Planning on going to the charming cosmopolitan city of Istanbul?
Istanbul is a large and bustling city that is a well-known tourist destination but, to fully enjoy Istanbul some beforehand preparation is required.
Here are some tips to know before traveling to Istanbul!
Learn some Turkish Phrases
A lot of people might think that since Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world by people around the globe, the locals might speak basic English but that is not the case.
Most of the people in Istanbul would not even understand simple English words. So it is highly suggested to learn a few basic Turkish words and phrases to make your trip a whole lot easier.
Especially if you are traveling with family because while traveling with family you try your best to see to the needs of every member and knowing how to communicate will make that job easier.
There is also a high chance of you getting ripped off by cab drivers if they know you cannot speak any Turkish. Save yourself from all these hassles and learn some basic Turkish. You can use helpful apps and sites like Duolingo and Babbel to learn important Turkish phrases that will get you by.
Explore More than just the Old Town Area
Istanbul is much more than just the Sultan Ahmet area. It is understandable to explore it since many historical landmarks are there and it is one of the safest places to stay as a tourist but, it is wrong not to go beyond.
Istanbul has a modern and historical aspect to it and you cannot claim to have experienced Istanbul in its full glory if you have not explored both.
Make sure to include the other beautiful areas of Istanbul while making your itinerary.
Istiklal Avenue
Located in the heart of Beyoglu district, Istiklal Avenue is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and bustling streets. Lined with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries, Istiklal Avenue is a paradise for shoppers and food enthusiasts. It’s also home to cultural landmarks such as the iconic Galata Tower and the historic Pera Palace Hotel. The street starts from Taksim Square and ends at Galata Tower.
As it is a busy street it’s advised to keep an eye on your belongings and don’t go there late at night alone other than that it’s safe and the perfect place to explore.
Karakoy
Karakoy is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul and has transformed from being a port filled with warehouses to the city’s trendiest and coolest area.
It has many chic cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. It is truly an aesthetic experience you shouldn’t miss!
You can just walk around the area leisurely drinking coffee and discovering new things at every corner.
Nisantasi
Nisantasi is a posh and luxurious neighborhood of Istanbul. As a tourist, you should experience this unique side of Istanbul too.
Here you will find all the high-end stores and posh elegant restaurants. The cafes around here are also a delight to just look at because of their gorgeous interiors but don’t worry the food is pretty awesome too.
Dress to impress while visiting this neighborhood and have fun shopping and eating luxuriously!
Kadikoy
Known as the cultural heart of the Asian side, Kadikoy is a lively neighborhood bursting with energy and creativity. It has cool cafes, unique jewelry and art shops, street markets, and a vibrant food scene.
Kadikoy also hosts cultural events, live music performances, and art exhibitions, making it a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. Teens love this area due to its young and chic vibe so if you have teen kids then definitely visit Kadikoy as they will love it!
Take Some Day Trips
If you are staying for a week in Istanbul then seize the opportunity and take some fun day trips!
The best day trips to take from Istanbul are:
- Prince’s Islands: The Princes’ Islands, known as Adalar in Turkish, are a group of nine small islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just off the coast of Istanbul. Among the nine islands, Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada are the most visited and developed.
- Troy: Located in the northwestern part of the city, Troy Park is a historical and cultural attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the legendary past of this ancient civilization.
- Bursa: is a historic city located in northwestern Turkey, just south of the Sea of Marmara. Bursa is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including Mount Uludağ.
- Kilyos: Kilyos is a coastal village located on the northern outskirts of Istanbul, Turkey. Kilyos is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.
What to Eat?
Want to eat all the traditional and popular food in Istanbul but don’t know what to eat and where? Then don’t worry we will help you out so, you guys can enjoy authentic Turkish food.
Manti
Manti is a traditional Turkish dish that consists of small dumplings filled with seasoned meat or sometimes cheese, typically served with yogurt and garlic, and often topped with a tomato-based sauce and melted butter.
Where to eat delicious manti?
- Cafe Privato: Located in the Beyoğlu district, Cafe Privato is known for its delicious homemade manti served with yogurt and garlic sauce.
- Ciya Sofrasi: This restaurant, located in the Kadıköy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, offers a variety of traditional Turkish dishes, including manti.
- Fıccın: Situated in the Beyoğlu district, Fıccın is famous for its manti, which is handmade and served with yogurt and a special tomato sauce.
Kebabs
Istanbul is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, and kebabs are certainly a highlight. From classic meat skewers to savory wraps, you’ll find a wide variety of kebabs throughout the city.
Where to eat delicious Kebabas?
- Şehzade Cağ Kebap: Located near the Grand Bazaar, Şehzade Cağ Kebap is known for its authentic Cağ Kebab, a specialty from the eastern region of Turkey, where meat is skewered and cooked over an open flame.
- Hamdi Restaurant: Located near the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, Hamdi Restaurant offers stunning views of the Golden Horn and serves a range of traditional Turkish dishes, including excellent kebabs.
- Beyti: Situated in the Florya district, Beyti is famous for its signature dish, the “Beyti Kebab,” which consists of seasoned minced meat wrapped in thin lavash bread and served with yogurt and tomato sauce.
Turkish Breakfast
The best we could give to you guys regarding breakfast in Istanbul is, that if you are staying in a hotel that includes breakfast then skip it to enjoy the full-on traditional Turkish breakfast at amazing restaurants that we are about to suggest!
Turkish breakfast is often enjoyed as a shared meal with friends or family. If you’re dining with others, you can order a mixed breakfast platter (karışık kahvaltı) to share, which typically includes a variety of cheeses, olives, jams, bread, and more.
Where to eat delicious Turkish Breakfast?
- Cafe Privato: is a charming cafe located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. It’s known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious Turkish breakfast spread. It is quite a famous restaurant in Istanbul and deserves all the hype.
- Van Kahvaltı Evi: is a popular breakfast spot in Istanbul, known for offering an authentic and hearty Turkish breakfast experience, particularly featuring specialties from the eastern region of Turkey
- Mivan Restaurant & Cafe: this is one of the best spots for an amazing Turkish Breakfast. They also serve grilled kebabs and mouth-watering casseroles.
Desserts
Everyone knows about the delicious Turkish delights and baklava but the main question is where to eat the best and authentic ones?
Where to eat and enjoy the delicious sweet treats?
- Karaköy Güllüoğlu: is a renowned baklava shop located in the Karaköy neighborhood of Istanbul. It is part of the Güllüoğlu baklava chain, which is famous for its high-quality baklava and other Turkish sweets including Turkish delights.
- Hafız Mustafa: is a renowned chain of dessert shops in Istanbul, known for its wide selection of Turkish sweets, pastries, and confections
TIPPING CULTURE: It’s customary to leave a tip at restaurants, typically around 5-10% of the total bill. If a service charge is already included in the bill, additional tipping may not be necessary, but you can still leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service.
In cafes, especially those that are more casual or where you order at the counter, tipping is less common. However, if you receive table service or if the staff goes out of their way to accommodate you, leaving a small tip (usually rounding up the bill or leaving loose change) is appreciated.
How to Dress to Fit in?
There is no specific dress code in Istanbul you can wear whatever you want. However, if you plan on going to any religious sites then dress modestly, or else you will have to wear wraps and scarves that are provided at the entrance.
So save yourself from trouble and wear clothes that cover your shoulders and your knees. This goes for both men and women. Women are also required to cover their heads with scarves to respect Islamic traditions.
Enjoy the Asian Side
The Asian side of Istanbul, particularly neighborhoods like Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and Moda, offers an authentic vibe compared to the bustling tourist areas on the European side. You’ll find charming streets, lively markets, and local cafes where you can immerse yourself in Turkish culture and daily life.
Kadikoy
You can reach Kadıköy from the European side by ferry, which is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel between the two continents.
Kadıköy is known for its vibrant markets, including the Kadıköy Market (Kadıköy Pazarı) and the Kadıköy Fish Market (Kadıköy Balık Pazarı).
Enjoy the food by sampling local specialties like lahmacun (Turkish pizza), köfte (meatballs), and baklava. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a traditional teahouse.
The shops in Kadikoy are also very unique and you can buy beautiful souvenirs.
Üsküdar
You can reach Uskudar from the European side by ferry across the Bosphorus. Ferries depart from various ports along the European side, including Eminönü, Karaköy, and Beşiktaş, and arrive at Üsküdar’s ferry terminal.
Start your exploration of Üsküdar by strolling along the waterfront promenade, which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus and the historic Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi).
For breathtaking views of Istanbul, head to Çamlıca Hill. You can either hike up the hill or take a taxi or bus
Uskudar has several parks where you can just chill and take in the beauty.
Moda
You can reach Moda from the European side by taking a ferry. Ferries depart from several ports along the European side, including Eminönü, Karaköy, and Beşiktaş, and arrive at Kadıköy ferry terminal. From Kadıköy, you can easily walk or take a short taxi or bus ride to Moda.
One of the highlights of Moda is its waterfront promenade, which stretches along the Marmara Sea. The Moda Coastal Park (Moda Sahili) is a popular spot for leisurely walks, jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing on benches. You can also enjoy views of the sea and the Princess Islands (Adalar).
Explore the neighborhood’s narrow streets to discover hidden gems and support local artisans and designers. The Moda Tramway (Moda Tramvayı) is a nostalgic tram that runs along Moda’s main street, providing a charming mode of transportation and adding to the neighborhood’s nostalgic appeal.
Overall, you simply cannot fully appreciate the beauty of Istanbul if you have not been to the Asian side. One thing we know for a fact is that people who go to Istanbul often love to spend more days on the Asian side because of its relaxed and chill vibe.
We hope that you will read our little guide before heading to Istanbul because these tips will make your trip a thousand times better.
If you have any questions regarding traveling to Istanbul let us know in the comment section below and our experts will try their best to answer.
Also, if you have some tips of your own don’t gatekeep them and share them with us and many other enthusiastic travelers!