City guides / Istanbul
Istanbul travel guide
Two continents, one ferry ride and a very long lunch.
Istanbul, Turkey · Local currency TRY · Time zone Europe/Istanbul
Best time to visit Istanbul
Flights and hotels are cheapest in January, February, December. Expect to pay the most in April, May, July, August, October.
Post-New Year lull, fewer tourists.
Cold weather, fewer events.
Spring begins, more visitors arrive.
Tulip Festival attracts many tourists.
Ideal weather, local holidays.
Summer starts, but temperatures are manageable.
Peak summer season, many tourists.
Continued high tourist influx.
Early autumn, pleasant weather.
Cultural events and festivals during this month.
Weather cools, lower tourist levels.
Winter approaches, fewer travelers.
Getting around Istanbul
Public transport
Public transport in Istanbul, including buses, trams, and ferries, is generally reliable with a frequency of 5-15 minutes. The Istanbulkart can be used for payment across all public transport.
Driving and parking (9/10 difficulty)
Parking is very difficult in central areas, and it is recommended to use public transport instead. There are some paid parking lots and on-street options, but they can be limited.
How locals get around
Locals tend to use the metro, trams, buses, and ferries for daily commutes. It's important to allow elderly or pregnant individuals to sit and to wait for passengers to alight before boarding.
Local customs in Istanbul
Tipping
Tipping is common in Istanbul, and a 10-15% tip is appreciated in restaurants and cafes. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest lira is sufficient.
What to wear
Casual attire is acceptable, but visitors should dress modestly at religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts or trousers below the knee, while men should avoid shorts.
Cards and cash
Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash (TRY) for small purchases and local markets.
Phrases worth knowing
- Merhaba
- — Hello (use when greeting someone)
- Teşekkür ederim
- — Thank you (use after receiving a service)
- Lütfen
- — Please (use when making a request)
- Nasılsınız?
- — How are you? (use with someone you are meeting)
- Bakar mısınız?
- — Excuse me (use to get someone's attention)
Plan a Istanbul trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day Istanbul itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to Istanbul