It can be said that Istanbul is the city that receives the most tourists in Turkey. And Istanbul is one of the most well-known cities in the world, with its historical importance and the abundance of social opportunities. But it has a population of over twenty million. To say that its area is not very large, the population is very dense. For this reason, there are points where tourists and sometimes even locals find it difficult to visit Istanbul. Considering the presence of traffic problems, transportation can sometimes be challenging. But Istanbul is trying to find solutions to all these problems, or we can say that the city has already brought solutions. This article will tell you valuable tips about Istanbul that will make your Istanbul trip easier. You can also look at our Istanbul trip plans from the link to have well planned Istanbul experience.
Where to stay in İstanbul?
Suppose you are a tourist in Istanbul. You definitely need to choose your accommodation well. If you stay in the wrong place, you may stay far away from the places you want to visit and see. And this will cause your whole vacation may be interrupted. First, Istanbul is a city consisting of two sides. The Bosphorus divides the city into two parts European and Asian sides. And we can say that both are like two separate cities. They have two unique vibes. But there are sensible neighborhoods to stay in both cities.
If you are staying on the European side, it would be logical to stay in the Beşiktaş district because crossing the opposite shore is effortless from here. You can easily reach all other districts. Even if you are staying on the Anatolian side, we recommend Kadıköy. It is possible to say that these two districts are Istanbul’s two most popular districts. They are close to historical places and offer the chance to sit in as many bars and cafes. We recommend you choose one of these two districts to stay in terms of transportation and entertainment.
Where to eat in İstanbul?
Istanbul has a very rich range in terms of food culture. Istanbul is actually the city where people from many cities in Turkey reside. For this reason, it is possible to reach Turkish cuisine dishes from every region in Istanbul. In addition, since Istanbul is an international city, you can also find dishes from world cuisines. In other words, it is possible to see every dish you are looking for in Istanbul. However, we would like to make suggestions so that you can choose between these options more easily.
First of all, eating fish and bread in Eminönü, a culture belonging to Istanbul, is definitely an option you should add to your list. Hamburgers around Beşiktaş are also among the flavor stops you should add to your list in Istanbul. You can choose homemade hamburgers here. Our recommendation to you will be Zula. We recommend adding the boza, mainly made and consumed in the Vefa region, to your list. You can also look at our Istanbul on a budget guide to check more locations to eat in Istanbul.
Where to go in İstanbul?
As we have mentioned before, Istanbul is a significant city in history. Istanbul is a city that was the capital of two great empires. It is also an important center for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. For this reason, history lovers may feel like they are in heaven. That’s why there are so many places you can go.
First, you should add Hagia Sophia to your list. One of Istanbul’s most iconic and valuable monuments, Hagia Sophia, is a must-see for its timeless architecture and historical significance. It has a charming atmosphere. Apart from that, Sultan Ahmet Square is also a very important and beautiful center in history. The Grand Bazaar is also of historical importance for Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is the world’s biggest covered bazaar and one of the oldest, located in the heart of Istanbul. You can shop there. Istanbul has two towers, the Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower. One of Istanbul’s most appealing activities is visiting the Galata Tower and taking photographs while observing Istanbul from a 360-degree angle. Galata Tower is a must-see for views of the Historic Peninsula’s seven hills and a bird’s-eye view of the Beyoglu area and the Bosphorus. As a symbol of Istanbul, the Maiden’s Tower is particularly significant. The Maiden’s Tower was constructed in BC, and it is estimated that it took 341 years to complete. The magnificent tower stands in the middle of the water. There are also beautiful places around these two towers. You can add the places we have mentioned to your see list.
Where to get İstanbul Kart?
If you are from Istanbul, you are familiar with the Istanbul Card. But if you are not, you need to learn what the Istanbul Card is. Because if you want to travel to Istanbul and are a tourist, you need public transportation. If you want to avoid traffic and see many places in Istanbul, we recommend using public transport. You also need Istanbul Card for public transportation. So, do you know how you can get it? You can get an Istanbul Card from the markets around the metro. There are also vending machines next to the metro. You can also obtain Istanbul Card through vending machines.
Where to shop in İstanbul?
Istanbul is also a must-see place for fashion. You can easily find the brand you want in Istanbul. And for that, there are certain places you need to go. Zorlu Center is one of the best-known shopping centers in Istanbul. You can find any kind of store you want in Zorlu Center. You can also find traditional things from Turkey in the Grand Bazaar, the historical shopping center of Istanbul. You can also shop for clothes here.
Where to buy Istanbul Museum Pass?
As we mentioned, Istanbul is a historical city. There are also many museums inside. It would be unreasonable to give money to each of them separately. For this reason, we recommend the Istanbul Museum Pass. The price is 550 lira. Thanks to the Istanbul Museum Pass, you can visit 13 museums for 5 days to go on a historical journey. So where can you get the Istanbul Museum Pass? There are many places where you can get it. Offices under the Ministry of Tourism are an option for this. Apart from that, it is possible to say that it is sold in most museums or historical places. For example, you can obtain Istanbul Museum Pass from places such as Galata Tower and square, Istanbul Archeology Museum, Rumeli Fortress, Topkapi Palace Museum, and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
