Istanbul Travel Tips For First Timers
Whether you are planning your first trip to Istanbul or you have already visited it, there are several things you need to know about this beautiful city.
One of the most important Istanbul travel tips for first timers is to avoid crowds in summer. This is because Istanbul’s tourist attractions get crowded very quickly, especially during peak seasons.
1. Stay in the Old Town
The Old Town is one of Istanbul’s best districts to stay in if you want to feel like a real local. It’s the city’s historical hub, where you’ll find centuries-old mosques, bazaars and palaces as well as a castle and walls.
This area also has a wealth of hotels, including family-run budget properties, that offer guests the opportunity to experience the Turkish way of life. It’s also a convenient base for visiting the major attractions of Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
If you are a first-time visitor, it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance. For instance, you should book a private tour of the Blue Mosque or a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus.
Similarly, you should purchase a Museum Pass Istanbul before arriving so you can save money and time. The ticket will include admission to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and several other museums in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet is a fascinating hub of history, where you’ll find the oldest church in the world and the Blue Mosque. The district is also home to the Grand Bazaar, which offers plenty of shopping opportunities and restaurants.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Turkey has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Istanbul Ataturk Airport will cost about 17 euros per day, in Izmir Airport - about 16 euros per day.
2. Take a ferry ride
One of the most relaxing and quickest ways to travel in Istanbul is by ferry. With routes that cover both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, plus a number of inter-city lines that take you to Bursa, Bandirma, Yalova and the Marmara Islands, it’s an excellent way to see the city.
In addition to being fast and cheap, ferries offer a great view of Istanbul’s coastline. Depending on the destination, you’ll be able to enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus or up the Sea of Marmara towards the Black Sea.
If you’re planning on taking a ferry ride in Istanbul, be sure to buy your ticket in advance online or at the pier. Some ferries don’t require tickets, but a printed copy will make it easier for you to get on the boat.
When getting on a ferry, you’ll need to show your ticket at the turnstiles. This is a bit like an airport check-in. If you need help with this, ask a staff member at the pier. It’s also a good idea to have your ID with you when you board the ferry, just in case they need to verify it.
3. Stay in a hostel
Staying in a hostel is an excellent way to save money and have a unique experience. You can meet other travelers from all over the world, share travel stories and tips, and have a great time with your new friends.
Hostels are the cheapest places to stay in Istanbul and many offer a range of fun activities, including free walking tours, pub crawls, boat trips, and much more. They also have a variety of accommodation options, including private rooms and dorms.
Cheers Midtown is a cosy boutique hostel in the heart of Beyoglu, a popular district with lots of restaurants and bars. It’s also near to Taksim Square and the Galata Bridge.
The property offers free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and comfortable beds in dorms and private rooms. They also have a terrace bar that serves fresh and tasty drinks. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is very social. They also organise tours of the city, party nights, and private yacht excursions. They’re a good option for solo travellers who are looking for an affordable place to stay in Istanbul.
4. Take a tour of the Blue Mosque
If you’re planning a visit to Istanbul, you won’t want to miss out on taking a tour of the Blue Mosque. It is a must-visit attraction in the city, and is often featured on magazine covers and travel agency publicity.
The interior of the mosque is a masterpiece, with an impressive Mihrab (prayer niche) surrounded by more than 200 windows and a richly decorated minbar, or pulpit. It also has a 43-meter high dome, and a court containing the ablution facilities and a hexagonal fountain.
There is a lot to see and learn about the Blue Mosque, so it’s best to take a guided tour of the place with an English-speaking guide. This way you’ll save time and learn more about Turkish history and Islamic culture.
The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, and visitors must follow strict etiquette when visiting it. This means that you can’t wear shorts or bare legs and women must cover their hair with a scarf.
5. Visit a hammam
Visiting a hammam is a great way to relax and unwind. It is a traditional Islamic bathhouse that is used for both men and women, and it has several benefits for your body and mind.
In most traditional hammams, the washing spaces are separated by marble panels to provide a sense of privacy. After a warm, soapy shower, your attendant will scrub you down with a special scrubbing mitten called a “kese.” They’ll also apply a layer of bubbles to your skin and massage it in.
Once you’ve finished your scrubbing and rinsing, you’ll lie down on a warm marble slab called the gobektasi in the hot section. After a bit of relaxation, your attendant will apply a lacy foam-filled cloth for a sudsy massage.
Many establishments will offer you a cup of tea after your bathing experience, to help your body return to its normal temperature. Some will even offer you a seat in the lounge to chat with friends and enjoy some reading material.
6. Eat local food
One of the best ways to get to know a place is to taste their food. And Istanbul is no exception to this rule.
The city is home to a variety of dishes that are popular with both locals and tourists alike. From traditional Turkish dishes to delicious cuisine from other parts of Turkey, you’ll find something for everyone in Istanbul.
For instance, kokorech is a Turkish dish that consists of stuffed sheep intestines fried on a skewer. While it may be a bit strange, this delicious meal is a great choice for those who love to try new and non-traditional foods.
Another tasty and popular snack is a durum which is a wrap filled with donor meat and shredded lettuce. This is a quick and inexpensive lunch option that can be found at many street food stalls throughout Istanbul.
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to try some Istanbul-based favorites, head to esnaf lokantasi (tradesman restaurants). These eateries are typically reasonably priced and often offer dishes that are more healthy than those found at tourist-focused spots.
7. Visit the Topkapi Palace
The opulent Topkapi Palace is one of the most impressive landmarks in Istanbul. This palace, built by Mehmet the Conqueror after the city's capture in 1456, hosted dozens of Ottoman sultans and other powerful figures throughout its history.
It's also home to a museum and is the largest of its kind in Turkey. Its vast collections include wood, metal, jewellery and religious relics dating back to the 15th century.
There's no better way to get an insight into the history of this magnificent structure than a guided tour. Make the most of your time in Istanbul with a skip-the-line ticket and get essential information from your guide before you start your adventure inside this historic complex.
The second courtyard is a major area of the palace where important decisions were made and meetings took place. The Bayram Throne, where the Sultan sat to hear his council, and the extensive Imperial kitchens are among the highlights here.
8. Take a cruise
Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, and there are few experiences more rewarding than taking a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. This natural sea channel separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, and it’s where you’ll find Istanbul’s best sights.
A cruise is a quintessential part of any Istanbul itinerary, and you can choose between a public ferry or a private yacht. Typically, a cruise lasts for two hours and takes you past landmarks like Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge, Kucuksu Palace and Dolmabahce Palace.
For first timers, a short cruise is a great way to get an overview of the city’s top sights. You’ll be able to see the iconic Istanbul skyline as you pass landmarks like Ortakoy, Bebek and Rumeli Fortress.
For an even more memorable experience, opt for a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus. This 2.5-hour tour is the perfect way to spot Istanbul’s best landmarks, and it includes an elegant meal, select drinks and glittering entertainment from belly dancers and whirling dervishes.