Six Unforgettable Days in Istanbul: A Day-by-Day Itinerary, Tips on Choosing the Right Accommodation, and More
DanielRooks
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Turkey - Istanbul
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Turkey - Istanbul

Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Istanbul, where ancient mosques and bazaars meet modern cafes and shops. This city's got a unique energy that's hard to resist. Explore the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, and get lost in the vibrant markets and charming neighborhoods. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality, Istanbul is a destination that will leave you in awe.
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Six Unforgettable Days in Istanbul: A Day-by-Day Itinerary, Tips on Choosing the Right Accommodation, and More

summarizeEditor's Summary

Istanbul's got me hooked. This city's a treasure trove of history, culture, and food that'll leave you wanting more. From strolling through the Sultan's streets to immersing yourself in Eastern folklore, every moment's a new discovery. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure-seeker, Istanbul's got something for everyone. With its unique blend of East and West, this city will leave you enchanted and inspired. The scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait are breathtaking, especially during sunset. The city's vibrant bazaars, like the Grand Bazaar, are a shopper's paradise. The people are warm and welcoming, making you feel like you're part of the community. And let's not forget the food – oh, the food! From savory kebabs to sweet baklava, every bite's a delight.", "pros": [ "The city's rich history and architecture are a treasure trove of experiences, from the Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace.", "The food – oh, the food! From savory kebabs to sweet baklava, every bite's a delight.", "The people are warm and welcoming, making you feel like you're part of the community.", "The city's vibrant bazaars, like the Grand Bazaar, are a shopper's paradise.", "The scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait are breathtaking, especially during sunset.", "Istanbul's got a unique blend of East and West, making it a fascinating place to explore." ], "cons": [ "The city can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, with its crowded streets and endless options.", "Some areas, like the Sultanahmet district, can be quite touristy, losing some of their authentic charm.", "The weather in winter can be chilly and rainy, making outdoor activities a challenge.", "Some restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards, so it's essential to have cash on hand.", "The city's traffic can be chaotic, especially during rush hour, so be prepared for some patience." ], "faq": [ { "question": "What's the best time to visit Istanbul?", "answer": "The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather's mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be chilly and rainy." }, { "question": "How do I get around Istanbul?", "answer": "Istanbul's got an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines. You can also take taxis or ride-hailing services, like Uber." }, { "question": "What are some must-try foods in Istanbul?", "answer": "Some must-try foods in Istanbul include kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, and simit (a type of bread). Don't forget to try some local street food, like grilled corn and chestnuts." }, { "question": "Can I drink the tap water in Istanbul?", "answer": "It's not recommended to drink tap water in Istanbul, as the quality can be inconsistent. Stick to bottled or filtered water to stay safe." }, { "question": "Are there any areas I should avoid in Istanbul?", "answer": "While Istanbul's generally a safe city, some areas, like the Sultanahmet district, can be quite touristy and lose some of their authentic charm. Stick to well-known areas and avoid walking alone at night." }, { "question": "Can I use credit cards in Istanbul?", "answer": "Not all restaurants and shops accept credit cards, so it's essential to have cash on hand. Some places may also have a minimum purchase requirement for credit card transactions." }, { "question": "How do I get to Istanbul's airport?", "answer": "Istanbul's got two airports: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). You can take a taxi, bus, or metro to get to the city center from the airport." ], "meta_title": "Istanbul Travel Guide: A 6-Day Adventure Awaits", "meta_description": "Discover the magic of Istanbul, a city that's left me spellbound and eager to return. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, this destination is a must-visit.", "og_title": "Istanbul Travel Guide: A 6-Day Adventure Awaits", "og_description": "Discover the magic of Istanbul, a city that's left me spellbound and eager to return. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, this destination is a must-visit.

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KararMükemmel
Konumu9/10
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Hizmetler8/10
Havaalanı8/10
Hello!
I'm still on a high from my unforgettable trip to Istanbul. I've been dreaming of visiting this city for ages, and it's not because of the Turkish soap operas – although, I must admit, they're addictive! What really drew me in was the rich history, the chance to stroll through the streets where the great Sultan Suleiman and his beloved Hurrem once walked, and to immerse myself in the enchanting atmosphere of Eastern folklore. I was also eager to try the delicious Turkish cuisine and watch the stunning sunsets over the Bosphorus.
Cats in IstanbulWhen's the best time to visit Istanbul?!
Initially, we planned our trip for winter, during the New Year's holidays. But the ticket prices were sky-high, so we decided to postpone our trip. In February and March, I couldn't get away from work, and the weather wasn't exactly conducive to strolls. April seemed like the perfect time to celebrate my birthday in the city of my dreams, so we booked our tickets for June.
Looking back, I'd say April to June and September to October are the best times to visit. Winters can be chilly, with frequent rain showers, while summers are scorching hot.
We bought our tickets a couple of weeks before our departure. I chose to fly through Sochi, which was a great idea, as it allowed us to combine our trip with a beach vacation. We spent a few days in Sochi, flew to Istanbul, and then returned to Sochi for a couple more days of sunbathing. The ticket prices from Sochi to Istanbul are also relatively affordable.
The flight from Sochi to Istanbul takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Istanbul ReviewsWe flew with Ural Airlines and arrived at the new Istanbul airport.
We flew from Adler Airport. I've got some tips on what to buy in duty-free here
From the airport, we took the metro to the city center. The journey took around 2 hours. At the airport, we immediately bought an Istanbul Card, which cost us 160 lira in June 2025 (the exchange rate was around 1:2 at the time). We bought a single card for both of us, which can be topped up at any public transportation stop or metro station.
Accommodation
For me, the most important factor when choosing accommodation is its location. I love staying in the city center, close to the main attractions. In Istanbul, I chose a small hotel in the historic center, in the Fatih district. It's probably the best location if you want to be in the heart of the action.
We arrived in Istanbul late in the evening. After checking in, we decided to take a stroll around the city. We made our way to the Galata Tower, which became our favorite spot.
Galata Tower IstanbulAs it turned out, we ended up strolling around this ancient building every evening. It was once a lighthouse, a fire tower, a watchtower, and even a prison.
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsI'm a total route-planner nerd. I love digging into a city's history, culture, and traditions. Before every trip, I spend hours researching the best places to visit and crafting the perfect itinerary. So, I'll share my suggested 3-day plan for Istanbul.
Day 1
Blue Mosque - Hagia Sophia - Gülhane Park - Egyptian Bazaar - Galata Bridge - Galata Tower neighborhood - Istiklal Avenue - Taksim Square - Golden Horn waterfront
After a good breakfast, we headed to the heart of Istanbul - the square where the two main landmarks, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, are located.
Since we were staying nearby, our route took us through Gülhane Park.
Gülhane Park is a large, well-maintained green space with twisting trees, beautiful flowerbeds, plenty of fountains, and seating areas. In the morning, the park was relatively quiet, but when we returned later, it was bustling with tourists and locals seeking refuge from the city's noise and chaos.
Istanbul. Traveler reviews Istanbul. Traveler reviews. Gülhane ParkWe visited a small, completely free cistern located in the park, which used to be a water reservoir. We skipped the famous Basilica Cistern, saving it for our next Istanbul visit, but to get a sense of what it's like, we stopped by the cistern in Gülhane.
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsThe cistern is an interesting spot, with not many people around. We spent about 10 minutes there and then headed to the main landmarks in Istanbul. Seeing the two main mosques in person left me speechless - I had been dreaming of visiting them for years, and now I was finally standing in front of them. Both mosques are breathtakingly beautiful, massive, and awe-inspiring.
Blue Mosque
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsVisiting the Blue Mosque is free, but be sure to avoid prayer times. You can pick up a scarf and a skirt at the entrance.
The mosque is massive, with room for up to 10,000 people at a time.
Blue Mosque. IstanbulIstanbul. Traveler reviewsWe didn't make it to Hagia Sophia. We caught a service, and then for some reason, we didn't go inside, even though we were nearby a few more times. The entrance to Hagia Sophia is also free.
Before traveling to Istanbul, I watched hundreds of videos and chose a few places that I just had to visit. One of them was a restaurant with a view of the mosques where you can feed the seagulls. It was literally a dream come true, another dream that came to life.
Seven Hills Restaurant. IstanbulIstanbul. Traveler reviewsSeven Hills restaurant is right next to Sultanahmet Square.
I wrote a big, detailed review about how to find it and how to feed the seagulls
These feelings are just magical. Imagine you're standing on the rooftop, with the Blue Mosque on one side and Hagia Sophia on the other, with some soothing Turkish music playing in the background, seagulls flying around, and you're feeding them cheese and bread, and it feels like the world has come to a standstill and all that exists is you and this moment.
After feeding the seagulls, we got hungry and decided to grab some famous Turkish simit - a freshly baked, hot bun with a crunchy crust covered in sesame seeds. Simit is sold on almost every corner in Istanbul. The price is 20 lira. You can buy a bun without anything, or you can choose one that's already spread with cheese or Nutella.
What to try in Istanbul. ReviewsWith our hunger satisfied, we headed out to check out the real Eastern market. I love this atmosphere: the noise, the colors, the abundance of bright goods, the aromas of spices and herbs, the colorful vendors, and the crowds of shoppers.
The Egyptian Bazaar is located near Galata Bridge. What's sold there is incredible: from dishes inlaid with stars and stones to various types of tea and delicious sweets.
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsA big story about the Egyptian Bazaar: what to buy, what to see, and where to find the best prices
I'm still drooling thinking about all the sweet treats. I swear, I'm 90% baklava, my favorite Turkish pastry. We had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each type is worth trying before you buy, and the vendors will practically force-feed you a sample - and the samples are generous, to say the least. If you walk through the market and stop at every stall, you'll be stuffed for hours.
Stambul. Reviews of travelersWe tried the baklava, which is what the Turks call it, and then we walked across the Galata Bridge and ended up at the Galata Tower. From there, we made our way to Istiklal Avenue, the most famous pedestrian street in Istanbul.
Stambul. Reviews of travelers. Taksim SquareThe crowd was infectious - people were strolling, chatting, and stopping to admire the street performers and snack at one of the many cafes.
Stambul. Reviews of travelersThe famous red tram runs along Istiklal Avenue, and you can hop on for a ride. We didn't find the stops, but we enjoyed watching it go by. PS, I later found out there's an app that shows the tram's location, so you can plan your trip.
Stambul. Reviews of travelers. The red tram on Istiklal AvenueWalking the entire length of Istiklal Avenue will take you to Taksim Square, one of the largest in Istanbul.
There's a mosque of the same name, which we also visited.
Stambul. Reviews of travelersWe ended the day at a cafe, trying one of Turkey's national dishes.
We'd had a packed day, walking thousands of steps, and the next day promised to be just as exciting.
Day II
Grand Bazaar - New Mosque - Hippodrome Square - Nakkash Cistern - Bosphorus Cruise - Asian side of Istanbul, Uskudar district - Kuzguncuk neighborhood
Day two started with a visit to the Eastern Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is just as colorful and chaotic as the Egyptian one. There's a vast array of Turkish sweets, spices, teas, jewelry, and ceramics. Prices here are significantly higher than elsewhere, so we mostly soaked up the atmosphere rather than making any purchases.
What to try in Istanbul. ReviewsAs we navigated through the bustling bazaar, we stumbled upon the main square of Istanbul - the Hippodrome. Once a real horse racing track, where hundreds of thousands of spectators would gather to watch the event. The square is home to the Egyptian Obelisk, the oldest monument in the city, built in 16th century BC, an 8-meter-long snake column, Constantine's Obelisk, and Kaiser Wilhelm II's fountain.
I highly recommend visiting this square with a guide to learn more about the city's history. There are plenty of guided tours available in Russian.
Next, we decided to visit another small cistern located under the carpet shop Nikkas. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the shop. The entrance to the cistern is free, and you'll need to ask the security guard to show you the way.
The Nakkas Cistern is bigger than the one in Gülhane Park. There's also a museum on site where you can see how the Sultanahmet area looked in ancient times.
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsWe continued our journey to the Bosphorus, bought ferry tickets, and set off to explore the Asian side of the city. The ferry ride is an experience in itself. The stunning views of the city, the sound of seagulls, and the gentle lapping of the water against the hull made for a perfect afternoon.
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsThe Asian side of Istanbul is a world apart from the European side. It's less crowded, less touristy, and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary Turks. We spent our time exploring the colorful Kuzguncuk neighborhood, wandering through the narrow streets, peeking into courtyards, visiting small shops, and trying local street food.
After two hours of exploring, we stumbled upon the Kuzguncuk neighborhood, and I fell in love with it. The charming little houses, the cobblestone streets, the aroma of freshly baked bread, the cozy cafes, the picturesque waterfront, and the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus made it a place I'd love to call home.
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsDay III
We started the third day with a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, the eastern market, the Balat neighborhood, the Pierre Loti Hill, and of course, the Galata Tower.
The Süleymaniye Mosque is a must-visit, especially if you're interested in history and architecture. The mosque is home to the tombs of the great Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his beloved wife, Hurrem Sultan. The sheer scale and grandeur of the mosque left me speechless.
The spacious courtyard around the mosque offers a stunning view of the city.
Istanbul. Traveler Reviews We got lucky, as there were hardly any people around during our visit. We were able to explore the mosque and its surroundings without the noise and chaos. Inside the courtyard, you'll find a Muslim cemetery and two türbes, which are basically the tombs of famous leaders in Turkey. The sultan and his beloved wife are buried in separate mausoleums.
Check out our in-depth review of the Süleymaniye Mosque with plenty of photos
There's a nice little restaurant on the rooftop near the Süleymaniye Mosque, offering a stunning view of the city and the mosque itself. I highly recommend finding it and giving it a try.
Istanbul. Traveler Reviews Istanbul. Traveler Reviews On our way to the public transportation stop, we stumbled upon the eastern bazaar again, grabbed a quick bite, and headed to the most colorful and Instagrammable neighborhood in Istanbul - Balat.
Here, you can take some amazing photos in front of the famous multicolored houses.
Istanbul. Traveler Reviews. Balat Neighborhood Istanbul. Traveler Reviews. Balat Istanbul. Traveler Reviews Check out our in-depth review of the most colorful neighborhood in Istanbul
After taking the tram, we ended up at the foot of Pierre Loti Hill.
From the top, you get a stunning panoramic view of Istanbul.
Istanbul. Traveler Reviews You can take the funicular to reach the top, and the ticket price is just like a bus ticket.
At the top, there's a nice cafe with decent prices, where you can grab a bite while taking in the view. Below, there's a park, a beautiful square with various cafes, and a mosque.
Check out our in-depth review of the observation deck on Pierre Loti Hill
We ended our third day in the Galata Tower area. We really fell in love with this place!
Day IV
This was my birthday day. I built such a route
Walking along the Bosphorus - Ortakoy Mosque - Dolmabahce Palace - Asian part of Istanbul Kadikoy district - restaurant near Galata Bridge
Ortakoy Mosque, the one that's right on the Bosphorus waterfront
This is the most unusual, beautiful mosque with panoramic windows, intricate chandeliers, and light-colored walls. It looks light and airy at first glance
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsMy big story about visiting the Ortakoy Mosque with detailed photos
We walked to the Dolmabahce Palace, the most "European" residence of the Ottoman sultans. The way is not close, about 40 minutes, if you want to take the bus. Entrance to the palace is paid, 45 euros. I don't really like exploring palaces from the inside, our goal was to visit the gardens around with beautiful gates that open up views of the Bosphorus.
Entrance to this garden is also paid, 120 lira
There's a big line on the photo at the gate, everyone wants to take such beautiful photos
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsWe took the ferry and, enjoying the water cruise, ended up in the bustling Kadikoy district
There's something to see, it's a completely different atmosphere, a completely different pace of life. If we had more time in Istanbul, I would have loved to live in this place.
Must-visit the Moda Park - a big area along the Marmara Sea coast. You can have a picnic on the grass, take a stroll along the shaded paths, even swim.
I celebrated my birthday in one of the restaurants near Galata Bridge with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. And here I'll tell you about the level of service in Istanbul - we wanted to try the national cuisine and ordered a beer to go with it. Not only was it a regular bottle of beer at a price five times higher than in the store, but they just brought us two bottles and put them on the table. We had to get the glasses ourselves, let alone pour the beer. And, of course, they didn't forget to add 10% to the bill for the service
Day V
We decided not to plan the route specifically, but just enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city. As a result, we walked the most kilometers on this day, over 30!
On this day, we walked through the eastern bazaar again, visited the Blue Mosque, took beautiful photos, continued to taste the national cuisine, were on Istiklal Street, looked for that red tram, rode the Bosphorus
The sixth day was the final one. We said goodbye to Istanbul and flew home...
What to definitely try in Istanbul?!
I think it's impossible to get to know a country without trying its national cuisine. So, I'll never order our usual food while abroad. I love gastronomic tourism, so before the trip, I research dishes and choose places where I can try them
I always try to eat at local places where the locals go. That's where you can really get a taste of the local cuisine and the whole vibe of the new country.
In Istanbul, you absolutely have to try
the Turkish sweets - Turkish dessert, baklava, kadaif
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsbalik ekmeck and balik-durum - fish in thick or thin lavash with spices. It's a super tasty dish. I personally liked the fillet in thin lavash more. We tried it several times, and everywhere it was delicious. The price is around 180-250 lira, depending on the place you buy it
Istanbul. Traveler reviews
What to try in Istanbul. Reviewskeftes made from different types of meat. It's a general name for meat pattiesIt's tasty, juicy, and filling. We took several salads with the sausages, and the most unusual one was zucchini in yogurt sauce. As for drinks, we always chose ayran, which is what locals drink
What to try in Istanbul. Reviewsroasted chestnuts and grilled cornAnd we didn't even try the roasted chestnuts and grilled corn, which are sold on every corner. Oh well, there's always something to try next time
Istanbul. Traveler reviewsgözleme - thin Turkish pastries with different fillings. They're very similar to the traditional pastries from Dagestan or Dombai. Women even bake them right in front of you
Istanbul. Traveler reviews
pide - a Turkish flatbread that's similar to pizza, with various fillingsIt's super tasty and super filling
The price is around 400-450 lira
What to try in Istanbul. Reviewskebab on a plate. It's served with various side dishes - rice, French fries, pickles, vegetables. The portions are huge, and I couldn't finish it on my ownThe price is 400-450 lira
What to try in Istanbul. Reviewskumpir - a large baked potato that's cut and mixed with butter and cheese, and then filled with various ingredientsThe price is around 300-350 lira
What to try in Istanbul. ReviewsColored caramel. We didn't try it, but it looks super bright.We met the seller of this dessert on the Bosphorus waterfront, he was dressed in a bright national costume, I asked him to take a photo with me, we chatted and turned out to be a well-known TikToker with a hundred-thousand audience. Now I have a photo with a star:)
What to try in Istanbul. ReviewsDesserts from the confectionery Mustafa Hafiz. It's just one love. Be sure to try
Birthday in IstanbulMussels stuffed with rice. For those who like it. I'm a big fan of seafood, but I didn't like them. Sold individually, price 15-20 lira, depending on size
What to try in Istanbul. ReviewsRice pudding. Tasty, but I wouldn't order it again
What to try in Istanbul. ReviewsWe tried to only try traditional Turkish cuisine. All dishes are very tasty, portions are big. We chose restaurants based on their exterior and menu. Almost every cafe has a menu holder near it, which very persistently offers to come inside. Sometimes, this persistence even annoyed me. We lived on a street where the first floors of the buildings were restaurants. Even in the morning, it was hard to walk down it, as people would literally grab you and drag you inside.
As for prices, they're a bit higher in Istanbul than in Russia. Plus, in every cafe or restaurant, they'll take 10% for service, even if you didn't like it. We always had breakfast at the hotel, we had a great veranda on the first floor, and every time we tried to order something local and, of course, baklava. We had lunch and dinner outside of the hotel.
You can eat more budget-friendly at local Turkish canteens - lokantas, where even locals eat. I wrote a detailed review about one such canteen HERE
Advice for first-timers in Istanbul
Choosing accommodationIt's best to stay only in the center. This way, all attractions will be within walking distance, and you won't have to spend a lot on transportation
You should immediately buy a local transportation card, with it, the fare is twice as cheap. Plus, you can use it to pay for ferries and funiculars
My top tips for visiting Istanbul? Don't waste your money on expensive ferry rides across the Bosphorus. You can get a similar water tour for the price of a bus ticket by buying a ticket at one of the stations near the water.
Don't get ripped off by overpriced souvenirs or sweets at the markets. These places are tourist traps with inflated prices. For example, I saw a box of baklava on a market for 1500 lira, but at a small shop near our hotel it was only 350 lira. The same goes for all the other goods!
Exchanging money. As soon as you arrive in Istanbul, you'll need to get some lira. The exchange rate at the airport is terrible, but you can't exchange less than $50. Now I wish I'd bought some lira in Russia and exchanged the rest at a currency exchange in the city center.
I've always dreamed of visiting Istanbul, and for me, this trip was like a fairytale come true. I fell in love with the city and I know I'll be back. But for some reason, I don't think I'd want to live there. In Georgia, I found myself thinking I'd happily move to Tbilisi, but with Istanbul, it's not the same. It's a beautiful, vibrant city with a rich history, but I just can't see myself living there.
What really stood out to me in Istanbul? The sheer number of refugees. We saw a young girl with a baby sleeping under a bridge, a boy rummaging through a trash can for food, and men begging for money. It's heartbreaking. A big city with locals and tourists smiling and enjoying life, and just around the corner, people who are struggling to survive.
Seeing all this was really tough.
And finally, some beautiful photos from Istanbul
The Galata Tower at night
Istanbul. Travel reviewsOne of the colorful shops on the Grand Bazaar. I highly recommend taking a photo with this as the background – the view is stunning!
Istanbul. Travel reviewsThe view of the Bosphorus from the Galata Bridge
Istanbul. Travel reviewsThe adorable Istanbul cats. They're everywhere!
Istanbul. Travel reviewsThe sunset view of the Bosphorus from the Asian side of the city
Istanbul. Travel reviewsIstanbul will always be in my heart ♥♥♥

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be chilly and rainy.

How do I get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines. You can also take taxis or ride-hailing services, like Uber.

What are some must-try foods in Istanbul?

Some must-try foods in Istanbul include kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, and simit (a type of bread). Don't forget to try some local street food, like grilled corn and chestnuts.

Can I drink the tap water in Istanbul?

It's not recommended to drink tap water in Istanbul, as the quality can be inconsistent. Stick to bottled or filtered water to stay safe.

Are there any areas I should avoid in Istanbul?

While Istanbul is generally a safe city, some areas, like the Sultanahmet district, can be quite touristy and lose some of their authentic charm. Stick to well-known areas and avoid walking alone at night.

Can I use credit cards in Istanbul?

Not all restaurants and shops accept credit cards, so it's essential to have cash on hand. Some places may also have a minimum purchase requirement for credit card transactions.

How do I get to Istanbul's airport?

Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). You can take a taxi, bus, or metro to get to the city center from the airport.

What are some popular attractions in Istanbul?

Some popular attractions in Istanbul include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Don't forget to explore the city's vibrant bazaars and scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait.

check_circlePros

  • The city's rich history and architecture are a treasure trove of experiences, from the Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace.
  • The food – oh, the food! From savory kebabs to sweet baklava, every bite is a delight.
  • The people are warm and welcoming, making you feel like you're part of the community.
  • The city's vibrant bazaars, like the Grand Bazaar, are a shopper's paradise.
  • The scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait are breathtaking, especially during sunset.

cancelCons

  • The city can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, with its crowded streets and endless options.
  • Some areas, like the Sultanahmet district, can be quite touristy, losing some of their authentic charm.
  • The weather in winter can be chilly and rainy, making outdoor activities a challenge.
  • Some restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards, so it's essential to have cash on hand.
  • The city's traffic can be chaotic, especially during rush hour, so be prepared for some patience.

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