Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. This place is wild. It’s massive, chaotic, and nothing like those neat little European weekend getaways. We’re talking about a city that literally connects two continents with over 16 million people.
The thing is, Istanbul can overwhelm you if you show up unprepared. People get off the plane, hop in a sketchy taxi, pay way too much for everything, and spend three days confused.
So here’s what actually matters. Ten things that’ll save you time, money, and frustration.
Get Your Visa Sorted (It’s Easier Than You Think)
First things first. The visa situation.
Most people need one to get into Turkey. But relax, it’s not complicated. They have this e-visa thing you do online at evisa.gov.tr. Takes maybe three minutes. You fill in some info, pay the fee, boom. They email you a PDF.
Two important things about your passport: needs to be valid for six months past your entry date, and you need blank pages for stamps. People get turned away at borders for full passports. Not fun.
The e-visa usually works for 90 days within a 180-day window. Double-check your specific nationality to be sure.
Save a copy on your phone. Maybe print one too. Border officers don’t always ask, but when they do, you don’t want to be searching through emails.
Cash Is King Here (Seriously)
Turkish Lira. That’s what you need. Symbol is ₺.
Cards work at hotels and bigger restaurants. But street food? Tiny tea gardens? Cash only.
First mistake people make: exchanging money at the airport. The rates are awful. Don’t do it.
Wait. Get into the city. Look for “Döviz Bürosu” (exchange office). Best rates are around the Grand Bazaar. Or hit an ATM- they call them “Bankamatik” here. Decent rates, though your bank might charge fees.
Quick stuff:
- Euros or US dollars get best exchange rates
- Pay with card in Turkish Lira, NOT your home currency
- Carry small bills for exact change
Street vendors and small cafes don’t take cards. Come prepared.
Get an Istanbulkart on Day One
This city is huge. Sixteen million people. You can’t walk everywhere.
Day one: get an Istanbulkart. Rechargeable card for buses, trams, metro, ferries. Buy from machines at transit stations or newspaper kiosks.
WARNING: only buy from official machines or kiosks. Scammers at metro stations sell fake “discounted” cards. Don’t fall for it.
T1 tram hits all the Old City major spots. Ferries at sunset across the Bosphorus? Not just transportation, it’s an experience.
Quick plug: if you want to really understand this city and not just take photos, look into private tours in Istanbul. Having a guide who knows everything changes your trip completely. You go from tourist to someone who actually gets it.
Don’t Get Stuck in Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is gorgeous. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern- all worth seeing.
But if that’s your whole trip, you’re missing the point.
Sultanahmet is tourist central. It’s historically important, but it’s not where the city actually lives. Cross the Galata Bridge and see the other side.
Hit Beyoğlu. Taksim Square, down İstiklal Street, check out Galata Tower. Wander Karaköy for cool cafes. Bebek and Ortaköy for waterfront eating.
Every neighborhood has a different vibe. Explore beyond the guidebook hits.
Turkish Breakfast Will Ruin You for Life
Not exaggerating. Turkish breakfast is one of the best things you’ll eat. Anywhere.
Skip your hotel’s breakfast. Find a real Turkish breakfast place. Local spot.
What you get:
- Fresh bread with jams and honey
- Multiple types of cheese and olives
- Menemen (eggs with tomatoes and peppers, but better)
- Unlimited tea
This isn’t quick. Block out two hours. Sit, eat slowly, enjoy it.
Try Café Privato near Galata Tower or Nezih in Bebek. But honestly, random neighborhood places serve amazing breakfast too.
Shopping Smart (and Avoiding Scams)
Shopping here is insane. Grand Bazaar has 4,000 shops. Spice Market smells incredible.
- Pay attention though.
- Grand Bazaar closes Sundays. So many people show up Sunday morning to locked doors. Check your calendar.
- Haggling is normal at bazaars. Expected even. Just smile and have fun with it. Boutique shops have fixed prices.
Watch for:
- Shoe shine guy drops brush, shines your shoes, demands payment
- Friendly local invites you for tea, huge bill appears
- Taxi meter mysteriously broken
Use ride apps when possible. Stay alert. If something feels off, it probably is. Most people are genuinely nice, but tourist zones attract scammers everywhere. If you want to skip the hassle and get the full experience, you can book a guided tour here and see Istanbul like a local.
Respect the Culture (It Goes a Long Way)
Istanbul is a Muslim city. Not super strict, but still. Show respect.
When you visit mosques, cover up. Shoulders, chest, legs. Both men and women. Most mosques have wraps at the entrance if you forgot.
Ladies, bring a scarf for your hair. Shoes off before entering. Try visiting when people aren’t praying.
Keep PDA minimal, especially in traditional neighborhoods.
Nice thing: if someone offers you tea (they will), accept it. It’s hospitality. Refusing is rude. Just drink the tea and chat.
Timing Is Everything
Istanbul runs on its own clock.
Museums get slammed 10 AM to 2 PM when tour buses arrive. Go early morning or late afternoon.
Dinner doesn’t start until 7 PM. Sometimes later. Show up at 5 expecting dinner, you’ll find empty or locked restaurants. Locals eat late.
Fridays get crowded around big mosques (prayers). Keep that in mind.
During Ramadan, restaurant schedules change. Some close during day, others stay open super late. Be flexible.
Pack Toilet Paper (Just Do It)
Real talk about bathrooms.
Public restrooms vary wildly. Some are modern, some aren’t. Many places have squat toilets next to regular ones. If the Western toilet is occupied, you might need to embrace the squat.
Carry toilet paper or tissues. Always. Many places don’t stock it. Someone usually works there who can give you some for a tip, but why risk it?
Hand sanitizer helps too.
Hotels and malls? Modern bathrooms. That cute family restaurant off the beaten path? Maybe not.
Get a Local SIM Card
Do this.
Turkcell and Vodafone sell tourist packages with data, calls, texts. Airport or shopping areas. Not expensive.
Why you need it: navigation (streets are confusing), translation, ride-hailing apps, photos.
Google Maps works great. Even locals use it.
Download offline maps in case you lose signal. Save addresses in Turkish- showing taxi drivers the Turkish name works way better than trying to pronounce it.
Keep your phone charged. You’ll use it constantly.
Alright, You’re Ready
Look, Istanbul isn’t easy. It’s chaotic, sometimes overwhelming. Traffic is terrible. Things don’t always make sense.
But that’s the point.
The chaos works. History is everywhere. Food is incredible. Sunset over the Bosphorus will stick with you for years.
These ten things aren’t meant to stress you out. They’re here to help you skip the annoying parts and focus on the good stuff. Getting lost in the bazaar. Drinking tea with random shop owners. Eating the best baklava of your life. Standing where two continents meet.
Get that e-visa, pack your bags, and go.
You’re going to have an amazing time.
