Istanbul : How many days are enough?

According to the legend, Byzas, son of Zeus, decides to set up his own city with his people and gets on his way from Mount Olympia. He spends countless days visiting different places for his new city but fails to find a worthwhile place that he likes. One day he runs into an oracle who advises him to "set up his city right across the land of the blind". The oracle refuses to provide more details. Byzas thanks the oracle and moves on with his trips. He comes to a peninsula with lush green forests and surrounded by the sea on three sides. Right across the peninsula was another city. He asks himself why did these people set up their city not on this beautiful peninsula but right across it? Suddenly, he remembers the words of the oracle and makes the connection. These people should be blind set up their city and he immediately understands he is at the right place. This is the legendary story of Istanbul, the city of seven hills.

General Information About Istanbul:

We are originally from Turkey and have been living in this beautiful city for many years. We have a wealth of local information and valuable advice to elevate your travel experience to a whole new level. Here, you can find an overview of general information about Istanbul,but stay tuned for oversharing posts on specific topics!

Currency	Turkish Lira (TRY)
Transportation	​Apps: Public Transportation in Istanbul is organized, reliable and it can be faster than taxis. But the city is vast and there are a lot of options so it can get a little complicated. We would strongly recommend a commute planner app such as "Moovit" which can be very handy to organize your travel across ferries, busses and subway lines. Public Transportation: Well developed public transportation covering ferries, subway and bus lines run across the city: Ferry timetables: Istanbul Sehir Hatlari (Istanbul City Lines)" app or"https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/". Bus timetables are at https://iett.istanbul/en. Additionally, there are small yellow buses ("dolmush") that operate without a fixed schedule or designated stops. If you happen to spot one, simply hop on board. Taxi and Ride Sharing: Uber and Bitaksi are possible choices. In Turkey, yellow taxi drivers can also be Uber drivers at the same time, so don't be surprised if a taxi arrives when you call for an "Uber". You can also use the "bitaksi" app for taxi services. However, we must warn you about taxis due to high demand, as some drivers may be difficult to manage. They might refuse your ride or decline to go to certain destinations.
Duration of the Stay	We highly recommend staying in Istanbul for a minimum of 7 days as Istanbul offers many attractions that are worth exploring
Best Time to Visit	Across the year. Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) are the best times for warm and dry weather. From mid July to mid August, it can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching 34 degrees celsius during the day.
For Whom It Is Suitable	Digital Nomads Solo Travelers Families with Kids
Specific requirements	Cash: Most places accept credit cards. Still it is a good idea to have cash (up to 1000 TL per day or 30$) for potential transportation and food needs. Sports clothes: For yoga and trekking Walking shoes: For walking around Thin raincoat: It can rain in every season.
Visa	Fastest way is to get an e-visa in around five minutes. As of July 10,2023 e-visa fees were between USD 50 to USD 100 depending on the country. Further information and application is at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. You can also get your visa at the passport control.

WHAT TO SEE IN ISTANBUL?

There is just too much Istanbul has to offer to visitors. Here are the top regions of Istanbul and the top sights to see so that you can better organize your trip:

PART I - ANATOLIAN SIDE OF ISTANBUL

1- Kadiköy-Moda : Located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Kadiköy is recently named as the best zone to live in Istanbul for its historical, artsy streets and vibrant neighbourhoods like Yeldeğirmeni or Moda.

2-Kuzguncuk-Beylerbeyi-Kanlica: This small strip on the Anatolian Side of Bosphorus consists of some of the lesser known sights of Istanbul. If you are into seeing the traditional houses and streets of Istanbul, Kanlica is a must place to see.

3- Maiden's Tower: Also known as "Kız Kulesi" in Turkish, has a fascinating history that spans over two millennia. The origins of the tower can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology, where it was believed to have been built by the Athenian king, Theseus, to honor the princess of the island of Crete, whom he rescued. It is built in the Bosporus which makes it even more iconic.

PART II - EUROPEAN SIDE OF ISTANBUL

1- Besiktas-Ortakoy-Arnavutkoy-Bebek: Located on the European side of Istanbul on the Bosphorus, this area covers some of the poshest cafes, eateries, and amazing museums. Walking next to the Bosphorus from Arnavutkoy to Bebek is one of the most pleasant walks in town.

2- Pera (Beyoglu)-Galata : This zone includes some of the most visited places in Istanbul like Taksim Square, Galata Tower and historical churches, streets and apartments. It is also one of the major public transportation hub centers of the city.

3- Historic Peninsula District: The top touristic zone in Istanbul includes historical marvels such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Sistern, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and more. When planning your visit to the historical peninsula, we highly recommend experiencing the traditional "hamam bath" ritual.

4- Balat-Fener : These two historically significant neighborhoods are famous with their vibrant atmosphere, colorful houses, and rich cultural heritage. Balat involves blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture while Fener is popular for housing the Greek Patriarchate of Istanbul. Private Fener Greek High School, Sveti Stefan Church, Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George, Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church are just the few places you can visit in these area.

5- Nişantaşı - Maçka - Bomonti: Nişantaşı is an upscale neighborhood known for its high-end boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious lifestyle so it a very good choice if you are up to shopping and chilling. Maçka, on the other hand, has a more calming vibe with its famous park of the same name where you may go to picnic and see locals chilling in summertime. Bomonti is a recently developing area of this side. Historically, it was famous for the Bomonti Beer Factory, a landmark that symbolized the area's industrial past. The historical beer factory was transformed into a modern and dynamic complex called "Bomonti Ada" and the district is now filled with contemporary residential complexes, trendy bars, and restaurants. It has become an emerging hub for young professionals and artists, offering a mix of tradition and innovation.

6- Emirgan- Yeniköy-Tarabya: Emirgan welcomes you with its lush greenery and stunning gardens which will be perfect spots for a relaxing morning stroll or a peaceful picnic. During spring (April and May), the park transforms into a vibrant wonderland with an abundance of tulips of every color imaginable. A short journey from Emirgan takes us to Yeniköy, a coastal neighborhood steeped in history. As you walk along its quaint cobblestone streets, you'll encounter picturesque Ottoman-era wooden houses adorned with colorful flowers. You may find your self sipping Turkish tea or coffee along the waterfront or enjoying jazz during the Yenikoy Jazz festival days. Tarabya, is an upscale district known for its luxurious waterfront properties and upscale restaurants. Once a fishing village, Tarabya retains its maritime character with a picturesque harbor filled with boats and yachts. We want to add that all these three zones are located side by side so they offer a very nice and long walking & jogging&cycling route right next to the sea for sport lovers.

PART III- PRINCE ISLANDS

There are four gorgeous islands near Istanbul.

• Buyukada

• Kinaliada

• Heybeliada

• Burgazada

You can reach Prince Islands with ferry ride from Kadikoy - Kabatas - Bostanci or Kartal. The shortest ferry ride is from Kartal or Bostanci if you stay in the neighbourhood.

Motorized vehicles are restricted on these islands, which means the primary mode of transport is bicycles or electric buses. This eco-friendly approach sets the stage for a peaceful retreat. The Prince Islands boast a rich history dating back to Byzantine times, and they have served as a getaway for royalty and nobility throughout the centuries. Each island has its own distinct character, influenced by various cultures and historical events. They are all very good choices if you want to spend a peaceful day or swim during summertime.

WHERE TO STAY ?

• Four Seasons Sultanahmet ($$$$)

• Peninsula ($$$$)

• Empress Zoe ($$)

• Hagia Sofia Mansions ($$)

• Le Petit Palace ($$)

• Hotel Sultania ($$$)

WHAT TO DO?

• Spend at least 2 days in the historic district and explore the history

• Take ferry and enjoy Bosporus

• Try Turkish bath "hamam"

• Have a picnic at Caddebostan/Kadıköy & Emirgan Park & Macka Park

• Try Turkish cuisine (check out our "eat" section)

• Swim at the Prince Islands