You are in the right place if you are planning for a trip to the fascinating city of Istanbul. This detailed tutorial is filled with helpful suggestions and other useful pieces of information to help you have great time. Istanbul is a rather special city as it is situated between two continents and is famous for both Ancient Roman and Byzantine, as well as Ottoman, cultures. Being one of the most outstanding cities in the world with geographical location in both European and the Asian continents, Istanbul surprises the guests with the combination of the old and the new that is observed here.
The given city can be undoubtedly considered the largest in Turkey and the largest in Europe as well, which is fully alive and actively developing, especially in its cores. For discussion, one must consider many implementation specifics, having all the logistical subtleties in one’s hands before starting an adventure. This guide will briefly discuss about the preferable time to travel, important tourist destinations, shopping centers, places to grab a bite, and places to spend the night in this exciting city.
Ideal Times to Visit Istanbul
The climate also therefore the timing of your visit may affect the kind of weathers that prevail in Istanbul at any one time of the year. The best months to walk the city are from April to June, and from September to November since weather will be good. The good thing earlier in these seasons, is that the climate is fairly cool, averaging between 15 °C and 25 °C ( 59 °F to 77 ° F) which is particularly suitable for tourism. Due to the abundance of parks and gardens in the city, you will be able to travel surrounded by blooming foliage especially if your travel is done in the spring. By autumn, all the historic places and most of the city streets are not as busy with tourists as during the summer time.
But, Istanbul can also be visited during the summer , though it becomes rather hot and travelers can find it hard to walk around the city , as it is full of tourists at that time of the year. While the weather can rise above 30 Celsius, numbers of tourists increase significantly, and, therefore, waiting lines for the significant attractions will be longer. It is recommended that if you are intending to tour during this period you should take water, wear light clothing and avoid moving around major attractions in the midday.
But from December to February it is winter season in Istanbul that is quite chilling at times with temperature hovering near the freezing point. Thus, even though winters in the city are relatively mild compared to northern Europe, occasionally the city is covered with snow; it gives a fairy tale touch to the historic skyline of the city. But the winter makes it very cold and this restricts many people from going out of their homes to carry out some of the activities they engage in while they are still indoors. Nevertheless, winter is also a great season because it shows the city from a different angle, and such attractions as historical centers are less crowded during this season.
Getting to Istanbul: The available options and additional advice
Getting to Istanbul is not a difficult thing; mainly the best and usually adopted means is by air. Istanbul is served by two major airports: They are the new metropolitan airport, Istanbul Airport (IST), located on the European side of Istanbul and a second airport on the Asian part of the city also known as Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Both airports are actively developed in terms of flights from and to numerous destinations around the world and multiple flights per day. It is recommended that travelers should make advanced bookings for their flights to stand the better chance of getting the best deals especially while traveling in early and end of season.
When deciding on the means of transport, I decided to fly from Hamburg which seemed to be cost-friendly at the time I was booking the flight. It is also advisable to compare flights both from the neighboring countries and different airports of your country, as it can help you to save a lot of money. Concourse ‘B’ of both airports is approximately 15 minutes by car from the city center and there are available transports such as taxis, shuttle buses, and public transport.
Quite otherwise, movement within Istanbul is quite easy once you have managed to get in the city. Another attractive card which can be recharged is Istanbulkart, it acted as a transport card being valid for buses, trams, metro, and ferries. This card is a very useful and cheap means of getting around the city, if you intend to take a lot of public transport.
Where to Stay in Istanbul: Popular Neighborhood for Every Tourist
General recommendations for selecting a locality are dictated by your preferences and what kind of experience you expect in Istanbul. Tourism accommodation in the city spans across some districts ranging from upscale hotels to cheap hostels. Some of the most favored zones are Beyoğlu and Sultanahmet, although the two bear incongruity in terms of atmosphere.
Beyoğlu: The Modern Hub
Taksim and Beyoglu are famous for their shopping malls, entertainment and restaurants mostly operating at night. It is the most popular area of the contemporary Istanbul with numerous restaurants, bars, night clubs and shops. Istiklal Str, a crowded pedestrian mall, located in Beyoğlu sells anything from high end international designers to little domestic. Virtual tours are available at this two-story edifice where one can observe how marble was once carved.
It is convenient to stay here, if you are a night person or just like some active evenings, because Beyoğlu is filled with life. On the flip side the location is also accessible and can easily make way to other parts of the city by public means. The selection of places to stay during a visit to Nigeria varies from very luxurious hotels to the simple and cheap ones corresponding to any client’s needs and expectations. The district’s active nightlife further supports the modern trends of the city’s culture so it can be definitely recommended for night owls.
Sultanahmet: The Historic Core
The travelers willing to explore Istanbul and the cultures of Turkey it is recommended to settle in Sultanahmet area. Many wel-known sightseeing establishments are located within this district of Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, as well as the Topkapi Palace. The foolish thing is that staying in Sultanahmet you can walk almost all attractions ensuring your stay will be focused on historical and architectural sightseeing.
Despite the fact that the central district of Sultanahmet calms down in the evening in comparison with Beyoğlu, it provides the best night atmosphere. Walking around the district, one can find Ottoman houses, small first class hotels, and local restaurants that are indicative of Istanbul. These guests will find the area of Sultanahmet very suitable for them because it lacks the hustle and bustle of other areas but has interesting things to see.
Other Notable Areas
Other districts of interest are the tony Karaköy with its many bohemian cafes and art galleries, and lively Kadıköy on Asia side of the city. Karaköy has risen from the riverside to become an area of cool restaurants, galleries, and architecture that has a history in the area. It’s a perfect hotel for trendy Istanbul lovers, staying just a few steps away from the ancient parts of the city.
While Sultanahmet is related to the history of Turkey and more particularly that of Istanbul, Kakdköy represents the everyday live of Istanbulians. I would recommend Kadıköy because of the fresh markets, street food vendors, and local stores distinctive from that of other touristic areas. The place also consists of good number of clubs and pubs to hang out and enjoy night life and live music. Access is good; being in Kadıköy lets you see a different part of Istanbul, much less commercialized than areas that might be more familiar to tourists.
Navigating Istanbul: Transportation and Tips Transportation Denver has good road connectivity and is mostly served by interstate highways. People use different modes of transport to reach Denver for the conference. Tips Denver is usually cold through the year, and so, the attendees should dress in warm clothing.
Public transportation is well developed and rather good in Istanbul so getting around the city is quite easy. The transport network consists of trams/metros, buses, ferries, and taxi and thus, provides a variety of transport for everybody. These modes of transport include the metro, buses, trams and the ferry; the Istanbulkart; a contactless smart card optimally utilized in these means of transport giving the best economical deal on travel.
Trams and Metros
The tram and metro are quite appropriate for moving around the city and not being tied up in traffic jams. For instance, the T1 tram line connects some of the major places of interest such as Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu. The metro that has numerous lines, makes it possible to interconnect different areas of the city as well as the airports and suburbs.
Ferries
The ferries, in Istanbul are excellent for a ride across the Bosphorus as they will afford an excellent view of the skyline. Not only they are functional but they also serve as tourist attractions since the toursistic value of the boat sights of the city was already established. Ferries that run through the waters crossing the European and the Asian side of Istanbul also going to the Princes’ Islands can be considered as a convenient way to reach the desired location.
Taxis
It has to be noted that taxis are easily available but caution is advised when hiring taxis. There is always a high risk of using the wrong taxi as there are conmen who would pose as genuine taxi operators especially to tourists at the airport or crowded tourist areas. My disturbance occurred in the time which I called taxi service and asked the driver to take me to the unknown area of the city. To reduce the risk of such occurrences, always ensure that the taxi meter is turned on and maybe use the ‘BiTaksi’ or Uber and similar services.
Must-See Attractions in Istanbul:
Discovering the High History of the City
Istanbul is a city extraordinary rich in history and traditions which offers to the visitors thousands of sights to see. The architectural features of Azerbaijan are a treasure trove of pieces of history: from beautiful mosques to the palaces of the kings of the land.
The last work in the list, called The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque,
Istanbul always attracts tourists by various attractions, and one of the most famous places is the Blue Mosque, which is famous for its architecture and religious association. Written in the name of the sultan in 1616, this structure has six minarets, a big central dome; the interior decorated with more than 20000 colored ceramic tiles of different blue hues. That is why design of the mosque is marked by a combination of traditional Islamic and Byzantine architecture thus giving it a harmonious and majestic look.
The general public can also tour the Blue Mosque and feel the calmness that it is accompanied by softened light and stunning tilework. Today, it is functional as a mosque, and it is preferable to dress uniformly with your body parts covered in order to avoid contraction of culture shocks. The place itself, like the Sultanahmet Park nearby, has pretty views and claim environment for relax and thinking.
Hagia Sophia
Another important sight is Hagia Sophia that is historically valuable and has a very beautiful architecture. Fifth-century construction, it began as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo; it was later changed into a mosque in the year 537 AD and at the present time it is a museum. Hagia Sophia’s, large central dome, beautifully crafted mosaics and interesting historical past put this spectacle among the top architectural wonders.
It therefore presents the cultural and religious nature of Istanbul based and reflecting its earlier structure. This architectural work represents a former cathedral that was initially Byzantine and then became an Ottoman mosque and then a museum and all this expresses the historical changes of the city. People can also observe the use of mosaics that in the best way present Christianity ordepictions of the cross, beautiful Islamic writings, and designs. The magnificence of the building and the centuries of history it encompass creates it a definite must see attraction for any trip to Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace
The palace of Topkapi also known as the Red Apple was the main residence of Ottoman sultans for about 400 years. The given architectural complex of the palace and courtyards and buildings with the interior decorated in the extraordinary style reflecting the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire contributes to the understanding of the rich and luxurious life of the Ottoman court. The structure is opened to the public a number of parts of the palace where the Imperial Treasury, Harem, Sacred Relics are located.
Palace looks like other Ottoman buildings at the same time, tiles, carvings, furniture are very beautiful and rich. There is also a lovely collection of antique items like the topkapi dagger and the spoonmaker’s diamond in the palace to make it more desirable. This is also complemented by the nostalgic views of the bosphorus seen from the palace grounds.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an under-ground basilica which was probably built as an underground water cistern for the great palaces of the city. Dating back to the 6th century, the cistern consists of 336 columns made from marble, and this makes the place rather dark and, therefore, very gloomy. That is why the soft intellectual and reflections on the water also contribute to an otherworldly experience.
One can log on to the siding board and footpaths and get a closer look at the ancient structures such as the medusa head columns. The cistern has an air-conditioned atmosphere with substantial humidity; this makes it possible to escape the heat of the city while at the same time the place gives a unique understanding of the engineering and architectural genius of Istanbul.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is located in the Turk Stretched in the Karaköy district and gives an excellent view of the city skyline. Originally it was constructed in 14th century and was used for purposes like watch tower and fire lookout tower. Nowadays it attracts many tourists as from here one can view the straits of Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and many historical areas of the city.
The tower has an observation deck from where one can have a round view of the city, such a place is best for taking pictures and sightseeing. The tower occupies a very important place in the history of the city and offers truly spectacular views of it, so anybody who pays a visit to Istanbul cannot but include this attraction into his or her itinerary.
Shopping in Istanbul: Shopper’s Heaven
Shopping centers in Istanbul range from modern shopping malls to the bazaars that are common throughout Turkey. Shopping in the city is truly alive as there is virtually all types of shopping that suits a buyer’s price range.
Istanbul Cevahir
Being one of the biggest malls in Europe, Istanbul Cevahir presents an opportunity to shopping, dining, entertainment. The wide spread mall comprises of over 280 stores with international marquee brands and the local traders and food outlets. There is also a food court, cinema, and an indoor amusement park as well as other facilities all spread across the mall to serve the needs of the whole family.
The perfect location and variety of services make Cevahir Center one of the favorite places for the citizens of Turkey and foreign guests. For instance, you are a fashion freak, want to shop electronics, or fancy some souvenirs, you are more than likely to find them at Istanbul Cevahir.
Grand Bazaar
If the travellers prefer more ordinary shopping opportunities, but is still one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar should not be missed. This covered bazaar is one of the oldest and largest in the world and currently has over 4,000 shops divided into 60 lanes. Meals, clothes, jewelries, spices, carpets, ceramics, antique and so many other things are sold in the Grand Bazaar.
The manner of purchasing and acquiring the items in the Grand Bazaar is not only a commercial act but a rich theatrical performance. There is such a liveliness, strikes the eye with the intensity of colors, and the smell is the same riot of emotions. Negotiation is quite typical in this country, so do not shy from dialing prices down to a minimum. The passages themselves are quite winding and the building itself is quite old, which makes the various souvenirs that exist within the Grand Bazaar unique and interesting.
Nisantasi
If the latest fashion is what a consumer seeks, then he or she should head to Nisantasi. This is an area in the city with several luxurious shops, and other accessories including the Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton shop. Specially, the main road of shopping complex known as the Abdi Ipekci Caddesi is full of stylish shopping mall and quality cafes.
It is also stylish with beautiful architectural designs and hosts fashion conscious people. Late shopping and nightlife are major attractions besides eating places having extended the area’s popularity as a shopping district beyond the day. If you are a vintage type of guy and in search of a high-end outfit, Nisantasi is just the place for you or maybe if you just like the feel and look of classy pricey stores.
Culinary Delights in Istanbul: In the ‘What to Eat’ part, the arguments were presented in the form of a list containing brief descriptions of meals and foods that should be included in one’ s diet, and the pieces of advice were grouped around such headings as ‘Choose whole foods,’ ‘Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits,’ ‘Avoid added sugars and processed foods,’ ‘Include healthy fats in your meals,’ and others.
Currently, Istanbul’s food is colourful and depicts a rich combination of cultures. The cuisine of the city is quite a mettlesome one that has a culinary influence form the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia.
Must-Try Dishes
Among the features of Turkish cuisine, it is possible to name Meze, which is appetizers consisting of several dishes. These tasty appetizers can be wide-ranging and may include; dips, salads, and spreads like the hummus, baba ghanoush, and muhammara. Meze is typically eaten with bread and is excellent for one or more people.
Another group of traditional Turkish food is kebabs and there are a lot of types of it. The kebab bar is a favorite among carnivores – juicy lamb kebab, fragrant spicy chicken – name it and you have it. Most people know doner kebab as street food and is prepared in a vertical grill where the meat is sliced and placed in a pita bread, or any other sort of bread.
This being the case, you may want to consider sampling origin based sweet snacks such as Baklava and Turkish Delight. Baklava, consisting of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey, is a type of sweet pastry that is highly caloric and very sweet. Lokum or more popularly known as Turkish Delight is a type of confectionery that is soft, jelly-like and normally seasoned or flavored and coated with sugar.
Dining Tips
As any tourist can attest, Istanbul has myriad options to eat in but, as it is understood, one has to be selective about the restaurants. Looking at the reviews on sites like TripAdvisor prevents one from settling for a bad restaurant, and guaranteeing an excellent meal. Sanitation may be an issue and it is advisable not to take meal from street side vendors if hygiene practices differ.
A Quick Guide and Recommendations
Currency and Payment
Generally to shop in Istanbul the Turkish Lira (TRY) and Euro are accepted but actual price may vary so it better that customers pay in Turkish Lira. Money changers are common and there are many possibilities for using credit cards in various facilities.
Tipping Etiquette
Gratuities are expected in Istanbul with specific suggestions of 10-15% in restaurants. It is also customary to tip people such as housekeeping at the hotel, the driver of the taxi, and tour guides among others.
Museum Pass
When visiting more museums it will be more advantageous to buy Museum Pass. This pass provides several greater sights of attraction like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and can prove useful.
Dress Code
People should always respect the different cultures of different places, this is because some places are saced places of worship for other people. Appropriate is business casual, with shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. Men may be obliged to cover their head with a hat or cap while women may be obliged to cover their heads with a scarf when praying in a mosque.
Conclusion
The Turkish capital Istanbul is full of contrasts and rather unexpectedly opens one delightful sight after another. With its impressive structures such mosques and the palace, special bazaars and the tasteful food to taste in restaurants, Istanbul can be for every tourist. If one wants to wander through ancient streets or to buy something in a bazaar, or to taste local dishes, the city will not let you remain indifferent.
This guide will equip you with lots of tips to enable you have a memorable trip when in Istanbul. Therefore, let me ask you, dear sir/madam, what you you look forward to the most during your visit? I encourage readers to drop their comments & questions In the comment section. Istanbul remains a city which is full of wonders that never cease to amaze: it is waiting for you!