Planning a trip to Istanbul? Here are 15 essential things to know before visiting Istanbul, from cultural tips to navigating transport and much more.

After five years of dreaming, we finally made it to Istanbul! If you’re still planning your itinerary, be sure to check out my blog post on 17+ Things to Do in Istanbul, where I’ve organized recommendations by district to make your planning much easier. While my trip to Istanbul was incredible, there were definitely a few things I wish I’d known beforehand.

Before every trip, I always look for as much information as possible about the destination to avoid surprises. For Istanbul, I did the same, but I still found myself searching through multiple sources to piece everything together. Even then, there were things we encountered or learned only after arriving, which is all part of the travel experience.

To make your trip smoother, I’ve compiled 15 essential tips and things to know before visiting Istanbul. This guide includes everything I wish I’d known beforehand, so you can arrive fully prepared and avoid unexpected surprises.

From cultural tips and transportation hacks to local customs and must-know advice, this post has you covered! If there’s anything I’ve missed, feel free to share it in the comments below to help other travelers too. Let’s make Istanbul adventures unforgettable for everyone!

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Things To Know Before Visiting Istanbul

15 Istanbul Travel Tips For First Time Visitors

1. Get An IstanbulKart

The first thing you’ll want to do when arriving in Istanbul is to get yourself an Istanbulkart (basically like an oyster card). This convenient card can be used for up to five passengers (we used one for the two of us). You can purchase an Istanbulkart from machines at metro stations—ours was at Taksim Square.

The process is simple: use the machine to select and purchase the card, and then add credit. The card itself costs around 130 TL, but note that this price does not include travel credit. We recommend loading at least 70 TL onto the card to start exploring, which should cover a few trips (especially with the bus).

Traveling with an Istanbulkart is incredibly affordable! Istanbul’s public transport system is fantastic, with buses, metros, and trams connecting you to almost all major tourist destinations. It’s definitely the most cost-effective and efficient way to get around the city.

Important tips for using your Istanbulkart:

• Tap for each person. While one card can be used for multiple passengers, you’ll need to tap the card separately for each person traveling with you. (For example, we initially thought one tap would cover both of us but quickly learned we had to tap twice.) Children under six can travel for free, so they don’t require a tap.
• Get the red Istanbulkart. There are different types of Istanbulkarts available, so make sure you get the red one (refer to the image above for reference).
• Topping up your card. You can top up your Istanbulkart at metro stations using machines, which work similarly to London’s TFL Oyster system. You’ll also find top-up machines outside some bus stops and metro/tram stations, making it super convenient to add credit whenever needed.

2. Taxis Will Scam You

Taxi scams are unfortunately quite common in Istanbul, so if you plan to travel by taxi, it’s highly recommended to download the BiTaksi app. This app works similarly to Uber, providing a set price upfront and allowing you to pay through the app, which helps you avoid being overcharged by taxi drivers trying to inflate fares.

That said, I strongly encourage using public transport whenever possible. Not only is it significantly more affordable, but Istanbul’s public transport system is also highly efficient—much like London’s. With buses, trams, and metros connecting nearly all major tourist spots, you’ll save yourself a lot of money while navigating the city with ease.

3. Sultanahmet Or Beyoglu?

When deciding where to stay in Istanbul, many first-time visitors debate between Sultanahmet (Fatih area) or Beyoğlu (Galata area). While Sultanahmet is often recommended for first-timers due to its proximity to major historical landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, staying in Beyoğlu offers a more dynamic and versatile experience.

Why choose Sultanahmet?
This area is perfect if your main focus is exploring Istanbul’s rich history. With many iconic landmarks within walking distance, Sultanahmet is ideal for sightseeing. However, it has its downsides:

• Limited nightlife and modern entertainment options.
• Fewer trendy dining spots compared to Beyoğlu.
• Less central for exploring other neighborhoods in Istanbul.

Why choose Beyoğlu?
Staying in Beyoğlu, including areas like Taksim or slightly further up in Şişli (which is exactly where we stayed), offers greater flexibility and a livelier atmosphere. Known for its vibrant nightlife, modern restaurants, and shopping options, Beyoğlu is perfect for evening leisure after a day of sightseeing.

It’s also more central for visiting places like Taksim Square, Galata Tower, and ferry terminals for trips to the Asian side. Additionally, once you’ve explored Sultanahmet (which can typically be done in a day or two), you’ll likely spend most of your time in Beyoğlu enjoying its modern charm.

Ultimately, your choice depends on the type of experience you want—historical and serene in Sultanahmet or vibrant and modern in Beyoğlu!

Other Travel Content You’ll Find Helpful:

• 17 Things To Do In Istanbul
• 7 Top Instagrammable Places In Istanbul
• What To Eat In Istanbul
• 9 Healthy Travel Snack Ideas
• How To Travel With Kids
• The Ultimate Year Round Travel Packing List

4. Get An eSim Card

Getting an eSIM card is a much cheaper and more convenient option than purchasing a physical SIM in Istanbul. For just £5, we got 2GB of data, which is plenty for 15 days (we only stayed for 6 nights). This allowed us to use Google Maps and stay connected via WhatsApp when needed. At the hotel, we relied on Wi-Fi to save data.

We chose Airalo for our eSIM, as it was the most affordable option at the time. However, it’s important to purchase the eSIM before your flight. Once you land in Istanbul, the eSIM activates automatically. The setup process is straightforward, with clear step-by-step instructions provided when you make the purchase.

If you’re looking for an affordable and hassle-free way to stay connected during your trip, an eSIM is the way to go!

5. Best Time To Visit Istanbul

In my opinion, Istanbul is a city you can visit any time of the year, but choosing the right season can make your trip even more enjoyable. The city experiences a range of weather, from snowy winters and heavy rain to hot, humid summers.

Since most of your time in Istanbul will involve exploring and walking—often uphill—you’ll want comfortable weather that’s dry, cool, and slightly warm.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during October–November or March-May when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. We stayed in mid-April and experienced perfect spring temperatures ranging from 19–24°C. It was lovely, comfortable, and suitable for long walks around the city. While it did get a bit chilly at times, a denim jacket, trench coat, or sweatshirt was enough to keep us warm.

6. You Need More Than 4 Days To Do Istanbul Justice

Many people say that 3-4 nights in Istanbul is enough, but let me tell you, it’s really not. If you want to fully experience everything the city has to offer, 6-8 nights is ideal. We stayed for 6 nights and still felt like we could’ve used at least two more days. Beyond the main attractions, there’s so much more to explore in Istanbul- check out my blog post on must-see places in Istanbul(link).

Istanbul is definitely a city we plan to visit regularly. If you’re thinking about a second trip, then 3-5 nights might be enough to cover the main spots. But trust me, you’ll want to go back again to experience even more of this vibrant city!

7. Squat Toilets Are Common

As a Moroccan, I’m no stranger to squat toilets, but I was still quite surprised to find them in Istanbul. I honestly expected public restrooms to be more modern.

However, squat toilets are quite common in Istanbul’s public facilities. That said, we did find that most places had at least 1-2 Western-style toilets available, which were especially helpful for us with a little one. I wanted to share this as one of the things to know before visiting Istanbul, so you’re prepared for it!

8. Use Toilets At The Mosque

Istanbul has plenty of public toilets, and while many are fairly clean, you may come across a few that are less than ideal—something that’s common in public restrooms. To ensure a cleaner experience, I recommend using the toilets in mosques whenever possible. While not all of them are spotless, we found them to be much cleaner compared to most public toilets.

9. Food Poisoning Is Common

Food poisoning is fairly common in Istanbul, and I wish I had known this before our trip. I’m usually very cautious about what my family and I eat, always ensuring we avoid tap water and opt for clean food, but unfortunately, my 3-year-old ended up getting food poisoning.

Thankfully, her symptoms didn’t start until our last day, and she didn’t begin vomiting or needing the bathroom until we were back home. If you’re planning to try street food, it’s best to go during the day when the food is fresher, and always trust your instincts—if something smells off, don’t take the risk!

10. Forget About Your Fancy Shoes/Sandals!

Forget the fancy shoes and make sure to pack at least two pairs of your comfiest trainers. Leave the sandals behind too—I made the mistake of bringing them and struggled, but luckily I had one pair of trainers that saved us.

Istanbul is a city where you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and you’ll need supportive shoes for that. It’s also known for its steep hills, and trust me, they are no joke!

We had a pram with us, which made navigating the hills even trickier. You’ll be sweating by the time you reach the top, so comfortable shoes are a must to avoid blisters and ensure you enjoy your trip without the extra struggle.

11. Spice Bazaar Is Cheaper Than Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a stunning, maze-like shopping market with so many beautiful items, but the prices can be a little too much. During our visit, we also explored the nearby Spice Bazaar, just outside the Grand Bazaar, and found many of the same products—like delicious Turkish delights—at a fraction of the price, without compromising on quality.

In fact, the further you move away from the Grand Bazaar, the cheaper the goods become. So, if you’re looking to pick up gifts from Istanbul without breaking the bank, the Spice Bazaar is definitely the place to go!

12. Organise Your Itinerary By District

I came across a helpful video from a local in Istanbul who shared some great Istanbul travel tips, and one of the best pieces of advice she gave was to organize your itinerary by district. While it might seem like common sense, it’s something many travelers overlook, and it turned out to be a game-changer for us.

Thanks to this tip, we managed to see over 17 attractions in Istanbul during our 5 full days there—while traveling with a toddler!

However, organizing our itinerary by district made everything run smoothly. On some days, we did need to travel between districts, but it was so much easier since we weren’t constantly retracing our steps. This is also why staying in Beyoğlu is such a great option—it makes visiting the Asian side much more convenient, and getting back to your hotel is a breeze.

If you want to make your trip to Istanbul even smoother, check out my blog post on 17 things to do in Istanbul, organized by district. It’ll help you plan your itinerary efficiently and make the most of your time in the city!

13. Haggle, Haggle, Haggle!

We’ve always been ready to haggle whenever we travel, but Istanbul was the first place where we really had to master the art of bargaining. The locals are known for overcharging, especially in places like the Grand Bazaar. So, be prepared to haggle!

Many of the shopkeepers will try to lower the price when they see you’re about to walk away, which is a great opportunity to push for an even better deal. I recommend taking advantage of that moment to negotiate further and get the best price possible!

14. Carry Your Passport With You

Carrying your passport or ID is actually a legal requirement in Istanbul, so it’s important to have it with you at all times in case you’re stopped for a document check by the police.

While we didn’t experience any checks ourselves, we always carried our passports just in case. To keep your documents safe, I recommend using a fanny pack (link) worn across your chest, so you can keep your belongings close and in sight. This is especially important, as pickpocketing can be a concern in some areas, and the last thing you want is to lose your ID!

15. Shoe Cleaning Scame

We were fortunate enough to hear about this scam before our trip because we would have definitely fallen for this scam! This is a scam that many tourists unfortunately fall for.

Here’s how it works: a shoe cleaner will purposely drop their cleaning brush in front of you. Most people, wanting to do a good deed, will pick it up and hand it back to them. The shoe cleaner will thank you and, to show their “gratitude,” start cleaning your shoes—even if you didn’t ask for it. They will continue cleaning and then demand payment, claiming it’s for their services. If you refuse to pay, expect a confrontation.

So, be aware and don’t fall for this scam! Just keep walking if someone drops their cleaning brush.

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