Now that I’ve convinced you to visit Turkey and Istanbul, the below information will come in handy as plan your travel and pack your bags.
When to go?
Unlike India that only has 3 seasons (hot, hotter and hottest), Istanbul has 3 distinct seasons (cool, cold and warm). From a climate point of view, April, May, September and October are the best suitable for Indian’s to India travel. To escape their frigid winters, Europeans descend in Turkey during April and May making it the peak travel season. If you traveling as a family with children, puja holidays are an ideal time to travel. From an air fare and accommodation perspective it is cheaper, and the weather is crisp and cool.
For more information on weather, visit: https://weatherspark.com/y/95434/Average-Weather-in-%C4%B0stanbul-Turkey-Year-Round
Where to stay?
Sultanahmet on the Asian side of Istanbul is a great place to stay. Why?
1. Closer to monuments, markets, hamams and museums - Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Mosque, Eminonu, Grand Bazar and Arasat markets, Archeological, Mosaic and Carpet Museums are all walking distances
2. Direct connectivity from and to Istanbul airport – Havas bus service from and to Istanbul airport arrives at Sultanahmet
3. Myriad food options – Cemberlitas area has amazing food options and joints including the famous Hafiz Mustafa store to pick up Turkish Delights
4. Metro rail access – T1 metro rail meanders through Sultanahmet area and it can get you from the Asian side to the European side (in 10 mins)
5. Multiple stay options – From hostels for solo travelers, luxurious hotels for superrich to afforable AirBnBs for family travelers are available in this area
6. Tourism office – The Tourism office is also situation here and are very helpful in answering your queries and guiding you with the best recommendations
Where to change currency?
While many of the shops and restaurants accepts card, you will still need currency to get to the city and travel within the city.
- Don’t change currency at the airport as they pay you 10-15% less than what you can change in the city.
- You can change 18 TL/person to get to the city and exchange rest with money changers in Cemberlitas area.
Why do taxi drivers across the world behave the same way when it comes to fleecing customers and taking them for a ride. Remember, Uber is not widely available and popular in Istanbul. While a taxi may cost anywhere from 200-300 TL (approx. INR 2,600 to 3,900), Havas bus takes you to the city at 1/10 price for 18 TL.
- As you exit the arrival terminal watch out for bus sign. Go two levels down and got to bay number 18 for Sultanahmet.
- Next to the bays you have a counter to purchase “Istanbulkart” that can be topped and used to travel between busses, ferries, funicular and metro in Istanbul.
- Moreover, transfers are free within 2 hours of swipe and upto 5 people can use the same card.
How to travel within the city?
Public transportation in Istanbul is fantastic. Depending on the area you’re visiting, you can choose between busses, funicular, ferries and metro. The Asian and European sides are well connected by busses, ferries and metro. Of course, taxis are available but are expensive. Currently, the metro line is being extended to denser parts of the city like Balat, etc.
- You can use “Istanbulkart” and top it off at vending machines available at major stations and transit points. Never buy these cards or top it off with local vendors.
- You also have hop-off hop-on tour buses to take you to all important tourist places for a fee
People in Turkey are extremely friendly and helpful. In the age of artificial intelligence, they profile you based on your color and appearance and use appropriate language to get your attention and wallet share.
- The merchants are ingenious marketers. For example, I was asked if I were from India or Pakistan and the moment, I said India they mentioned Aamir Khan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Taj Mahal and also used some Hindi words to get my attention.
- Outside every restaurant there is a person asking you if you are hungry and if you’ve taken your meal and handing you their menu card to look at.
- Also, shop owners in markets are willing to negotiate and get you to spend. They will throw in a freebie to satisfy you haggling gene and get you to spend.
- They will offer you treats and teas and will not be offended if you leave their story without buying.
- You must experience the trick at the ice-cream stall. View this video
How about Wifi?
You will need a working phone number to use public wifi at the airports across Turkey. While restaurants and café have free-Wi-Fi, it is very helpful to have your own wifi (data card) to post your clicks on Insta and find your way back when you are lost.
I ordered 4G service through https://alldaywifi.com/ and had them deliver it at the airport and dropped it off at my last Airbnb. They give you a power bank and backup data card in case of malfunction. This works out cheaper for two people, if you are a solo you can activate your international service through your providers.
Best time to visit monuments
Monuments like Mosques, Churches and Museums are all open at 9 am. Some of them are closed one-day in a week and closed to public during worship time. Google ites your trusted friend for opening and closing time.
- Blue Mosque opens at 8.30 am and you can start your day there and move on to Hagia Sophia and then to Topkapi palace and finish with Basilica Cistern.
Should you buy Museum pass or not?
While single entry to some monuments may cost 50-60 TL, a museum pass at 220 TL gives you multiple entries across many monuments for 3 days. You will need to do your homework in identifying places of interest to you and exclusions to get maximum return on investment.
For more information, visit: https://www.touristcitypass.com/istanbul/
While the entry to Blue Mosque is free, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Carpet Museum, Mosaic Museum are covered under the Istanbul Museum Pass. Istanbul archeological Museum and Dolmabahçe Palace are not covered in the museum pass.
What to eat?
Turkey is a gastronomical paradise. You get the best of east and west. The food is mild and prepared spicy based on request. Here is a suggested list for you to explore.
1. Breakfast: Simit (Turkish bread coated with Sesame seeds), Kahvalti (Turkish breakfast)
2. Hot drinks: Apple and pomegranate tea, Cay and Kahve (Turkish tea and coffee)
3. Fresh juices: Orange and pomegranate
4. Fruits wines: grape, blackberry, pomegranate, etc.
5. Cheese: More than 180 varieties are there and 8 of them are GI tagged
6. Nuts: Badam, pista, chestnut, hazelnut, cashews,
7. Fruits: Apple, fig, peach, cherry, nectarine, mandarin, pear, grapes (depending on the season)
8. Lunch/Dinner: Lentil Corba, Mediterranean salad, Shawarma, Sea food,
9. Quick eats: Gozleme (flatbread with cheese, spinach, etc.), Yogurt
10. Deserts: Dondurma (ice-cream), Turkish delight, baklava, Kunefe, etc.
Where to eat and shop?
Where to eat, what to eat and shop are based on personal likes, preferences, and health of your wallet. If you are frugal and health conscious, you will not need 100 TL/person for all three meals.
1. Wikipedia is banned in Turkey and you will not be able to access it
2. Taxis are a rip off
3. Grand Bazar, Egyptian Market, Arasta Bazar
4. Hop off Hop on service
5. Guides (go with audio guide for monuments)
6. Money changers at airport
7. Dinner and belly dance cruise
Best and cheap ways to experience Istanbul
1. Take Hava bus to IST and Sabiah Gocken Airport (domestic flights)
2. Walk or take local transportation for sightseeing (Istanbulkart)
3. Go on ferries to explore Bosporus, European side and princess islands
4. Make your breakfast in the room
5. Shop and eat in local market (Eminonu)
6. Use museum passes only if you are museum person
7. Best Whirling Dervishes (70 TL - https://istanbultourstudio.com/things-to-do/galata-mevlevi-house)
You will need a working phone number to use public wifi at the airports across Turkey. While restaurants and café have free-Wi-Fi, it is very helpful to have your own wifi (data card) to post your clicks on Insta and find your way back when you are lost.
I ordered 4G service through https://alldaywifi.com/ and had them deliver it at the airport and dropped it off at my last Airbnb. They give you a power bank and backup data card in case of malfunction. This works out cheaper for two people, if you are a solo you can activate your international service through your providers.
Best time to visit monuments
Monuments like Mosques, Churches and Museums are all open at 9 am. Some of them are closed one-day in a week and closed to public during worship time. Google ites your trusted friend for opening and closing time.
- Blue Mosque opens at 8.30 am and you can start your day there and move on to Hagia Sophia and then to Topkapi palace and finish with Basilica Cistern.
Should you buy Museum pass or not?
While single entry to some monuments may cost 50-60 TL, a museum pass at 220 TL gives you multiple entries across many monuments for 3 days. You will need to do your homework in identifying places of interest to you and exclusions to get maximum return on investment.
For more information, visit: https://www.touristcitypass.com/istanbul/
While the entry to Blue Mosque is free, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Carpet Museum, Mosaic Museum are covered under the Istanbul Museum Pass. Istanbul archeological Museum and Dolmabahçe Palace are not covered in the museum pass.
What to eat?
Turkey is a gastronomical paradise. You get the best of east and west. The food is mild and prepared spicy based on request. Here is a suggested list for you to explore.
1. Breakfast: Simit (Turkish bread coated with Sesame seeds), Kahvalti (Turkish breakfast)
2. Hot drinks: Apple and pomegranate tea, Cay and Kahve (Turkish tea and coffee)
3. Fresh juices: Orange and pomegranate
4. Fruits wines: grape, blackberry, pomegranate, etc.
5. Cheese: More than 180 varieties are there and 8 of them are GI tagged
6. Nuts: Badam, pista, chestnut, hazelnut, cashews,
7. Fruits: Apple, fig, peach, cherry, nectarine, mandarin, pear, grapes (depending on the season)
8. Lunch/Dinner: Lentil Corba, Mediterranean salad, Shawarma, Sea food,
9. Quick eats: Gozleme (flatbread with cheese, spinach, etc.), Yogurt
10. Deserts: Dondurma (ice-cream), Turkish delight, baklava, Kunefe, etc.
Where to eat and shop?
Where to eat, what to eat and shop are based on personal likes, preferences, and health of your wallet. If you are frugal and health conscious, you will not need 100 TL/person for all three meals.
- Eminonu Market is where the local shops. It is a great place to shop for spices, nuts, fruits, Turkish delights, eat local food and pick souvenirs. You can haggle here and pick up stuff at 50% cost compared to other places.
- Avoid Egyptian, Grand and Arasta Bazaar are where the tourists go and pay double the price for the same product.
- The Cemberlitas in Sultanahmet has both fancy and affordable restaurants and is walkable from the monuments.
- Balat area is similar to St. Germain in Paris and has fancy and artistic cafes and a cup of cappuccino cost 30 TL (INR 400). It is worth visiting this area to see the colorful building, artistic ghettos and grab a coffee for the sake of experience.
- If you are into partying, then Taksim square is the place for you. It is Le Marias of Istanbul and has numerous clubs that buzzes with activity till the wee hours.
1. Wikipedia is banned in Turkey and you will not be able to access it
2. Taxis are a rip off
3. Grand Bazar, Egyptian Market, Arasta Bazar
4. Hop off Hop on service
5. Guides (go with audio guide for monuments)
6. Money changers at airport
7. Dinner and belly dance cruise
Best and cheap ways to experience Istanbul
1. Take Hava bus to IST and Sabiah Gocken Airport (domestic flights)
2. Walk or take local transportation for sightseeing (Istanbulkart)
3. Go on ferries to explore Bosporus, European side and princess islands
4. Make your breakfast in the room
5. Shop and eat in local market (Eminonu)
6. Use museum passes only if you are museum person
7. Best Whirling Dervishes (70 TL - https://istanbultourstudio.com/things-to-do/galata-mevlevi-house)
Itinerary for Istanbul and Turkey is available in my previous blog. Here are some pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/
See you at my next destination.
Wonderful tips and a terrific Turkey travelogue. Thanks much sir!!!
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