12 Essential Istanbul Travel Tips for Your First Visit

If you’re planning your first visit to Istanbul in Türkiye, you’re in for something truly special. Straddling Europe and Asia, we found Istanbul to be a vibrant blend of ancient empires, historic sites, buzzing bazaars, and rich cultural traditions. We did lots of research before our trip and being prepared helped us to adjust and enjoy our trip.

From navigating public transport to knowing when to visit the mosques, here are our 12 essential Istanbul travel tips for first-time visitors.

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12 Essential Istanbul Travel Tips

1. Consider buying an Istanbulkart for Easy Public Transport 

Istanbul has an extensive and affordable public transport system. Use it: driving in Istanbul is not for the faint-hearted!

You can use the pre-paid smart card Istanbulkart for discounted travel on the city’s trams, buses, metros, and ferries.

Alternatively, you can purchase the Istanbul City Card for tourists which gives unlimited public transport access. 

Tips:

• Buy and top up your Istanbulkart at kiosks near major stations or via vending machines. You can also use a digital version via the Istanbulkart app.
• One card can be used by multiple people (just tap once per person).
• Tap your card as you enter the vehicle and make sure you tap again when you get off so that you pay the correct fare for the journey taken.

💡 Bonus: The scenic Bosphorus ferry is included in your card. It’s a cheap and beautiful way to see the city from the water!

2. Base Yourself in the Right Area 🏨

Istanbul is a vast city and you could potentially waste a lot of time travelling to sites you want to visit. Where you stay can make a big difference to your trip. We recommend choosing a location based on your travel style.

Top areas for first-timers:

• Sultanahmet – Otherwise known as the old town, this area is best for sightseers as it’s close to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Taksim or Beyoğlu – Ideal for travellers who like to stay in lively, modern locations packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
• Karaköy & Galata – Ideal for visitors seeking a trendy, walkable location with excellent tram/ferry access.

Tip: Stay within walking distance of a tram or metro line. Otherwise you may need to take taxis and traffic can be unpredictable.

3. Visit Major Attractions Early ⏰

Istanbul’s top sights are incredibly popular all year round, especially Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Tips:

• Arrive early (before 9 am if possible) to avoid the longest queues.
• Book skip-the-line tickets or guided tours in advance during peak season.
• Check mosque opening times as prayer times may limit access for non-Muslims.

4. Dress Modestly at Religious Sites 🕌

While Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city, many cultural sites, especially mosques, require respectful, modest attire.

Tips:

• Wear clothing which covers your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques. Avoid clothing with potentially offensive graphics or slogans.
• Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Scarves are usually provided at mosque entrances but we recommend bringing your own.
• Shoes must be removed to enter a mosque. We found it useful to pack a pair of light socks in our day bag.

5. Expect to Walk (and Climb!) A Lot 👟

Istanbul is a city of hills and cobblestones, with long distances between sites. Be prepared for lots of walking!

Tips:

• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
• Distances between sights in the old city can be deceiving. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle and taking rest breaks.
• Beware of steep climbs in Galata, Balat, and parts of Beyoğlu.

6. Don’t Skip the Ferries ⛴️

We think the city’s commuter ferries are one of Istanbul’s hidden gems. They offer a relaxing break from noisy traffic and provide fantastic views of the skyline. In the summer, the water breeze is very welcome! 

Tips:

• Take a ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy (Asian side) for the best sunset views.
• Ferries are included with the Istanbulkart so it’s the best budget-friendly cruise you’ll find in the city.
• Sit on the upper deck for the best views. Grab a cup of Turkish tea on board to complete the experience.

7. Be Smart in the Bazaars 🛍️

The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are iconic places to visit but they can get very busy and some visitors may find them overwhelming at busy times. 

Tips:

• Haggling is expected in the bazaars. We suggest offering half the asking price to start negotiations. Always bargain with a smile, be polite and respectful and be prepared to walk away.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. We always recommend using anti-theft bags when out and about in big cities.
• If you prefer fixed prices, shop in more modern markets or boutiques in areas like Nişantaşı or Karaköy.

8. Eat Like a Local 🍽️

Istanbul’s food scene is more than just kebabs. You’ll find the food is varied and full of flavour. We couldn’t get enough of it!

Must-try items:

• Menemen – Turkish-style scrambled eggs with tomatoes
• Simit – Sesame-crusted bread rings (ideal for on-the-go snacks)
• Balık ekmek – Fried or grilled fish sandwiches stuffed with salad
• Künefe – Sweet pastry filled with cheese and soaked in syrup

💡 Don’t miss a traditional Turkish breakfast. You’ll need to allocate more time than you think as it’s usually a long, relaxed affair with multiple plates and endless tea.

9. Be Respectful During the Call to Prayer ⏰

Five times a day, the call to prayer (ezan) echoes from Istanbul’s many mosques. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric part of city life.

Tips:

• Pause and be respectful when the call starts, especially if you’re in or near a mosque.
• If visiting a mosque, check timings to avoid entering during prayer.
• The early morning call may wake light sleepers so consider packing earplugs if your hotel is near a mosque.

10. Know How to Avoid Tourist Traps 🚫

As in any major city, some restaurants and shops near major attractions target tourists with inflated prices or poor-quality food.

Tips:

• For the best, authentic dining experiences, eat where the locals eat. Avoid places with pushy staff or menus that feature photos of people who are not local. Ensure street food is freshly cooked and piping hot.
• We find that venturing a few streets away from major landmarks often provides better food and better value.
• Use Google or Tripadvisor for recent reviews or ask your hotel for local suggestions.

11. Carry Cash (But Not Too Much) 💳💸

Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still needed for small purchases, street vendors, public toilets, and tips.

Tips:

• Carry small denominations of Turkish lira (₺10s and ₺20s).
• Withdraw from bank-affiliated ATMs and avoid freestanding machines with high fees.
• Always choose to pay in local currency (TRY) when using your card.

12. Istanbul Has Two Airports ✈️

Make sure you know which airport you’re flying into or out of. The airports are quite far apart and travelling to or from the airport requires planning.

Tips:

• Istanbul Airport (IST) – This is the main international hub, located approximately 45 minutes from the city centre by car or shuttle bus.
• Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) – Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, SAW is about 1.5 hours from Sultanahmet.

💡 Plan your airport transfers in advance. We booked a transfer at the hotel but have heard that Havaist buses are a reliable and affordable option.

Final Thoughts

Istanbul is one of the most captivating cities in the world where East meets West, old meets new, and where every street corner offers something unexpected. As a first-time visitor, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the size and energy of the city but with our practical tips, you’ll navigate it like a pro.

Whether you’re watching the sunset over the Bosphorus, sipping Turkish tea in a rooftop café, or getting lost in the lanes of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is a place that stays with you long after you leave. We can’t wait to return.