Istanbul is a fascinating city that connects two continents full of history, natural beauties, modern architecture, myriad kinds of people, and the never-sleeping nightlife. For centuries, the city has played a crucial role for every nation and kingdom. Many wars and agreements were made for the sake of the city. Due to the diverse population of Istanbul, there are many options to explore the city on every budget and preference.
Here is our guide for you to explore Istanbul on a budget!
Food & Drinks
Turkey has an extensively diverse food culture. Due to Istanbul being the most populous city in the country, you can find every type of taste from the country in there. Thousands of restaurants, cafes, and diners exist in the city. The diversity makes options for everyone to eat and drink, so it is hard to stay hungry in Istanbul 🙂
Istanbul has delicious street food and local restaurants all over the city. Street foods generally consist of stuffed mussels, kokorec, doner, Turkish bagel, grilled fish sandwiches, milk corn, bulgur meatball, jacket potato, and so on… You can feed yourself even do not need to sit in a restaurant. Also, the local restaurants serve delicious homemade dishes at a very low price. Generally, artisans prefer these restaurants, so they are also called “artisan restaurants”.
Here are the famous foods on a budget in Istanbul and where you can find them!
1- Fish Sandwich
These sandwiches are made with a hint of raw onion, green herbs, and grilled fish and are trendy between visitors and locals. The best location to taste these sandwiches is definitely Eminonu! Restaurants usually fish right before serving the food.
2-Jacket Potato (kumpir)
A jacket or baked potato is one of the most satisfying foods in the city. This is a baked potato full of ingredients you choose, and it is prepared very quickly. Ortakoy is a famous spot for its various kumpir shops near the sea and Ortakoy Mosque.
3-Bulgur Meatballs
This is a perfect food option, especially for vegetarians and vegans. It basically consists of bulgur, many spices, lettuce, and sour pomegranate molasses. The original version of the food has meat in it, but it turns into fast food in the country, and there is no meat in general versions. You can not believe how many shops sell bulgur meatballs in the city. You can find it on nearly every street in Istanbul.
4-Chicken Doner Wrap
This famous street food carries a significant protein. This dish will satisfy those who are hungry quickly. It is basically a wrapped chicken doner with sauce. Turkish people usually eat it with ayran, and we strongly recommend you to eat it the same way. Like bulgur meatballs, you can not wander the city without finding a chicken doner wrap restaurant on every street.
5-Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Lahmacun can be evaluated as a different type of Italian pizza with a crunchy texture. It consists of ground beef on the top, and Turkish people eat it with chopped onions, tomatoes, and parsley. It is also prepared very quickly. Lahmacun is another example of the food you can find on every street.
Accommodation
Istanbul is a very crowded place and popular among tourists. There are lots of options to stay in Istanbul on a budget.
Consider Balat and Galata if you wish to stay somewhere more traditional and local. Staying in the neighborhood’s unique and cultural apartments is also a great experience. Galata is a more charming option among the others because it is near Istiklal Street, probably the most known street in the city. The nightlife in Galata also may attract your attention.
Staying in the Asia side of the city will make you save more money. The European side is relatively more expensive. Kadikoy is a perfect place to accommodate, get around, eat, or drink. Usually, college students prefer the Kadikoy to hang out, so the prices are budget-friendly. Also, if you stay in Kadikoy, you will spend less money on transportation because there are myriad activities and places to visit in Kadikoy. You even wander in Kadikoy on foot.
The average cost of a night in a budget hotel is between 30 and 50 dollars. These hotels provide the essentials, such as a private toilet, TV, and Wi-Fi, but breakfast is usually not provided. For mid-range budgets, 3-star hotels will be the best option.
Transportation
If you don’t plan your trip carefully, transportation can be one of the most expensive aspects of your budget. Istanbul has different options for transportation. You can use metro or train lines, buses, boats, and trams that help you get around the city easily.
The first and most important step you should take is getting an Istanbul Welcome Card! There are 3 types of card called Premium Card for 59 EUR, Deluxe Card for 85 EURand Istanbul VIP Combo Tour Card for 44 EUR. The cards include different numbers of free tours, entries, and transportation use. Following your purchase, the card will be delivered (for free) to your hotel and will be available to use when you arrive. The detailed offering is:
- Fast Track Entry to 9 Museums including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Harem, etc.
- Choosing 3 tours by a Historian guide
- Public Transportation rides (Istanbulkart)
- Bosphorus Cruise with the audio guide
- Digital Guide Book and map.
Due to a well-planned transportation system and the Istanbul Welcome Card, there is no need to use cars or cabs in the city. If you consider the cabs for the transportation, it will be challenging for your budget and the time because of the heavy traffic in the city.
Bonus!
Boats are a better way to go from one side of Istanbul to another than using bridges. You will be amazed by the glorious view of Istanbul when you are in the middle of the Marmara Sea. Don’t be surprised when you see the Maiden’s Tower in the middle of the sea and domestic seagulls that want pieces of your Turkish bagels 🙂
Cultural Activities
1-Enjoy the benefits of popular museums’ free entry days
You can visit several of Istanbul’s most popular museums on free admission days without paying any money. Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Sakip Sabanci Fine Art Museum, and Pera Museum are some of the excellent locations that have free entry days.
2-Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most famous and precious structures, is a must-see for its architecture that stands the test of time and its historical significance. The mosque’s mosaics are still being scrupulously restored today. You should definitely visit Hagia Sophia, which is open to people of all faiths. You also won’t have to pay an admission charge.
3-The Bloody Church of Maria Palaiologos
The Bloody Church, also known as the Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, is the only domed church that was not transformed into a mosque following the invasion of Istanbul. Princess Sopatra, daughter of Byzantine emperor Maurikios, and her friend Eustolia founded the church as a monastery atop Istanbul’s fifth hill in the early seventh century. After the death of her husband, Abak Khan, the Mongol Ilkhanid ruler, Emperor VIII. Maria Despina Palaiologina, the illegitimate daughter of Mihail and the wife of Abak Khan, the Mongol Ilkhanid ruler, returned to Istanbul and had the Bloody Church erected as it is now.
4-Galata Tower
Visiting the Galata Tower and capturing photos while viewing Istanbul from a 360-degree perspective remains one of Istanbul’s most attractive things to do. Galata Tower, which offers views of the Historic Peninsula’s seven hills and a bird’s-eye perspective of the Beyoglu neighborhood and the Bosphorus, is a must-see. You can snap beautiful shots if you walk up to the Tower when the sun isn’t too bright.
In addition, the Kuledibi Square has become more alive in recent years due to the fantastic cafes that have developed. One of the must-do things in Istanbul is to walk around the Galata Tower and explore the side streets.
5-Visiting Byzantine Buildings
Constantinople (the old name of Istanbul) remained the capital of Eastern Rome (Byzantine in modern history) until 1453, after the Roman Empire was divided. The city, which has been rising with Roman construction for over 1000 years, has rich historical treasures. Although most Byzantine antiquities were destroyed during the Latin Invasion of 1204, important historical monuments such as Hagia Sophia Mosque, Kariye Mosque, Fethiye Mosque, and Zeyrek Mosque may still be seen. It is possible to visit Byzantine structures and snap beautiful photographs in Istanbul neighborhoods like Sultanahmet or Balat.
6-Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)
The Maiden’s Tower is one of Turkey’s most important historical structures, drawing millions of local and foreign tourists each year. The Maiden’s Tower is particularly significant as a symbol of Istanbul. The Maiden’s Tower was built in BC, despite the lack of definite evidence. It is thought to have taken 341 years to construct. The amazing tower is located in the middle of the sea.
In the Byzantine Period, Maiden’s Tower, which was previously known as Damalis and Leandros, was also known as Arcla, which meant “little castle.” Damalis was claimed to be the name of the king of Athens’ wife, Kharis, and after he died, he was buried on the shores of the Maiden’s Tower. Maiden’s Tower, which was repaired and rebuilt several times during the year, served various purposes, including tax collection from commercial ships, defense, lighthouse, quarantine hospital during the 1830 cholera epidemic, and a radio station.
7-Istanbul Biennial
In brief, the Istanbul Biennial is a contemporary art exhibition hosted by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts every two years. Until 1987, the Istanbul Biennial was known as a series of plastic art exhibitions conducted as part of the International Istanbul Festival. It has since been renamed Biennial. The Istanbul Biennial, which began as a way for artists and art audiences from all cultures to interact and re-evaluate the city’s place in the changing world, was staged in historic venues until it was presented for the ninth time.
The Istanbul Biennial, which is considered one of the most prestigious biennials today, brings together and presents new trends in contemporary art to the public. Furthermore, the biennial contributes significantly to developing an international cultural network between domestic and international art circles, artists, curators, and critics. Many events, like exhibitions, panels with simultaneous translation, conferences, and workshops, are brought together with people within the biennial framework.
Fun-to-do Activities
1-Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
For many years, it has been a cultural center that has hosted concerts, theatrical plays, and any other type of artistic performance you can think of. The center was constructed by the zoning plan established for Istanbul in the 1930s by urban planning expert Henri Prost. The Harbiye Open Air Stage, which is run by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theaters, is well-known throughout the country for its annual summer concerts.
2-Zipline in The Bosphorus
Enjoying the zipline overlooking the Bosphorus is an attractive Istanbul activity for adrenaline lovers. The zipline is only open during fine weather and starts at noon. In this event, where you will pay 70 TL per person, if you want to record and immortalize the moments of your gliding in the sky, you have to pay an extra 30 TL for camera rent. The zipline is in the Nakkastepe National Park.
3-SKYVIEW and SKYWALK
Consisting of two floors, one open-air and the other covered with glass, SKY VIEW offers an uninterrupted 360-degree view from the Galata Bridge to the Golden Horn, from the Islands to the Bosphorus. It is an extraordinary experience for everyone to SKYWALK by walking on the 30-meter balcony on the open-air floor and to feel Istanbul literally under your feet.
4-Bicycle Tour in Princes’ Islands
Our indispensable destination, which makes us feel like we are not in Istanbul, is Princes` Island. You can reach the island daily by ferry or motorboat departing from Kadıköy, Bostancı, Eminönü, or Beşiktaş. After you arrive, you can start your tour by buying ice cream from Prinkipo, get on the phaeton through the bazaar or you can rent a bicycle and set off on the Little Tour route. It is possible to feel as if you are teleported to the past while passing in front of the magnificent houses of the island.
5-The Traditional Turkish Bath
The most beautiful Turkish Bath, which has been overhauled and brought to tourism in decades, stands out as the Haseki HĂĽrrem Sultan Bath adjacent to Hagia Sophia. This bath, adjacent to Sultanahmet Park, was built by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. Going to the historical Turkish bath is among the fun things to do in Istanbul for foreign tourists. If you are a little interested in history and architecture, you can try to enjoy this traditional atmosphere.
Nightlife in Istanbul
Istanbul is the city that never sleeps and perfect location for those who love to party hard. The city appeals to everyone with the diverse options to have fun. Wine houses, electro clubs, pubs, and the bars! There are some places with enormously high prices but Istanbul has perfectly budget-friendly places to spend time.
The clubs near the Bosphorus are the most known but expensive ones in a predictable way. If you dig into the city’s streets, you will find good quality bars there. The locals in Istanbul love having fun and drinking.
Arka Oda / Kadikoy
With concerts, DJ sets, festivals, parties with changing concepts, different themed events in its garden and constantly changing formations, it continues to support artists.
Over the years, Arkaoda has hosted a number of notable musicians, DJs, and artists. As a result, we can claim that those who enjoy modern, new era alternative, electronic, ambient, experimental, and dance music prefer the Arkaoda. It also contributes significantly through the cultural and artistic activities it conducts in collaboration with prominent institutions and sponsors.
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub / Taksim
Fun bar serving Irish draft beers, rugby and other live matches on TV, and Irish folk music. Located near Tarlabaşı Boulevard in Taksim and offering a warm atmosphere accompanied by Irish folk music and special Green Beer, U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is one of the most popular pubs in Istanbul. Note that they closed on Mondays.
Safa Meyhanesi / Fatih
Safa Meyhanesi is a site that dates back to the Ottoman Empire’s later years. The pub, which opened in 1895, still evokes memories of previous eras. The tavern, with its red brick walls, old-fashioned drapes, and flashy door, quickly captures the attention of history and architecture buffs.
You can taste the centuries-old appetizers of Armenian cuisine and enjoy the atmosphere accompanied by Turkish music in this place where you will experience the nostalgia of Istanbul to the fullest.
Safa Meyhanesi is located in Yedikule Neighborhood, within the boundaries of the Historic Peninsula.
Jungle 8
Designed with the theme of the wild forest, Jungle 8 serves with its line-up of famous DJs. Jungle 8, where a world-famous DJ will perform every month, is already a favorite of entertainment lovers in Istanbul. It draws attention with its different concept and the fact that it is behind a very experienced business team in nightlife.
