Welcome to Istanbul
Straddling the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia meet, Istanbul is home to some 10 million people, as well as to much to see and experience. Here are some smart ways to get the most out of your visit to this fascinating ancient city without exceeding your budget.
When to Visit
Istanbul has a moderate, typically Mediterranean climate. Summer is high season, even though it can be hot and humid. If you can, travel in late spring or early fall for mild, pleasant temperatures and largely crowd-free attractions. Winter is also a good time to go, although thermometers may dip below freezing. Find flights to Istanbul
Where to Eat
As a large urban center, Istanbul has a range of international choices. If you want to eat like the locals, sample the region's delicious, hearty Mediterranean fare. In this city surrounded by water, there is a particular emphasis on fresh seafood. You might start with a platter of mezes, which are hot and cold appetizers, and move on to fish served with sides of pilaf and fresh vegetables. Sip a cup of eye-opening Turkish coffee and order a plate of rich baklava (layered phyllo pastry) for a satisfying finish.
You should have no trouble finding plenty of small, inexpensive restaurants and taverns serving good regional specialties, but avoid the obvious tourist joints in the main commercial areas. Ask a local where he or she eats. Cafés in the lively Ortakoy neighborhood, on the European side of the Bosphorus, teem with diners, and you can find lots of good Turkish food stalls on the streets behind the mosque there. Kebabs are a favorite street and takeout food throughout the city. Be advised that restaurants usually add a 15% service charge.
Where to Stay
Budget travelers should have no problem snagging a room in a solid, reliable two- or three-star hotel for a good price, but be sure to book early if you plan to come in high season. Also, note that many hotels are now quoting their prices in euros, which can mean a significant uptick in rates for dollar-toting visitors.
Getting Around
Many of the city's inhabitants move about inexpensively ($1 USD a ride) on public buses operated by the municipality, which also oversees a network of public trams and rapid rails. The Metro system currently has only six stations but is expected to expand its coverage in the next few years. Taxis are also inexpensive, and are easy to find as well. Walking is a great way to see the sights, but it's best not to venture into unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark. For a different perspective, be sure to get out on the water. For less than $10 USD, you can take one of the inexpensive seabuses that travel to various neighborhoods and the surrounding islands. Or hop on one of the popular sightseeing cruises that leave from the Eminonu Docks.
Istanbul Sights and Attractions
As the once-powerful center of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is a living history museum, boasting some of the most magnificent palaces and mosques in the world. The city's best-known landmark may be the Ayasofya (or Hagia Sophia), an ancient basilica, now a museum, that for hundreds of years was the patriarchal church of Christendom. The structure, which served as a mosque from 1453 until 1935, is a massive hymn to the Byzantine Empire, with an interior sheathed in millions of tiny gold mosaic tiles. The Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s by Sultan Ahmet I, is equally impressive; the interior is lined with thousands of beautiful blue tiles.
In Istanbul, shopping in the colorful bazaars is as much an attraction as visiting mosques and museums. A survivor of fires, earthquakes and changes in regime, the Grand Bazaar is an ornate covered market from the 15th century. Thousands of shops under vaulted domes sell carpets, leather, ceramics, jewelry (including the ever-popular "evil eye" beads), copper pots, clothes and assorted knickknacks. Show up early to avoid crowds, and be prepared to haggle; bargaining is expected. The 1660 Egyptian Bazaar, or Spice Bazaar, is another treat; look for spices, dried fruits and other foods in this exotic vaulted market.
More Istanbul Tips
- Money matters. You will have no trouble finding ATMs in Istanbul, most of which have an English-language option. Traveler's checks are rarely accepted.
- Mosque etiquette. Visitors to mosques are expected to adhere to a dress code. It is recommended that men forgo shorts and women cover up bare arms and legs. Women are also asked to cover their heads with a scarf before entering. All will be requested to remove their shoes.
- Learn a little Turkish. Greet your new acquaintances with a hearty hello: "Merhaba."
