Istanbul Tips
First-Time Visitor Essentials
This guide provides practical information for first-time visitors to Istanbul. Inside you will find useful tips, reliable links, and important phone numbers. It is designed to help you move around the city more easily, avoid common problems, and make the most of your time.
First Step: From the Airport to the City (IST vs SAW)
IST (Istanbul Airport, European side):
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Metro: M11 to Gayrettepe (connect to M2 for Taksim, Şişli).
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HAVAİST shuttles: To Taksim, Sultanahmet/Aksaray, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy. Timetables/fares: hava.ist (6-7€)
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Night arrivals: Metro, HAVAİST and taxis keep running.
SAW (Sabiha Gökçen, Asian side):
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Metro: M4 straight to Kadıköy (ferries/Marmaray link).
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Havabüs coaches: To Taksim & Kadıköy (6-7€): havabus.com
Taxis & Apps: Do not accept random offers — scams are common. Always use apps:
Istanbulkart at the Airport:
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IST: Buy from yellow “Biletmatik” machines on floor –2 (near Metro & HAVAİST).
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SAW: Machines and kiosks by bus/Metro stops outside arrivals.
Istanbulkart costs approximately €5 (130 TRY) — card price only; no preloaded credit.
Official info: istanbulkart.istanbul
Currency Exchange:
Airport rates are poor (10–15% worse). Exchange bureaus in the Grand Bazaar or Sirkeci offer better rates.
Getting Around: Istanbulkart, Key Lines & Apps
Istanbulkart: one reloadable card for all transit. Load at machines/kiosks. The Istanbulkart is valid on ferries, boats (except Bosphorus tours), trams, funiculars, buses, and the metro (not valid in taxis or shared taxis/dolmuş).
Key lines:
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T1 Tram (Kabataş–Sultanahmet–Grand Bazaar)
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M2 Metro (Yenikapı–Taksim–Levent)
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Marmaray (Europe ↔ Asia in minutes)
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F1 Funicular (Taksim–Kabataş)
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City Ferries: sehirhatlari.istanbul
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Metrobus
Apps: Moovit for real-time transit, Google Maps offline.
Rail map PDF: metro.istanbul/en
Safety & Street Smarts
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Taxis: Only BiTaksi/Uber. Watch meter, use small bills.
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Common scams: Bar invites, “carpet shop uncle,” shoe-shine trick. Say “no thanks.”
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Pickpockets: Crowded trams, Istiklal, bazaars — keep valuables zipped.
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ATMs: Use bank-attached machines. Decline “charge in your currency” (always TL).
Money: Exchange, Cards, Quick Tips
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Cards vs Cash: Cards widely accepted; carry some TL.
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Exchange: Airports poor; better in Grand Bazaar/Sirkeci. Compare bureaus, avoid commission.
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ATMs: Stick to big banks (no need to specify “state”).
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Tipping: Restaurants 10%. Tipping is customary in the tourism service industry.
Museums & Big Sights
Museum Pass Istanbul (5 days, approx. €105) — covers Topkapı (incl. Harem), Archaeology Museums, Galata Tower, Hagia Irene, Rumeli Fortress, Great Palace Mosaics, Maiden’s Tower, and more. Buy at muze.gov.tr or order/delivery info: muze.gen.tr. Valid 120 hours from first use and helps skip ticket lines.
Not included: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe & Beylerbeyi Palaces.
Hagia Sophia: Tourist access (upper gallery) is €25 for foreigners, Museum Pass not valid. Prayer area is free. Visiting hours 09:00–19:30; closed on Fridays between 12:30–14:30.
Blue Mosque: Free entry. Tourist visits are only allowed outside prayer times; closed around Friday noon prayers.
Tip: Visit at opening or late afternoon; Mondays many museums closed. During high season, museums can have long queues, so it’s best to buy your tickets online. Hagia Sophia, Chora, and other mosques require visitors to wear headscarves and modest clothing. Headscarves and skirts can be rented at Hagia Sophia and Chora for about €3, while most other mosques provide them free of charge. Men are expected to have their knees covered.
Visitors are required to remove shoes in mosques. To avoid the small but real risk of theft at the entrance, carry your shoes in a lightweight bag.
Before coming to Istanbul, check the weather forecast and choose your clothing accordingly.
Neighborhood Snapshots
Sultanahmet: Core monuments — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome. Calm in the evenings.
Beyoğlu (Taksim–İstiklal–Galata–Karaköy): Vibrant shopping/nightlife, Galata Tower views, historic arcades, rooftop bars.
Kadıköy/Moda: Local vibe, food markets, murals, third-wave cafés, seaside walks, ferries.
Üsküdar/Çengelköy: Traditional vibe, waterfront tea gardens, Maiden’s Tower views.
Balat/Fener: Colorful houses, street art, antique shops, Orthodox Patriarchate.
Nişantaşı: High-end boutiques, Art Nouveau buildings, café culture.
Bebek/Arnavutköy: Bosphorus promenades, seafood, lively bar scene.
Ortaköy: Famous mosque under the bridge, kumpir stalls, weekend crowds.
Emirgan & Rumeli Hisarı: Parks, tulip season, fortress ruins.
Eyüp & Pierre Loti Hill: Sacred mosque, cable car to panoramic café view.
Beşiktaş: Football hub, bustling markets, ferry piers, nightlife.
Emergency & Health
General Emergency: 112 (all services, English available).
Tourism Police (English): +90 212 527 4503 (Sultanahmet HQ)
Istanbul Police: https://www.istanbul.pol.tr
Tourism Info (IMM): istanbultouristinformation.com
24/7 City Helpline: 153 (IMM Beyaz Masa, English)
Hospitals: Private networks (Acıbadem, Amerikan, Memorial, Medipol) have English staff.
Pharmacies (Eczane): Open 09:00–19:00; “Nöbetçi Eczane” signs list night pharmacies.
Handy Downloads & Official Links
Transport:
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Airport buses: hava.ist | havabus.com
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Metro map PDF: metro.istanbul/en
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Bus planner: iett.istanbul
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Ferries & Bosphorus tours: sehirhatlari.istanbul
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Metrobus: 7/24
Cards & Passes:
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Istanbulkart info/top-up: istanbulkart.istanbul
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Museum tickets: muze.gov.tr
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Museum Pass info: muze.gen.tr
Apps:
Tourism:
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goTürkiye (official Turkish Tourism Board)
*The details and prices listed here are current as of 2025.