilly, averaging around 8°C during the day and 2°C at night, but the high relative humidity levels make the winter air quite a bit more miserable, and the wind chill can make the temperatures feel much colder. There can be mild and cold periods as well, these usually changing with the wind patterns. A southwesterly wind, called Lodos, can bring relatively comfortable but showery days with highs around 12-16°C, while northerly winds bring daytime temperatures at or slightly above freezing.

This time of year is infamous for its rain. Rain generally falls as a light, intermittent and barely noticeable kind of drizzle, but it can go on for a week or more at a time, with almost three weeks of rain on average per month. This kind of rain can easily be managed without an umbrella (and indeed, most locals tend to prefer raincoats or warm clothing instead), however if you do want an umbrella when it's raining out, the streets of Istanbul are suddenly filled with umbrella sellers as soon as it starts raining. Although the umbrellas they provide are a little shoddy, the going rate is 5 TL per umbrella, and you can find much better umbrellas for that price at shops if you look around a bit.

Snowfall is somewhat common between December and March, however this changes quite a bit from year to year. Mild winters can get only a trace of accumulation, while colder winters can bring up to three weeks of snow cover. One other thing to note here is how heavy the snow can get in Istanbul. This is because Istanbul's snowfall comes from an event called sea or lake effect snowfall, where bands of heavy snow showers lash the coasts of Istanbul, bringing waves of showery snow. These events generally don't go on for long, as when the colder weather leaves Istanbul, so does the snow. However, accumulations of up to 75 cm in a single day have been recorded, even in the warmer city center.

Warm clothing is essential during winter even if temperature extremes aren't common, wind chill can make most people feel absolutely miserable otherwise.

Get in [ edit ]

See Turkey#Get in for visa requirements. From 2020, most EU, UK, CIS and South American visitors do not need a visa. Those from many other countries including Australia, Canada and US can get an e-visa online, valid for 90 days.

By plane [ edit ]

Getting to and from SAW :

• By metro – Line M4 runs from the airport to Kadıköy, taking about an hour. The line is not well-connected to the rest of the metro network, but you can continue to the European side by ferry or transfer to the Marmaray train at Ayrılık Çeşmesi.
• By train – Sabiha Gökçen Airport is 12 km from Pendik YHT railway station, take a taxi or bus 132H to catch fast trains east to Ankara and Konya.
• Havaist – It works on both airports. A prepaid solution is available via mobile application.
• Havabüs – It runs from the airport to Taksim in the city centre (50 km, 60-90 min, 18 TL), Yenisahra an Asia-side transport hub (50 min, 10 TL) and Kadıköy the ferry quay for Eminönü in Sultanahmet Old City (60 min, 39 TL + ferry 3 TL). Buses run every 30 min between 04:00 and 01:00. Buy your ticket on the bus, Istanbulkart is valid.
• City bus (İETT bus) – They are the cheapest, with the main routes:
• to Kadıköy by bus E-10 (via Kurtköy, runs 24 hours) or E-11, taking 60-90 min, more in heavy traffic. You need a two-zone ticket, price 7 TL.
• to Taksim and elsewhere on the European side, take bus E-3 to 4. Levent metro station. It runs 24 hours, takes 2 hours and needs a three-zone ticket for 10 TL.
• Other routes include E-9 to Bostanci, 16S to Metrobus Uzunçayir, KM-20 to Pendi̇k & Kartal Metro, KM22 to Cevi̇zli̇ Platforms, E-18 to Altuni̇zade & Ümrani̇ye, and 122H via Yeni̇şehi̇r to 4.Levent Metro.
• By shuttle – Inquire with your accommodation or find online.
• By taxi – To Taksim should cost around €20 (as of May 2022).

Other arrival airports are only worth considering for the far northwest of the country and never for Istanbul itself. For instance for Edirne you might consider Sofia or Plovdiv then the intercity bus. But it's almost certainly quicker, cheaper and less hassle to fly into IST then take the bus or train west.

Atatürk Airport closed in 2019. Beware (!) of out-of-date road signage and maps, and crooked taxi drivers who will take you to a demolition site. Driving out from the city, you should be heading noticeably north, maybe on D020, or O-3 to turn north on O-7. If you're keeping south on D100, the old place is where he intends to take you.

By train [ edit ]

Since the heyday of the legendary Orient Express , travelling by train has been the classic way of reaching Istanbul. It's still an interesting journey, but the trains no longer reach their classic termini. Those from Europe terminate at Halkali west of the city, where you change to the frequent cross-city Marmaray train to reach the centre. Those from the east terminate at Söğütlüçeşme in Kadıköy on the Asian side.

This means that Istanbul has two large terminus stations that don't have any mainline trains. 41.0152 28.9767 3 Sirkeci on the European side is on the Marmaray network, with cross-city and Metro trains deep underground but nothing at street-level. 40.9962 29.0188 4 Haydarpaşa in Asia has no trains at all. Both stations are worth a quick visit as monuments to a bygone age of rail travel. And both of them have ticket offices, though it's usually simpler to buy online from the website of Turkish Republic State Railways, TCDD [dead link] .

Turkish railway officials have repeatedly said that both Sirkeci and Haydarpaşa termini will be used once again, at least for some services. But as of 2024 no concrete plans have yet materialized and given the usual scale of delays to rail projects in Turkey it might be a while until trains return to these grand old stations.

Trains from the east [ edit ]

There are frequent YHT services from Eskişehir (3 hours) and Ankara (4½ hours), and three per day from Konya (4½ hours). One per day runs from Karaman via Konya. YHT services are affordable and very popular, so book a few days ahead to guarantee a seat even though the price remains the same no matter when you book. In 2022 the single fare from Ankara is 168 TL economy, 252 TL business; from Konya it's 201 TL economy, 302 TL business. Change in Konya for Adana and in Ankara for Erzurum, Kars and Tatvan (which has connections to Tabriz and Tehran in Iran). A train from Ankara via Kars to Tbilisi and Baku might start in 2022.

On the eastern edge of the city, YHT trains also call at Bostanci, Pendik and Gebze. 40.88 29.23 6 Pendik , 25 km east of city centre, is a convenient stop for transfers from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport (10 km, taxi or bus). Consider this route if you intend to fly into Istanbul and immediately head east. Pendik itself is a small township with hotels and cafes, with the bus station and taxi ranks north side of the YHT station.

The Ankara Express is an overnight passenger service between Istanbul and Ankara . It leaves Istanbul Halkali nightly at 22:00, picking up at Söğütlüçeşme, Bostanci and Pendik plus nine other intermediate stations, reaching Ankara before 07:00. The return service has the same times, taking about nine hours, and there are seats and sleepers plus a dining car.

Trains from Europe and European Turkey [ edit ]

A sleeper train departs Sofia around 18:30 nightly, running via Plovdiv, Kapikule on the border, and Edirne , to terminate at Halkalı at 05:40. From June to Sept the Bosphor Express (with couchettes but no sleeper berths) departs Bucharest at 10:50, running via Ruse to Kapikule. Here it's coupled to the train from Sofia, and all passengers have to get out for border procedures, before continuing to Halkalı. The westbound service leaves Halkalı at 20:00 to reach Sofia by 09:40 and Bucharest by 17:00 next day. From Oct to May the through-train from Bucharest doesn't run, so you change at Ruse then again at Kapikule, with a similar timetable. (Bear in mind that Romania and Bulgaria have daylight-saving time in summer but Turkey doesn't.) Trains from Budapest to Bucharest, and from Belgrade to Sofia, don't connect with the onward trains to Turkey, so you need an overnight stay.

TCDD quote fares for these trains in euros. In 2022 a basic single from Sofia is €31.68. Add €10 for a couchette, €15 for a bed in a shared 2-person cabin or €35 for the entire cabin.

The Budapest-Belgrade line remains closed in 2022 for engineering works. Belgrade-Sofia trains may be running but are not confirmed, you might have to take local trains and change at Niš and Dmitrovgrad. Altogether it's better to reach Turkey via Bucharest. There's also a regional train once a day from Kapikule via Edirne to Halkalı, and another from Uzunköprü.

For a luxurious stylish journey, once a year the Venice Simplon Orient Express runs from Paris to Istanbul. You travel in lovely restored 1930s luxury coaches and enjoy first-rate cuisine. Tickets start at €13,500; sorry, your Eurail pass won't help here.

Between Halkalı and downtown use the Marmaray cross-city suburban train, and allow an hour; trains run every 15 min and the fare is about 12 TL (and see "Get around").

By bus [ edit ]

Turkey has an extensive system of intercity buses for travel around the country, as well international routes. The majority of intercity buses servicing both European and Asian parts of Turkey depart and terminate at the Esenler Bus Station. Many of the bus companies have offices around the city and free courtesy mini-buses known as a "servis," collect passengers from the city and take them to either the main bus stations or their own mini-terminals near the main motorways.

European side [ edit ]

Alibeyköy [ edit ].

The 41.0876 28.9451 8 Alibeyköy bus station ( Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı ) is a secondary hub for the European side and is located at Güzeltepe near the outer beltway of Istanbul. Despite its orderly and cool steel-and-glass look, and much smaller size compared with Esenler, this is an unexpectedly chaotic bus station.

Buses from Anatolia stop here en route to Esenler bus station, 20–25 min further.

The T5 tram line connects this bus station to the M7 metro line, which can be used to get to Mecidiyeköy, a major hub for public transport and the business center of the city, the BRT Metrobüs line, and to Eminönü all the while providing the passengers a scenic ride along the Golden Horn. There are also somewhat infrequent shuttle services available although none heads for Sultanahmet, they are slower than the tram, and don't expect their drivers to speak much English.

Esenler [ edit ]

Often called simply 'the Otogar' (Bus Station) or occasionally 'Bayrampaşa Otogar', the colossal 41.0403 28.8946 9 Esenler bus station ( Esenler Otogarı ), is located at Esenler (although officially within the Bayrampaşa district), about 10 km (6 miles) northwest of Sultanahmet. This is the city's main bus station ( ☏ +90 212 658 0505 ) for intercity (including Gallipoli) and many international routes (such as Greece and Bulgaria).

Despite having been renamed the 15 Temmuz Demokrasi Otogar (also called the 15 Temmuz Şehitler Otogar) in memory of those who died during the abortive coup attempt of 15 July 2016, most bus companies continue to use the Esenler Otogar name.

With 168 ticket offices and gates, shops, restaurants, hotel, police station, clinic and mosque, the Büyük Otogar ("big bus station") is a town in itself, although it lacks a central information desk, so you will have to ask around the individual offices for prices and timetables for your destination.

It is served by the Otogar metro station on the M1 metro line. Connections to major destinations within the city are as follows:

• Sultanahment : From the Otogar metro station you can take the metro to Aksaray or Zeytinburnu and then easily connect with a tram to Sultanahmet (about 30 minutes via Aksaray) or Kabataş/Taksim. If you travelling with a lot of luggage you may prefer to transfer between the tram to the Metro at Zeytinburnu as the stations are side by side, whereas at Yusufpaşa it is necessary to carry your luggage up and down the steps of an underpass to get to Aksaray Metro station. Going via Zeytinburnu will take longer. The journey will be cheaper if you purchase and recharge an İstanbulkart from the machines at the entrance to the metro station. The total fare between the bus station and Sultanahmet if you use a İstanbulkart 2.60 TL (initial) + 1.85 TL (transfer) = 4.5 TL (plus the initial purchase cost of the card) or two 5 TL Jeton tokens (one for the metro and the other for the tram). A taxi will cost approximately 55 TL to either Sultanahmet or Taksim.
• Beyoğlu : Take the M1 Metro line to Yenikapı, then change there for the M2 Metro line in the direction of Hacıosman, and get out at Sishane or Taksim. An alternative is to take IETT [dead link] bus 830 which departs from the bus station at 06:00. 07:00, 07:35, 09:00, 11:00, 13:15, 15:55, 17:15 and 18:35 M to Sa, and at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:15 on Sundays. It takes approximately 60 minutes to reach Taksim Square. You'll need a Jeton or İstanbulkart to pay for your fare.
• Bus connections : The main lines from the centre include 28O from Beşiktaş, 75O from Mecidiyeköy, 91O from Eminönü, and 83O from Taksim. Refer to the IETT [dead link] website for timetables. Esenler is approximately 39 km from the new Istanbul airport. They are connected by the HVIST-5 airport bus service operated by Havaİst [dead link] . The journey takes 60 to 75 minutes.
• Courtesy mini-buses : Some bus companies such as Pamukkale operate servis between the bus station and various pickup and drop-off points around the city.

Emniyet Terminali [ edit ]

41.0067 28.95 10 Emniyet Terminali (also known as the Emniyet Otogar or Laleli Uluslararası Yolcu Transfer Merkezi ) is the main bus station for international connections, on Küçük Langa Cd, south of Aksaray.

It provides international services to the Balkans ( Albania , Bulgaria , Greece , Kosovo , North Macedonia , and Romania ), the eastern half of Europe ( Germany , Hungary , and Poland ), the Caucasus ( Armenia , Azerbaijan , and Georgia ), and the Middle East ( Iraq , and Iran ).

Companies that operate from this station include Ast Turizm, Aybaki Tur, Golden Turizm, Mahmut Turizm, Mahmudoğlu Turizm, Metro Turizm, Ortadoğu Turizm [dead link] , Nişikli Turizm, Nugo Turizm, Özlem Turizm, Öznuhoğlu , Perla Trans , Star Turizm, Troy Turizm and Vardar Turizm [dead link] .

It is less than 400 m from the Yenikapı station on the M1 and M2 metro lines and the Marmaray train line. It is also approximately 500 m from the Yusufpaşa station on the T1 tram line, which serves Sultanahmet.

The HVIST-12 airport bus service operated by Havaİst [dead link] connects Aksaray with the new Istanbul airport. The closest stop to the bus station is 700 m away on Adnan Menderes Blvd.

Asian side [ edit ]

Buses travelling to and between Istanbul's Esenler bus station and Anatolian destinations stop on the Asian side of Istanbul to pick up and drop off passengers.

If you are travelling between the European side of Istanbul and Anatolia it's worth considering getting on or off the bus on the Asian side as it takes anything between 1h 15min and 1h 45min hours off the total travel time.

For many years the principal bus station on the Asian side of Istanbul has been at 41.0099 29.0111 11 Harem (pronounced hah-REHM ; not to be confused with the ladies' quarter of the Topkapı Palace with the same name) right on the Bosphorus, south of Üsküdar and north of Haydarpaşa.

From Harem, regular car ferries (which take walk-on passengers) cross the Bosphorus to Sirkeci (just east of Eminönü) on the European side (every 30 minutes M-Sa 05:30-23:00 Su 07:00-22:00). There are also regular passenger ferries from Kadıköy and Üsküdar south and north of Harem to Beşiktaş and Kabataş on the European side. Dolmuş es and many bus lines make the quick run to Üsküdar, from where you can also connect to the M5 metro line, and Marmaray cross-city suburban train.

Many of the bus companies (especially the larger ones offering a long list of destinations) have relocated to their own mini-terminals or hubs in the far-flung suburbs of Dudullu, Ferhatpaşa, and Samandıra, as these locations provide a more convenient access to the major motorways. While some of these hubs are relatively close to various stations of M5, none are directly on that metro line, so better catch the servis minibuses into various central areas, including Harem, Kadıköy and Üsküdar.

Reserve a seat in advance as some buses arrive on the Asian side from Esenler with no empty seats.

By boat [ edit ]

There are Black Sea ferries several times a week to Chornomorske, the main port for Odesa in Ukraine, taking 27 hours. They run all year and take vehicles; indeed trucking is an important part of their business, as so many travellers nowadays fly. The ferry terminal is at Haydarpaşa, by the old railway station. These ferries used to sail to other Black Sea ports but they no longer do.

Additionally, reflecting Turkey's deepening diplomatic ties with Libya , a ferry sails between Istanbul and Misrata once per week.

There are no other international ferries to Istanbul - see "Get around" for local ferries around the Sea of Marmara. Cruise ships usually dock on the European side, around Karaköy/Galataport, closer to the historic centre. These ships are on cruise itineraries, check with the operator whether a point-to-point journey ending in Istanbul is possible.

By car [ edit ]

Istanbul lies on the European highway E80 , and relatively short distance north of E90 , both stretching from Lisbon at the opposite end of the continent. As for the Asian highways, AH-1 from Tokyo , and AH-5 from Shanghai pass through the city before terminating at the Turkish-Bulgarian border in the west, but they are not signposted in Turkey.

Traffic in Istanbul can be manic; expect a stressful drive because you will be cut off and honked at constantly. It seems that half of the cars in Istanbul are parking while the other half is stuck in traffic.

Even if you are on a one-way road, always expect someone coming towards you. The city hosts more than 1½ million cars and there is a strong demand for building of new or alternate highways which of course fill up with traffic as soon as they're built.

If you've arrived in Istanbul by car, and you're not familiar with the streets, it's better to park your car in a safe place and take public transportation to get around.

The parts of the city on either continent separated by the Bosphorus are connected by three bridges and a road tunnel. All require paying a toll to cross, and none accepts cash: payment must be made by using electronic stickers called HGS , obtainable from postoffices.

On weekdays, there are potentially hour-long traffic jams on the highways leading to bridges, especially those two closer to the city centre, and particularly heading west in the mornings and east in the evenings, since most people live on the Anatolian side but work on the European side.

There is a great shortage of parking in Istanbul, and existing lots are quite expensive. You will see many cars parked on the sides of the road, in front of garage doors even.

Street signs are rare. It is a common thing to pull over and ask for directions, something the natives and taxi drivers do quite often.

By bicycle [ edit ]

The Sultan's Trail (2,500 km) and the Sufi Trail (800 km) are cycling and hiking trails approaching the city from the west and the east, specifically Vienna and Konya respectively. The former retraces the campaign of Suleiman the Magnificent onto the Habsburg capital, while the latter follows an Ottoman Hajj pilgrimage route.

Otherwise, you will have to approach the city on D-100 from either direction, or on the northern (and relatively less busy) route D-020 from the west, and perhaps switch to the bike paths along the Marmara coast once the suburban development begins, as all other main routes leading into the city are classified as motorways, and thus the bikes are forbidden on them.

By thumb [ edit ]

Istanbul is huge, so you'll need public transport between your accommodation and your pick-up/drop-off point. Leaving the city, the best routes are:

• West into Europe: you want to be on main highway E-80. First take bus 448 from Yenibosna metro station (southern line, near Ataturk Airport) north towards Mimarsinan. Get off after about 5 km when you cross the E-80.
• East into Asia: again, you want to reach highway E-80. Probably the closest you can start thumbing is Pendik: reach it by metro as described for the YHT railway station. Then start hitching on D-100 which will join E-80. A local lift as far as Gebze or Izmit will also be close to that highway.

Get around [ edit ]

Istanbul's public transit system can be difficult to figure out; the lines connect poorly, maps are rare and you often have to transfer, and pay another fare, to get where you are going. However, if you put some effort into it, you can avoid taxis and not walk too much.

Unless you use the Istanbulkart , each time you use a tram, metro, bus, or boat on the public transport system, you will need to use a ticket or pass. The single use tickets cost 11 TL (January 2023) and can be bought at various vending machines at bus, railway and metro stations or authorized ticket/Istanbulkart sellers (usually newspaper kiosks). Ticket fares across buses, trams and metros differ. Only cash in Turkish lira is accepted at ticket kiosks of public transport, no credit cards or foreign currency. The Istanbul subway system does not offer transfer tickets: each change to a new line requires a new fare.

When travelling to Istanbul by air, it is much cheaper (and more fun) to use the bus (or metro system once it is extended) to get as close to your accommodation as possible before walking and/or taking a taxi to where you are staying. Although the public transport may be slightly confusing, taxis/charter buses from the airport are notoriously overpriced.

If public transport is your choice of getting around, consider using smartphone public transportation applications so that you can easily see stops, stations and terminals nearby or see alternate routes for your planned destination. İETT has an official one called Mobiett which is available for iOS , Android or Windows . But also Google Maps is very reliable to guide your way using public transport.

Istanbulkart [ edit ]

The İstanbulkart [dead link] is Istanbul's public transport smart card, which can be used as a ticket on buses, trams, suburban trains, metro, local ferries, etc. If you are in Istanbul for more than a day or two and intend to use public transport, it will pay for itself in a few trips. The card itself costs 50 TL, which does not include any credit. Top up can only be bought using notes, although very few machines do accept credit cards. Any credit left on the Istanbulkart is not refundable, so make sure it's empty when you return the card for deposit. It can be purchased at a number of small corner shops throughout the city. But there are recharge machines at most stations (though not necessarily at all entrances), only accepting notes.

An alternative to the physical card is the Mobile İstanbulkart , which is an app you can load on your phone. However, as of 2023, signing up requires a Turkish mobile phone number, so unless you have one, you will be out of luck.

You touch the Istanbulkart to a reader when you get on the bus or enter the tram or metro platform. The great advantage for a group of travellers is that you can buy only one and touch it as many times as there are passengers (unlike London's Oyster card, there is no need to touch out , except the BRT Metrobüs line). You can buy or refill them at designated booths located at any major bus, tram, or metro station, as well as some other places such as newspaper stands close to bus stops. There are refill machines located at most metro or tram stops and ferry terminals. An Istanbulkart provides significantly discounted rates (a bit over half price for unlinked trips and even cheaper for transfers) compared to regular single tickets, as well as discounts on transfers and short round trips (when used multiple times within a limited period, roughly 1½ hr since the last time you used it). For instance, a trip with Istanbulkart costs ~9.9 TL, while a single ticket is 15.40 TL. The round trip to the airport pays for more than half the cost of this card.

Some connections charge around 20 TL initially because their range is very large, e.g. the Marmaray train but even buses. However, there are refund machines at the exit of stations that serve these long distance connections. In case you only travel a short distance tap your card there, and you will be reimbursed some money. Either way, if you feel like you paid too much, tap or just always tap—you won't get charged twice. As of 2023, however, Istanbulkart must be "personalized" - linked to a Turkish ID card - to be able to enjoy discount transfers and Marmaray refunds. This means that regular tourists are not eligible and will not enjoy any discounts on transfers and/or Marmaray refund.

The Istanbulkart is relatively new, and replaces the older Akbil metal touch-token which is deprecated. Though some Kiosks still have Akbil signs rather than Istanbulkart signs - but you can usually buy or top up your Istanbulkart at any kiosk where the Akbil sign is displayed. There is also the so-called "mavi kart" or blue card which is a cheaper option for frequent users of public transport but has some restrictions, can be used by one person whose photo and name are printed on it, it gives 180 trips in bus/tram/metro that have to be used up within a maximum period of 30 days and costs about 200 TL + 10 TL for printing the card the first time.

The Marmaray cross-town train , opened in March 2019, links Halkali mainline station in the west with Bakırköy, Zeytinburnu, Sirkeci and Üsküdar either side of the Bosphorus, and Bostancı, Kartal, Pendik and Gebze to the east; plus many small suburban stations. (Pendik and Gebze are on the YHT main line.) Trains run every 15 min 06:00-23:00 and between city centre and end of the line takes an hour, for a fare of 9.9 to 21 TL. The central sections are shared with the metro.

U3/T6 is an extension running along the Marmara coast of the Old City between Kazlıçeşme (transfer to the main Marmaray line, B1) and Sirkeci.

By metro [ edit ]

The city Metro [dead link] has many lines, although not all are equally useful to the visitor:

• Line M1A connects the main coach station ( Otogar ) to Aksaray, from where you can catch tram T1 to the city centre, and onward to train hub Yenikapı for connections to M2 and Marmaray.
• Line M1B is a branch of M1A which serves the western suburb of Kirazlı. All trains serve the common section between Yenikapı and the bus station.
• Line M2 starts from Yenikapı and crosses the Golden Horn, continuing via Şişhane and Taksim Square to Mecidiyeköy and Levent in the business district , and further north to Hacıosman (a major bus hub for suburbs on the north European side, eg Sarıyer).
• Line M3 runs northwest from Bakırköy, with transfer stations to Marmaray B1, M1A, M1B, M7 and M9.
• Line M4 on the Asian side goes from Kadıköy to the suburbs along the Marmara coast as far east to Kartal, Pendik (but 1 km away from Pendik YHT station), and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Line M5 on the Asian Side runs from Üsküdar on the Bosphorus through Ümraniye and Çekmeköy out to Samandıra in the east.
• Line M6 (also called Mini Metro ) is a shuttle from the Levent station of M2, and serving the upscale district of Etiler and the main campus of Boğaziçi University in Hisarüstü. The funicular extension F4 connects to Aşiyan down on the Bosphorus.
• Line M7 mainly serves the densely populated residental areas in the north such as Bağcılar and Gaziosmanpaşa (also known as G.O.P.), connecting them via Mecidiyeköy, the business district and one of the major transport hubs, to Yıldız, about a kilometre uphill from the ferry jetty at Beşiktaş. This line also connects to the metro lines M3 and M2 as well as the metrobüs and the tram lines T4 and T5.
• Line M8 is a cross-city line on the Asian Side, connecting M4, M5, and Marmaray suburban (B1) lines with each other, and with the ferry jetty at Bostancı.
• Line M9 is a western extension branching off M3.
• Line M11 takes you as far as to the main airport from Gayrettepe on M2 and Kağıthane on M7.

Much of the city is not yet served by the metro, and the distance between stations is larger than in most European cities. But the metro is fast where it does go and meticulously clean and modern, with much of it dating to the 21st century. Most lines are deep underground and some have entrances amidst busy streets with pedestrian tunnels or bridges the only access, so be prepared to walk quite a bit when going to and from stations. Transfers virtually always require exiting and re-entering the system which means a new full fare (with single use tickets) or a reduced fare for the connection (with Istanbulkart). You do not have to swipe any card on exit for metro or tram routes but you do have to do so for Istanbulkart on Metrobus, else you'll be charged the maximum distance fare. As of 2023, only "personalized" Istanbulkarts will receive any refunds or discounts.

Istanbul's first underground system dates to the 19th century, when the funicular subway "Tünel" (F2) was constructed to operate from Karaköy to Istiklal Caddesi in 1875, travelling 573 m up a steep hill. It's still running and is handy for going from the Galata Bridge to İstiklal Caddesi, the famous throughfare of Beyoğlu

There is also another, modern funicular system (F1) connecting Taksim to Kabataş where you can transfer to ferries for the Anatolian side , or to trams bound for the old city .

Heavy construction on extensions and new lines continues apace, with the gap between the M1 and the M2 plugged with Yenikapı station. You can connect M4 and M5 via Marmaray from Yenikapı station. Unfortunately most network maps already show the yet to be built extensions in a lighter shade which can be confusing for a casual glance and frustrating when contemplating where you might be able to go if only you visited Istanbul a year or two later.

The old plastic tokens are no longer valid: the only way to pay for metro is Istanbulkart or limited-pass cards. The metro stations do not have a staffed ticket booth, so you must obtain your tickets or top-up your Istanbulkart through ticket machines. To buy limited pass cards, insert coins or notes and then press the button marked onay/okay . A single pass costs 15 TL on any urban rail in Istanbul though an Istanbulkart (see above) may be more cost effective during your trip.

By tram [ edit ]

Snaking its way between its eastern terminus Kabataş on the Bosphorus and the western terminus at Bağcılar in the northwest, T1 is the most useful tram line, serving many popular sites across the Old City and ferry jetties. The most helpful interchange stations are Kabataş (for F1 funicular to Taksim), Karaköy (for F2 old funicular, Tünel , to the lower end of İstiklal Avenue and ferries to the Asian Side), Eminönü (for T5 tram and ferries to the Asian Side), Laleli-Üniversite (for M2 metro), Aksaray (for B1 Marmaray), Yusufpaşa (for M1 metro), Topkapı (for T4 light rail), Cevizlibağ (for BRT Metrobüs ), Zeytinburnu (for M1 and BRT), and Bağcılar (for M1 and M3 metro).

During rush hours (roughly 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:30), every other tram runs only the central section between Eminönü or Sultanahmet and Cevizlibağ. Speaking of which, during rush hours, it's best to skip the tram entirely, as walking instead is not only less endeavouring than trying to stand in the most nightmarish sardine can, but also is quicker as the crowd won't disperse enough to allow you to get into the car before the second or even the third tram calling at.

Other tram lines are T5 from Eminönü via Fener and Balat along the Golden Horn to Eyüp and Alibeyköy (the secondary bus station and interchange to M7 metro), and T4 (part underground; more like metro-tram light rail of some European cities) from Topkapı outside the city walls to the nondescript northwestern suburbs.

The vintage tram lines T2, 1920s tram cars rattling along İstiklal Avenue, and T3, 1960s German-made streetcars on a circular route between Kadıköy and nearby Moda on the Asian Side, are more of attractions than practical transport options.

As with other public transport, you use Istanbulkart for the payment, but you must pay another fare each time you change lines although on a progressively discounted rate.

Tram lines are run by Metro Istanbul.

Unique Istanbul liners (large conventional ferry boats), sea-buses (high speed catamarans), or mid-sized private ferries travel between the European and Asian sides of the city. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and costs 7.67 TL with Istanbulkart, and gives great views of the Bosphorus. Sometimes the ferry when arriving at a dock can bounce off the pier accidentally, even on calm days. This can cause people to fall over if they are standing up, so it is advisable to remain seated until the ferry has come to an absolute stop.

In Istanbul, liners from any given pier generally take only a certain route, and these piers are signposted as according to the destination. For instance, Eminönü alone has more than 5 piers (including the ones used by ferries other than liners), so if you should head for, say, Üsküdar , you should take the ferry which departs from Üsküdar İskelesi . Replace 'Üsküdar' with the destination of your choice.

Istanbul liners travel on the following routes:

• Karaköy–Haydarpaşa–Kadıköy
• Kadıköy–Eminönü
• Üsküdar–Eminönü
• Üsküdar–Karaköy–Eminönü–Eyüpsultan (The Golden Horn Route)
• Kadıköy–Besiktaş
• Kabatas–Uskudar–Harem
• Istinye–Emirgan–Kanlıca–Anadolu Hisarı–Kandilli–Bebek–Arnavutköy–Çengelköy (The Whole Bosphorus Route)
• Anadolu Kavağı–Rumeli Kavağı–Sariyer
• Eminönü–Kavaklar (Special Bosphorus Tour, Recommended For Tourists)
• Sirkeci–Adalar–Yalova–Cınarcık (The Princes' Islands Route)

Furthermore, the sea-buses ( deniz otobüsü ) follow the same (or more) routes, usually much faster than liners. Returning to Yenikapı from Kadıköy by sea-bus is a fast and convenient way to cross the Bosphorus; at Yenikapı you can change to numerous urban rail routes.

Four main private ferry routes for travelling between Asia and Europe sides are:

• Besiktaş–Üsküdar
• Kabataş–Üsküdar (close to tram and funicular system in Kabataş)
• Eminönü–Üsküdar (close to tram in Eminönü)
• Eminönü–Kadıköy (close to tram in Eminönü)

There is also a Golden Horn boat line, starting from Eyüpsultan and ending in the Asian Side, Üsküdar, passing through notable touristic places like Balat, Fener, Cibali and Karaköy. Although the trip takes around an hour to complete, the boat ride is quite enjoyable with beautiful scenery of the Golden Horn. The boats arrive in the stations only once every hour though, if you plan on taking this boat you should time it well.

All of the ferries, including private ones, can be paid for using the AKBIL/Istanbulkart system.

Very useful are the fast ferryboats (travelling at 55 km/h) running from several points, such as the Yenikapi– Yalova one, that allows you (with a connecting bus in Yalova) to be in Bursa centre in less than three hours. Prices are marginally higher and the gain in time is considerable, though the view is not as nice. There are also cheaper BUDO ferry lines from Eminönü to Mudanya , the port for Bursa . From there you can take a bus to the Bursa city centre.

Public transportation buses are either run or inspected by İETT [dead link] . Public buses in Istanbul come in many colours and shapes, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that ticket sales on board have completely been phased out, so you will have to obtain one (or an İstanbulkart , which is accepted on all public transport methods) prior to boarding the bus.

Istanbul's heavily used bus rapid transit (BRT) system, locally called Metrobüs , is served by long hybrid buses running on their special lanes along the city's inner beltway, separated from all other traffic and thus saving lots of time in Istanbul's generally congested roads. While an extremely important transport option for the locals, the system covers areas not usually visited by the travellers, between Beylikdüzü in the far western suburbs of the city and Kadıköy on the Asian Side via Bakırköy, Cevizlibağ outside the old city walls near the Topkapı Gate, the business district in Mecidiyeköy , and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Most bus lines operate roughly 06:00-23:59, usually with a reduced volume of services after 22:00. Some lines between major centres operate 24/7 though, as is the Metrobüs , with about an hour intervals. After midnight, buses cost two tickets per person rather than the usual one.

Night Time Bus Lines :

• TH-1 Taksim - Atatürk Airport (does not operate between 01:00 - 04:00)
• 40 Taksim Square–Rumelifeneri/Garipçe
• E10 Kadikoy–Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
• 15F Kadikoy–Beykoz
• 130 Kadikoy–Tuzla
• 34A Sogutlucesme(Kadikoy)–Edirnekapi (Metrobus)
• 34 Avcilar–Zincirlikuyu (Metrobus)

As a tourist, you are most likely to use the tram and the metro in the Sultanahmet and Taksim area since there are no bus lines operating in the area anymore.

Buses and streetcars tend to be very crowded during rush hours, especially on Mondays and Fridays. That can also create opportunities for pickpockets.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are an easy way to get around. Start off rate is 19.17 TL and then 13.75 TL for each km afterwards, with a minimum fare of 70 TL (2023). A one-way travel from Taksim Square to Sultanahmet [dead link] costs approximately 20 TL (2022). Tipping is generally unnecessary. Sometimes, drivers will not start the meter and try to negotiate a fixed price (e.g. 150 TL for a short trip which should cost less than 60 TL). You should avoid these cabs and take another one as you will almost certainly end up paying too much. In general, asking "how much to go to ...?" before getting in is a sure-fire way to mark yourself out as an easily-swindled tourist. Rather, make sure they put the taximeter on. If you don't see a taximeter ticking away, ask them to turn it on. Drivers do normally work with the taximeter, so they should not be surprised when you ask them to put it on. There is no extra fare at night.

If you have an internet connection on your laptop or mobile device, you can use Istanbul Taxi Fare Calculator just before taking a taxi from airport, hotel or restaurant. It will help you to easily estimate taxi fares based on pick-up and drop-off locations anywhere in Istanbul, give an outline of the journey and avoid potential taxi scams.

Even when agreeing to take you on the meter, taxis in Istanbul have several dodges to catch the unwary traveller. The meter is often situated right in front of the gear stick and drivers somehow manage to advance the meter while changing gear (I have never encountered this personally). Not putting the meter back to the starting rate, i.e. adding your fare to the previous one, is also common. Taxis that wait near a bus station or at Yenikapı ferry terminal are usually a tourist trap. Emphasize to the driver that you will pay for the meter price before getting in. Do not buy their quick-sell tricks. Always try to stop a taxi that is passing by on the road or find a legitimate taxi stop.

Insist on going to the destination that you want because some drivers are paid a commission each time they deliver someone to a certain hotel, restaurant, shop, etc.

Istanbul taxis are colored yellow or maroon. The yellow taxis' license plates start with 34 T and maroon ones start with 34 M. Yellow taxis are more common, as the maroon ones work mainly around western suburbs. They can not pick travelers from yellow taxis' region and vice versa.

Be careful of what notes you hand them for payment; some drivers have tried to pretend that the 50 TL note that was handed was just a 5 TL note. Occasionally taxi drivers may actually also rip notes you give them, and tell you it is no good, in order to make you hand them a 50 TL note. So, make sure the notes are not ripped, and is actually the right one before you hand them over. Also, if you are not familiar with the city the taxi driver may drive a detour in order to charge you more.

The major ride-hailing companies are Uber , Bitaksi (the cheapest so far), and iTaksi [dead link] (the most expensive one, also a lot of people complain about its cheating drivers). Uber operates as a licensed-taxi dispatcher in Turkey, as (non-taxi) ride-hailing apps have not received regulatory approval.

Traffic can be very bad, it can take an hour for a few kilometers through the old city. You might be better off taking the metro out of the old city and then a taxi from there. In the summer months especially the shore road can have very congested on the Dolmabahçe - Beşiktaş - Ortaköy - Kuruçeşme stretch, in both directions.

Some important routes with distances and estimated taxi fares are:

• Istanbul New Airport (IST) - Taxim Square ~ 44 km
• Istanbul New Airport (IST) - Sultanahmet Square (Old City) ~ 47 km
• Taxim Square - Sultanahmet (Old City) ~ 5.5 km
• Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) - Kadikoy (Chalcadonia) Ferry Terminal ~ 36 km
• Esenler (Bus Terminal) - Topkapı Palace (Sultanahmet) ~ 10.5 km

By shared taxi (Dolmuş) [ edit ]

Dolmuş (Turkish: "full") is a shared taxi, travelling on a fixed route, which costs more than a city autobus but less than a normal taxi. They can carry up to 8 passengers and may only take cash. They carry a Dolmuş sign on top. They will only start driving from their terminal when all eight seats are full, which is also where the name derives from, but can be hailed along their route to fill in a spot from a passenger who previously dismounted.

The main and most important routes for dolmuşes are :

• Taksim–Eminönü (Taksim stop, near the Atatürk Cultural Centre, in Taksim square)
• Taksim–Kadıköy
• Taksim–Bostanci
• Taksim–Aksaray (Taksim stop, Tarlabasi Avenue, close to Taksim square)
• Kadıköy–Bostanci (Bostanci stop, in front of the Bostanci ferry port)
• Taksim–Tesvikiye (Taksim stop, in front of Patisserie Gezi, in Taksim square)
• Beşiktaş–Nisantasi (Beşiktaş stop, in front of the Beşiktaş - Üsküdar ferry port)
• Kadıköy–Üsküdar (Üsküdar stop, Near the Üsküdar - Beşiktaş and Üsküdar - Kabataş ferry port)

If you want the driver to make a stop, you can say İnecek var. (EE-neh-djek war! -- Someone's getting out.) or Müsait bir yerde. (mU-sa-EEt bir yer-deh. -- At a convenient spot.)

If you can find one İsbike docked bikes are very cheap to rent. However, if the İsbike smartphone app, website and machines do not accept your foreign credit card you may not be able to rent the bikes without first obtaining the personalized mavi (blue) İstanbulkart described above. Alternatively if you have a Turkish friend they may be willing to accept the deposit on their card, as it is only a small amount blocked for a few days per bike.

See [ edit ]

Museum Pass [ edit ]

The Turkish government offers a museum pass [dead link] for Istanbul's many sights and museums, and key spots on Sultanahmet, for €105 as of March 2024. The pass can be bought at the entrance of many museums or online . Check out what is included, and buy it if it makes sense for you. Numerous sights can still be seen for free and the biggest joy is probably just walking around and sucking in the atmosphere.

The non-transferable pass is valid for five days from the date of the first visit, and allows one free entry to each of these museums:

• Topkapı Palace and Harem
• Hagia Irene
• Istanbul Archaeological Museums
• Istanbul Mosaic Museum
• Museum for the History of Science and Technology in Islam
• Museum of Turkey and Islamic Arts
• Galata Mevlevi House Museum
• Yildiz Palace
• Rumeli Hisar Museum
• Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi Museum)

Notably, the Hagia Sophia is not included, and tickets cost an extra €25 as of March 2024.

In addition to saving money when visiting these sites, the card allows you to skip the queue for tickets and go straight to the gates at some sites (Galata Tower is the notable exception). Most museums in Istanbul are closed on Mondays or Wednesdays , so checking the website first or ringing is a sensible option before setting off.

Alternatively, you can consider buying the much more expensive Istanbul Tourist Pass , 2-day pass costs €150, 3-day pass €180, 5-day pass €210, 7-day pass €235 as of March 2024. It includes entrance to all of the above museums, a couple of boat tours, three days mobile internet, and even a one-way discounted Istanbul airport transfer (€20). However, it consistently receives negative reviews due to bad organisation and intermittent problems with accessing some of its included services.

Sights [ edit ]

With its long history at the centre of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in. The bulk of these ancient monuments, dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, including the Hagia Sophia , Topkapı Palace , Sultanahmet Mosque ( Blue Mosque ), and the Basilica Cistern are around Sultanahmet Square , while some others are dispersed throughout the peninsula of the old city , such as the former Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora ( Kariye Camii ), the entire inside of which is covered by mindblowing frescoes and mosaics. An impressive section of the mostly intact Theodosian walls , which mark the full length of the western boundary of the peninsula, is right next to this particular church.

North of the old city, across the Golden Horn, is Galata , crowned by the Galata Tower . Istanbul Modern , with its exhibitions of contemporary Turkish art, is on the nearby waterfront of Karaköy. Another sight of the district, just north of the Tower, is the museum converted from the Dervish Hall of the Sufi Mevlevi order — those interested in the teachings of Rumi will particularly be entertained here. Further north is Istiklal Avenue , Istanbul's prominent pedestrian street running from near the Galata Tower to Taksim Square, the central square of the city.

Heading west from the old city brings you deeper into the banks of the Golden Horn estuary. A neighbourhood perhaps well worth a visit here is Eyüpsultan, to visit the city’s holiest Islamic shrine and, with all the religious people wandering around the narrow cobblestone streets in their turbans and other traditional outfits, just to see what the daily life in Ottoman Istanbul might be like. On the opposite shores of the Horn, in Sütlüce is Miniaturk , the first miniature park in the city, with models from around the former Ottoman Empire.

North of Taksim Square is New Istanbul , the main business district of the city. If venturing out to this direction, it's worth checking out the Military Museum , where Ottoman military music concerts ( Mehter ) are held every afternoon. Most of the skyscrapers of the city are located in the north of this district, around Levent and Maslak, with a totally different skyline from that of the old city. However the southern reaches of the very same district has some fine neo-classical and Art Nouveau buildings from the turn of the 20th century, around the neighbourhoods of Osmanbey, Kurtuluş, and Nişantaşı. Just east from here, slopping down to the shore, is the banks of the Bosphorus , lined by pleasant neighbourhoods full of waterfront mansions ( yalı ) and a number of waterside palaces where you can admire what money could buy in times gone by.

Across the Bosphorus to the east is the Asian Side , centred around the historic districts of Kadıköy and Üsküdar, and perhaps best symbolized by the Maiden’s Tower , at about the halfway between these districts, on an islet just offshore. The Bosphorus and Marmara coasts of this half of the city are characterized by quite picturesque neighbourhoods , overlooked by Çamlıca Hill , one of the highest hills of the city affording a large panorama, with a café and a pleasant park on its summit.

Southeast of the city, off the southern coast of the Asian Side are the Princes' Islands , an archipelago of nine car-free islands, characterized by stunning wooden mansions and pine groves .

Beginning from the 2010s, many visitors to the city have wanted their trip to include, or have even devoted their whole trip to, the locations where their favourite Turkish drama series were shot. See Turkish TV series tourism for an in-depth discussion.

And the cats everywhere: Catstanbul lives up to its name, and has from 125,000 to over a million feline citizens, mostly tabbies. They are usually amicable, well-fed, and healthy – simply purry – so the proper way of referring to them is "communally-owned" rather than "feral" or "stray".

Tulips [ edit ]

Tulips were long ignored for their association with the 18th-century Tulip era, a period of ostentation and costly parties thrown by the Ottoman elite amidst large gardens full of tulips (and also when the first bulbs were introduced to the Netherlands from Istanbul), which was later seen as one of the reasons for the financial weakening and eventual dissolution of the empire. However, as the 21st century arrived, tulips have made a significant comeback, regaining much of their former popularity and now serve as a symbol for both Istanbul and Turkey. Depending on the cultivar, they bloom from late March to early May; pick April for the best views. While they can be seen at the sides or the central strip of many avenues of the city wherever there is enough space, for truly enjoying large patches of tulips with relatively exotic varieties, head to Sultanahmet Park and Gülhane Park in Sultanahmet , Emirgan Park in the northern Bosphorus neighbourhood of Emirgan or Çamlıca Hill in the Asian Side .

Do [ edit ]

• Hamam – Sultanahmet has many historical hamams. Some are very extravagant and cater mainly to tourists.
• Waterpipe – Most of the places where you can smoke a nargile are in Yeniçeriler Caddesi, near the Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar). Çorlulu Ali Paşa and Koca Sinan Paşa Türbesi are both in secluded internal courts, just around the corner from some tomb yards, while Rumeli Kahvesi is actually inside the cemetery of an old medrese, though it’s not as spooky as you might think. In the south of Sultanahmet, near the sea, is Yeni Marmara (Çayıroğlu Sokak), where you can also sit in the terrace and enjoy the view. In Beyoğlu, at the Ortakahve (Büyükparmakkapı), there’s even the choice of a wide range of flavors. Another area with few big good looking places is the Rıhtım Caddesi, between Galata bridge and Istanbul Modern Museum.

Walking tours [ edit ]

Museums and such: Haghia Sophia, then on to the Topkapı museum (these two should take at least three to five hours), preferably along the road in the back of the Haghia Sophia, where there are some nicely restored houses. Then on to the Blue Mosque and the square with the obelisks on it (At Meydani). Along its side is the very good Museum of Islam Art. Descend slightly and find the small Haghia Sophia with its nice garden (it was under restoration, but you probably can get in). Then uphill to the Sokollu Mehmet mosque complex, top notch tiles inside.

Take a tram or walk to Eminönü (where the boats leave for trips to Asia or up the Bosphorus). Visit the New Mosque at the back, then the Egyptian Bazaar next to it, and going further in that direction, locate the Rüstem Pasha mosque with its excellent tiles. It's on a raised platform near an old clothes market, you may have to ask directions. Then take a cab or find a bus to Eyüpsultan mosque complex, a mile or three up the Golden Horn. Visit this Eyüpsultan complex at your leisure (the mosque is not particular, the court is, and the milling of believers, with many boys-to-be-circumcised among it; a Friday might be a good day to do this). Then, if you have the stamina, it might be nice to walk back too; maybe all the way (8 km or so), but taking a route along part of the city wall to first the famous Kariye Church with its mosaics, then on to Yavuz Selim Mosque with its great view on the Golden Horn (and a fine mosque by itself), then the Fatih Mosque (passing through some very religious and lively neighborhoods), then on to the well-restored Sehzade mosque, and next to Süleymaniye (don't forget to enjoy the view from the Golden Horn side). If you have some energy left, you might go on to the University complex, and by then you are very close to the Beyazit mosque. A book market (it’s small) is behind this good, unexceptional (nice courtyard though) mosque.

Once again go to Eminönü, but this time take the boat (those large ferries) to Üsküdar. You will arrive before a fine mosque in front, another one 400 m off to the right, slightly inland behind a traffic roundabout, and a third, very small, at the sea front. See the market stretching inland, walk about and don't forget to walk along the shore, maybe eating a fish meal in one of the bobbing boats along it. This is a good visit for late afternoon, early evening, fleeing the city. You will be joined by thousands of people going home from "town" but the way back will be on a near-empty ferry. The frequency of ferries will go down in the evening, so make sure there is a connection back.

Go to the railroad station and find a Sirkeci-Halkali suburban train, and get out at (from memory, Yedikule station). You will be quite close to Yedikule, a nice fortress, and will have fine views of the city walls. The trains leave every 15 minutes or so, the ride is peculiar (the material is bad, but if you are in luck every second stop another salesman will enter and try selling his wares, it’s fun). The ride is takes anywhere from twenty minutes to half an hour. This is not a "must", but it can be great fun.

You will have missed the covered bazaar in all this. That is because you will get there anyhow. If you go to Beyazit and the book market you are almost at two of its many entrances. Try and find the Nuruosmaniye Mosque and its complex at the other side, it’s worth it. And after having explored the covered part, take a relaxing walk downhill, into the general direction of Eminönü, where it is "uncovered bazaar" all the way. Cross the Galata bridge to see some things on the Northern side (for instance take the "tünel" teleferik ride up much of the hill (entrance close to the opposite side of Galata bridge, ask around)), then continue to Taksim. Shops are of the international variety.

Theodosian Walls Walk [ edit ]

From 408 CE the original walls of Constantine were replaced in the reign of Theodosius. These walls then became the critical point of defence of the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and their Ottoman successors. They are still almost completely intact, marking the western border of the peninsula of Old City , with some sections suffering from somewhat unsightly restoration done in early 1990s. The section around the Topkapı Gate (not to be confused with Topkapı Palace which is located in an altogether different place) can be easily accessed from Pazartekke tram station, which lies about 300 m east of the walls. Some remoter sections may not be very safe and may require some caution.

A 7-km walk along and on these remaining portions of the city wall offers a window into antiquity and puts emphasis on Turkey’s terrible historic monument legacy. Download and print a scholarly historical and technical description of the walls before you visit Istanbul; this will certainly add to the pleasure. From Eminönü, take the Golden Horn ferry to Ayvansaray. This ferry terminal is separate from the Bosphorus terminals adjacent and east of the Galata Bridge. Walk west through the Galata bridge underpass, then through the bus station to a pedestrian lane way which leads to the small terminal building. The fare is 1.50 TL. Leave the ferry at Ayvansaray and cross the park to the wall on the other side of the main road. You have a choice of walking up the outer wall or the inner wall but access to the top of the battlements is usually on the inside naturally enough, so go up the small street across the road which then cuts back behind the wall and the towers. Here you can climb up onto this section of unrestored wall on crumbling brick and stone and continue on some hundreds of yards climbing as necessary. This path comes to an obvious end and one can short cut back to the street. Sometimes there are dwellings and commercial enterprises hard up against the wall, sometimes a bus depot, a rubbish dump or often just the road. These walls replaced the earlier walls of Constantine in 408 CE after which they went through constant upgrade and repairs to earthquake damage. The different work done over the centuries was all of varying style and quality. Quite surprisingly there are a number of small streets still using the narrow gates. At Hoca Çakır Cd one comes across a restored section of the wall where the heights are accessed by stairs (junction of Hoca Çakır Caddesi and Kariye Bostani Sokak), some along the top of the wall of the steeper variety. This restoration from the 1980s is in conflict with the original. The wall is then breached for the main road Fevzi Paşa Cd. Cross this and continue along the street at the back of the wall. Look for foot pads and breaks in the wall which allows access and a good look around. The wall is breached again for Adnan Menderes Blv (unofficially and widely known as Vatan Caddesi ). Past here one see here quite clearly the double line of defence with outer moat. The next breach is for Turgut Özal Cd (unofficially and widely known as Millet Caddesi ) which hosts the tram line heading back to Sultanahmet for those who have run out of steam. Walking now on the outside of the walls, various breaks in the outer wall allow access via broken stonework or later via modern sets of steps in disrepair. Between the walls is the disquieting evidence of the number of people sleeping rough in Istanbul. Persevere in staying between the walls because soon you will arrive at another impure restoration project at Mevlanakapı Cd gate. Entry to the gate towers has been closed at the gate, so entry is only from the walls. From here it is better to proceed on the outside of the walls because market gardens occupy the moat and the city side abuts buildings. These couple of kilometres will give a further perspective of the ravages of time and earthquake on the walls. Finally you will arrive at the Golden Gate and Yedikule Fortress which fronts the Marmara Sea and was Byzantium’s triumphal point of entry. This is in excellent condition not least because the Ottomans upgraded it and then used it right up to the 19th century. There is an entry fee and it has a toilet. The high walls and towers are all accessible, and one tower still has internal wooden floors. So you have now surveyed the protective land walls which kept Byzantium and the Eastern Roman Empire safe for all those years after the fall of Rome, breached only by the 4th Crusaders and the Ottomans. What of their future? Given that recent restoration work is fairly suspect scholars may think it is better to leave them be. Now return to the city either in the Eminönü Bus (#80) from the village square outside the main gate, just wait there, or walk down Yedikule Istasyonu Cd about 300 m to the railway line to Sirkeci, both heading for centres close to Sultanahmet.

The classic Bosphorus cruise [ edit ]

From the terminal at Eminou, the public ferry starts east of the Galata Bridge cruising to Anadolu Kavagi at the northern entrance of Bosphorus to the Black Sea via various stops.

The fare is 65 TL (round trip) on the public ferry, Sehir Hatlari, and tickets can only be bought at the ticket booth around one hour prior to departure. The departure time is early (10:35am) and is very popular, so arrive early and queue for a ticket (the ferry does not wait for people late to arrive to buy tickets). Touts for private ferry operators often attempt to sell alternative ferry tickets. They will attempt various tactics to make you feel uncomfortable, such as shifting the public ferry ticket office line to be in the hot sun and telling you that full cruise will waste a day of your stay in Istanbul. This is generally a scam, they will charge an extortionate rate, or a cheaper rate followed by an extortionate return fee. Note that the public ferry offers no audio commentary at all, it is very barebones and on you to spot sights of significance. The public ferry does not offer toilet paper and the washroom is generally in a deplorable state; you will need to bring your own toilet paper if needed and potentially wait in line for a great deal of time if you plan to use the washroom.

There are various other private ferry companies offering various cruises. Compared to the public ferry, they will typically charge significantly higher prices but may offer audio commentary via a loudspeaker, a washroom with toilet paper or have a shorter line. The private ferries almost exclusively offer the short Bosphorus tour starting at 70 TL.

The open decks are hugely popular on the weekends, so unless you have an outside seat expect people to be standing all around you constricting the view. The ferry waits some hours in Anadolu Kavagi so as you alight you are confronted by a numerous restaurants and their spruikers.

After landing at Anadolu Kavagi, take the walk to the Yoros Kalesi, a strategic castle overlooking and controlling the entry to the Black Sea. The area can be dangerous and hazardous without good shoes, but the direct footpath to the castle is paved all the way, only the last 10m to the viewing points aren't. This important fortification with a commanding view has been fought over for many years and was last in use in the 19th century. It has fallen into serious disrepair, but Christian engravings are still visible in the stonework. It has a spectacular view of the mouth of the Black Sea.

There are restaurants actually in the castle surrounds, such as Yoros Cafe, and naturally have spectacular views but mediocre food and service. There is plenty of time left to wander back to the village for lunch. It is late afternoon before arrival back at Eminonu, but a day well spent.

Association football [ edit ]

Istanbul has five clubs playing in the Süper Lig, the top tier of Turkish association football : Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Başakşehir and Kasımpaşa. The first three have always been in the top tier and have international reputations. Matches between these sides are played in front of fiercely partisan sell-out crowds; getting tickets requires booking way in advance. As the atmosphere is extremely hostile to the away teams, spectators should avoid wearing away team colours after the match, and avoid any signs of crowd trouble.

Beşiktaş JK plays at Vodafone Park, a 41,903-capacity stadium. It's on the European bank of the Bosphorus next to Dolmabahçe Palace, 1 km east of Taksim metro station.

Fenerbahçe SK play at the 47,834-capacity Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium (also called Ülker Stadium ). It's on the Asian bank of the Bosphorus, 1 km east of Kadıköy metro station and ferry quay.

Galatasaray SK plays at the 52,332-capacity Türk Telekom Stadium on the north edge of European Istanbul, take metro to Seyrantepe.

Başakşehir FK play at the 17,319-capacity Fatih Terim stadium. It's a long way out on the northwest edge of the city, 1 km north of Metrokent station on line M3.

Kasımpaşa SK play at the 14,234-capacity Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium, in Beyoğlu district just north of the Golden Horn. It's named for the current Turkish President, who grew up nearby and played football in his youth.

The Turkish national stadium is Atatürk Olympic Stadium ( Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı ), a 76,000-capacity arena at the western edge of the city, use either Olimpiyat or Olimpiyat Parkı metro station. It doesn't have a resident team, but several clubs have had spells here when their own stadium was unavailable. There are plans to expand it to 92,000 capacity by removing the running track, but this would end its Olympic prospects.

Learn [ edit ]

Many foreigners visiting or living in Istanbul decide to study Turkish formally in a language school.

Some of the biggest and most respected Turkish language schools in Istanbul are:

• ITI Istanbul in 4.Levent.
• Dilmer in Gümüşsuyu .
• Iladil [dead link] in Fatih.
• Tömer [dead link] , Ankara University affiliated.
• Concept Languages [dead link] in Etiler.
• Boğaziçi University . Runs a summer long intensive Turkish language course for all levels.

Both Boğaziçi University and Bilgi University have well established Study Abroad programs in English for foreigners.

TEFL: Many foreigners living in Istanbul support themselves by teaching English . Finding a good teaching job is usually easier with a well-recognized certificate like the ones listed below:

• ITI Istanbul in 4. Levent runs Cambridge University's CELTA and DELTA courses year-round

Ottoman Turkish [ edit ]

If you already speak Turkish, Ottoman Turkish may also be interesting to learn. Ottoman Turkish was the courtly form of Turkish spoken during the era of the Ottoman Empire, and is significantly different to the form of Turkish spoken today. Approximately 80% of Ottoman Turkish words were loanwords from other languages, mostly Arabic, Persian and French. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, language reforms were implemented, including the establishment of the Türk Dil Kurumu (Turkish Language Association), which is the official regulatory body of the Turkish language. This association, with a philosophy of linguistic purism, decided to cleanse the Turkish language of loanwords and replace them with more Turkic alternatives. As such, only about 14% of modern Turkish words are of foreign origin.

Ottoman Turkish is the key to learning about Turkey's Ottoman past. With Ottoman Turkish, not only can you read historical archives, but you can also read Ottoman literature and letters dated back to the Ottoman period. In Istanbul, you can learn Ottoman Turkish from the following places:

• İsmek [ 212 531 01 41|+90 212 531 01 41 ] İskenderpaşa Mahallesi, Ahmediye Caddesi, Hacı Salih Efendi Sokak, 6 Fatih.
• Tarih Vakfı [ 212 522 02 02|+90 212 522 02 02 ] Zindankapı Değirmen Sokak, 15 Eminönü.

Work [ edit ]

There is always a high demand for qualified - and, to a lesser extent, unqualified - ESOL/EFL teachers in Istanbul. Many teachers work with private instructional companies. Others contract out on a freelance basis.

Istanbul is Turkey's financial capital. All big investment banks, commercial banks, large foreign retail and consumer companies have offices in Istanbul. The business district has been coming up with high-rise buildings and business centers in the last decade.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ]

Euro and US dollar are accepted at places frequented by tourists. Although, certain tourist attractions only accept liras. Currency exchanges ( döviz bürosu ) and banks are plentiful in Istanbul and offer extremely competitive exchange rates. If you are planning to visit Istanbul, bring hard foreign currency and exchange them after you arrive (not at the airport!), preferably at a bank or a currency exchange. Exchange rates at the airport are terrible, only in the city you well get excellent rates with a sell-buy-spread of about 1-2%. All major currencies are accepted as well, but rates are not that excellent. Exchange leftover lira directly before leaving, in many foreign countries it can be hard to get rid of them at a proper rate.

Shopping [ edit ]

Connecting east and west, the will to control the major trading routes was the reason why Istanbul was founded in the first place, so shopping should definitely not be overlooked in your Istanbul experience.

Shops may be closed on Sundays. Most major shopping malls have security checkpoints you usually see in airports and museums prior to entry.

What [ edit ]

Here are some of what are popular to buy while in the city:

• Turkish Delight , or Lokum (as the locals call it) – A good buy since you're in Turkey. It is advisable to buy it fresh rather than in pre-packed boxes and to get a variety of flavours rather than the stereotypical rose-water or lemon flavors available abroad. Pistachio in particular is very good. The best place to buy lokum in Istanbul is from a store. Istiklal Caddesi in particular features a number of stores that sell Turkish sweets by the kilogram including lokum and helvah. There are quite a few shops selling Turkish Delight in the Grand Bazaar, although unless you are very good at haggling better prices can be found elsewhere.
• Turkish Tea (çay, chai ) – The national drink of Turkey, brewed from leaves grown on the steep, verdant mountain slopes of Turkey's eastern Black Sea coast. Traditionally, Turkish tea is brewed samovar-style, with a small pot of very strong tea sitting on a larger vessel of boiling water. Pour a small amount of strong tea into a little tulip-shaped glass and cut it to the desired strength with hot water. Turks usually add cube sugar (never milk, although you can often get milk if you ask.) Having fresh, hot tea always available everywhere is one of life's splendid little luxuries in Turkey. Elma Çayı: apple tea, like hot apple juice (EHL-mah chah-yee) is the flavour of preference, although it's more for tourists; Turks prefer Siyah Çay (black tea).
• Turkish Coffee Roasted and then finely ground coffee beans are boiled in a pot (cezve), usually with sugar, and served in a cup where the grounds are allowed to settle. A classic of Turkish culture. Some people use the remaining coffee grounds to tell their fortune.
• Nargile (hookah) – It is a single or multi-stemmed instrument for smoking flavored tobacco called shisha in which the smoke is passed through a water basin (often glass based) before inhalation. Different sizes of nargile make it easier to carry one home with you.
• Rugs and kilims – Can be a good buy while in the city. Most rug-specialized stores in the city, though, are aimed at tourist trade, so pick up basics of bargaining to avoid being ripped off at these stores. They are mostly located around Sultanahmet .
• Chalcedony – A semi-precious gemstone named after the nearby town of Chalcedon, and is sold in many of Istanbul's multitude of jewellery shops.

Where [ edit ]

Istanbul's Ottoman bazaars with an oriental ambiance, once sitting firmly on the western terminii of the Silk Road and spice routes, are all located in the peninsula of the Old City . Note, many are very touristy nowadays, and they are good for taking some nice pictures. But shopping should be only be done where the tourist-local ratio is very low, e.g. prices at the Spice Market (Eminönü) are twice or triple as high as in the rest of the city.

On the other hand, modern shopping malls ( alışveriş merkezi , usually shortened to AVM ), popping all around the city since the 1990s, are mostly to be found in New Istanbul and the western suburbs , though they are by no means exclusively located in these districts.

Textile wholesale business is concentrated in Laleli , while upscale fashion retail in Nişantaşı in the European Side and Bağdat Avenue in the Asian Side.

Eat [ edit ]

Snacks [ edit ].

• Meze Meze is basically Turkish version of tapas, served in small portions both hot&cold. Best place to eat meze would be "meyhane".
• İskender Best version of Döner. It is basically döner served on pieces of pita bread with a buttery tomato sauce on top and some plain yoghurt as a side. Originally from Bursa.
• Döner . Always a good option for having fast and cheap food. The entrance to Istiklal Street contains dozens of small doner restaurants and they serve almost around the clock; though for a better experience (and a better food quality) you may want to wander about in residential neighbourhoods, since anything near a commercial or tourist area can be highly overpriced and greatly reduced in quality.
• Lahmacun It is "meat with dough", is a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat (most commonly beef and lamb) and minced vegetables and herbs including onions, tomatoes and parsley, then baked. Lahmacun is often served sprinkled with lemon juice and wrapped around vegetables, including pickles, tomatoes, peppers, onions, lettuce, and roasted eggplant; a typical variants may be found employing kebab meat or sauces.
• Dürüm a traditional Turkish wrap (which is made from lavash or yufka flatbread) that is filled with typical kebab or döner ingredients.
• Balık-Ekmek . Balik-Ekmek (literally "fish and bread") is a fish sandwich served in small boats and little buffets in Eminönü. It is also increasingly popular in buffets in Kadıköy coast. A regular sandwich consists of one small fried fish, slices of tomatoes and onion. However, the taste is beyond expectations for such a basic menu. The price is around 8 TL. Again, it's a local favorite.
• Hamsi . In Autumn and Winter the Black Sea Anchovy migrate through the Bosphorus, the local fishermen coming out in force to take advantage. All fish restaurants have them on the menu in season. It seems the classic serving is a handful of deep fried fish with raw onion and bread. Eat the fish whole, it's a winner. Look for the small restaurants behind the fish merchants on the Karakoy side of the Galata Bridge, western side. Expect to pay 50 TL or more.
• Patso . Patso is a type of sandwich consisting of hot dog and French fries. It's usually served in small buffets along the Uskudar coast and a sandwich costs 2.50 TL. The cheap price can raise eyebrows but these buffets are open 24/7 and they serve around 1000 sandwiches per day. Even though the profit margin is low, they make a fortune, so they don't lower the quality too much (except hamburgers, don't touch those in Uskudar, but definitely try the spicy hamburgers in Taksim).
• One thing not to be missed is the local ice cream sold at the street stands, called dondurma . While flavors are relatively standard for the region, the ice cream usually incorporates orchid root extract, which gives it an incredibly chewy and stringy texture, also lending itself to be used for marketing and attracting attention while the sellers do tricks to try to sell the ice cream. Try it!
• Kumpir is a snack which can easily be a full meal. It is originated from Albania but is quite unique to Istanbul in its present form. It consists of a baked potato with various fillings such as grated cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, sliced red cabbage, sweetcorn, sausage slices, carrots, mushrooms, and Russian salad among others, any of which can be added to or omitted from the mix. While kumpir can be had at many cafes throughout the city, it is best had from one of the cafes in Ortaköy , which have a long tradition of preparing kumpir and offer really filling and tasty ones. About 40-60 TL each.
• Roasted chestnuts ("kestane Kebap, as locals call it) are sold from carts around the city, and is a very nice snack to have when the weather is cold, as it keeps your hands warm. 20 TL for 100 g (as of June 2022). Eat in winter time.
• Boiled and roasted corn on the cob is sold from carts around the city, and is a fantastic snack to walk around. Price varies from cart to cart and area of the city (1-1.5 TL).
• Don't miss the "simit," a warm bread sold from carts around the city, and is a fantastic snack to walk around. The texture and taste is a bit like a sesame bagel. Price varies from cart to cart and area of the city (7.5 TL as of June 2023, with cream cheese being an few extra TL). Beware that not all simit vendors are honest and they will try and upcharge you (as high as 50-100TL). In this case, you should just walk away and find another vendor selling simit for less than 10 TL.
• Also, be sure to try Ayran, a local drink based on yoghurt, although sour and much thinner. It isn't always on the menu or displayed, but it's there, so ask for it.
• Freshly squeezed juice and juice blends are sold from stands and small shops all around the city, and are a refreshing treat (especially in the warmer months). The combinations range from a simple orange juice to the more rare options like pomegranate or kiwi. Price varies from shop to shop, area of the city and complexity of your order (10-30 TL).

Drink [ edit ]

• Bebek is a small town on the European Bosphorus, 10 km north of downtown, with fancy restaurants and bars. Great place to have a walk on the seaside after a nice dinner.
• Bagdat Caddesi is a very long avenue full of good restaurants, boutiques and high-end stores on the south Anatolia side of Istanbul.
• Karaköy is the rising star of the city, with its underground parties with views over the Marmara Sea.
• Beyoğlu has lively night life, with cafes and bars with live music.
• Nişantaşı is the place for young entrepreneurs and artists, but prices are higher than in Taksim.
• Kadıköy also has a nightlife scene, serving mostly locals of this part of the city. It's easy-going, with local pubs and wine houses and traditional meyhanes.
• Nightclubs are found all over the city, but two of the hottest are in Ortaköy .

Sleep [ edit ]

In general, it is possible to find some kind of accommodation in any part of Istanbul. Here is a quick list of the areas where they are concentrated most:

• Harbiye is a popular place to stay; it's close to the main centre of the new city on the European side, and contains a variety of international standard apartments, hotels, and moderate hotels for budget travelers. Nişantaşı and Taksim are quite close so you can stay in Harbiye and benefit from all activities in those areas.
• Taksim is the main centre of the city on the European side. Locals and tourists go to Taksim for shopping and entertainment, and it has moderate hotels for budget travelers. There are also hostels in this area.
• Sultanahmet the main centre for the old city on the European side. It has a selection of quality, reasonably priced hotels, many with terraces overlooking the Golden Horn, or with views of the Marmara Sea and the Blue Mosque. Most hostel-type accommodation frequented by independent travellers are located in this district, although it is possible to find a few upmarket hotels.
• Upscale hotels can be found in the western suburbs , especially around the former airport, as well as on or near the banks of the Bosphorus .
• Caravan parks exist in Ahırkapı south of Sultanahmet, in Maltepe in the Asian Side and in the outlying villages on both sides of the Bosphorus.

Stay safe [ edit ]

• In Istanbul, most drivers won't abide any rules. Even if you have priority on a road junction, crosswalk, or even during green light, always be aware of your surroundings. Even if you are in a one way road, check both sides before crossing the road. It is common for Turkish drivers to use shortcuts.
• A major earthquake with epicenter in the nearby Sea of Marmara is expected within the next few decades, so read the earthquake safety article here before you arrive.
• As with most European cities, but especially in crowded areas of Istanbul, watch your pockets and travel documents as pickpockets have devised all sorts of strategies to obtain them from you. Do not rely too much on the 'safe' feeling you get from the omnipresence of police.
• If prices are not on display, always ask beforehand (even for a tea) instead of just ordering something like in Europe. This can be fatal in Istanbul because tourists are constantly overcharged . Unfortunately, often prices are not on display, like in sweet shops or even restaurants. Skip these places or ask for a price knowing what the approximate or fair price is.
• Istanbul is home to three of the biggest clubs in Turkey and maybe European football : Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray. It is advisable not to wear colours associating yourself with any of the clubs—black&white, navy&yellow, and red&yellow respectively, particularly on the days of matches between the sides due to the fearsome rivalry they share. If you are supporting the away team whenever the Turkish national team plays in Istanbul, be very careful as violent attacks on fans and players of the opposing team have been known to occur.
• Theft by hotel housekeepers is unheard of in the vast majority of the world, but does occasionally happen to money in Turkey. It's unlikely that you will lose all of your money (these would be obvious grounds for a police report), but any money left in plain sight is subject to salami slicing, where you might have a few bills go missing in a stack, or a few coins removed from a coin pile. If you confront housekeepers or hotel staff about it, they will either deny or claim it was a tip. Avoid leaving cash in plain sight, and either keep them on your person, or hidden in the folded clothing of your suitcase (since you wouldn't know who has access to your hotel safe).

Scams [ edit ]

Airport scam [ edit ].

This is a late scam as of 2022. While rushing through securities, many people have their valuables seen vanishing by security personnel. Often they will pressure people into hurrying up or taking off everything, just to use the moment to let things vanish and people not being able to verify all their belongings in time before noting something is missing when at the gate or already in the plane.

If this happens to you, contact official airport security. They have security cameras in place and can often trace the disappearance and identify the thieves.

Shoe shine scam [ edit ]

Some men will walk around tourist-frequented areas with a shoeshine kit, and the brush will fall off right in front of a tourist or group of tourists. This will cause the tourist with a conscience to pick up the brush and return it to the owner. He will then express gratitude and offer to shine your shoes for free. While doing that, he will talk about how he is from another city, that he is poor, and how he has a sick child or wife. At the end, the shiner will demand a hefty price for its "free" services, way beyond the actual market norm. Many tourists will pay up out of guilt; don't do that, as it will just encourage them!

If you actively decide that you would like your shoes shined, then expect to pay no more than 5-10 TL for both.

A similar trick is getting asked for a cigarette, after which the scammer will proceed similarly.

Blue Mosque scam "guides" [ edit ]

When walking through the gates of the Blue Mosque, beware of smiling, friendly chaps who offer immediately to be your de-facto guide through the mosque and its surrounds; they'd be pretty informative on just about anything relating to the mosque; etiquette, history and Islamic practices. However, they eventually demand a price for their "services", a fee of 100 TL or more. You would be better off booking a private tour online; or not at all, since the mosque is essentially free to all anyway.

Restaurant scams [ edit ]

A notable scam for convincing tourists to visit overpriced restaurants with mediocre food involves the following:

While walking along, you are overtaken by a Turkish man who claims to recognize you from the hotel at which you are staying (e.g. he will tell you that he works there as a waiter or a receptionist). He will ask where you are going. If you are going out for food, he will recommend a restaurant, claiming that it is where he takes his family or friends when they eat out. He may give you some other advice (e.g. the best time to visit the Topkapi palace) to make the conversation feel genuine and friendly. The restaurant he recommends will almost certainly be mediocre or low quality, and the staff there will try to sell you expensive dishes without you realizing. For instance, they may promote dishes which are marked as 'MP' (market price) on the menu, such as 'salt fish' (fish baked in salt), which may cost over 200 TL. They may also serve you additional dishes which you haven't ordered and then add them to the bill for an additional 100 TL or more, together with extra charges for service and tax. One restaurant that seems to be using this scam to get customers is Haci Baba in Sultanahmet.

In Taksim, a variety of restaurateurs have taken to literally grabbing your arm and pleading with you in a friendly demeanour to eat at their restaurants. If a restaurateur is resorting to aggressive tout tactics, you are obviously being scammed.

Bar and club scams [ edit ]

High-drink price scams encountered in so-called night-clubs mostly located in Aksaray, Beyazit and Taksim areas. These clubs usually charge overpriced bills, based on a replica of the original menu, or simply on the menu that had been standing upside down on the table. Two or three drinks can already produce a fantasy bill that easily exceeds 2,000 TL.

Also be aware of friendly behaving groups of young men or male-female couples striking up a conversation in the street and inviting you to a "good nightclub they know". This has frequently been reported as a prelude to such a scam. The people in on the scam may offer to take you to dinner first, in order to lower your suspicions. Another way they will try to lure you in is by talking to you in Turkish, and when you mumble back in your language they will be surprised you're not Turkish and immediately will feel the urge to repay you for their accident with a beer.

Another variant of this involves an invitation in Taksim to male tourists to buy them beer (as they were "guests"). At the club, attractive women, also with beers, join them. When the bill comes, the person inviting the tourists denies having said he would pay for the drinks, and a large bill is presented, e.g. for 3,000 TL; when the tourists object, burly "security" personnel emerge to accompany the tourists to an ATM (presumably to clean out their bank account). Any bar that looks like it could be a strip club is more than likely a scam joint.

In either of these scams, if you refuse to pay the high prices or try to call the police (dial #155) to file a complaint, the club managers may use physical intimidation to bring the impasse to a close. If you find yourself in such a situation for any reason, you should do whatever they want you to do, pay the bill, buy the things they are forcing you to buy, etc. Try to get out of the situation as soon as possible, go to a safe place and call the police.

Metro Scams and Theft [ edit ]

Each metro station has an insufficient amount of fare machines relative to their ridership, and only carry a handful of Istanbul cards. Scam artists camp out here (especially at Taksim Metro), offering to help you buy a ticket only to show you that the machine has run out of reusable metro cards (it's fairly likely they brought them all). They will then ask you where you're from, and offer to sell you a card loaded with 100 TL, for 100-125 TRY as a helpful gesture. When you commence your metro trip, you will learn that the card only contains half or a quarter of that amount. If the machine is not working, you should look for an authorized point of sale near the station, such as a shop or another machine, not the helpful stranger with a dozen cards for sale.

These areas are also prone to pickpocketing because they are chaotic and frequented by tourists. The pickpocketing is generally unrelated to the scam artist operations. You should be especially careful to place your wallet in your front pocket here and to be mindful of your belongings. If someone touches you or places their hand on your shoulder at any point while in or near the Metro system, you are being pickpocketed and you should immediately turn in an unexpected direction, especially if you have belongings in your back pocket.

To avoid these instances at the Taksim Metro where these issues are especially common, buy your tickets or Istanbul Card at the lone fare machine on the bus level.

Water scams [ edit ]

Also be wary of men in Taksim who splash water on the backs of your neck. When you turn around, they will try to start a fight with you as another man comes in and robs you. These men tend to carry knives and can be very dangerous.

Lira/euro scams [ edit ]

A frequent scam, often in smaller hotels (but it can also happen in a variety of other contexts), is to quote prices in lira and then later, when payment is due, claim the price was given in euros. Hotels which reject payment early in a stay and prefer you to "pay when you leave" should raise suspicions. Hotels which operate this scam often offer excellent service and accommodation at a reasonable price and know most guests will conclude as much and pay without complaint - thus this can be a sign of a good hotel.

Another scam is coin-related and happens just as you're walking into the streets. A Turkish guy holds you and asks where you are from. If you mention a euro-country, the guy wants you to change a €50-note from you into €2-coins he is showing. He is holding the coins stack-wise in his hands. For the trouble, he says he will offer you '30 €2-coins, making €60 in total'. Do not agree with this exchange of money, as the first coin is indeed a €2-coin, but (many of) the rest of the coins will probably be 1-lira coins (looking very similar), but worth only 1/4 of the value of €2.

Many bars in the Taksim area give you counterfeit bills. They are usually well-made and hard to identify as fakes in the dark. One way to verify a bill's authenticity is to check its size against another one. Another is to hold the bill up to a strong light, face side up, and check for an outline of the same face which is on the bill. The value of the bill (20, 50, etc.) should appear next to the outline, light and translucent. If either of these two security features are missing, try to have the bill changed or speak to the police.

Some taxi drivers agree on a price only to tell you your lira bills are counterfeit, or invalid, or have a wrong serial number. This is a scam to have you paying in Euro or USD, usually for a much higher price since they'll claim they don't have change.

Taxi drivers [ edit ]

Note that the below described bills and amounts are outdated and you could expect them to be three- od fourfold now due to the inflation (as of 2023).

Taxis are plentiful in Istanbul and inexpensive by Western European and American standards. They can be picked up at taxi hubs throughout the city or on the streets. Empty cabs on the streets will honk at pedestrians to see if they would like a ride, or cabs can be hailed by pedestrians by making eye contact with the driver and waving. Few taxi drivers speak languages other than Turkish, but do a fair job at deciphering mispronounced location names given by foreign riders. It is advisable to have the name of the destination written down and try to have a map beforehand to show the driver, to avoid any misunderstanding and also potential scams. Though taxis are plentiful, be aware that taxis are harder to find during peak traffic hours and traffic jams and when it is raining and snowing. They are also less frequent during nights, depending on the area and are hard to find after midnight.

Try to avoid using taxis for short distances (5–10 minutes of walk) if possible. Some taxi drivers can be annoyed with this, especially if you called the cab from a taxi hub instead of hailing it from the street. If you want taxis for short distances, just hail them from the street, do not go to the taxi hub.

Few taxis have seatbelts, and some drivers may seem to be reckless. If you wish for the driver to slow down, say "yavash lütfen" (slow please). Your request may or may not be honored.

As in any major city, tourists are more vulnerable to taxi scams than locals. Be aware that taxi drivers use cars affiliated with a particular hub, and that the name and phone number of the hub, as well as the license plate number, are written on the side of each car. Noting or photographing this information may be useful if you run into problems. In general, riding in taxis affiliated with major hotels (Hilton, Marriot, Ritz, etc.) is safe, and it is not necessary to stay in these hotels to use a taxis leaving from their hubs.

Others may take unnecessarily long routes to increase the amount due (although sometimes alternate routes are also taken to avoid Istanbul traffic, which can be very bad). Some scams involve the payment transaction; for example, if the rider pays 50 TL when only 20 TL are needed, the driver may quickly switch it with a 5 TL note and insist that the rest of the 20 TL is still due or may switch the real bill for a fake one and insist that different money be given.

Methods to avoid taxi scams:

1. Sit in the front passenger seat . Watch the meter. Watch the driver's actions (beeping the horn, pumping the brakes, etc.) and note what the taximeter does. While it is rare, some drivers will wire parts of their controls to increase the fare upon activation. If you're with your significant other, do it anyway . Save the cuddling for after the ride. Check if the seal on the taximeter is broken. Use your phone for light. This will make the driver realize that you are cautious. For women it is better to sit in the back seat (where you can see the meter from the middle), as there are occasionally problems with taxi drivers getting overly friendly, and sitting in the front is a sign that a woman welcomes such behavior.

2. Ask "How much to go to...?" (basic English is understood), before getting in the taxi . Price will be quite accurate to the one in the taximeter at the end of the ride. If the price sounds ok for you, get in the cab and tell them to put the Taximeter on. The rate they are applying is same during night and day.

3. Know the route. If you have a chance, find a map and demand that the driver take your chosen route to the destination. Oftentimes they will drive the long way or pretend not to know where you're going in order to get more money out of you. If the driver claims not to know the route to a major landmark or gathering place, refuse his services as he is likely lying.

4. Choose an elderly driver. Elderly taxi drivers are less likely to cheat passengers.

5. Let taxi driver see money on your hands and show values and take commitment on it. This is 50 lira. OK? Take this 50 lira and give 30 lira back OK?. This guarantees your money value. Otherwise, your 50 lira can be 5 lira immediately on his hands. Try to have always 10 lira or 20 lira bills in your wallet. This makes money scams in general more difficult. If you realize that the driver tried to use the 50 lira to 5 lira trick on you, call the police (#155) immediately and write down the license plate. If a driver claims not to have change, you may want to consider sitting in the taxi and pointing to a nearby shop to have them break their bills there. This will usually cause them to magically find the necessary change, or frustrate them into accepting a lower fare.

6. Create a big scene if there is a problem. If you are absolutely positive you have been subject to a scam, threaten to or call the police and, if you feel it will help, start yelling. Taxi drivers will only rip off those they think will fall for it; creating a scene draws attention to them and will make it easier to pay the correct rate.

Overpricing [ edit ]

Watch the menu carefully in street cafes for signs that prices are not discriminatory — if prices are clearly over-inflated, simply leave. A good indication of over inflation is the circulation of two different types of menu — the "foreigner" menu is typically printed on a laminated card with menu prices written in laundry marker/texta, i.e., prices not be printed; in these cases, expect that prices for foreigners will be highly inflated (300% or higher).

While this is not really a problem in Beyoğlu or Ortaköy , avoiding the open air cafes toward the rear courtyard of the Spice Bazaar ( Sultanahmet ) is wise. The area immediately north of the Spice Bazaar is also crawling with touts for these 'infamous' cafes.

Having nargile (water pipe) is a famous activity in Istanbul,Tophane (top-hane) is a famous location for this activity where a huge number of nargile shops are available and can easily be reached by the tram, avoiding a place called "Ali Baba" in Tophane is wise, usually you will be served there with plates you did not ask for like a nuts plate, and expect to have a bill of around US$50 for your nargile!

Stalking [ edit ]

Men intent on stalking foreign women may be present in tourist locations. Such men may presume that foreigners have a lot of money or liberal values and may approach foreign women in a flirtatious or forward manner looking for sex or for money (either by theft or selling over-priced goods). If you are being harassed, use common sense and go to where other people are; often this is the nearest store. Creating a public scene will deter many stalkers, and these phrases may be useful in such cases:

• İmdat! – "Help!"
• Ayıp! – "Rude!"
• Bırak beni! – "Leave me alone!"
• Dur! – "Stop!"
• Gider misin?! – "Will you go?!"

Or to really ruin him:

• Beni takip etme! – "Stop stalking me!"
• Polisi arıyorum – "I'm calling the cops!"

Occasionally try not to use Turkish as the stalker will like it more, just scream and run and find a safer place with crowd and police.

Tourism Police [ edit ]

Istanbul PD has a "Tourism Police" unit where travelers may report passport loss and theft or any other crime they are victimized by. They have an office in Sultanahmet and can reportedly speak English, German, French, and Arabic.

• 41.00774 28.97703 1 Tourism Police ( Turizm Polisi ), Divan Yolu Cd (   T1   Sultanahmet 130 m ), ☏ +90 212 527 45 03 , [email protected] .  

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water may not be safe depending on where you drink it. Although the tap water itself is clean, many local water tanks are not maintained properly, and one should try to avoid tap water if possible. Locals widely prefer bottled water and the same applies for the restaurants. Expect to pay for water in restaurants (around 3 TL as of May 2022).

Food and drinks are mostly of international standards. Some Turkish foods are known to use a variety of spices which may affect international tourists who may not be accustomed to such ingredients, although most of it is edible for any tongue.

Use common sense when buying certain foods, particularly from street vendors. Delicacies such as "Firin Sutlac" (a kind of rice pudding) can go bad rapidly on a hot day, as can the oysters occasionally for sale on the streets.

Connect [ edit ]

For general information on SIM cards, Wi-Fi and Internet see the country article .

Telephone codes [ edit ]

Istanbul is the only city or province in Turkey that uses multiple area codes: 212 for the European side, 216 for the Asian side and Princes' Islands. When calling from one continent to the other, you need to dial as if it’s an intercity call: 0+area code (212 or 216)+7-digit telephone number . It may appear as an intercity call, but is charged at local rate. Without the area code, your call will not be automatically routed to the number in the other continent, and much of the number sets are used on both sides of the Bosphorus. When calling landlines from mobile, you have to dial the area code regardless of the continent you are in.

Mobile [ edit ]

Istanbul has 4G from all Turkish carriers. 5G hasn't been rolled out as of late 2023.

Cope [ edit ]

Istanbul's less-than-scrupulous hotel and restaurant owners are as market savvy as they come—they read the popular travel guides to Istanbul and when they get listed or favorably reviewed, they raise prices through the roof and skimp on costs. For mid-range and cheap hotels/restaurants, you may have a better time if you avoid places listed in the most popular guidebooks. Trust your nose.

Consulates [ edit ]

Many of the consulates in Istanbul are housed in elegant and imposing buildings dating back to the previous centuries, when they served as embassies to the Ottoman Empire, before its collapse and the move of the capital to Ankara by the then-newly established republic. An interesting fact about them is that they are all located in the Beyoğlu area with one exception, the Iranian consulate, as the imperial authorities did not allow representatives from non-Muslim lands to be based within the official borders of the city at that time, which more or less equaled to the peninsula of the Old City.

Go next [ edit ]

West [ edit ].

The area of European Turkey to the west of Istanbul is called Thrace . It has many historic towns with Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

• Edirne , two hours to the northwest, is a beautiful historic city, and was the Ottoman capital before power moved to Istanbul. You need at least a day here. A slow scenic route winds north via Kıyıköy , ancient Medea, a fisherman's village on the Black Sea with some traditional architecture, partially rebuilt ancient city walls and a nearby rock-cut monastery. The next town on that route is Vize , an old town with a well preserved Byzantine cathedral.
• Head into Western Europe either via Sofia in Bulgaria or Bucharest in Romania.
• Or perhaps you can follow the ancient Via Egnatia all the way to the Adriatic and across to Rome .

South [ edit ]

• The Marmara Islands are across the sea, much further away and less urban than the Princes Islands just offshore of the city.
• Bursa to the southeast is a former Ottoman capital with many historical sights plus Uludağ National Park just south. İznik , rich in Byzantine, Seljuk, and early Ottoman heritage, is worth a detour on the way.
• A scenic route towards Izmir is to head west then south into the Gallipoli peninsula, with its World War I sites, cross the Dardanelles to Çanakkale , then past ancient Troy and Pergamon (Bergama) . A short ferry-ride brings you to the charming island of Bozcaada . For more detailed descriptions, see Istanbul to Izmir .

East [ edit ]

In Istanbul you've only stepped on the threshold of Asian Turkey. Continue east across Anatolia for so much more: rejuvenated Ankara , unworldly Cappadocia , surreal Mount Nemrut , faraway Kars . And further still across the lands of the former Ottoman Empire: follow in the footsteps of ancient traders , medieval travellers , pilgrims , and hippies .

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To mention its name is enough, no need to tell more… Istanbul, city where legends are still alive …

With one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, Istanbul is the most unique city in the world embracing two continents. Through the city’s heart, the Bosphorus, run the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. In this imposing site, the reason for its extraordinary destiny the lies former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman . Istanbul today honours and proudly preserves the invaluable legacy of its prodigious past while looking forward to a modern future. Fusion between the East and the West, the past and the present, it is a mythical city that the lone traveller cannot hope to discover. But Istanbul is not only a historical city, guardian of the vestiges of ancient civilisations. It is also a great cosmopolitan thriving city. The unchanging decoration of the domes and minarets, the noisy merry milling of people, the perpetual moving of boats and the shouting of the hawkers are mixed with the sound of the harbours.

As visitors you will be fascinated mainly by the variety of Istanbul: its museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars and natural sites which seem inexhaustible. Reclining on the Western shore you may suddenly and profoundly understand why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site and why Istanbul is truly a glorious city .

Cultural tour: one week.

Day 1: Istanbul:

Meeting with our representative and transfer to hotel for the night.

Days 2 to 7 / Istanbul :

Visit to the most beautiful monuments of Istanbul, the Topkapi, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, the Eyup and Sultanahmet (Blue) mosques, the Haghia Sophia museum, the basilica cistern, the Holy Irene church, the archaeological museum, the Gulhane park, the famous church of Saint-Saveur-in-Chora, the tower of Galata, the fortress of Rumeli… At the end of your stay a cruise will permit you to enjoy a peaceful sailing trip to the Princes’ Islands and on the Bosphorus before visiting the covered bazaar and the Spice bazaar. No doubt you will have an unforgettable memory of your journey to this incomparable legendary city. Nights in comfortable hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to airport for return flight.

Discover this mythical city as a small group tour for 2 or more people, the secrets of Istanbul will be revealed to you and your family and friends, a handcrafted tour made on request.

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Dijon Travel is a receptive travel agency, specialised in small group trekking, adventure, sailing, cultural and active tours in and around Türkiye..

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Partir en voyage à Istanbul

Visiter istanbul : ne pas rater le palais topkapi, sainte-sophie et la mosquée bleue.

Connue successivement sous les noms de Byzance, Constantinople et Istanbul, cette ville turque figure parmi les plus fascinantes du pays. À cheval entre deux continents, l’Europe et l’Asie, elle a hérité des charmes de ces deux cultures. Parmi les sites à découvrir à Istanbul , je vous conseille le quartier historique de Sultanahmet, célèbre pour ses nombreux monuments, en l'occurrence le palais Topkapi, Sainte-Sophie et la Mosquée bleue. Non loin de la mosquée se trouvait l'ancien Hippodrome de Sultanahmet dont il ne subsiste aujourd'hui que deux obélisques. Théâtre des passions des habitants de la ville, ce lieu abritait des courses de chars. À proximité de ces grands sites, vous pourrez visiter pendant votre séjour à Istambul le musée archéologique et celui des arts turcs et islamiques.

Que faire et voir à Istanbul ?

La superficie et l'histoire d'Istanbul en font une ville gigantesque. Voici quelques centres d'intérêts pour vous aider à explorer la ville durant vos voyages à Istanbul : - Le quartier de Sultanahmet : Le quatier historique de la ville, il regroupe les plus beaux monuments d'Istanbul comme la Mosquée Bleue, la Basilique Sainte-Sophie et le palais Topkapi. C'est aussi à Sultanahmet qu'on trouve aussi le Grand Bazar d'Istanbul, un gigantesque marché couvert qui regroupe plusieurs miliers de vendeurs. - Le quartier de Galata : Ce quartier animé situé au nord de la Corne d'Or, est surtout connu pour le pont de Galata et la tour de Galata. Nous vous invitons aussi à découvrir la place Taksim ainsi que les nombreux restaurants et bars qui animent ce quartier populaire. - La quartier du Levent : Ville Nouvelle et quartier des affaires d'Istanbul, on y trouve de nombreux centres commerciaux modernes, le fameux gratte-ciel Sapphire et des lieux ou sortir entre amis. - Bosphore : le détroit mythique qui relie la mer Noire à la mer de Marmara est emblématique d'Istanbul. D’Ortaköy aux quartiers des stambouliotes, le détroit du Bosphore est dépaysant et mérite le coup d'oeil. - Les îles aux Princes : cet archipel de neuf îles situé dans la mer de Marmara est accessible en ferry. Entre ballades, baignades, sorties en bateau et découverte des nombreux monastères construits sur les îles de Burgazada ou Heybeliada, les Îles aux Princes sont des lieux de villégiature recherché des locaux comme des touristes.

Parcourir Istanbul et le quartier de Beyoglu

Situé sur la partie européenne du pays, le quartier de Beyoglu vous fascinera par son ambiance festive. Il accueille de nombreuses boutiques, cafés, restaurants et night-clubs. Ce quartier compte également divers monuments, tels que la Tour de Galata dominant les ruelles en pente. En réservant votre hôtel à Istanbul, vous aurez accès à de nombreux sites de Beyoglu, dont la célèbre Avenue de l'Indépendance, s'étirant sur deux kilomètres. La rue parallèle, située à l'ouest de cette avenue, débouche sur Cihangir, l'un des quartiers les plus animés de la ville. Un peu plus loin, le quartier de Tophane compte de nombreux cafés où vous pourrez fumer du narguilé. Plus au nord se dresse le fameux palais de Dolmabahçe, dans le quartier de Kabatas.

Que découvrir à Istanbul ? Se balader dans le quartier du Bazar

Situé entre le Grand Bazar et Eminönü, le quartier du Bazar fut, à l'époque ottomane, un haut lieu de commerce où transitaient les marchandises acheminées par bateaux. Stockées dans un premier temps dans des caravansérails, ces marchandises furent ensuite vendues au Grand Bazar et au marché aux épices. En décidant de partir en voyage à Istanbul , vous serez plongé dans l'animation particulière de ce quartier du Bazar que je vous recommande. Le dépaysement est garanti ! Sur la place Beyazit, à l'ouest du Grand Bazar, vous aurez l'occasion de partager le quotidien des habitants d'Istanbul, aussi bien les clients du marché que ses universitaires. Profitant de ce déplacement riche en découvertes, vous apercevrez non loin de la place Beyazit, la fameuse Süley maniye Camii. C'est l'un des sites les plus remarquables de la région, qui a d'ailleurs donné son nom à la zone limitrophe.

Quand partir à Istanbul ?

À Istanbul, le climat est de type méditerranéen, avec un ensoleillement constant pratiquement toute l'année. L'été, en juillet et août à Istanbul , est la période la plus chaude et se traduit par une forte affluence touristique. Dès la fin de l'hiver, la ville profite de bonnes conditions climatiques pour être visitée tranquillement, sans trop de touristes. Au début du printemps, aux mois de mars, avril, mai et juin à Istanbul , ne ratez pas la saison des tulipes avec le festival International de la Tulipe. Pendant les mois de septembre, octobre, novembre, décembre, janvier et février à Istanbul , des vacances d'hiver pourraient également vous intéresser, puisque la ville dégage une âme particulièrement romantique à cette période de l'année.

Voyage en famille à Istanbul

Lors de vos vacances en famille à Istanbul , ne manquez pas de vous promener sur les rives du Bosphore, vous pourrez même prendre le ferry pour aller sur l’autre rive ou faire une croisière ! Prenez le temps également de vous émerveiller devant le palais de Topkapi ou les coupoles des différentes mosquées. Pour des visites ludiques, la citerne-basilique, vaste citerne souterraine et les monuments miniatures du Parc Miniaturk amuseront toute la famille. Les habitants de la ville, les stambouliotes adorent les enfants et vous accueilleront avec bienveillance. Profitez-en pour parcourir les vastes bazars, faire un tour dans l’ancien tramway ou vous régaler des différentes pâtisseries turques qui émoustilleront vos papilles.

Martin Spécialiste zone Bassin Méditerranéen

La Météo Istanbul

Faq istanbul : les questions fréquentes posées par nos clients, voyages et hôtels istanbul : visiter et découvrir ....

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Istanbul : vous aimez ?

Consultez nos meilleures adresses d'hôtels que nous avons sélectionnées pour vous : Sealife Family Resort , Nirvana Cosmopolitan (ex Kervansaray Lara) , Porto Bello Resort , Delphin Imperial ou Liberty Hotels Lara ainsi que le Sentido Turan Prince . Nos clients aiment aussi les hôtels Miracle Resort et [nom de l’hôtel Royal Holiday Palace et Kervansaray Kundu Beach Hotel . Retrouvez un large choix d’hôtels répondant à toutes les envies. Pour des vacances en famille, entre amis ou en couple, nous vous proposons le City Live Hotel , le Calido Maris Hotel mais également le Doubletree By Hilton Antalya City Centre .

Nous vous suggérons aussi les hôtels suivants : Hôtel Side Village Hotel , B Business Hotel & Spa et l'hôtel Cook's Club Alanya . A découvrir aussi sans hésiter : l'Hôtel Citrus Park Hotel , Grand London et l’hôtel Moko Beach . A voir également dans le cadre de votre sélection : le Sandy Beach et le Trésors de Bulgarie .

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42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

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Si vous avez déjà réservé votre billet d'avion pour Istanbul, il ne vous reste plus qu'à profiter de quelques bons conseils pour ne rien manquer de la ville la plus attractive de Turquie. À cheval sur l'Europe et l'Asie, elle est un véritable creuset culturel de sorte qu'un voyage à Istanbul permet toujours de s'enrichir.

istanbul-turk. Nos packages Turquie 2023. à partir de. 12 900. Dhs. /Personne. Richmond | Hôtel 4* Cliquez sur la date souhaitée pour réserver le package 7 nuits/8jours. avril. Avril 2024. Du 12 Avr au 19 Avr. Du 17 Avr au 24 Avr. Du 19 Avr au 26 Avr. Du 24 Avr au 1 Mai. à partir de. 10 000. Dhs. /Personne. The Beyaz Saray & Spa | Hôtel 4*

Recherchez et comparez des centaines de sites de voyage à la fois pour trouver des séjours à Istanbul. Utilisation entièrement gratuite - aucuns frais cachés. Filtrez par annulation gratuite, petit déjeuner gratuit et plus encore. Offres de séjours pas chères Istanbul. Offres de vol et d'hôtel les plus populaires à Istanbul. Tout voir.

The most populous city in Europe, Istanbul forms the financial and cultural center of Turkey and confidently straddles the borders between Asia and Europe as it has for millennia: this is the result when you mix ancient Christendom, a medieval metropolis and the modern Middle East.

Istanbul, city where legends are still alive… With one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, Istanbul is the most unique city in the world embracing two continents. Through the city's heart, the Bosphorus, run the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn.

Türkiye. Istanbul. Plan Your Trip to Istanbul: Best of Istanbul Tourism. A spellbinding city where cultures collide. Over the centuries, many cultures have added their mark to Istanbul. Today, you can experience those influences firsthand by exploring its mahalles (neighborhoods).

Commencez ainsi à écrire de nouvelles histoires, car il n'y a pas de meilleur moment que l'instant présent. Réservez votre vol en ligne dès maintenant sur cette page ou via l'application mobile Turkish Airlines, qui offre des avantages supplémentaires.

Voyages Istanbul pas chers. Type de voyage. Séjour. Destination. Istanbul. Ville de départ. Peu importe. Date de départ. Peu importe. Durée. Peu importe. Voir les résultats. + de critères. 78 offres correspondent à votre recherche. Trier par. Pertinence. Nombre de résultats par page. 12. Made by Carrefour Voyages ( 5) Affiner la recherche. € 5 000.

Découverte de lieux incontournables. Paysages et sites culturels. Départ de : Paris. Durée (s) disponible (s) : 8 nuits. jusqu'à - 203€ dès 916 € par pers. pour 8 nuits. Top Vente. Turquie - Antalya (Istanbul) 2842 avis** Inclus : Vols + Hôtel + Petit Déjeuner. Vous aimerez : Dans le quartier historique de Sultanahmet. Le restaurant panoramique.

Things to know before you visit Istanbul, Turkey - including logistics tips, what to wear, cultural etiquette, and much more. 42 Istanbul travel tips.

Hello les amis ! Dans cette vidéo, je partage avec vous mes meilleurs spots et endroits à visiter à Istanbul en Turquie. Que ce soit mosquées, spécialités turques, shopping, restaurants et ...

Voyage Istanbul. Profitez d'un voyage exclusif en Turquie ! Envie de voyager en Turquie ou de prendre des vacances à quelques heures de chez vous ? Optez pour un voyage pas cher en Turquie, vous ne serez pas déçus. A voir aussi : voyage Jordanie voyage Grèce. Lire la suite. 34 offres de voyages Istanbul. Trier les voyages par. Prix croissant.

Istanbul. Travel to Istanbul port in Turkey with MSC Cruise ships in the Mediterranean. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace & the Grand Bazaar.

Votre agence de voyage locale à Istanbul Go Istanbul Tour vous propose un voyage de rêve en Turquie. Flânez à la découverte des musées et mosquées, des palais et marchés: basilique Sainte-Sophie, palais de Topkapi, mosquée bleue, Grand Bazar... Un voyage en Turquie étonnant et riche en culture!

Visitez Istanbul au meilleur prix avec les offres d'hôtels de GO Voyages. Réservez maintenant une chambre d'hôtel pas cher pour votre séjour à Istanbul.

Istanbul. religion culture. Circuit de la Mésopotamie à la Cappadoce. à partir de950€ Anatolie Orientale, Cappadoce, … culture religion. Sept Eglises de l'Apocalypse en Turquie. à partir de590€ Izmir, Pergame, … bateau trek culture. Cap Sur La Turquie Voyage Sur Mesure. à partir de99€ Istanbul, Cappadoce, … culture trek bateau.

Voyages Turquie. 5. 2 reviews. #224 of 820 Transportation in Istanbul. Multi-day ToursTaxis & ShuttlesPrivate ToursDay Trips. Closed now. Write a review. See all photos. About. Nous organisons des circuits et excursions partout en Turquie. Nous sommes une agence de voyage depuis plus 20 ans. Istanbul, Türkiye. Contact. Similar Experiences.

Après le déjeuner à l'hôtel, transfert jusqu'à l'aéroport pour votre vol de retour. (Déjeuner) -Fin des services-. Vivez un voyage unique en Turquie à travers notre circuit organisé à prix exclusifs. Visitez Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Cappadoce et plus avec les voyages Wingbuddy.

Go TürkiyeTürkiye is home to infinite locations that are beyond your wildest dreams! Full of ancient sites, unique beauty, and unparalleled destinations, vis...