Things to Know Before You Go to Istanbul, Türkiye
ISTANBUL
Istanbul Should Be on Your Travel Radar
Whether you’re drawn by the scent of spices wafting from the Grand Bazaar or the silhouette of minarets against a sunset, Istanbul is a city that defies simple categorization. It is a place where the two continents of Europe and Asia collide, blending ancient Byzantine history with a pulse that is entirely modern.
The city is a masterclass in contrasts. You have the Sultanahmet district, where the call to prayer echoes between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, standing mere steps from Roman hippodromes. Then, a quick ferry ride across the Bosphorus drops you into Kadiköy, a hipster haven of street art, cool coffee shops, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are a history buff, a culinary explorer, or a professional people-watcher, Istanbul offers a variety of experiences that few cities can match.
For more information to help plan your trip, check out the Wander Yonder YouTube video below for an overview of Istanbul, including travel highlights and insights. We explore the old city with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar; cross the Galata Bridge to marvel at the Galata Tower; wander through modern Istanbul on Istiklal Street; take a ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side for a taste of local life; and take in the shores by boat - including a trip to the Princes' Islands and a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus - and, of course, try some delicious traditional Turkish food.
Is Istanbul Safe for Tourists?
The short answer is yes, but with the caveats typical of any mega-metropolis. Istanbul is generally as safe as London or Paris, but its sheer size (15+ million people) means you need to keep your wits about you.
The "Friendly Stranger" Scam: Be wary of overly charismatic locals who strike up a conversation and eventually invite you to a "great local bar" or a relative's carpet shop. These often end in inflated bills or high-pressure sales.
Solo Female Travel: Istanbul is very welcoming, but in busy areas like Istiklal Avenue, you may encounter occasional catcalling. Sticking to well-lit, populated areas at night is the best rule of thumb.
Demonstrations: Public squares (especially Taksim) can host political rallies. These rallies are best avoided to stay out of the way of local police.
Can You Drink the Tap Water in Istanbul?
Stick to bottled or filtered water. While the municipality treats the water to be "potable" at the source, the ancient network of pipes beneath the city streets often compromises that quality by the time it reaches your hotel tap.
Brushing teeth? Totally fine.
Drinking? Buy the 5-liter jugs from the local Bakkal (corner store) for a few Lira. Most hotels provide a couple of bottles daily—use them!
Money Matters
Turkey’s economy has been a rollercoaster lately. Exchange rates and prices can change quickly, so it requires some strategy:
The Currency: Everything runs on the Turkish Lira (TRY). While some high-end rug shops or tour operators quote prices in Euros, you will almost always get a better deal paying in the local currency.
Cards vs. Cash: You can tap-to-pay at almost every cafe, boutique, and grocery store in the city. However, you must carry cash for:
Tipping (10% is standard in restaurants).
Public restrooms (usually 5–10 Lira).
Street food (Simit, roasted chestnuts, or midye dolma).
The "No Conversion" Rule: When using an ATM or a card machine, if it asks if you want to pay in "Your Home Currency" or "Local Currency," always choose Local Currency. This lets your own bank handle the exchange rate, saving you a hidden 5–10% markup.
