Must Know Tips for First Time Istanbul Visitors

Are you making a first-time visit to Istanbul? What an exciting time! We have invested enough time in Istanbul to have collected enough information to supply you with all the information you'll need to prepare for your trip to Istanbul. So in this article, we have gathered all the necessary information you need to know.

Before we begin, let’s talk about the first and the most comprehensive tourist card in Istanbul: Istanbul Tourist Pass®. By 2023, Istanbul Tourist Pass® includes 100+ amazing attractions, museums, and experiences in this magnificent city. So, especially if it is your first time in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to save time&money, buy your pass today! You can start using your pass right after you purchase and begin discovering.

Visiting the Best Places in Istanbul

The places to see, the streets to stroll, and the history-filled spots in Istanbul entice visitors, proving the adage "life ends, but Istanbul does not." Istanbul, one of the most well-known cities in the world for its scenic scenery and vibrant history, has a number of historically significant buildings and locations. The Hagia Sophia, as well as several of the museums, the Topkapi Palace, and the Galata Tower, are among the first places you can go.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul has over 4,000 hotels, hostels, guest houses, and apartments. There is plenty for anyone of every budget and appetite, ranging from low-cost hotels to extremely high-priced luxury accommodations. Finding the best place for your needs and budget would almost certainly necessitate professional assistance.

The Istanbul Tourist Pass® will assist you in choosing where to stay and making reservations for a luxurious room or a budget hotel in Istanbul. You can also find low-cost Istanbul vacation packages that include flights and hotels with Istanbul Tourist Pass® Exclusive Travel Sevices. Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, and Taksim are all worth visiting and staying in. They're all within walking distance of bars, street food, and historical sites in Istanbul, and they're among the city's safest neighborhoods.

Best food places in Istanbul

Istanbul, as one of the world's most visited cities, is prepared to offer a wide range of gastronomic delights to its visitors. In Istanbul, there are thousands of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Prices vary, but it would be a mistake to assume that all restaurants in Istanbul's tourist areas purposefully overestimate the cost of food. In the historical quarters, there are a plethora of cafes eager to welcome tourists with delicious and affordable meals. Kebabs are the most common dish in Turkey, and you should know that meat kebabs cost more than chicken kebabs. Don’t forget to taste delicious street food, here is a guide for you!

Transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul has a great public transportation network and you can easily use all public transportation vehicles with a single card. There is a special Unlimited Public Transportation Card for tourists called Istanbul City Card. Order on the Istanbul Tourist Pass® webpage and you’ll have your card delivered to your hotel in Istanbul upon your arrival.

You going to ride public transportation a lot if you’d love to see more of this amazing city. So with this unlimited card, you won’t have to think about fares and adding money. This card will encourage you to travel to Istanbul for less money. This card allows you to use all modes of public transit in Istanbul, including taxis, subways, and ferries… This card is not available for purchase for everyone, only authorized sellers like Istanbul Tourist Pass® This card can be used by many users, so if you're heading to Istanbul with your family or friends, you won't have any issues.

Single-ride tickets, which are sold in machines at transportation centers for 20 TL, are another choice. But this is definitely the most expensive choice. Check out here the prices of the Unlimited Public Transportation Card and decide for yourself.

What to Wear in Istanbul

Turkey is a modern and secular country. Istanbul is the cultural capital of Turkey and a modern and cosmopolitan city. You can wear whatever you wear in your own country or in any other European city depending on the weather. In summer you can wear shirts and sleeveless shirts in Istanbul. You only need to cover yourself if you visit an active mosque for respect. Don’t worry at the entrance of the mosques there are long skirts and scarves if you need to cover yourself. To check out the weather here is a great guide for you month by month.

Save Time and Money with Istanbul Tourist Pass®!

If you are a first-time visitor or visiting the amazing city of culture again, you definitely need the Istanbul Tourist Pass®! The Pass grants you access to more than 100 attractions, and it helps you save money while doing so! You can save up to 75% with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®. The Pass also helps you save a huge amount of time since you will not have to wait in ticket lines. Just show your pass on your phone, and you are good to go! There are many other advantages that come with the Pass waiting for you to explore!

FAQ

What you need to know before visiting Istanbul?

If it is your first time, plan your trip beforehand. Choose a hotel near the old town so you will be close to historical attractions and the city center. Pack your bags according to the weather.

What are the do's and don'ts in Istanbul?

Don’t try to do everything at once especially if you have only a couple of days. Do make a plan, and if you can buy an Istanbul Tourist Pass® so you don’t have to worry about entrance fees and long ticket lines.

How much cash should I bring to Istanbul?

You can spend €35-50 Euros a day for a relaxed day but if you have a card like Istanbul Tourist Pass® only €20-25 a day will be enough.

Can you hold hands in Istanbul?

Yes, you can hold hands in Istanbul if you are a straight couple but for same-sex couples, it is better to be more discreet, unfortunately.

What is not allowed in Turkey?

Turkey is not so different than other European countries.

 

What can you not wear in Turkey?

There are no rules about that but it is better to not wear bikinis in the city center! To be exact, if you travel to Istanbul, wear as you’d like.

 

Can tourists wear shorts in Turkey?

Yes, not only tourists but also locals can and do wear shorts.

 

Is tipping OK in Turkey?

You can tip around %10 but it is not a rule and you don’t have to tip in Istanbul.

 

Do you tip Turkish taxi drivers?

If you’d like to tip then yes you can leave the rest but it is not a rule.

 

Should I take Lira or euros to Turkey?

There are money exchange offices at the airports and city center. You can easily exchange money in Turkey. So don’t worry if you can’t exchange money beforehand.

 

Is it better to use cash or card in Turkey?

It is always better to have some cash with you but you can use your cards nearly everywhere easily.