First-timer’s guide to Istanbul: everything you need to know

Spend your first time in Istanbul embracing the energy of the city’s lively bazaars, exploring world-renowned attractions like the Hagia Sophia, and treating yourself to the sweet, delicious lokum (Turkish delight). The city’s historic streets, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are packed with Istanbul’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, just waiting to be discovered. Uncover the essential things to know about Istanbul with this first-timer’s guide, from the best time to visit to unmissable tourist hotspots.

Istanbul: Tips for first timers

• Haggling is expected at Istanbul’s bazaars, so make sure to bargain with shopkeepers to avoid overpaying.
• The call to prayer echoes across Istanbul several times a day, starting at dawn, so be prepared for an early wake-up call. Consider earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• Dress modestly when visiting Istanbul’s religious sites, such as the Blue Mosque. Everyone must cover their knees and shoulders, while women should also cover their heads with a scarf.
• Always carry some cash, as some transactions may be cash only, particularly at street food vendors or the city’s bazaars.
• Istanbul’s tap water is safe to drink, but many dislike the taste and opt for filtered or bottled water instead.

Best time to visit

Whatever the season, Istanbul offers a range of exciting experiences alongside the city’s famous attractions. From cultural festivals and city-wide celebrations to the quiet winter days, discover the best time to visit Istanbul below.

Spring

Spring in Istanbul is the perfect time to explore, with the ideal mix of pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The city’s lively atmosphere remains, but it’s not overcrowded at major attractions, allowing you to explore sites like the Topkapi Palace in relative peace. With April comes the annual Tulip Festival, bringing vibrant colors to city parks, and various cultural events including the Istanbul Film Festival are an additional bonus of visiting during spring.

Summer

Summer in Istanbul brings hot days, warm evenings perfect for nighttime activities, and the buzzing energy of peak season. The Grand Bazaar is at its most impressive, with bustling crowds of locals and tourists bringing the historic marketplace to life. Even in peak summer, from June to August, crowds can often be avoided by visiting attractions in the early morning or late afternoon. The season offers endless possibilities, whether you choose to sip on cocktails in the city’s rooftop bars, dine outdoors amongst the vibrant atmosphere, or enjoy cultural events like the Istanbul Jazz Festival.

Fall

Fall in Istanbul offers cooler temperatures, quieter attractions, and various cultural events. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the city’s outdoor activities, like Bosphorus River cruises, but the crowds are much smaller. Swing the day away at the Akbank Jazz Festival and catch creative performances at the Istanbul Puppet Festival. Or why not celebrate Republic Day in late October, with lively parades and festivities across the city.

Winter

Visiting Istanbul in winter allows you to enjoy major attractions, including the world-famous Hagia Sophia, at their quietest. Colder days can be enjoyed in the comforting warmth of the city’s restaurants and cafes, or relaxing in steam rooms at traditional Turkish baths. Snowfall is rare but still possible, and if you’re lucky with the timing, the white-coated streets of Istanbul are a beautiful sight. With no shortage of indoor attractions, from the Dolmabahçe Palace to the imposing Galata Tower, and the festive New Year’s celebrations, winter is an underrated time to visit Istanbul.

Istanbul’s top 5 must-visit attractions

1. Grand Bazaar

Wander through Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar, a vibrant maze-like marketplace with over 4,000 shops. It’s one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering everything from handicraft treasures to fresh spices.

2. Hagia Sophia

One of Istanbul’s most important religious sites, the Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece with intricate mosaics and a massive central dome. Built as a Christian church between 532 and 537 AD, it now functions as a mosque, one of over 3,000 in the city.

3. Topkapi Palace

A former royal residence of Ottoman sultans, the opulent Topkapi Palace boasts lavishly decorated rooms, impressive architecture, and magnificent courtyards. Converted into a museum, its exhibits include everything from thrones to the palace harem.

4. Blue Mosque

Step inside the breathtaking Blue Mosque, known for its beautifully intricate architecture and interior covered with over 20,000 handmade blue tiles.

5. Basilica Cistern

Uncover a hidden world beneath Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water chamber, with its impressive marble columns and eerie Medusa head statues.

Best three neighborhoods to explore in Istanbul

Sultanahmet

From ancient palaces and mosques to bustling bazaars, Sultanahmet is the beating heart of the city. Discover world-famous attractions, like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, or enjoy the picturesque gardens of the free-to-visit Gülhane Park. With several of Istanbul’s top landmarks found in this historic neighborhood, it’s the ideal place to stay for your first time in Istanbul.

Beyoğlu

With the iconic and imposing Galata Tower watching over the streets below, Beyoğlu is one of Istanbul’s must-visit neighborhoods. It’s a cultural hotspot with small art galleries to discover and a range of Istanbul’s best museums from the Museum of Modern Art to the unique Museum of Innocence.

Kadiköy

Sail across the Bosphorus Strait to another continent and discover the vibrant Kadiköy neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. This trendy neighborhood boasts quirky cafes, pleasant waterfront parks, and the iconic Kadiköy Bull Statue - a symbol of the city’s Asian side.

What to eat in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cuisine blends aromatic spices, tender meats, and fresh local ingredients. With street food and local delights available across the city, this first-timer’s guide covers the must-try dishes.

Main dishes to try

1. Doner Kebab

Doner Kebab are thin slices of meat, typically lamb or beef, slow-cooked on a rotisserie, served in a flatbread with fresh salad and a selection of sauces, from garlic to chili.

2. Turkish Delight

Bite-sized cubes made from sugar, water, and starch combine for a jelly-like texture, Turkish delights come in various flavors, from lemon to pistachio, and are topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.

3. Kofte

Also known as kofta, these popular Turkish meatballs are made from ground lamb or beef with a mix of herbs and spices. Mercimek kofte, made using lentils, is a great vegetarian alternative.

4. Pide

A boat-shaped Turkish flatbread topped with various fresh ingredients, commonly mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, and ground meat, pide is often referred to as ‘Turkish pizza.’

5. Menemen

This traditional Turkish breakfast dish combines scrambled eggs with a flavorsome mix of tomatoes, peppers, and onions and is often served alongside fresh bread.

Getting to Istanbul

Flying into Istanbul airport

Istanbul Airport, Turkey’s main international hub, is among the busiest airports in Europe. Metro journeys are the fastest and cheapest way to reach the city center, but taxis can be just as quick depending on traffic.

Istanbul Esenler Bus Terminal

Esenler Bus Terminal is Istanbul’s hub for bus travel, with routes across Turkey from the capital city of Ankara to the famous Cappadocia region, as well as international routes to several European cities, including Sofia and Munich. It’s a 30-40 minute journey from the bus terminal to the city center via bus, metro, or taxi.

Getting around

Getting around Istanbul is easy, whether you walk through the city’s historic streets or make use of the efficient public transport options. You can even venture into a different continent, with regular ferries between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Exploring Istanbul on foot

Istanbul is a largely walkable city, with major attractions like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square, all within a short walk of each other. Navigating the city’s historic neighborhoods on foot allows you to discover hidden gems, like the Vilayet Mosque, and interact with the city’s famous and friendly stray cats.

Public transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul’s extensive public transport system makes it easy to get between the city’s neighborhoods. Trips are inexpensive, with costs differing between routes on the various tram, ferry, bus, and metro lines. Individual tickets are available, but opt for a transport pass or get an Istanbulkart for access to discounted journeys.

What to avoid in Istanbul

• Don’t ride in unmetered taxis, as some drivers try to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
• Avoid visiting mosques during prayer times. Non-Muslim visitors aren’t allowed to enter during times of prayer, so plan your visit accordingly.
• During Ramadan, avoid drinking, eating, or smoking in public during daylight hours when many locals are fasting.

First time in Istanbul: FAQs

How many days should I spend in Istanbul as a first-time visitor?

Plan to stay at least four days to fully appreciate everything the city has to offer. It’s easy to fill your days exploring the busy bazaars, indulging in street food delights, cruising along the Bosphorus River, or visiting other major attractions. Four days allow time to properly explore the Historic Areas of Istanbul, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its magnificent architecture and historical significance.

What is the tipping policy in Istanbul?

Tipping isn’t a necessity but is a welcome gesture if you’re happy with the service at the city’s restaurants and bars. Some establishments add a service charge to your bill, but for those that don’t, 10% is considered a fair tip for good service.

Where’s a good area to stay in Istanbul?

The city’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood is the perfect place to stay for your first time in Istanbul, with major attractions like the Basilica Cistern within easy walking distance. Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, so there are options for every budget.

What are the best free things to do in Istanbul?

Some of the city’s most famous attractions are completely free to visit, including the lively Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Bridge. Beyond that, beautiful parks like Gülhane Park and Yıldız Park are free to explore, while many museums, including the Salt Galata, don’t charge for admission.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Istanbul?

It’s best to make reservations where possible, especially at higher-end restaurants or during the weekend. Istanbul’s top restaurants often book up in advance, but there are plenty of local restaurants throughout the city that don’t require prior booking.

Are euros accepted in Istanbul?

Large hotels and tour operators may accept euros, but it’s best to pay in the local currency, Turkish lira, as paying in foreign currency often means you will receive a bad exchange rate.

Can you pay by card in Istanbul?

Card payments are widely accepted across Istanbul, but it’s useful to have some cash to use at the city’s iconic bazaars, as well as for any other small purchases.