Useful Information
| Language | No problem at all comunicating in English |
| Cost | Istanbul museums tickets are very expensive (25-35€ per ticket) Food prices were on the low end (20€ for a meal for 2 people) Accommodation was on the low end due to being low season |
| Currency | Withdrew Turkish Lira from ATMs using my Revolut card just to have some cash for haggling with shops and paying for taxis Card payments are accepted almost everywhere |
| Moving around | Driving a rental car in Cappadocia felt easy and convenient Flight from Nevsehir to Istanbul was cheap and easy to book as there are many flights per day Taxi from/to Istanbul airport (check the current average price and negotiate with the driver before) Used taxi, tram and public boat transfers to move around Istanbul |
| Safety | Felt totally safe both in Cappadocia and Istanbul |
| Time of Visit | January 2022 was my time of visit I benefited from good deals because of low-season Risked the weather a bit for hot air balloon flights but was 100% worth it |
Day 1: Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
In order to explore Istanbul it’s mostly convenient if you choose to stay near Beyoglu area. Starting your day (with a lot of walking), Galata Tower is within walking distance from the hotel. You can visit the tower from above but you can also choose to climb the tower. It is recommended as you can enjoy 360 views from the top of the tower over Istanbul.
After Galata tower, you can continue walking towards Hagia Sophia. It’s an absolute must-see when in Istanbul. But, here’s a question: do you think the current ticket price of 850TL required to enter is worth it? I’ve been there four times before the new ticket rules, and honestly, I’m not sure I’d pay that much now, especially since you can’t access the ground floor like before.
After Hagia Sophia, you can go straight to Blue Mosque which is only a 3 minutes walk. You should visit the inside of the Mosque to admire the complex architecture and colorful walls. Unfortunately by the time I was there I couldn’t see a lot due to renovation works.
Your next stop should be the Grand Bazzar. How do you feel about haggling? This is the perfect spot to put your bargaining skills to the test! From leather goods to gold and souvenirs, there’s something for everyone.
Day 2: Peran, Taksim Square, Fener, Topkapi, Kadikoy
You can start the day by walking through Peran (Beyoglu) throught the famous Istiklal road. This is a pedestrian area and a very nice walk as you can see old and picturesque alleys and well-maintained buildings. In the end you will reach Taksim Square, which is one of the most central spots of Istanbul.
Your next stop would be Fener-Balat. This is one of the most important Greek neighborhoods in Istanbul since 1600 and the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. It consists of a few narrow alleys with picturesque and colorful houses. It might be a little bit difficult to walk due to the steep roads and steps but 100% worth a visit. In order to reach Fener from Fatih (Hagia Sophia area) you can walk to Eminonu and then grab a tram towards Fener-Balat.
Your next stop should be Topkapi Palace. The ticket to enter the Palace is quite expensive (1500TL) but you can spend much time once you enter. However, it’s one of the largest palace-museums in the whole world and it’s well maintened. If you want to visit the Harem section be advised that you have to pay an additional ticket (500TL).
The final stop of this day is Kadikoy neighborhood. It is situated in the Asia part of Istanbul and the best way to reach it is by taking a boat from Eminonu. This way you will enjoy a boat ride in Bosphorus and views over the Golden Horn. You can spend your time in Kadikoy walking around the narrow streets and splurging in delicious Turkish sweet and salty delights.
Day 3: Dolmabahce
During this trip to Istanbul it is highly recommended that you visit Dolmabahce Pallace. This ticket is also quite expensive (1050TL) but as the pallace is situated just next to Bosphorus it offers unique views. It is also the largest in Turkiye and a unique blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles. I would advice a taxi to reach it but the driver tried to scam me, so be very careful.
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