The Istanbul Express: Savoring the Best of the City in One Day

Istanbul is a must-visit package, each representing history, culture, and architecture. Some of the must-visit places in Istanbul are:

• Basilica cistern
• Süleymaniye Mosque
• Topkapi palace
• Blue Mosque
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Grand Bazaar
• Hagia Sophia
• Galata Tower
• Chora Church
• Bosphorus cruise

Visiting Istanbul during a specific season might depend on your itinerary, choice of activities and conscience.

• Summer: If you visit Istanbul from June to August, the temperature may vary from warm to hot. Istanbul will have a lot of crowds during the summer, so summer will be a great choice for outdoor activities.
• Winter: Istanbul from December to February is winter with occasional snowfall and colder temperatures. Though some outdoor activities might be limited, you can visit so many places in a quiet time since there will not be much of a crowd.
• Autumn: September to November in Istanbul is Autumn. Compared to summer, Istanbul will have fewer crowds. It is a much more convenient option if you plan to explore the city during this season.
• Spring: Istanbul, from April to May, is spring. With the pleasant weather and the blooming flowers, the place will give the tourist a magical feel!

• Turkish Breakfast: Rice spread with cheese, bread, honey, jams and olives together makes the Turkish breakfast the best for tourists!
• Manti: Turkish dumplings called manti are a must-try when in Istanbul. They are filled with spiced meat and topped with garlic sauce and yoghurt.
• Köfte: Köfte is a popular dish in Istanbul. It consists of delicious meatballs served with sandwiches or rice.
• Baklava: Baklava is a pastry with layers of nuts, syrup, or honey.
• Kebabs: Kebabs in Istanbul are delicious. Some of the remarkable kebabs, like Adana kebabs, shish kebabs, and Doner kebabs, are worth trying!
• Lahmacun: The crispy flatbread with chopped and minced meat, veggies and various herbs is called the Lahmacun.

Istanbul’s culinary experience and the iconic landmarks offer tourists an excellent experience, making it more memorable with the best cuisines! The local flavours of the city blending in with culture and history make it even more enjoyable!

Istanbul travel is, of course, an affordable one. But, if you think of cutting down the travel expenses and spending more time, there are some ways you can make that happen. Plan your budget accordingly with your itinerary!

• Use public transportation: Istanbul is known for its extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries. If the destinations on your itinerary are nearby, take a walk on the beautiful road of Istanbul and explore the streets.
• Free attractive spots: Places like the Galata Bridge, mosques, and some parks have free entry. If you have time between your itinerary, visit these places.
• Prefer local stays: If local stays are not an issue for you, choose some decent hostel, guesthouse or hotel to cut down your expenses. In such cases, Airbnb can be helpful.
• Food: Istanbul has a variety of cuisines and delicious menus. Try the local cuisines, like the sesame bread rings. They are not only cheaper but also delicious and mouth-watering. Try kebabs from local vendors, too. Opting for local cafeterias and restaurants might help you with the budget.
• Local shopping: Places like the Grand Bazaar demand bargaining. To get better deals, you must have negotiating skills. Regional markets have the best, high-quality products for a lower price.

Clothing:

• Breathable clothing like tops and T-shirts
• Lightweight pants and skirts for daily wear
• Fully covered dress for religious place visits
• Sundress for cosy weather
• Swimwear for islands and beaches
• Sandals for beach visits and shoes for hiking
• Sweaters and hoodies for colder weather
• Sunglasses for Sunny days
• Towels

Travel mandatories:

• Camera
• Chargers and adapters
• Water bottles
• Backpacks
• Local currency of Turkey – Lira
• Language guide

Toiletries:

• Sunscreen to protect from suntans
• First aid kits with basic needs
• Medicines, if any
• Napkins

Important Documents:

• Passport and Visa
• Travel Insurance
• COVID-19 documents, if needed

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Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Istanbul is one of the safest destinations for tourists. In general, ensure you have all your belongings in sight and avoid travelling to isolated places in the country.

How should I dress while visiting mosques in Istanbul?

When visiting mosques in Istanbul, all genders should be mindful of their dressing styles. According to the mosque, womosque’sld wear something covering their hair and shoulders. Basically, they should wear dresses that are not above the knees.

What transportation options are available in Istanbul?

Istanbul is familiar for its modes of transportation. Trams, ferries, buses, taxis, and metros are all available in the country. Choose what kind of transportation you will need based on your concern and itinerary.

Is bargaining acceptable in Istanbul’s Istanbul? 

You are visiting the grand bazaar, bargaining for the product’s product’s common thing you will find. If you negotiate politely and cleverly, you will even have a 50% discount for the products you purchase, if it’s worth it.

What are some cultural etiquette to keep in mind?

When in Istanbul, follow some basic etiquette. For example, greet people if possible. When you visit a mosque or someone else’s house, remove your shoes and enter.