Complete Guide to Istanbul, Turkey
There isn't a better place than Istanbul to hit you with culture, art and architecture in the world. Lying on the banks of the Bosphorus strait and standing strong between two continents, this city plays a very important role for Turkey as a country.
What to Expect in Istanbul - Basics
Language - Turkish, Arabic, Farsi and English
Currency - Turkish Lira ( 1 USD = 32.44 Lira)Credit Cards - ATMs available everywhere. Fees may be applied.
Credit card is widely used but do carry cash for bazaars and markets. Fees may be applied on every withdrawal. The best banks for cash withdrawal include Halk, HSBC and ING.
Weather
Colder Months - November to February
Warmer Months - June to September
Where to Stay
Like all famous cities in the world, Istanbul has several localities to stay. Suitable for all price category. I have recommended places based different localities in Istanbul
Other recommended hotels in Sultanahmet
Other recommended hotels to stay near Taksim Square -
Other recommended hotels to stay near Kadikoy -
4 Day itinerary
Arrival Day
Major Airports in Istanbul are
1. Istanbul International Airport (IST)
2. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Best way to get to the city center is via Taxi (Bit Taxi is the best option, Uber is not recommended) or with public transport - Metro or Havast Bus service.
Hotel Check in (Sim cards are available at your hotel or around in the city)
Dinner at one of the recommended places
Dessert at Hafiz Mustafa
Day 1
Start with FREE WALKING TOUR to get an overview of the city. There are many but I recommend this tour. Great overview of the old city and its history. They also cover many locations around the historical center and recommend other places in different localities.
Lunch at one of the recommended places near Sultanahmet
Explore Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque (Entrance is not free). This is highly recommended and a must do!
Enjoy Turkish coffee and Tea with Baklava or Turkish Delight at one of the cafes
Head to Basilica Cistern (Entrance is not free). Highly recommended.
Dinner at one of the recommended Restaurants
Day 2
After a good turkish breakfast, head to the Galata Tower. You get a beautiful ariel view of the city. You can climb up or take a lift included in the entrance fee to go up and enjoy the 360-degree overview of Istanbul.
Enjoy amazing San Sebastian cheesecake near the Galata area with Turkish coffee or Turkish Tea.
- Descending back from the Galata tower, you can either walk across or take a transport that shows you the Galata Bridge.
- Egyptian Spice Bazaar
Best place to buy spices is out side of the bazaar. Inside the prices are more.
- Rustum Pasha Mosque - The original Blue Mosque. It is very close to the Spice Bazaar
- Evening Dinner and Bosphorus Cruise
Here are some recommendations
Day 3
- Explore the pretty neighbourhood of Balat
There are beautiful cafes and colorful houses to see in this area. Also boutique and antique shops.
Then cross Bosphorus and head to the Asian side.
- Kadikoy Food Tour - A Must
- Orthokoy Mosque - Back to the European Side
Beautiful Mosque on the banks.
Get the best Baklava in whole of Turkey
End the day with Dervish Show and Dinner
Day 4
- Explore the Ottoman Palace - Topkapi Palace
- Lunch at one of the recommended places
- Shop Souvenirs and visit Iznik and Turkish Carpet Factory
- Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaaz
- Turkish Hammam is a MUST and definitely at this place
- Dinner at one of the recommended places
Where to eat in Istanbul
1. Resto Han
2. Last Ottoman Cafe
3. Day Day pastry for Borek and Biscuits
4. Kapi Karakoy
5. Zubair Ocakbasi
6. Erhan Restaurant
7. Durumzade
8. Fish Home Ahhir Kapi Restaurant
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