ISTANBUL TRAVEL HACKS
Hello everyone!
We’ve created a special guidebook packed with the most useful Istanbul Travel Hacks to help you prepare for your trip. Before you come to Istanbul, make sure to check it out — it’s full of smart tips and practical advice that will save you time, money, and stress.
In this guide, we’ve gathered nearly all the important travel tips you’ll need while exploring Istanbul. From transportation tricks to local recommendations and cultural insights, it’s designed to help you travel like a pro from the moment you arrive.
ABOUT ISTANBUL TURKEY
Istanbul is Turkey’s vibrant hub for finance, commerce, and trade. Home to an estimated 16–18 million people, it’s the country’s most populous city and a hotspot for business opportunities for both locals and international visitors.
While Istanbul is often mistaken as the capital, that title actually belongs to Ankara. In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established Ankara as the capital during the founding of the modern Turkish Republic. Despite Istanbul’s historical significance as the seat of the Ottoman Empire, the city now shines as Turkey’s cultural and economic powerhouse rather than its political center.
Whether you’re visiting for business, history, or culture, Istanbul offers an unmatched blend of tradition and modernity that makes it truly unique.
SOME OF THE FAMOUS DESTINATIONS IN ISTANBUL!
Istanbul is a highly developed city for tourism, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. With thousands of hotels, countless attractions, engaging activities, and rich local experiences, the city offers something for everyone.
The main historical sites are located close to each other, making it easy to explore the city’s heritage. Key landmarks include Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Chora Museum, and Basilica Cistern — all must-see treasures that showcase Istanbul’s fascinating history. You can read about Istanbul Old-City from the following link: “Highlights in Old-City of Istanbul“!
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a breathtaking monumental building that was constructed during the Byzantine period and became the symbol of that time. Located in the center of Sultanahmet Street and the opposite side of the Blue Mosque, it is within easy reach of visitors, regardless of where they are staying, as it is very easy to walk to the site, or to access it via tram or public transportation. In addition, it boasts great architectural beauty, with stunning frescoes and mosaics representing the golden age of the Byzantine time in Constantinopolis. Hagia Sophia is the most visited museum in Istanbul and is truly an awe-inspiring sight that should be on everyone’s must-see list!
Once the mighty Fatih Sultan Mehmet, one of the most influential Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, had successfully conquered Constantinapolis, the majestic Hagia Sophia was transformed into an active Mosque and became a symbol of the conquest of Istanbul. Despite the fact that this structure has endured and survived numerous earthquakes, causing great destruction and damage, it has been restored to its former glory and grandeur thanks to some renovations conducted by Mimar Sinan, one of the most famous architects in history. To this day, Hagia Sophia continues to dazzle and captivate visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty.
In 1935, after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the modern Turkish Republic, he converted into the Hagia Sophia from a Mosque to a Museum. And, presented it in service of Muslims and Christians. Here is the official link where you may see more about: Hagia Sophia Museum!
In the 10th of July 2020, with the signature of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is the President of the Republic of Turkey, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque again. Find more about Hagia Sophia and Istanbul!
Blue Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks. Located on Sultanahmet Street, directly across from the Hagia Sophia, this stunning mosque is renowned for its striking interior, adorned with thousands of beautiful blue tiles — which is how it got its nickname.
Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque remains an active place of worship while also welcoming tourists from around the world. Visiting is free, making it easy to explore and admire its incredible architecture. However, it’s recommended to check prayer times before your visit, as certain areas may be restricted during services.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a grand and historic museum located next to the Hagia Sophia on Sultanahmet Street. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans.
After the Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II ordered the construction of the palace, which began in 1459. Originally called the “New Palace”, it was later renamed Topkapi Palace in the 19th century, meaning “Cannon Gate.” Over the centuries, the palace underwent significant expansions and renovations, especially after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire, resulting in a complex that includes four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings.
Following the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, Topkapi Palace was transformed into a museum. Today, it welcomes visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and magnificent architecture.
The entrance fee is 80 Lira per person (subject to change), and tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance — no need to pre-book. Here is the official link where you may see more about: Topkapi Palace!
WHERE TO STAY IN ISTANBUL
Istanbul is a huge Metropol city and there are Hotels all around it! If you are going to visit the historical & cultural places of Istanbul, we do highly recommend you staying in Sultanahmet / Old-City of Istanbul.
If you are at the end of your Istanbul Travel and looking for a closer hotel to the airport, the most important life-saving advice we may provide to you is about Istanbul New Airport; there were 2 airports in Istanbul. One is called Istanbul Atatürk Airport(IST), and the other is called Sabiha Gökcen Airport(SAW). Istanbul Atatürk Airport is closed and moved to a new location called Istanbul New Airport(IST). However, there are still hotels on online platforms(booking.com, etc) called Istanbul Airport Hotel which is located close to the previous Istanbul Airport. So, check the address details of your Airport and the hotel you book. So, there would be confusion or misunderstanding unless you know this information!
What about Honeymoon couples? The best area to stay in Istanbul for a Honeymoon is around Haliç and Beşiktaş! You may find several Hotels with a Bosphorus view, and spend an unforgettable time!
TRAVEL TIPS TO ISTANBUL
- There are two Airports! You should be careful while choosing your arrival and departure flights; Istanbul New Airport (IST) and Sabiha Göhcen Airport (SAW).
- All the places in Istanbul are not safe to have an overnight stay. Better to have a Hotel around Sultanahmet and Taksim Regions. This can also save your time to join activities and Tours in Istanbul.
- Better to have a minimum of 2 Days in Istanbul. At least to visit the main highlights of the city.
- The most interesting place in Istanbul located on the European side. However, you can leave a day to visit the Asian side of Istanbul too, if you have enough time.
- You can find many nice restaurants in Istanbul. However, if you would like to experience real Turkish Cuisine, the right place would be the local places such as; Ephesus, Cappadocia, etc… And, in Istanbul, you should better ask the price before giving your order.
- Summer is humid and hot around 30 – 40 degrees. Winter is snowy and cold around -15 to 0. So, better to bring suitable clothes.
- No need to have pre-arranged entrance tickets for the Museums, you may purchase them at the entrances.
- It is always better to book a Tour in Istanbul. Because it is a large city and there are many things that you do not know. So, having a guided tour can save time, money, and effort. Plus, you may have more detailed information about the treasures of Istanbul from a Local Tour Guide.
BEST TIME TO TOUR TO ISTANBUL AND TURKEY!
Turkey has 4 seasons; Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring! It is a different experience to visit Turkey in every single season! The busiest travel time is between May to September! Especially Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale maybe a little too hot and crowded for some travelers who are not used to it! On this hand, we always recommend March – April, and October for the best time seekers!
In addition, if you are planning to travel to other destinations out of Istanbul (Cappadocia, Ephesus, or Pamukkale), you can keep reading our posts; Istanbul to Cappadocia, Istanbul to Ephesus, Istanbul to Pamukkale, and Day Tours from Istanbul.
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