3 Days in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city packed with culture, beautiful architecture, and an immense amount of history. Being linked between East and West, it adds many interesting attributes to the city. Whether you are interested in just taking a long walk or seeing its’ many sites, Istanbul will not leave you disappointed or bored. Also – we can’t forget about the food! With these East meets West influences, Istanbul is full of delicious eats at very affordable prices. If you’re a big of a fan of Anthony Bordaine – you’ll love that one of his favorite kebab joints is located in the heart of the hip area called Taksim! It’s great for those on a low budget, and the food was ‘ke-bomb’.

After taking a course on Islamic Art and Architecture, being able to see these incredible structures in person was an experience in its’ own. Knowing the design process that went into these buildings, such as the infamous Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, really made getting up close and personal extremely special. Even without this previous knowledge, I would recommend taking your time in these places to soak up the brilliant architecture that exists in this magnificent city! My advice is to mark the main places you want to go to on a map, but allow yourself to get lost and see where you end up! Let go of that ‘must see all the cites “anxiety”… the city itself IS the attraction.

And last, but absolutely not least, the SHOPPING. Places like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will not leave you empty handed. Even if it’s just to grab a Turkish delight to eat while sorting through a pile of silk pashminas. These two places have everything one would want to bring home with them after visiting Istanbul, but if you’re looking to save some money and get better deals, the surrounding shops have just about everything and anything you would want at half the price. Happy Spending!

Getting Around Istanbul

Arriving to Istanbul

• Ataturk Airport – For the cheapest and often fastest option, hop on the metro to a stop closest to your destination of choice. It’s very easy to use, and if you’re confused in the airport, there are plenty of information desks to help you find your way. You can also take a taxi, that will cost around $25-$40 depending on where you are going.
• Sabiha Gökçen – Located on the Asian side, I would recommend taking the bus as the taxi fare will be a fortune. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from the airport to Taksim.

Metro – The metro is a great option for getting around the city. It’s the cheapest, most reliable, and easy to navigate.

Walking – Cheapest option and you get a chance to see more while heading to your destination! By far my top recommendation. Most of the destinations are all within walking distances – just make sure to bring proper footwear!

Taxis – Depending on where you’d like to go, prices definitely vary. I wouldn’t recommend using taxis as a reliable source to take you around from place to place as traffic can be a bit unpredictable.

Busses – They are available regularly and are reliable.

POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS IN ISTANBUL

Sultanahmet

This neighborhood is known for being the most touristy area of Istanbul. With its’ main cites like the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, and Topkai Palace all in a close proximity, it makes this area very convenient to stay in. Hotels, restaurants, and even hostels are more on the pricey side over here. If you’re interested in staying close to all the main attractions, then this is the place for you! There’s lots to do around here.

Blue Mosque

• Timing: Make sure you check the schedule before you want to visit the Blue Mosque to make sure that it doesn’t interfere with Prayer.
• What to Wear: Women need to make sure that they wear something that covers their body past their knees, including their shoulders, and head. Men cannot wear tank tops.
• Cost: Donation Based Admission

Hagia Sofia

• Timing: Check prayer times prior, but since they don’t use this mosque as a space for daily prayer, it shouldn’t effect when you want to go.
• What to Wear: Women need to make sure that they wear something that covers past their knees and their shoulders. Men cannot wear tank tops.
• Cost: 30,00 Lira / $10 USD

Topkai Palace

• Timing: Low Season (9AM-4PM) High Season (9AM-6PM)
• What to Wear: No dress code – but remember that although Istanbul is a modern Muslim country, please dress respectively.
• Cost: 40,00 Lira / $14 USD (High Season) 30,00 Lira /$10 USD (Low Season)

Basilica Cistern

• Timing: Low Season (9AM-5:30PM) High Season (9AM-6:30PM)
• What to Wear: No dress code. It is underground and can feel a bit chilly and damp.
• Cost: 20,00 Lira / $7 USD

Grand Bazaar

• Timing: 8:30AM-7PM (Monday-Saturday)
• What to Wear: No dress code.
• To note: The sellers in the Grand Bazaar can come across as pretty aggressive, but are completely harmless. If you’re interested in what they have to sell, then engage in conversation. If not, keep on moving to the next!
• Cost: Free Admission

*Recommendation: In the Vintage section of the Grand Bazaar, I stumbled upon this amazing family owned jewelry company called The Brothers Jewellery. They sold some of the most eclectic rings, necklaces, and bracelets that I had seen in all of the Grand Bazaar. I had the pleasure of sitting with the father and hearing all about his shop’s history and about his life as a designer. If you feel comfortable having these conversations – do it! We drank tea while talking about life’s experiences, design, and the meaning and usefulness of different stones. Being on a budget, I was only able to buy one ring, but if (and when) I go back to Istanbul I will be leaving with a lot more than that for sure!

Spice Market

• What to Wear: No dress code
• To Note: Similar to the Grand Bazaar, the sellers in the shops can be a bit in your face when it comes to selling, but go along with the ride and embrace to bargaining!
• Cost: Free Admission

Galata Tower, Taksim, Beyoglu

These two neighborhoods located right next to each other provide nightlife, shopping, and good eats. I stayed by the Galata Tower as it wasn’t as crazy at night, but it definitely did not leave you without anything to do. Taksim has more of your standard clothing stores chains, but it also has lots of little alleys with great bars and clubs. The main road in Taksim is ALWAYS nonstop, even on a Monday night at 2am. People are always out and about – you won’t miss out! If you prefer to be closer to the nightlife and restaurants, I’d recommend staying here in either of these two places. To get to the Sultanahmet area, it takes about 15-20 minutes walking from Galata Tower and about 30 minutes from Taksim. This area is perfect for just walking around and taking in the surroundings!

Galata Tower – Attraction

• Timing: Hours are 9AM-8PM
• Note: Try to go at sunset to get some amazing pictures! The view from up top is beautiful, but can get crowded. Make sure to get there a bit earlier if you want to go for sunset – the line can get really long!
• Cost: 19,00 Lira / $7 USD – Free if you just want to walk around it!

Rapunzel Hostel – Accommodation ($)

• I met some really cool people in this hostel and the staff was not only incredibly friendly, but also helpful. They told us all of the good bars and clubs to go to that would have more of a local crowd.
• Cost: Dorms vary – there are also private rooms available at a decent price as well.

Durumzade – Food ($)

• Food: Mainly kebabs, but they have a variation of meat platters and salads as well. Great for lunch or dinner!
• Cost: 17,00 – 20,00 Lira / $7-$10 USD

Kiva – Food ($$$)

• Food: Absolutely delicious food, but definitely on the pricey side. Great location in the Galata Tower square – perfect for people watching!
• Cost: 40,00 – 50,00 Lira / $15-$20 USD

• Note: The Galata Tower square has many restaurants, this is just one I went to and really enjoyed. With that said don’t limit yourself – they’re all delicious, but all in this price zone.

Exploring the Asian Side

I definitely recommend crossing the Bosphorus over to the Asian side of Istanbul! It’s very easy to get to and there are a ton of options. Whether you’d like to take a ferry like the locals or hop on a day trip cruise boat, you won’t be left feeling like you’ve missed out! Once over on the other side, I preferred just walking around and taking in this new part of the city. It is clear how much of an influence Asia has had over here, and it’s great to just soak it all in!

Getting there by ferry:

• Getting on: Take the ferry from the Karakoy (by the bridge) to Kadikoy.
• Timing: Hours are posted at all ferry stations – just snap a picture of the schedule to keep track.
• Cost: 4,00 Lira (One way!) / About $1 USD

Getting to know Kadikoy

• Kadikoy is a very modern city – even a little more modern than Taksim! It has a ton of amazing markets, shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. My favorite part of Kadikoy, personally, was it’s stunning waterfront and the fantastic views of the Sultanahmet skyline. This strip snakes along for miles and is great for some people wanting a nice, relaxing, long stroll.
• Also, make sure you drink the Turkish coffee! It’s not for everybody, but give it a shot! It’s pretty thick and very strong, but if you’re a daring coffee lover – you must try!

Random and Helpful Tips

• Visas upon arrival – You can get this upon arrival next to passport control. It will cost you $23 usd. The best way, however is buy en e-visa online before you arrive from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website – https://www.evisa.gov.tr/ en/
• Currency: Lira
• Walk, Walk, Walk!
• The summer time is peak season, which means prices go up, and lines get longer. Going in the low season will get you better deals and shorter lines. The weather in February is fairly mild, and not too cold!
• Bring appropriate garments for entering the mosques, especially in the summer time when you won’t be fully covered.
• For solo female travelers: Istanbul is safe for you, but just be mindful and use your common sense. If you feel uncomfortable, walk towards a group of people and act like you’re with them. Always walk with confidence as if you know where you’re going, even if you’re completely lost.
• Download the offline map of Istanbul on the app Maps.Me – best maps for tourism!!
• Make sure you mark where you’re staying, and always carry around a business card from them.