Istanbul Travel Guide for 2023
The city’s most frequent travellers worldwide put on the top of their list—the city with a history of clashing cultures and civilizations. The town is the brewing pot of history, modernism, architecture, culture, and the eras bygone. The city is the only one worldwide to cover two spectacular continents just by a bridge. I am sure you must have guessed it already. The magnificent city of Istanbul with the stories of the empire’s past, the Constantinople of the old times, is a place you must visit once in your life. As travel worldwide has changed, Turkey is the hottest destination for travellers. And on top of everyone’s bucket list is the city of Istanbul, which you can quickly ferry around the continents from. This is why you need an Istanbul Travel Guide if you plan a trip to Turkey.
Let’s discuss your first-timer’s guide to Istanbul on a budget. Even if you aren’t a first-timer, this guide will be a treasure trove of knowledge and information. So, hop on, and let’s take a virtual Istanbul trip together!
DURATION AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ISTANBUL
Istanbul is a world in itself. If you are visiting Turkey for a few days only, chances are, you wouldn’t want to go anyplace else other than Istanbul. Hence, it is recommended that you allow at least 15 days to cover 3-4 cities at least in your Turkey trip. Out of these 15 days, Istanbul should have a minimum of five to seven days because even after that, you will be leaving the city with too many places you wanted to see but could not. There isn’t ever enough time to visit Istanbul, honestly.
On the other hand, the best months to visit Istanbul will be March to May, which is the Springtime. The weather is mainly on the hotter side but somewhat hot. Any other month around the same time, and the summer will be at its peak. The additional best time, my favourite, is to visit the city from September to November, the Autumn season. The weather at this time is a little cold, and sometimes it also rains. You will enjoy the cold it gets at night in Istanbul during this time.
RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR ISTANBUL TRAVEL GUIDE
During the COVID times, the budget can be a lot less for the Istanbul visit since many places offer discounts because of the declining tourism. On the other hand, the city isn’t exactly expensive compared to other parts of Europe. The recommended budget would be around $30 – $50 or 200 to 250 Turkish Lira per day. Even though the original currency is Lira, Euros and Dollars are widely accepted.
You can quickly go below this budget if you stay at a hostel or a budget hotel (so many are readily available throughout Istanbul and in prime locations) and do not eat from fancy restaurants. The recommended budget in this Istanbul travel guide is to ensure you keep enough in your pocket for the entire trip.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ISTANBUL
Ah, this list! It must be never-ending. Whenever someone asks me about what I did in Istanbul, I have a long list that wouldn’t end. To make it easier for you and me (to reminisce about the best time of my life), here is a list of the places you must see on your trip to Istanbul. Please remember that this Istanbul travel guide isn’t numbered or in order. Each site mentioned is equally essential and magnificent, so it can’t be rated:
Marvel At Topkapi Sarayi
The home and the royal palace (harem) of the Ottoman Sultans, Topkapi Sarayi, or the treasured halls of the Sultans can easily be called a tiny city in themselves. From gathering galleries to endless apartments, hammams, royal rooms, prayer areas, and the collections of jewels and metalwork that depict the real regalness of the old Turkish lives have unparalleled beauty. The palace’s majestic gardens will also leave you with deep peace. The Sarayi overlooks the Bosphorus River, which is a sight to behold.
Not just this, but the Topkapi Sarayi also houses some of the most important and sacred relics of Islamic history, including the pious hair of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), the dresses of various companions, and the scriptures, etc. Allot a good few hours to take an in-depth tour of the palace, especially if you are a history buff. You will love this place.
Go To Ayasofya
In the news, a lot during recent times, because of the museum of Christian mosaics being changed into a mosque, the interior is celestial. It describes the tumultuous history of Istanbul in great depth with its beautiful graffiti, giant domes, minarets, and museum. If you are a Muslim, you can also offer a prayer inside it.
Taksim Square & Istiklal Street
I know I said the list isn’t numbered, but if you secretly ask me about my favourite place in Istanbul, it would be Istiklal Street. Taksim Square is the heart of Turkey, with the statues as a remembrance of independence. Accompanying it, Istiklal Street is the tourist hub because it is the social centre of local talent, shopping, food, street performances, and nightclubs. The East meets the West on this street.
Grand Bazaar
Most people find it overrated, but this is your place if you are looking for Turkish spices (world-known), herbal teas, the ever-famous Turkish lamps, carpets, etc. With over 4000 stalls, Grand Bazaar is where you haggle with the tourists and get the best deals. The shop owners quote that you can purchase things for a quarter of the price.
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul is the home to many ancient cisterns amounting to hundreds in number. Basilica Cistern is a sixth-century masterpiece supported by 335 columns. The wooden walkways with twin blocks carved into snake-haired Medusas, the Basilica Cistern is a good hideout from reality.
Visit Galata Tower
Taking a ferry in Istanbul to commute is akin to using public transport in any other country. So, take a ferry down the scenic waterway to Galata Bridge and a walk to the area’s cobblestones to visit Galata Tower. It provides a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Take A Bosphorus Cruise Tower
I know, I know, it is cliché. Everyone must have recommended you take a Bosphorus cruise tower. But tourists to touristy things that are meant for entertainment. Take a nighttime Bosphorus tower and enjoy the typical Turkish nights with Turkish cuisine. You will love the vibes, especially in the months I mentioned.
Visit Night Clubs
Istanbul has a pretty eclectic nightlife, especially around the Golden Horn & Taksim area. Finding a nightclub, bar, or pub won’t be difficult. Find one as per your taste and dance the night away. You will love the nightlife and the party vibe; the city is rich. This is why I won’t recommend you a particular favourite here.
A Day Trip to Princes Island
Cut off from the population of the world and the hustle-bustle of Istanbul city life; Prince Island will be a breath of fresh air in your happening vacation. Take a ferry from Istanbul early morning, and you will reach this Island in two hours (private ferry costs only a few more Euros/ public ferries are a little crowded and take more to get to the actual Buyukuda Island).
This Island does not have cars, and you commute in horse carriages or bikes. Rent a bike and cycle around the beautiful Island with even more beautiful homes. Laze around the pristine water and catch the last ferry back to Istanbul. You will have a day well spent. You highly recommended it when you are tired of all the touristy things and need a relaxing time.
HOW TO GO AROUND – ISTANBUL TRAVEL GUIDE?
Istanbul has one of the best transportation systems in the world. Hence, the best way to get around is to use the wide trams, metro, and subway network, that reach the airport. Therefore, no place isn’t covered by these three or a mix of them. You can get the Metro card for as low as $0.5 for a single ride. The best way to go around Istanbul is to buy an Istanbulkart and recharge. You can roam around the city for $10 a day (an estimate). The ferries are also cheap, even if you are using private ones.
Overall, you do not need to deviate from the public transportation system other than ferries. You must be super-aware of the taxi drivers because they overcharge, fool the passengers, and even give fake notes in exchange for the money you give. So, the best approach is to be safe than sorry.
WHAT TO EAT?
Turkish food might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is one of the bests in the world. Start your day with the traditional egg dish called Menemen, which is scrambled eggs with lots of tomatoes, onions, and spices on thick-crusted bread. You can also make the traditional Turkish breakfast with Simmet, Borek, and local cheese. Your breakfast with tea or hot chocolate won’t cost you more than $5.
For lunch and dinner, you can try Donors, Kebabs, and the Turkish version of Pizza called Pide. Buy all these from roadside vendors instead of good eateries, as they will be much cheaper. Do try shawarma as well. There will be a lot of food options for you, and they’ll be cheap. Food is something you will be sorted in Turkey within any budget.
This was an Istanbul Travel Guide on the budget for first-time travellers. I am sure if you visit the city once, you will want to see it again and again. Istanbul gets to you more than any other city in the world. Take your time to explore, enjoy, party, relax and do whatever you want – because this city has never-ending colours, you will be awe-struck. You can also check out our Turkey Travel Guide 2021 for gathering information about other cities in Turkey.
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