Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis, rich in history, cuisine, and culture. The picturesque city is a dream destination since it is situated on the equator of Europe, where east and west collide. Everything in Istanbul, from the architecture to the food, tells a narrative. What makes Istanbul so intriguing is that it is the world’s only cosmopolitan city that spans two continents. If you are traveling to Istanbul for the first time then you will find these Istanbul travel tips quite helpful.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL ISTANBUL

The months of March through May, as well as September and November, are ideal for visiting Istanbul. The crowds at the city’s attractions are manageable, accommodation prices are reasonable during these months. Therefore, it is considered as the best time to travel to Istanbul. The peak season begins in June and lasts until early September. During this time, hotel costs rise to meet the increased demand from visiting tourists.

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BOOK ACCOMODATION IN ADVANCE

Because Istanbul is a popular tourist destination in Turkey with millions of tourists, it is a good idea to reserve your accommodation ahead of time. You should certainly look for the cheapest hotels in Istanbul as it is better to have hotel information in advance. At the Dreamers B&B, you may stay in single or double rooms for terrific budget-friendly lodging. Peradays is a modern boutique hotel that is both inexpensive and stylish. Hammamhane, on the other hand, is a favorite choice for luxury hotels.

Therefore, booking your accommodation well in advance is one of the most useful Istanbul travel tips for global travelers.

DAYS TO SPEND IN ISTANBUL

We recommend staying roughly 5 nights if you want to experience Istanbul as stress-free as possible. That way, you’ll have ample time to see all of the major attractions as well as travel to Istanbul’s Asian side. Of course, having more time is usually preferable. Even if you remain longer in Istanbul, you will undoubtedly find new areas.

PURCHASE AN ISTANBUL KART (Istanbul Card)

Like many other large cities across the world, Istanbul revolutionized public transit in 2009 by introducing the Istanbul Kart, often known as the Istanbul Card. What more exciting is that the Istanbul card is accepted for all forms of public transit in Istanbul, including buses, metros, and ships. However, it has a one-time price of 10TL (Turkish Liras) and comes with 4TL preloaded. After that, you must continue to add credit to it in order to utilize public transit. In other words, the Istanbul Card is a must-have after you land in the beautiful city of Istanbul. Hence, this is one of the useful Istanbul travel tips for first-time travelers.

GET MUSEUM CARD

A museum pass can come in handy if you intend on visiting several museums and archaeological sites. The museum pass is available at any historical site that takes them, as well as online. Also, it is available for use in a number of museums and archaeological sites around the nation. If you just want to visit one city in turkey, you may save money by purchasing a regional museum pass rather than a national one.

LEARN A FEW TURKISH WORDS

Speaking some of the local languages is an exciting element of visiting a place for the first time. It would help you tremendously if you remember a few Turkish words for visitors. Locals will be ecstatic that you are attempting to communicate in Turkish. Since you will try to speak their local language, you will be encouraged and loved if you make even the tiniest effort. In other words, knowing a few Turkish words will rather enhance your experience there.

Here are a few words and phrases you should learn before you go.

● Thank you: Teşekkürler

● Yes: Evet

● Hello: Merhabā

● Good Morning: Günaydın

● Good evening: iyi akşamlar

● Please: Lütfen

● No: Hayir

● How are you: Nasılsınız

● I’m fine: İyiyim

● Good night: İyi geceler

● I don’t understand: Anlamadım

● Where is: Nerede

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES

Prepare to have tired feet at the end of the day if you plan on doing all there is to do in Istanbul. Walking around the city in comfy shoes is a great idea. If you look around Istanbul, you will be hard-pressed to see a single individual wearing high heels. The majority of them walk in sneakers or sports shoes since they are simple to walk in.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT

ALSO READ: CITY GUIDE : WHAT TO DO & SEE IN ANTALYA IN TURKEY

Istanbul is home to a plethora of spectacular attractions, ranging from the world’s oldest church to heart-racing museums that attract thousands of people every day. Not just in the city, there are numerous places around Instanbul for day trips as well. Here are some of Istanbul’s must-see attractions.

● Blue Mosque is one of the iconic places in Istanbul. It was built in 1616 and it is known for its exquisite blue tiles that cover the whole interior.

● Topkapi Palace is a lovely building that once served as the Ottoman Empire’s administrative center. It features the Harem, which housed the Sultan’s mother, wives, and concubines.

● Basilica Cistern is an underground reservoir that dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s chilly and gloomy. Also, there are two Medusa heads if you look closely.

● Grand Bazaar is a joy to browse at, with its kaleidoscope of colored lanterns and maze-like passageways.

● Spice Bazaar was built in 1664; it is the city’s largest bazaar, selling everything from spices to caviar to dried fruits to Turkish delicacies and much more.

CLOTHS IN ISTANBUL

You’ve probably heard that ladies, in particular, should cover up completely when visiting Istanbul. However, it must be clarified that this is not entirely accurate. Yes, about 95% of Turks are Muslims, yet they are not very conservative. When attending a place of worship, however, you must cover your shoulders and legs. Although, summer dresses, tank tops, jeans, skirts, and shorts are all acceptable attire in Turkey. So, don’t miss this useful Istanbul travel tip while planning your trip.

FOOD TIPS IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul’s streets are lined with kebab stands, quiet eateries, tea cafes, and coffee shops. There are so many tastes, spices, and ingredients in Turkish cooking that it deserves its own blog article. Keep in mind that “Try Everything” is a good rule to follow. In Turkey, food is not costly; even a decent lunch in a fine restaurant in Istanbul will not set you back a fortune. Also, don’t miss traditional food in Istanbul.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

Traveling to Turkey or anyplace else in Europe with valid travel insurance coverage is always a smart idea. Although Istanbul is a fairly secure city to visit, mishaps or theft may easily derail your trip if you don’t have travel insurance to cover your losses. Therefore, it is highly recommended to buy travel insurance for any trip abroad.

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