A First-Timer's Guide To Istanbul: What to See, When to Visit, Eat, and Do
Being one of the most important cities of Turkey and the world with its cultural richness, natural beauties, deep-rooted history, legendary structures, and endless sea, Istanbul welcomes millions of visitors every year. From a geographical point of view, the city, which combines both Asian and European continents, supports the establishment of a link between eastern and western culture thanks to this feature. Located where the Asian and European continents meet, Istanbul is built on seven hills within the borders of Turkey's Marmara Region. The names of these hills are Topkapı Palace, Çemberli Taş, Fatih, Beyazıt, Edirne Kapı, Yavuz Selim and Koca Mustafa Pasha. Istanbul also adds fame to its reputation with its Bosphorus that connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
There are so many places to visit and learn about the history of this magnificent city, which has been home to three empires, that it does not end with telling. Now let's try to give you some information about what you need to know on your first visit to Istanbul.
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
You should visit the city, which has a structure that can attract tourists in every period of the year, in spring or summer in order to travel without getting cold and to see everywhere more clearly. You can be sure that you will admire every detail in the city, which offers a better nature and social life with the regaining of nature and the vitality of the sea, especially in the summer period. The purple-colored redbud trees that bloom in spring also help you raise your positive energy.
When you visit Istanbul in the spring and summer months, you can experience all the details of the city with the finest detail. And you may experience some problems. During these months, the city is very crowded, so you can expect a little queue during your visits. Another problem is that these months are more expensive than other months for accommodation and all kinds of tourist activity in Istanbul.
Which airport in Istanbul?
The answer to the question of which airport is more advantageous in a visit to Istanbul; There are 2 airports in Istanbul.
Istanbul Airport (IGA): It is 42.5 km from the city center. Turkish Air Lines usually uses this airport.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport: It is 44.56 km from the city center. Pegasus Air Lines usually uses this airport.
It takes approximately the same time to reach the center of Istanbul from both airports. However, as Sabiha Gökçen airport is located on the Asian side, there may be traffic problems. Our advice is to choose Istanbul Airport.
The real question is how to get from the airport to the city center. Airport transfer services are provided by airline companies in all airports in Istanbul. However, even if there is no shuttle service to the Sultanahmet area, you can reach the Taksim area as the closest area.
Our recommendation is that it will be cheaper and more comfortable to contact your hotel and request a transfer vehicle.
What to wear in Istanbul?
Istanbul is not different from European countries. Since it is a cosmopolitan city, you can freely wear whatever you want. However, it will be better to dress according to the month you will visit. summer months are in the range of hot 30-34 degrees. In the spring, it is less rainy and between 28-30 degrees. If you are only going to visit the mosque during your visit, we recommend that you bring a headscarf and long clothes.
What currency should I bring with me to Istanbul?
In Istanbul, the dollar and euro are used as much as the Turkish lira. You can bring dollars and euros with you and exchange them at exchange offices or banks. You also have the chance to use a credit card (Visa, American Express and Mastercard). However, our advice is not to carry too much money with you. You can keep your money in the bank and withdraw from the ATM in Istanbul. You just need to have a small amount of money with you. Finally, do not exchange currency at street vendors.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul
There are so many things to do in Istanbul that it does not end with explaining. Let's try to talk about the activities that can be made as a basis for you.
1. Istanbul Sultanahmet guided tour: you can start from the most popular touristic area of Istanbul, Sultanahmet. This region has many iconic historical buildings from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods. Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and many other historical buildings are only within walking distance to each other. For these reasons, it is one of the most preferred region. Our recommendation for you is to buy an Istanbul guided tour, visit this region in 1 day and get information about the history.
2. Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: another activity we would recommend is to join an Istanbul boat or yacht tour on the Bosphorus, the pearl of Istanbul.
You have many options for Istanbul Bosphorus boat tours.
- Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise
(2.5 hours luxury Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus with Snacks and Complimentary drinks.) - Istanbul Bosphorus lunch cruise
(4.5 hours luxury Boat Cruise on Bosphorus and the Black Sea with Lunch.) - Istanbul Bosphorus dinner cruise with Turkish night
(3.5 hours luxury Boat Cruise on Bosphorus with Dinner, Belly dance shows, Anatolian traditional folk dance and more.) - Short Istanbul Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
(2.5 hours luxury Boat Cruise on Bosphorus with Live Guide.) - Istanbul Bosphorus and the Black Sea cruise with lunch
(9 hours full-Day Boat Cruise on Bosphorus and the Black Sea with Lunch on board)
3. Istanbul Princes Islands Tour: if you want to feel real peace, you should definitely join the Istanbul Islands Tour, which is a very popular tour among both local and foreign tourists! The islands that you will reach by traveling the Bosphorus by private boat are a peaceful region intertwined with nature. You will have the chance to have lunch on the boat on this tour where you will visit 3 islands.
4. Guided Istanbul Fener Balat Tour: Fener and Balat districts have gained great fame in recent years. Maybe we can call this the "Instagram Effect". Because the nostalgic streets and colorful houses of the district are photographed a lot and these images are shared on social media. As a result of a chain effect, everyone wants to explore Fener and Balat districts.
First of all, it should be noted that Fener and Balat are not just colorful houses. Even with the excitement of the experience, you will experience during the Fener Balat Tour, it is possible to forget the existence of colorful houses.
There are many churches, mosques, and synagogues to visit during cultural tours starting from Cibali and covering Fener Balat districts. When you realize how deep history the district has, pastel-colored houses will remain a detail for you.
3 Days Itinerary in Istanbul
You can take a look at the 3-days itinerary sample program in Istanbul that we have prepared for you.
What should eat and drink in Istanbul?
When you come to Istanbul, you should try the food and drinks that we recommend.
Istanbul is a city where you can find all the cuisines of the world. Do not go without tasting the world-famous Turkish cuisine, kebab, lahmacun, Turkish ravioli, stuffed leaves, stuffed meatballs, pancake, rotary meat (doner).
Do not go without tasting famous desserts of Turkish cuisine, baklava, donut sweet, kadayif, ice cream, semolina, and Turkish delight.
for the drinks Buttermilk, turnip juice, wine, and raki should try.
