The First-Timer's Travel Guide to Istanbul, Turkey

If you're planning to visit Istanbul for the first time, it will tell you everything you need to know from where to stay, which sights to see, what food to eat, when to go, Which airport, what to wear, which currency and shopping in Istanbul.

Before coming to Istanbul for vacation, there are many things that you should know about Istanbul.

When to go to Istanbul ?

As you know, Istanbul is a popular tourist destination. So, if you are planning your visit during peak holiday seasons or at festival times, make sure that you book the best hotels with their best room rates. To find out when are the high seasons you should check the weather in Istanbul. Generally summer season is the peak season.

Which airport should I land?

There are 2 airports in Istanbul. Atatürk Airport in Yeşilköy on the European Side of the city and Sabiha Gökçen Airport located on the Asian Side of the city. Gökçen Airport is to far to city center, so you will pay more transfer fee.

What to wear in Istanbul?

You can wear anything you would wear on a trip to any European city. European dress styles are predominant but you headscarf is also freely and commonly worn. Wear appropriate clothing when you are visiting mosques and tombs which will be provided to you by the attendants at the entrance.

Which currency should I carry?

Make sure you have cash, not all credit cards may be used in Istanbul.

Visa, Master card, American Express, Maestro card can be used in Istanbul.

Shopping in Istanbul

If your travel plans include a lot of shopping, Istanbul is the right place. Its shopping malls, streests full of shops, bazaars, historical Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar might interest you. Try to bargain with the sellers. Have Turkish Liras in your pocket even though a lot of the places except Euros or Dollars.

Food in Istanbul

There are thousands of food venues in Istanbul and offer you the finest tastes of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, as well as international cuisine. If you want to test different tastes, try the rich Turkish cuisine. Ask your local people for help with what to eat and where to eat.

Please click here to see our recommendations.

Where to stay in Istanbul

If you are looking for a place to stay in Istanbul, such as public transport, security, service quality, Wi-Fi service and of course customer reviews.

Istanbul hotels are listed in Taksim, Galata, Kadikoy, Sultanahmet and Talimhane regions. The most popular region in this regions is Sultanhamet. Most of the Ottoman and Byzantine historical artifacts in Istanbul were collected in this region. You can reach these historical sights by walking just a few minutes without using any vehicle.

Our recommendations hotels in Sultanahmet, according to their location, quality and service,

Seven Hills Hotel

Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet located in the heart of the historical Sultanahmet area, our unique boutique hotel offers a spectacular panorama of the area’s cultural and architectural treasures of empires past and present. It is one of the rarest views in the world. While you are resting in our terrace restaurant enjoying an authentic Turkish meal, you will gaze upon the Hagia Sophia, the magnificent dwelling built by the architect Isidorur in A.D. 530, and you won’t miss the Sultanahmet Mosque known as Blue Mosque...

Mina Hotel

The Mina hotel have 45 fully renovated rooms and suites , situated in Sultanahmet, right in the heart of the old city, only steps away from this area's most popular sites (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Grand Covered Bazaar) and provide great value and an excellent base for enjoying an unforgettable holiday in Istanbul.

Alzer Hotel

Alzer Hotel is literally in walking distance to the historical sites: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Obelisks, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar and countless others.

What Food to Eat in Istanbul

Turkish cuisine is very diverse and world famous. Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures and all these influences have a pleasant effect on the food scene. So, while you are here, forget about the international (fast) food chain and experience real Turkish food.

Seven Hills Restaurant

Daily caught fresh fish at their best from the Sea of Marmara are served in the creative styles of the Turkish cuisine. Seven Hills Seafood Restaurant, published in Food & Wine, one of the world’s most prestigious magazines, has an 80-people outdoors and 120-people indoors area open everyday throughout the year.

Watch Istanbul one more time from the terrace of Seven Hills Teras Restaurant. The terrace restaurant located in the heart of Istanbul has a magical ambiance combined with the view of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia, and the Sea of Marmara. The restaurant, the point of interest for photographers, is ready to host you with pleasant memories of Istanbul.

Ali Baba Kuru Fasulye

In the main menu of Kuru Fasulye (dry beans), Ali Baba, you should definitely try Kuru Fasulye (dry beans), cacik, rice and pickles. All the dishes are really delicious, as are the rettaurant which is served in many turkish cuisine dishes. Price is suitable.

Savak Usta – Aksaray

If you want to eat Kebab, go to Istanbul Aksaray. It is very near to Sultanahmet just use Tramvay you will get there by 10 minutes. You should not return without eating a meal in Savak Usta. Rich salad varieties, pistachio kebab and künefisine taste all Urfa taste. If you like the guaranteed oily kebab, you will be satisfied both here and there. We also recommend the eggplant kebab.

Below are my dining recommendations that every tourist who comes to Istanbul should taste. You should try.

1. Doner: Sedef Döner located at walking distance to the Sultanahmet square. You should eat.
2. Sultanahmet Köftesi: You should definitely try the historical Sultanahmet Köftecis, next to the Sultanahmet tram stop.
3. Lahmacun: Try the spicy or unspicy lahmacun in Çığır Lahmacun, located in Istanbul Aksaray (10 minutes by tram from Sultanahmet square - Aksaray stop).
4. Kebab: Istanbul Aksaray Horhor the home of kebaps, there are to much kebap restaurant there. should definitely go and eat kuzu şiş, kebabs and ciger siş.
5. The last proposal is the Hatay Medeniyet Sofrası at walking distance to Taksim Square; you can find all kinds of meat dishes that really turn into a full feast of meat.

Which Sights to See in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Topkapi palace
Grand Bazaar (Grand Covered Bazaar)
Galata tower
Basilica Cistern
Dolmabahce Palace
Rumeli Fortress
Maiden's Tower
The Beylerbeyi Palace
Istanbul Bosphorus Boat Tour

The First-Timer's Travel Guide to Istanbul, Turkey

Bosphorus Cruise

Bosphorus Dining Cruises

Istanbul Tours

Bosphorus Private Cruises

Turkey Tours