Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 14, 2025
Istanbul is a city that doesn’t whisper its stories—it sings them from every minaret, market, and meandering alleyway. Wander through the grand courtyards of the Hagia Sophia. Savour your first piece of lokum, a Turkish delight. Lose yourself in the energetic rhythm of a bustling bazaar.
Istanbul is where east meets west—in style.
It’s a city that wraps you in its rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern flair. A UNESCO-listed wonder, Istanbul is a living museum where Roman ruins, Ottoman palaces, and Byzantine mosaics coexist with rooftop bars and street food vendors.
Listen to the call to prayer echoing across the Bosphorus; sniff pleasurely to the scent of spices in the Grand Bazaar; be in awe of the striking skyline… Your senses are in for a treat. Istanbul’s growing reputation as a cultural and culinary hotspot gets immersive as it can be both timeless and refreshingly current for discerning explorers.
Consider this your chic and insightful guide to making the most of Istanbul—complete with insider tips, when to go, where to stay, what to eat, and what to skip.
Important tips to remember
Are you visiting Istanbul for the first time? Don’t worry! We can give you a better idea of what to expect. Thus, prepare your notes app.
First, perhaps the most astonishing one, is the melodic call to prayer. It begins at dawn and echoes five times a day. Early birds must therefore be aware! You can pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, or consider it part of Istanbul’s symphony.
The next tip coincides with the first, concerning you to dress the part. Modest attire is essential at religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are kindly expected to bring a scarf to cover their heads in mosques.
Speaking of clothes, bargain with grace. Haggling isn’t just allowed at the city’s bazaars—it’s expected. Engage with charm and confidence, and you might just walk away with a treasure (and a story). Bargaining is similar to shopping in Ankara, which you can visit for 24 hours.
While cards are accepted at most restaurants and stores, cash is still king at street food stalls, vintage shops, and local markets. Thus, always have some cash in your wallet.
Technically safe, but not beloved for its taste, be cautious with the tap water. Most locals and travellers stick with bottled or filtered water.
Though they may seem simple, these tips carry lasting value, offering practical insights that can elevate your overall Istanbul experience.
Best time to visit Istanbul
Staying four full days is ideal for a first visit to Istanbul. You get enough time to explore the city's highlights, soak up the culture, and slip into the rhythm of daily life. Your four-day trip all depends on the seasonal cycle, as each season depicts a distinct feel.
March to May is when mild temperatures and blooming tulips make spring the sweet spot for exploring Istanbul’s gardens, palaces, and historic sites. The crowds haven’t yet reached their peak, and cultural gems like the Istanbul Film Festival and the annual Tulip Festival add colour and charm to the season.
The hotter days last from June to August. That means long days, warm nights, and a city buzzing with energy. Summer in Istanbul is electric! Enjoy cocktails on rooftop terraces, live jazz echoing through cobbled streets, and early-morning visits to popular sites like the Blue Mosque before the midday rush. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and a stylish sunhat.
Looking for a more authentic experience? Cooler air and fewer tourists make autumn a dream between September and November. Cruise along the Bosphorus, catch a performance at the Istanbul Puppet Festival, or celebrate Republic Day with fireworks and street parades. The city glows with golden light, making every photo feel like a postcard.
You can avoid the crowd during winter; when a quiet, cosy version of Istanbul awaits between December and February. Roam around near-empty museums, sip steaming çay in a centuries-old teahouse, or pamper yourself with a traditional Turkish bath. Snow is rare, but magical when it comes—turning minarets and rooftops into something out of a fairytale.
Getting around Istanbul
Did you know that Istanbul is a walkable city? Istanbul is wonderfully walkable as its charm lies in its streets—wanderable and full of unexpected surprises. The city’s historic and character-rich neighbourhoods, such as Sultanahmet, Galata, and Balat, are especially recommended for you to walk and discover Ottoman architecture and the city’s famously friendly stray cats. Every cobbled street and hidden café invites exploration.
Istanbul is a city best savoured step by step.
The city’s hills and bustling crowds add a touch of adventure. Wear comfortable shoes and test out a bit of stamina along the way. Walking offers the most authentic way to soak in Istanbul’s layered history and eclectic street life.
Public transport easily fills the gaps between districts. Skip unmetered taxis. Use official cabs or apps like BiTaksi to avoid surprises. The city’s trams, ferries, buses, and metro are affordable and efficient. Pick up an Istanbulkart for seamless, discounted travel across all modes. And yes, you can sail between continents—how many cities offer that?
Neighbourhoods to explore
Many agree that Istanbul has three neighbourhoods worth visiting.
Sultanahmet is the city’s historic soul. Home to Istanbul’s most iconic sights—Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque—this neighbourhood is a must. Don’t miss the Gülhane Park nearby, a green oasis filled with flowers, fountains, and locals enjoying an afternoon stroll. Sultanahmet is also the best base for first-timers. Think proximity to major landmarks and a touch of old-world grandeur here. From boutique hotels to luxury stays, there’s something for every style and budget. Tria Hotel Istanbul, Osmanhan Hotel, and Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet are some accommodations to consider.
Beyoğlu is for those searching for a touch of artistic, dynamic, and effortless cool. This is where old meets new: trendy galleries sit beneath the towering Galata Tower, and independent boutiques rub shoulders with cosy cafes and jazz bars. The Museum of Innocence, inspired by a novel by Orhan Pamuk, is a hidden literary gem.
Hop on a ferry and head to the Asian side for a change of pace. Kadıköy is all about local charm—quirky shops, food markets, laid-back cafes, and waterfront promenades. The famous Bull Statue is the heart of this neighbourhood, and from there, you can wander through Istanbul’s trendiest streets with the locals.
Tasting Istanbul
What comes to mind with Turkish food? Perhaps the decadent, fresh ingredients and bold spices?
Turkish food is a flavourful tapestry woven from centuries of diverse influences rooted in the Ottoman, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian. Vegetables, herbs, and olive oil feature prominently, alongside hearty meat dishes and indulgent sweets like baklava and künefe. Whether you're enjoying street food by the Bosphorus or a home-cooked feast, Turkish cuisine is all about balance, generosity, and unforgettable flavour.
Doner Kebab includes succulent layers of lamb or beef, cooked on a vertical spit and wrapped in fresh bread with herbs and sauce—simple, classic, unforgettable. Turkish Delight (Lokum) is delicate, jewel-toned cubes in flavours like rose, pistachio, or pomegranate, dusted with powdered sugar and perfect with a strong Turkish coffee.
Köfte, or savoury meatballs, burst with flavour. Try the lentil-based mercimek köfte if you’re vegetarian, which is just as satisfying. Pide is often dubbed “Turkish pizza”. This boat-shaped flatbread comes topped with melting cheese, spiced meats, and fresh vegetables, is a huge hit!
When you get the chance, get a breakfast essential called menemen. It features scrambled eggs mixed with juicy tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Take a piece of the warm bread to soak it all up at Lades Menemen! Don’t skip on dondurma, otherwise known as Turkish ice cream. Go to Vitavien | İstiklal to watch the spectacle before savouring it.
Several restaurants to try out are Adana Ocakbaşı, Garden 1897 Restaurant, Nevet İstanbul Rooftop Restaurant & Roof Bar, and Şehzade Cağ Kebap. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 10 per cent is a kind gesture for good service. Check your bill first—some restaurants include a service charge.
If you decide to visit during Ramadan, refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting.