Travel tips for Istanbul 2024: 15 essential travel tips for exploring Istanbul like a pro!

But before you go, it’s good to know some helpful tips like how to get around on buses and trains and what to say to be polite. Our travel tips for Istanbul Turkey will make sure you are all set up for your trip.

So grab your stuff, get ready for adventure, and let’s make some awesome memories in this amazing city with Turkey tour packages!

The Top 15 travel tips for Istanbul are:

1. Avoid visiting in Summer
2. You need at least 3 days to explore Istanbul
3. Travel insurance is a must
4. Make sure you are choosing the right airport
5. Pre-book your accommodation
6. Always carry cash even if the card is accepted widely
7. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul
8. Try the Turkish Hammam
9. Prepare yourself for lots of uphill walking
10. Dress modestly to blend in
11. Don’t fall for the ‘Shoe cleaner trick’
12. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata bridge
13. Experience Dervish ceremony 
14. Sign up for a food tour
15. Pharmacies are hard to find

1. Avoid visiting in Summer

The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring which is April to early June or autumn which is mid-September to the start of November. You can also visit Turkey in winter when snow covers Istanbul and the city looks like Iceland. Take note of the dates of the holy month of Ramadan which influences the way the city operates. It is the best travel tips for Istanbul Turkey we can give. 

2. You need at least 3 days to explore Istanbul

One of the highlights of Istanbul is food, so you would do well to measure the duration of your stay in means eaten rather than the night’s sleep. Six meals a day is ideal for exploring the best restaurants in Istanbul. It is the best travel tips for Istanbul turkey we can give.

3. Travel insurance is a must

Suggested Read: Adventure activities in Istanbul.

4. Make sure you are choosing the right airport

The second airport is Sahiba Gocken International Airport which receives flights from the Middle East as well as Turkey’s on Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side which is a 40 km Drive from Taksim Square.

The two airports are 80 km apart and it takes at least 75 to 90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses so triple-check your reservations and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

5. Pre-book your accommodation

6. Always carry cash even if the card is accepted widely

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases. In these cases cash is necessary. Cash also comes in handy for tipping. Remember most ATMs in Istanbul charge a fee for withdrawal of cash. It is one of the best travel tips for Istanbul turkey we can give.

7. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Taxis are metered so it is generally considered safe for a tourist to get a cab on the street however scams do happen which is one of the reasons most people including many locals prefer to use an app.

Uber was relaunched in Turkey in 2021. Uber alternatives are BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has a POS contactless payment option. It is the best travel tips for Istanbul Turkey we can give to avoid such scams.

Suggested Read: Homestays in Istanbul

8. Try the Turkish Hammam

The Turkish skin massage can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist will always be of the same gender. It is customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

9. Prepare yourself for lots of uphill walking

You can take Funicular railways to avoid the slog. 

The Taksim-Kabatas is the world’s second oldest after the London Underground and the oldest still operating underground Funicular in Europe. It is the best travel tips for Istanbul turkey we can give

10. Dress modestly to blend in

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms and legs are mandatory. A woman must cover their hair. The majority of mosques have pullover muumuus that you can borrow for free at the door to fully cover up.

11. Don’t fall for the ‘Shoe cleaner trick’

12. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata bridge

13. Experience the Dervish ceremony

It is a group of five members of the congregation spin rhythmically in circles to the tune of melodic hymns performed by a live band. It takes great skill, Patience and years of training to perfect. It is the best travel tips for Istanbul turkey we can give to enjoy this experience. 

14. Sign up for a food tour

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you are looking for a half-day experience.

15. Pharmacies are hard to find

Pharmacies are more difficult to find because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by pharmacists. Look for ‘Eczanesi’ rather than Pharmacy as it is called.

Many medicines are available without prescription and prices are almost always cheaper than in other countries. It is the best travel tips for Istanbul we can give.