Top 30 Places to Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is definitely a city of contrasts: there is Europe and Asia, Islam and Christianity, Eastern history and modern metropolis. 

The population of Istanbul exceeds 15 million people. So a city of millions, with centuries of history – that’s exactly what Istanbul is. The sights here are literally at every turn, and it doesn’t have to be palaces and mosques. Even individual districts of Istanbul have their own history and cultural value.

In this article you will learn not only about the main sights of Istanbul, but also about where to stay in Istanbul, what to try, what to do there with children; what are the main holidays in Turkey, whether you should go there these days and much more. 

We’ve prepared ready-made Istanbul itineraries for you and collected all the information you need for the traveler here. So keep reading – there’s more to come.

What to see in Istanbul

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. It got its name after Sultan Ahmet I, who ordered its construction. 

It is a true symbol of Istanbul, which has great architectural value. The Blue Mosque combines two architectural styles: classical Ottoman and Byzantine. Precious stone and unique marble were used in its construction. 260 round arched windows are used in the design which gives a lot of light to the rooms. It is the first mosque in Turkey with six minarets. It is located in the heart of the old city of Istanbul on the Sultanahmet Square of the same name.

You can see beautiful pictures of the mosque on the official website. 

Entrance to the mosque is free, but you must take off your shoes and wear closed clothes (you can get a special cloak at the entrance). 

Working hours:

Mon – Thu:
8.30 – 11.30
13.00 – 14.30
15.30 – 16.45
Friday: after 1.30 pm

Hagia Sophia Mosque (Hagia Sophia Cathedral)

It is located in Sultanahmet Square directly opposite the Blue Mosque. Since 1995, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Hagia Sophia Cathedral was built in Istanbul in 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It became the orthodox church of the entire Christian world. In 1453, Sultan Mehmed II renamed the cathedral the Hagia Sophia Mosque. All orthodox holy relics were removed or plastered over. Instead of them have added 4 minarets, minbar and mihrab. Thus the cathedral of Sacred Sofia became a Muslim mosque. Today it is a monument of Byzantine art. 

Entrance to the mosque is free, but you need closed clothes, and be sure to remove your shoes. During the prayers, tourists are not allowed to enter so as not to distract others from praying. The schedule of prayer can be seen at the entrance.

Cistern Basilica

Basilica cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir of Constantinople, located at a depth of 10-12 meters. It was built over 200 years. Why a cistern? Because the Greek word translated as “reservoir”.  Why a basilica? Because it was built on the site of the basilica of St. Sophia.

Previously, the cistern held a large supply of drinking water in case of drought or siege of the city. After that it was abandoned and opened to the public in the form of a museum in 1987. 

The reservoir consists of 336 nine-meter columns. To this day, scientists cannot figure out why one column is upside down and the other on its side, or where they were brought from in the first place. It is said that this way of installation was used so that people would not be afraid to petrify themselves by looking into the eyes of the Gorgon.

Cost: 70 lire

Grand Bazaar

Where else but in the market there is the atmosphere of authentic Turkey with aromas of oriental spices and baklava, with a variety of jewelry, scarves and carpets, samovars and hookahs.

It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets not only in Istanbul, but in the world. It operates since 1660, has more than 4400 stores and 66 streets. It has its own mosques, temples, restaurants, banks and even a school. It’s a real city within a city. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, you should just visit it.

It is located in Beyazit Square, about a kilometer away from the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque. 

There are several gates to enter the market. Each one has its own name. Remember which gate you entered through so you don’t get lost later. 

Opening hours:

In the summer season: 8:30 -19:00
In winter: 10.00 – 18.00

Egyptian Bazaar

It is the second largest market in Istanbul. About 300 thousand people visit it every day, and on weekends this figure reaches half a million. It is more suitable for tourist shopping than the Grand Bazaar, and surpasses it in attendance. 

The Egyptian Bazaar is also called the Market of Spices, because they are the main goods there. Also popular are Turkish sweets and fragrant coffee. 

Prices are lower than the Grand Bazaar, and you can also bargain. It is located on Eminönü Square next to the New Mosque and the Golden Horn Bay.

Opening time:

Mon. – Fri: 08:00 – 19:00
Sat: 08:00 – 19:30
Sun: 9.30 – 19.00

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace means “cannon gate” in Turkish. This is the residence of the Sultans, which only since 1924 became available to tourists. Now everyone can enter the palace and learn how the sultans and their courtiers lived during the Ottoman Empire.

The Harem and the churches are charged extra, so if you want to visit everything, we advise you to buy a complex ticket – it is cheaper.

Price: 360 liras

Working time: 

Mon. – Sun: 10.00 – 19.00
Tuesday – day off

Gulhane Park

If you are tired of walking around mosques and museums and want to relax in nature, you should visit the Gulhane Park. It is not far from the Topkapi Palace. It is a favorite place for walks of locals and tourists in Istanbul. 

In spring and summer roses and tulips bloom and in winter the forget-me-nots spread out here. In summer, the park is easy to hide from the heat. Here are staged performances of puppet theater, a small menagerie and an aquarium, many benches, fountains and sculptures. There is also a cafe in the park, where you can eat.  The best time to visit the park is April and May.

Emirgan Park

It is the second most popular park in Istanbul. It is popular thanks to the Tulip Festival, which is held annually in Istanbul from April 1 until the end of the month. The park has 2 ponds where turtles swim, a cafe where you can eat, a small artificial waterfall and a tulip museum.

Cost: free

Opening hours:
Every day 07.00 – 22.00

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

In the museum you will find monuments of Ancient Rome, Babylon and Assyria, traces of Troy, Ancient Egypt and Turkey. See the famous department of sarcophagi from Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. 

The museum consists of three buildings: the Central Archaeological Museum, the Tile Pavilion and the Museum of the Ancient East. It is located near Gulhane Park and Topkapi Palace.

Cost: 50 Liras

Opening hours:

In summer time: 09.00 – 19.00
In winter time: 09:00 – 17:00
Monday – day off

Sulaymaniye Mosque

The mosque was built by order of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557. It is the largest mosque in Istanbul. On its territory there are also Turkish baths, a canteen, educational Muslim institutions madrassah, hospitals and libraries, hotel and shopping malls. Nearby there is a cemetery where Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Roxolana are buried. All fans of the series “The Magnificent Century” just have to look here.

Cost: free of charge

Working time:

Mon. – Sun:
8.30 – 11.30,
13.00 – 14.30, 
15.30 – 16.45

Friday opens at 1:30 p.m.

Dolmabahce Palace

When you see it, for a few seconds you will forget that you are in Istanbul. The exterior of this building is as different as possible from the usual Turkish. This palace was built at a time when Baroque and Rococo styles were mixed with the Ottoman tradition. Gold, marble and crystal, ancient carpets and masterpieces of art were used to decorate it. 

Dolmabahce consists of three parts: the State Apartments, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Harem. 

Be sure to admire the chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria of Great Britain. It is made of Bohemian glass for 750 candles and weighs more than 4 tons.

Cost:
Entrance to the main palace – 90 liras
Ticket to the harem – 60 liras

The Museum Pass Istanbul Dolmabahçe is not included in the list of museums on the Museum Pass card, so there are no discounts on tickets on this card. 

Opening hours:
Daily from 09.00 -16.00
Other Palaces of the Complex: 09.00 – 17.00

Monday – closed
Thursday – day off

Ortakoy Embankment

It’s a great place to admire the view of the Bosphorus Strait. The promenade leads to the Ortaköy Mosque of the same name. Just behind it you can find the pier where the tourist ferries are parked. You are advised to use their services and take a sightseeing tour of the Bosphorus Strait.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

Where else to immerse yourself in Turkish culture than in a museum of Turkic art.  It is there that you will see with your own eyes how people lived during the Ottoman Empire. 

The museum has over 40,000 exhibits, some of which are about 500 years old. All of them are divided into 7 expositions: carpets, manuscripts, calligraphy, wood, glass, ceramics, ethnography section and artistic forging. 

Price: 50 liras

Opening hours:
Tues. – Wednesday 09.30 – 17.00
Monday off

Yedikule Dungeon Museum

The fortress is away from the main attractions of Istanbul, but if time permits, you can visit it. This is where the main gate of Constantinople is located. 

The fortress once held the state treasury, then it began to be used as a prison for high-ranking officials. Later the prison was closed and opened a school there, and at the end of the 19th century they made a museum out of it. Now it also hosts concerts and other cultural events.

Cost: 5 liras

Working hours:
Tues. – Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday off

Galata Tower

A place where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Istanbul. It is located in Beyoglu district, near Istiklal Street. It is said that the tower was built in 507 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian of wood, and in 1348 it was rebuilt in stone. Nowadays the tower is not only an observation deck but also a restaurant and nightclub.

Cost: 100 liras

Opening hours:
Daily: 09.00 – 20.30

Balat District

Balat is an old Jewish neighborhood in Istanbul’s Fatih district. One goes here for the unusual atmosphere, colorful houses and trendy cafes. There are no crowds of tourists here, only locals, their authentic houses and interesting art objects.

Kadıköy Market

If you have already seen everything on the European side of Istanbul, then head to the Asian side of the city to Kadıköy Market. Prices here are lower than in the previous two, because it is designed for locals, not tourists. It has everything: meat, fish, fruit, sweets, pastries, dried fruits, nuts, home textiles, lingerie, bags, souvenirs and much more.

It is open twice a week: Tuesday and Friday. You should get there early in the morning so there are no crowds. 

For your convenience, we have divided all the main attractions of Istanbul into districts.

Sultanahmet District and surroundings	Beyoglu district	Kadıköy District (Asian part of Istanbul)
Blue Mosque Hagia Sophia Cathedral Basilica Cistern Grand Bazaar Topkapi Palace Gulhane Park Emirgan Park Egyptian Bazaar Istanbul Archeological Museum Süleymaniye Mosque Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art Balat District	Dolmabahce Palace Cukurcuma Market Galata Tower Istiklal Street Taksim Square Ortakoy embankment	Kadıköy Market

Modern Istanbul: What to see

The Sapphire skyscraper

Istanbul Sapphire is one of the tallest residential buildings in Turkey. The Sapphire’s observation deck offers a stunning view of Istanbul. The height of the skyscraper is 238 meters. In addition to the observation deck, there is a shopping center, restaurants, swimming pools, golf course, bowling alley, 6-story underground parking lot, wax museum and floors with gardens. 

The building is located in the district of Levent. It is directly connected to the subway (station Levent), so it is so loved by tourists.

Cost: 38 liras

Opening hours:
Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (entrance closes at 8 p.m.)

Pera Museum

The museum is located in the Beyoglu district, not far from Istiklal Street, a popular tourist destination. 

It is an 8-storey building: 5 floors are devoted to exhibitions, and the remaining 3 are used as office space. Here are the best paintings of the Turkish artist Osman-Hamdi Bey. Also of interest to tourists is the exhibition of coffee porcelain from Kyutahya and other ceramic products. In the museum there are lectures, seminars and film screenings about art.

Cost: 25 liras

For children up to 12 years old, students, people over 60 years old – 10 liras.

Wednesday admission is free for students.

Opening hours:
Tues. – Sat: 10.00 – 19.00
Sun: 12.00 – 18.00
Monday is the day off

Istanbul Aquarium Floria

If you have already had enough of all the museums and mosques, then we suggest you visit the Istanbul Aquarium. There you will see penguins, rays, sharks, feel in the Amazon jungle among crocodiles and piranhas, and can also visit a 5D movie theater. 

The Aquarium consists of 18 thematic zones: 17 of them represent the aquatic world of the seas or oceans, and one – the Amazon forest.

Cost: 119 liras (better to buy a ticket on the official website)

Working hours:

Mon. – Fri: 10.00 – 19.00
Saturday – Sunday: 10.00 – 20.00

Hoca Tahsin Street — Umbrellas Street

Many cities around the world have an umbrella street, and Istanbul is one of them. If you have the time and desire to take beautiful pictures, then go there.

Istanbul Weather

Istanbul in Winter

Winters in Istanbul are quite cool and snowy. December is the wettest month of the year. The average temperature in December is +8 ° C, in January, February – +6 ° C. 

In winter the tourists in Istanbul are much less, you can visit all the major attractions without waiting in line. However, be aware that there are cold north winds and it can often rain, so be sure to take a windproof jacket.

Istanbul in Summer

The heat in Istanbul begins in May and lasts until the end of August. The average summer temperature in Istanbul is +30 ° C, but sometimes it is +35 ° C.

During this time, there are more tourists and there are queues to the sights. It is difficult to walk outside for long hours, especially at lunchtime. 

If you do decide to visit Istanbul in summer, choose indoor attractions and stock up on water, sun cream and headgear.

The best time to visit Istanbul is spring or autumn (March, April, September, October). The average temperature ranges from + 22 to 25 ° C. However, for evening walks it is worth bringing a light jacket.

Turkey’s major holidays

All days on which these holidays fall are considered official holidays. However, if a holiday in Turkey falls on a day off (Saturday or Sunday), no extra day off is assigned.

Celebration	Date	Is it worth going to Istanbul on this day
New Year	January 1	December 31 is a shortened working day in Turkey, and January 1 is a day off. On this day, the main attractions of Istanbul are closed, there is not much for tourists to do. It is not the best time to travel if you are planning sightseeing.
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey	April 23	On April 23, there are many public events, so this day in Istanbul can be interesting for tourists.
Labor and Solidarity Day	May 1	It is a normal day off in Turkey. However, it is the day when there may be protests in large cities. If you find yourself in Istanbul during one of them, we advise you to avoid its localized locations.
Ataturk Holiday, Youth and Sports Day	May 19	On this day, Turks all over the country organize sports activities, and Turkey begins to resemble the Soviet Union in some way. Tourists might be interested in watching these activities.
Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram)Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram)	4 days (dates change)	On the last day of Ramadan, the Turks organize a feast. On this day it is customary for them to spend money. All the stores have sales, discounts, come up with special offers. This day is good for tourists because you can buy something cheaper, but also there are a lot more people on the streets and in the stores at this time.
The capture of Istanbul by the Ottomans	May 23	It is celebrated only in Istanbul. In other cities it is a working day.
Democracy and National Unity Day	July 15	People in Turkey don’t really know what to celebrate on this day, so many take it as an extra day off. No big events are organized.
Eid al-Adha	4 days (dates change)	On the first day of Eid al-Adha, all attractions are closed. Some of them do not work all four days. This holiday is not particularly interesting for tourists, as Turks do not organize any activities, and spend time at home with the family.
Victory Day	August 30	Not the most interesting day for tourists in Istanbul, unless you are fans of the military band and airplane parade.
Republic Day	October 29	This holiday lasts for 35 hours. It begins on 28. 10 в 13.00. Therefore, October 28-29 is a weekend in Istanbul. The Turks celebrate Republic Day in a big way: they organize various concerts and fireworks (the main fireworks are launched on the Bosphorus Bridge).

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city located on two continents: Europe and Asia. They are separated by the Bosphorus Strait, and united by the Bosphorus Bridge. So we have two sides of Istanbul. In which of them is better to stay a tourist? 

If you’re new in Istanbul, choose the European side. There are the main attractions of Istanbul, developed nightlife infrastructure of the city and placed whole shopping areas. 

Asian part is more quiet. Most of them are bedroom communities, where locals live, but if you have already seen everything in the European part, you will find an authentic oriental atmosphere, interesting architecture, big shopping centers and affordable prices. 

The choice of accommodation in this part of the city is small. Only two neighborhoods are good for tourists: Kadıköy and Usküdar.

European part of Istanbul is divided into two parts by Golden Horn Bay, and united by Galata Bridge. On one side is Old Istanbul and its main tourist area, Fatih, and on the other side is New Istanbul and its areas of Beyoglu (Taksim Square), Beshiktaş and Shishli.

The Old City – Fatih District

The most popular neighborhoods of Fatih are Aksaray, Laleli, Beyazit, Sirkeci, but most of the main attractions are concentrated in or near the Sultanahmet neighborhood. 

Sultanahmet district has the most famous and beautiful places of Istanbul. This area overlooks the Bosphorus. If you want to feel the atmosphere of the old city you should definitely stay here.

Laleli is the shopping and wholesale district of Istanbul. Those who are engaged in trade come here. Many people speak Russian here. The cost of accomodation here is lower than in tourist areas, but the people here are not the most pleasant either. The transportation is good.

Beyazit is a good area of Istanbul between Laleli and Sultanahmet. The main attractions also have to be reached by transport, but the prices of housing are cheaper than in Sultanahmet.

Sirkeci is a great area for accommodation. Nearby are Gulhane Park and Topkapi Palace. You can walk to the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and the boat docks. It is relatively close to Istiklal Street and the Taksim district. From there it is easy to get to the Asian side.

New Istanbul – Beyoglu, Besiktas and Sisli districts

Beyoglu district

On the other side of the Golden Horn Bay there are also interesting places. For example, in the Beyoglu district. But you must choose your lodgings there very carefully, avoiding the area above Tarlabasi Boulevard. This is not a favorable place for tourists, as well as for locals. 

A good option for accommodation is the neighborhood Karakey. It is located near the Galata Bridge, so the main attractions of Sultanahmet can be reached on foot or by streetcar. There is also a fish market nearby and a funicular leading to Istiklal Street.

The Galata quarter is also suitable for tourist accommodation in Istanbul, but there is one thing – the hill on which it is located. If you are not embarrassed by the fact that you have to walk up and down several times a day, you can stay here. The sights are easily accessible by T1 streetcar or subway.

Also nearby is Istiklal Street with cafes, bars, nightclubs and other entertainment.

If you come to Istanbul to hang out and you want a variety of nightlife, then choose a hotel in Istiklal and Taksim. You will have fun until the morning, but be aware that at night there can be a lot of noise under the windows of your room. Also, all the sights will have to go by transport. 

The Taksim Square area is conveniently reached by the Havatas bus from any of Istanbul’s airports.

Besiktas District

Besiktaş is a representative district of Istanbul, located on the banks of the Bosphorus in the European part of the city. The Dolmabahce Palace is located here, as well as a beautiful promenade for your evening strolls. This neighborhood is definitely not for the budget tourist. There are chic five-star hotels being built here with stunning views of the Bosphorus. 

Şişli

Sisli is a business district of Istanbul with a well-developed infrastructure and a huge shopping center Cevahir. It borders Besiktas and Taksim Square. Choose Şişli if you are planning a business trip with meetings in this neighborhood.

Conclusions

If the purpose of visiting Istanbul is to see the main sights – choose the Sultanahmet district.

If you are also interested in a variety of nightlife in Istanbul, look for accommodation in Istiklal and Taksim.

If you want a chic unhurried vacation in Istanbul – choose Besiktas.

If you’re planning a business trip in the business district of Şişli, stay there too.

If you want something in between Sultanahmet and Beyoglu, choose Sirkeği.

How to get around Istanbul for tourists

In Istanbul, the most convenient way to get around is either by streetcar or subway. The most popular streetcar route is the T1. It passes by all the major attractions. It also goes to the Laleli and Sultanahmet neighborhoods, to the Grand and Egyptian Bazaar, to Taksim Square and the funicular to Istiklal, to the Galata district and the ferry pier.

In order to use public transport in Istanbul, you must have an Istanbulkart to which a HES code is attached. You can buy and recharge it at any subway station or streetcar stop.

Be sure to ride the Bosphorus Strait on the scheduled ferries, even if you don’t need to get to the other side.

If you do want to take a cab, take care not to be cheated. To do this, we advise ordering a car through apps where you see the price right away (e.g. BiTaxi). 

Istanbul cab drivers often sin by taking the longest route to your destination, so that the mileage is greater and the price is higher. Before taking a ride be sure that the cab driver turned on the counter. If he doesn’t, according to the laws of Turkey you can get out without paying wherever you want.

In addition, Istanbul is a city of traffic jams, so it often happens that if the subway takes 30 minutes to get there, the car will take you over two hours. Take it into account when planning your route.

If you come in a company, then sometimes it’s cheaper to take a cab. So navigate by the situation, look at the map and calculate your options.

Turkish Cuisine: What to Try

Menemann

Menemen is a Turkish egg and vegetables. It is prepared with the addition of hot peppers, so the dish tastes spicy. But this issue can be resolved by replacing the red pepper with bell peppers.

In Turkey, this dish is eaten by hand, dipping fresh bread in it and taking food with it from a real cast-iron skillet.

Iskander Kebab

Iskander Kebab is one of the most popular meat dishes in Turkey. It is made of thinly sliced lamb, grilled, wrapped in pita bread and doused with yogurt, melted butter from sheep’s milk and a spicy tomato sauce.

Chig Köfte

Cig Kofte are raw meat cutlets with vegetables, which are made from beef. This dish refers to both Turkish and Kurdish cuisine (Kurds are a people in Western Asia).

Now in Turkey it is forbidden to eat raw meat, so chig keftet has become a vegetarian dish. In cafes and restaurants in Istanbul, it is served as an appetizer.

Turkish Chorba

Chorba is a thick soup puree with beef, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and paprika.

Dolma and Sarma

The name “Dolma” comes from the Turkish word doldurmak, to fill, to stuff. Turks stuff peppers, zucchini, eggplants and tomatoes.  

The name of the dish “Sarma” comes from the Turkish word sarmak – to wrap. Accordingly, sarma is a dish made from the leaves of any edible plant in which the stuffing is wrapped.

Lahmacun and Pide

Lahmacun is a spicy Turkish flatbread similar to a pizza, with thin unleavened dough on the bottom and a layer of ground beef with finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, garlic and paprika on top. Cook this dish in a pan under a lid. Serve lahmacun with fresh tomatoes, onions and plenty of herbs, rolled in half.

Pide is a thin flatbread in the shape of a boat with a filling inside. Unlike lahmakun, pideh has a thicker dough, a different shape, and is cooked in an oven. The pide is cooked with vegetables and cheese, just with cheese, with beef and cheese, whichever way you want.

Borek or Gezleme

This dish is made of thin puff pastry or lean pastry in the form of a flatbread. The filling can be different: meat, with smoked salmon, with spinach and cheese, with potatoes and onions. A dish cooked in an oven or over an open fire acquires a special flavor.

Salep

Salep is a hot powder drink made by grinding the roots of the wild Orchis orchid, which grows in the mountainous regions of Turkey. As it turns out, its roots are rich in polysaccharide, a nutritious starch.

Cocoa, coconut shavings, and pounded nuts are also added to the drink. For flavor, they sprinkle cinnamon on top. Salep can be drunk warm and with a feeling of its thick consistency.

Ayran

Ayran is a traditional sour-milk drink of Turkic and Caucasian peoples. It is prepared from cow, goat and sheep milk with the addition of sourdough and salt.Turkish Tea

Turkish tea

Black leaf tea is made in the mountainous regions of Turkey. Tea drinking is part of the inherent culture of Turks. Everywhere: in markets, stores, and restaurants, tea is offered as a sign of hospitality and friendliness.

Turkish tea is served in small tulip-shaped glass cups.

Turkish coffee on coals

You’ve probably heard about the fragrant and incredibly tasty Turkish coffee. But the fact is that Turkey doesn’t have its own coffee – it’s imported. As in most countries. So why does everyone admire it? 

Because the secret is not in the coffee, but in the way it is made. 

Classical Turkish coffee is brewed in a mortar (a terracotta pot) for no more than 20 minutes. It is usually brewed on coals, most often in a charcoal grill. They also invented a way to brew coffee in special sand that can withstand very high temperatures. 

Coffee is served with a glass of water. Before the first sip of this drink you must take a couple of sips of water to clean the receptors and allow the coffee to open up on the tongue as much as possible.

Baklava and Rakhat-lukum and pishmaniye

Baklava is a Turkish sweet in which filo dough is layered, alternating with chopped nuts. When hot, it is poured with sugar syrup or honey and then sliced.

Rahat-lukum is a kind of Turkish sweets made from sugar, fruit juice and natural thickeners (starch or rice flour). Natural fillings such as spices and herbs, nuts, berries and fruits, dried fruits, seeds, etc. can also be added to the dessert.

Pishmaniye or light halva is another sweet of Turkish cuisine in the form of balls of thin threads consisting of flour and sugar fried in butter. Sometimes sesame, pistachio, vanilla, or other flavors are added. It is something between halva and cotton candy.

Dondurma

Dondurma is the national Turkish dessert, which is an ice cream with salep and mastic. Salep is a flour made from the roots of a wild orchid. Mastic is the aromatic resin of the mastic tree.

Because of the consistency of this dessert, vendors can put on a whole show for customers, pulling an entire ribbon of dondurma from the tray with a spoon, playing with it as if it were glued.

Cafes/restaurants that may interest you

Cafe Ali-Usta

Ali-Usta is the most famous ice cream parlor in Istanbul, which specializes in dondurma, about which we wrote above.  

There are 32 kinds of ice cream, ranging from plain vanilla ice cream to alcoholic kinds with rum.

Hafiz Mustafa Confectionery 1864

This pastry shop has already become one of the attractions of Istanbul. It opened back in 1864 and has retained its authenticity to this day. 

The building has two floors: on the ground floor there is a store and a pastry shop, and on the second floor there is a café where you can taste local sweets with a cup of tea.

Balkon Cafe Bar

If you want to have a meal with a beautiful view, this is the place for you. Balkon Cafe Bar has a terrace with a beautiful panoramic view of Istanbul. The prices there are affordable.

Tourists in their reviews recommend arriving there an hour before sunset to enjoy the atmosphere of the place to the maximum.

Nusr-Et Restaurant

This is a very popular place in Istanbul. Visitors book tables here a month in advance. This steakhouse is located in the Grand Bazaar. 

Tourists come here not only for the amazingly delicious food, but also to see the show put on by the owner of the institution. Nusretu Gekci shows his guests the art of cutting steaks and finishing his show with his signature trick – sprinkling salt over the meat in an unusual way (through his hand). It is this trick that once brought fame and renown to the owner of the place.

Currency in Istanbul: how to change it profitably

The national currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira. It is called TL (₺).

Where you might need liras:

• At the airport;
• At museums in Istanbul;
• Buying a Museum Pass Istanbul (Museum Card Istanbul). Sold for liras only;
• When buying tickets for public transportation.

If you want to pay in dollars, then in some places they will accept them, rounding the rate in its side. Therefore it is better to exchange dollars in Istanbul. 

You can exchange dollars for liras:

• At the airport (but there is often an unfavorable rate);
• In an exchange office of any Turkish bank;
• In street exchange offices (doviz);

Do not change money:

• In the hotel by hand;
• Outside exchange offices in bazaars and markets.

Prices in Istanbul

Lunch at a mid-priced restaurant for 2: 20,50 – 55,01 $
McMenu at McDonald’s: $5.80-$9.50
Bottled water (1.5 l): $5.11 – $8.44
Bottle of wine (mid-priced): 15,38 – 29,63 $
Single ticket for local transportation: $1.31 – $2.61
Cab (1 km): $1.27 – $2.50
Gasoline (1 liter): $5.61 – $9.74

Shopping in Istanbul

The center of Istanbul’s shopping is the Laleli neighborhood. That’s where buyers from different countries fly in and buy goods. Most of the stores there are set up for wholesale, but we’re sure that you can find the goods you’re interested in at the retail level as well. 

The Osmanbey area is popular for tourists who want to buy clothes. There are well known European brand stores, and local Turkish producers, who offer clothes of all colors, tastes and sizes.

In Zeytinburnu district people come for the furs and leather. Here the textile factories of Istanbul are located and you can order a product according to your parameters. It takes 3-4 days for sewing. This service is provided by popular shopping centers: Punto, Olivium and Derimod.

If you are going to visit the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar or any other, do not forget to bargain. Although this applies not only to these markets.

Istanbul’s most popular shopping malls:

• Gevahir (located in the district of Shishli, has 350 stores and more than 40 cafes for all tastes and pockets);
• Marmara Forum (best time to visit this shopping mall is in the evening, when it is backlit and looks like a spaceship);
• Forum Istanbul (located in Bayrampasa district. This shopping mall is popular among tourists thanks to mid-priced stores (Zara, H&M, Mango) and currency exchange and ATMs with well-known banks;
• Akmerkez (located in the Besiktas district. Akmerkez (once held the title “Best Shopping Mall in Europe” for several years in a row and now tourists look there to see what is so special about it and why it was given the title);
• Kanyon Mall (one of the largest shopping malls in all of Turkey. In 2006 it received an award for excellence in architecture in Dubai);
• Olivium Outlet Center (The largest outlet center in Turkey, which offers great discounts of up to 70%).

The most popular supermarket in Turkey is Migros.

The most common thing tourists bring from Istanbul:

• textiles (bed linen, terry towels, bedspreads, carpets (just make sure they are Turkish-made, not Chinese);
• leather goods;
• utensils (plates, cups, trays, jugs, etc.);
• clothes and shoes;
• sweets (baklava, Turkish delight, halva, dates);
• tea and coffee;

How to return Tax-free:

Tax-free is a system that allows foreign citizens to refund the amount of value added tax (VAT) when leaving the country. 

In Turkey tax-free is issued for the amount over 118 liras (one check).

Important: Not all stores have a tax refund system, so look for a “Tax-free shopping” sign before you enter the store. Even if there is a sign, we still advise you to check this point with consultants and be sure to fill out special forms of refunds in the store (here you will need your passport).

Before departure, find the Tax-free desk, go there with your passport, receipts, your purchases with price tags, and return a portion of the money spent.

What to do in Istanbul with children

With children in Istanbul you can visit: 

• Istanbul Floria Aquarium;
• Classic Car Museum, if your child is interested in cars;
• Istanbul Toy Museum;
• Vialand amusement park;
• Boat trip on the Bosphorus.

Istanbul in 3 days: ready-made itineraries

Route 1

Route 2

Final tips for a trip to Istanbul:

1. Be sure to purchase the Museum Pass Istanbul. This card provides free admission without queuing to the main attractions of Istanbul. You can buy it at the ticket offices of the attractions, at special machines located in Sultanahmet Square, and in some hotels.
2. For convenience, you can buy a guide to Istanbul by ordering it online, or download the application maps.me and create your own map of attractions.
3. You will also need Istanbulkart. With this card the cost of travel on public transport is lower than with a single ticket. Moreover, nowadays this card is compulsory for tourists. You can buy it at Istanbul Airport, at public transport stops and even in the supermarket Migros.
4. When planning your itinerary, always plan a little more. If you suddenly have some time, you will always know where to go.
5. Try to choose a convenient time of arrival and departure. For example, it is better to arrive to Istanbul early in the morning and leave late in the evening.
6. Do not forget to visit the Turkish bath – the Hamam. Believe me, after a day of sightseeing around the city, it is just what you and your body need.
7. Before the trip be sure to buy travel medical insurance on our website to feel safe on the trip.