Istanbul’s Golden Horn. Photo courtesy of David Jennings.

Want to avoid the faux pas of the newbie Istanbul tourist? Here are a few tips to have you acting like an ‘Istanbullu’ in no time.

Don’t call it Constantinople

As the well-known song goes, Constantinople fell to the Turks long ago. Try not to confuse the two.

Don’t go anywhere with strange men on the street.

Those who prey on tourists can spot a tourist from a mile away. When visiting Istanbul, unfortunately, there are a number of shady con-men who take advantage of yabancis (foreigners). A common ruse is for a man to approach you on the street (usually on Istiklal near the famous Taksim Square) and offer to take you to a club. DO NOT ACCEPT SUCH OFFERS. Once in the club he will introduce you to some girls, and then he and the girls will disappear, leaving you with a drink tab that sometimes runs into the hundreds of dollars.

Don’t  wear a fez hat thinking you’re blending in among the Turks.

Fez hats were outlawed long ago as part of the government’s modernization agenda. The only people who wear them nowadays do so for the amusement of tourists.

Don’t go to a Turkish bath for an authentic experience.

The hamam, or Turkish bath, can be a relaxing experience but it is naive to think you’re participating in something that modern Turks actually do. Few Turks use hamams these days, except for the tiny, private ones that are sometimes attached to fitness clubs. The large, architecturally magnificent hamams of Istanbul are expensive and strictly for tourists.

Don’t greet your new Turkish friends with firm, Western handshakes.

This will make you seem a little uptight. Instead, grasp your friend’s hand and do a sort-of half-hug, gently kissing each cheek. When greeting other men, men gently touch the side of their heads together rather than kiss.

Don’t talk loudly on public transport.

It is rare for Turks to have conversations on public transport. If you talk loudly on the metro or bus, you’ll draw lots of attention to yourself.

Don’t be selfish.

If you’re in the company of Turkish friends, try not to indulge in any sort of snack without first offering a taste to others. The offer will usually be declined, but not to offer would be considered rude.

Don’t disparage Ataturk.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the Turkish Republic’s first president and most revered hero. You are likely to encounter his portraits and sculptures hundreds of times a day during your visit to Istanbul. Don’t say anything negative about him, even in jest, as doing so can be seen as severely offensive.

Don’t be disrespectful in the Mosques.

Try to time your visit to the Blue Mosque and other mosques outside the five daily prayer times. Don’t gawk at those who are praying. Shoulders and legs should be covered for both men and women, and women should cover their hair (headscarves are provided at the entrance of most mosques). Shoes should always be removed, and mobile phones put on silent. Basically, show the same respect and dignity you would apply when entering a place of worship of your own religion.

Don’t talk about Armenian or Kurdish issues with strangers.

An important tip on what not to do in Istanbul, these are very sensitive subjects in Turkey, and you never know how someone may react.

Don’t commit a  Raki mistake.

 Raki is the quintessential Turkish liquor and demands a little decorum if you want to drink it right. First, the clear liquid is never drunk straight, but rather with a splash of cool water, which transforms it white. Second, it is almost never consumed without some sort of meze (appetizer).  Third, it is considered near blasphemous if drunk alone. The ideal setting is among a large group of friends in a meyhane.

-David Jennings

What Not To Do in Istanbul from Istanbul Things to Do

Princes Islands. Photo courtesy of David Joshua Jennings.

Istanbul is a gigantic and crowded city, and can quickly become overwhelming for those not accustomed to it. For those looking to escape for a day or two, here are a few places worth checking out, all possible on a day trip from Istanbul.

The Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands may lie in the Sea of Marmara only five miles off Istanbul’s Asian coastline, but they are a world away in pace and temperament. There are four Princes’ Islands you can visit on a day trip from Istanbul: Kinaliadi, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Buyukada. Kinaliadi has decent beaches, but expect to deal with big crowds during the summer. Burgazada is beautiful, gets few visitors and is a nice place to relax, while Heybeliada is an excellent, uncrowded place for a stroll. Buyukada (Great Island) is the biggest and most popular island. All can be reach via ferry from the Eminonu, Kabatas and Kadikoy ports.

Sile
Sile is the closest Black Sea settlement to Istanbul, located about fifteen miles northeast of the city. It is a quaint little town, with many shops and wooden homes built in the Ottoman style. The highlight of Sile is the waterfront, with its long, sandy beaches and excellent seafood restaurants it’s one of the best day trips from Istanbul.

Bursa
Bursa is one of the most important cities with regard to Ottoman culture and history. It was here in the early 14th century that Osman I defeated a Byzantine army and founded the Ottoman Empire. There are plenty of cultural and historical sites to check out when you’re visiting Bursa, but a highlight is the cable car ride the whisks you from downtown Bursa up to Uludag (the famed Mount Olympus of Greek myth). Here you’ll find terrific views of the city and surrounding region. Uludag is also the nearest ski resort to Istanbul. You can reach Bursa by taking a fast ferry (one hour) from the Yenikapi terminal in Istanbul to Yalova, and from there take shared taxi to the city center.

Edirne
Edirne lies on the Thracian plains near Turkey’s border with Greece and Bulgaria, a few hours away from Istanbul by bus. Edirne is a great place to admire the grandeur of Ottoman architecture without dealing with the massive crowds of Istanbul.  The Selimiye Mosque is what most come to see. This the finest work of 16th century Ottoman architect Sinan, and is considered by many to be the zenith of Ottoman architecture. It was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2011. The best time to visit Edirne is during the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival in late June.

Book a day trip from Istanbul. 

-David Jennings

Best Day Trips from Istanbul from Istanbul Things to Do

Grand Bazaar. Photo courtesy of pdbreen via Flickr

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar first opened its doors in 1461. It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 3,000 shops. Every day somewhere between 250,000 and 500,000 visitors make their way through its covered streets, a good majority of them tourists. The Bazaar is an essential experience for any visitor to Istanbul. Given that you’ll be dealing with dozens of cunning, multilingual salesmen, your visit can be either fun or stressful, depending on your attitude. If you come armed with patience and a willingness to haggle, you should be able to get at least half off the original quoted price, in some cases much more.

A few words of advice to save money:
- Don’t show too much interest in what you are buying.
- Be prepared to spend some time haggling.
- Don’t feel bad about getting a low price at the shopkeeper’s expense. They will try to pull at your heart strings; don’t fall for it.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away.
- Even though the salesmen are trying to swindle you, be nice and keep a positive attitude.
- Buy in bulk for bigger discounts.
- If you’re paying lots of money, be able to verify the authenticity of what you’re buying.

The Grand Bazaar is famous for its leather goods, gold jewelry, silverware, antiques, copperware, carpets and souvenirs, among innumerable other goods. Most shops are more or less grouped into sections according to what they sell, and most tourist maps will be able to guide you to the products you want. The Bazaar has 21 gates, so finding an entrance is fairly easy. Finding your way out again via the same gate is a different story. Luckily, there are now clear ‘road’ signs posted throughout the markets to guide you. Most shops accept lira, dollars and euros, and some accept credit and debit cards. The Bazaar is open from 9am to 7pm every day except Sunday and bank holidays.

-David Jennings

Planning a trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Shopping in the Grand Bazaar from Istanbul Things to Do

View from the Galata Tower. Photo courtesy of David Jennings.

The 220-foot-tall medieval Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most iconic buildings, offers stunning panoramic views of the Old City. There are other, taller towers and buildings with sweeping vistas, but Galata Towers’s unique position in the heart of the Galata district gives it a privileged vantage point over the Golden Horn estuary and some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

The tower was first constructed as Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) in 1348 by the Genoese. It was the city’s tallest structure when it was built and the highest part of the fortifications surrounding the citadel of Galata, where it served as a watchtower.  After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 the tower was made into a prison, then, during the 19th century, it was used to spot fires, which often broke out because most of the buildings at the time were made of wood. Today the tower has been restored to the appearance it had under the reign of Sultan Mehmet II.

Two elevators whisk visitors up from the square to the 7th floor, where you can read about the legend of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, an Ottoman aviator who in 1348 allegedly flew with handmade artificial wings from the top of the tower over the Bosphorus river all the way to Asia. Current scientific findings prove that this was virtually impossible, but the Sultan at the time was so impressed by the incredible feat (and scared of the great power it suggested) that Çelebi was exiled to Algeria. From the 7th floor you climb two flights of stairs to the 360-degree observation deck.

If you want to enjoy the view while you dine, you can head down to the restaurant (a bit overpriced and overrated) or go down one more floor to the cafeteria for a drink. Also located on the upper floors is a night club that hosts a Turkish show. You should also consider coming here at night, when the tower is brightly lit and the square is full of musicians and young revelers.

Galata Tower is open daily from 9am to 8pm. Tickets cost TL 10.

- David Jennings

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Taking in the View from Galata Tower from Istanbul Things to Do

Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Istanbul might have a reputation for its cosmopolitan population and increasingly modern attitude, but the heart of the city still beats in the historic old town of Sultanahmet, located on the European peninsula bounded by the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. First founded by Greek colonists in 667BC, the area of Sultanahmet was once the walled city of Istanbul known as ‘Constantinople’ and today the peninsula is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and teeming with examples of Byzantine and Ottoman era architecture.

Sultanahmet is a popular base camp for visitors, crammed with tourist accommodation, restaurants and souvenir shops, but the tourist sprawl does little to distract from the old age beauty of the area’s historic buildings and those exploring Istanbul’s myriad sights will find themselves spending the majority of their time in the ancient quarter.

The magnificent Blue Mosque, named for the colored mosaic adorning the dome roof, and the mighty Hagia Sophia, with its enormous 30-meter dome, reign proud over Sultanahmet, both exquisite examples of the city’s religious buildings. Nearby, the grand Topkapi Palace is another popular attraction, the lavish former abode of Ottoman Emperors, showcasing a vast collection of Royal relics, weaponry and jewels alongside a fascinating complex of Harem apartments. A walking tour of the area also takes in the giant underground Basilica Cistern, the remains of a Byzantine era Hippodrome, the Istanbul Archeological Museums and the Great Palace Mosaic Museum. Don’t forget a trip to the world renowned Grand Bazaar too, where everything from elaborate hand-woven carpets to cheerful trinkets are on sale, and the nearby Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where a kaleidoscope of herbs and spice are sold alongside heaps of varieties of Turkish Delight.

The best part about the old town though, is the atmosphere – wandering the labyrinth of streets, navigated by the ever-presented minarets rising into the sky. This is Istanbul at its most charming, where you can join the locals at a hookah cafe or traditional teahouse; unwind at one of the area’s many time-honored Hamams (Turkish Baths) or enjoy a picnic in the flower-lined Gulhane Park, the former royal hunting grounds of Topkapı Palace.

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Exploring the Sultanahmet District of Istanbul from Istanbul Things to Do

Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque

With exchange rates plummeting, Istanbul isn’t quite the bargain destination it used to be, but those on budget will still find plenty of opportunities to stretch out their dollars. From marveling at the city’s famous minarets to taking advantage of the legendary Turkish hospitality, here are some ideas for free things to do in Istanbul.

1. Wander the Grand Bazaar
There are plenty of goods to be bartered for in Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, but the vibrant shopping hall is worth a visit even if you leave empty handed. Accept the many offers of tea from friendly shopkeepers and you’ll likely be treated to a first-hand display of local craftsmanship – just make sure to tell them upfront that you’re not interested in buying. Pay a visit to the nearby Egyptian Spice Market too, a uniquely Turkish bazaar where you can satisfy your sweet tooth trying free tasters of local specialty Turkish delight.

2. Visit the Blue Mosque
Earning the nickname ‘the City of Minarets’ for its myriad of mosques, Istanbul’s many religious buildings are the city’s top free attractions. The magnificent Blue Mosque, named for its exquisite blue-tiled dome is one of the most iconic, a 17th century masterpiece erected by Sultan Ahmet I and featuring 6 glittering minarets. Free admission is possible during daylight hours, except during prayer times.

3. Watch Whirling Dervishes
The legendary Sufi mystics don their white robes and whirl around the stage each week at the Mevlana Cultural center, or take a stroll through Sultanahmet in the evening hours, when a number of bars and restaurants offer free performances, many of which can be seen from the street.

4. Relax in the park
Istanbul has a number of idyllic parks, perfect for taking a break from sightseeing and soaking up the Turkish sun. Gulhane Park, the city’s first public park, is a popular choice, lying in the former royal gardens of Topkapi Palace and playing host to the annual International Tulip Festival. Yildiz Park, the hilly former Yildiz Palace grounds, is another good option, with vast lakes, flower gardens and pavilions offering fabulous views over the Bosphorus.

5. Walk the city walls
Explore some of the city’s most fascinating Byzantine remains, the old city walls, known as the Walls of Constantinople, which trace the outline of the ancient city. A little-visited tourist attraction, a walk around (and in some places, on top of) the remains of the walls is not only a great way to escape the crowds, but offers great views over the city and the chance to stroll through some of the local neighborhoods largely unvisited by tourists.

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Free Things to Do in Istanbul from Istanbul Things to Do

Stained glass windows at the Cicek Pasaji. Photo courtesy of Ampersandyslexia via Flickr

Istanbul’s Çiçek Pasajı, or Flower Passage, is the most renowned example of the city’s ornate late 19th and early 20th century arcades, beautifully restored to its Ottoman-era glory. Running between Istikal Caddesi and Sahne Sok in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, the L-shaped passageway was once the courtyard of the historic Cité de Péra building, built in 1876. The building was later purchased by the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sait Paşa, who renamed it the Sait Paşa Passage, but the modern name of Çiçek Pasajı was adopted in the 1920s in ode to the Russian flower sellers that lined the passageway throughout the war years.

Although the name remains, the flowers have long since disappeared, giving way to rowdy meyhanes (drinking taverns) in the 1960s and then reborn in 1988 as an upmarket dining galleria. Today, the Çiçek Pasajı puts its elegant surroundings to good use, hosting some of the city’s most stylish (and priciest) restaurants, chic cafés and sophisticated wine houses, drawing crowds of Turks and foreigners through its arched entry.

It’s not only the decadent local cuisine – elaborate mezes (traditional salads and side dishes), freshly baked Turkish bread and steaming clay-pot kebabs, washed down with glass after glass of anise-flavored Raki brandy, the local tipple of choice – that entertains guests; the glamorous surroundings offer plenty to look at. Last restored back in 2005, the landmark building reflects much of its original design by architect Kleanthis Zannos,  a spectacular feat of timeless architecture characterized by its striking facade. The interiors are just as lavish, with chandeliers suspended from a glittering glass canopy and restaurant seating lining the passageway. Even if you’re not dining, wander through in the evening hours when the atmospheric building is aglow with candles and folk musicians and belly dancers can often be seen performing to diners.

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) from Istanbul Things to Do

Istanbul’s Egyptian Spice Market. Photo courtesy of william.neuheisel via Flickr

Exploding with color and pungent aromas, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar, or Egyptian Spice Market (so-called as the spices were originally imported from Egypt) is one of the city’s most vibrant and most-visited attractions. The historic market dates back to the 17th century and remains a fully functioning shopping precinct, bustling with locals and camera-wielding tourists.

An eye-catching kaleidoscope of spices dazzle passersby, with heaped piles of every spice, herb and extract imaginable. Rose-hips, fresh vanilla beans, cinnamon bark and saffron are all common sights, alongside some more unusual options like sahlep, taken from the roots of wild orchids, or Gum Arabic, crystallized acacia sap used to make Turkish delights.

Close to Istanbul’s iconic Grand Bazaar, the Spice bazaar is the center of the city’s spice trade and the second largest of the city’s markets, housed in a covered complex in Eminönü with so many stalls that they spill out onto the streets. Here you can soak up the market’s uniquely Turkish atmosphere – join in some good-hearted haggling, sip tea with stallholders and enjoy plenty of samples.

It’s not only spices on sale. Platters of plump dates, glistening buckets of olives and jars of pressed oils make up the banquet of produce, alongside baskets of dried fruits, pistachios and walnuts. There are plenty of local specialties on offer too, with stuffed vine leaves, local cheeses and freshly ground Turkish coffee making popular choices for local shoppers. There’s even Turkish ‘Viagra’ and other herbal ‘health’ supplements on sale.

The Spice Market is also the best place in town to pick up a fresh batch of Turkey’s most famous sweet – the rosewater jellies known as Lokum, or Turkish Delight. Flour-dusted cubes tower from the stall-fronts with an incredible array of flavors on offer – apple, mint, watermelon and orange are all popular choices, alongside an array of nut-filled options.

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Egyptian Spice Market from Istanbul Things to Do

Hookahs in Istanbul

Whatever comes to mind when you think of a Hookah cafes in Istanbul – groups of Middle Eastern men getting high on smoky inhalations in shadowy teahouses or the rainbow of peculiar looking vials cluttering the stalls of the Grand Bazaar – you’ll likely find plenty to fuel the stereotype. Rest assured though, the hookah pipe, or Nargiles as they are known throughout Turkey, are far removed from the hashish-packed water-pipes of the 1960s – today’s offerings are strictly tobacco, albeit a little stronger than the average cigarette.

Nargiles have a long history in Turkey, traveling over from India, Iran and Arabia during the 17th-century and quickly becoming a hit among the male population. During Ottoman periods, the pipes were packed with opium, which gave way to hashish and finally to simply tobacco. Nargile cafés are still booming in Istanbul, and today the pastime is popular among the younger generation. Many tourist-orientated bars and teahouses in Sultanahmet or around the Grand Bazaar offer Nargiles and while this can be an unintimidating way to brush up on your smoking etiquette, the real experience is best had at a local café. Expect clusters of young Turks lounging on colorful floor cushions, carefree chatter buzzing around the walls and a wide variety of weird and wacky flavors on offer. Apple and Strawberry are both popular flavors, but mint, chocolate, watermelon and even, bubblegum, are all on offer.

Tophane is the main area to find Nargile cafes, attracting locals and tourists alike to the traditional smoky teahouses, but keep an eye out around Galata and the side streets of Taksim Square for the most crowded local haunts. Traditionally hookah cafes do not serve alcohol so do as the locals do and couple your nargile with an endless stream of sweet çay -Turkish tea, good company and plenty of time to relax and unwind.

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Hookah Cafes in Istanbul from Istanbul Things to Do

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

With its unique setting straddling Europe and Asia, vibrant bazaars and myriad of important historical and religious sights, it’s no surprise that Istanbul is one of the most popular Mediterranean cruise destinations and there’s so much to see that many cruise itineraries offer a 2 day stay.

Most cruise ships dock at the Karkoy Yolcu Salonu terminal, centrally located close to the Galata Bridge and the Karaköy tram terminal. From here, you can take the tram north to the modern shopping district surrounding Taksim Square and wander down into the old Jewish district of Galata where the Galata Tower offers expansive views along the coastline.

The majority of the city’s historic attractions are in the old town districts of Eminönü and Sultanahmet for which you’ll need to walk or take the tram south across the Galata Bridge. The glorious one-time residence of Ottoman Sultans, Topkapi Palace; the vast Hagia Sophia, originally built in 359AD as the world’s biggest Christian church and now a museum; and the iconic 17th century Blue Mosque, are all within easy walking distance of each other. A shopping trip to the Grand Bazaar – a sprawling labyrinth of stalls housed inside a giant 15th-century market hall – is a surefire way to soak up the city’s middle eastern vibe, with an eclectic array of clothing, furnishings, handicrafts and carpets. Get involved in the animated haggling and you’ll surely be invited to drink tea with the stallholders – an essential Turkish custom. Don’t miss a wander to the nearby Spice Bazaar too, where you’ll find a rainbow of pungent spices and local specialty Turkish delight in every imaginable flavor.

Finally, after a hectic day of sightseeing, spare an hour to relax and unwind in a hamam – a traditional Turkish bath – where you’ll be treated to a vigorous soap-sud massage and return to sea with baby soft skin.

Search for shore excursions in Istanbul to fit your cruise itinerary 

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Istanbul tours and things to do, Istanbul attractions, and Istanbul travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Istanbul for a customized tour!

Istanbul for Cruise Visitors from Istanbul Things to Do