What to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: 10 Essential Travel Tips
Welcome to Istanbul, a striking city between modernism and historical times between the East and West. Before embarking on your expedition in this exciting city, here are 10 essential tips aspects you need to take into consideration so as to make your trip enjoyable.
1. Embrace the Cultural Diversity
Be it the grand mosques or the jam-packed bazaars, every nook of Istanbul speaks volumes about its diversity in heritage. And with a broad mind and heart, the special charm of Istanbul surely will groove you. Istanbul represents the melting pot of cultures wherein one finds a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and faiths.
2. Respect Local Customs and Etiquette
If there are tourists who come to Istanbul, it is very necessary for them to respect the local customs and etiquette. Remember to dress modestly; in mosques, cover yourselves and remove your shoes when entering. Not to display such public displays of affection, especially on holy days. Keep cultural sensitivity in mind, also, with regard to the fact that in some places it is quite disrespectful to drink.
3. Learn a Few Basic Phrases in Turkish
Although Istanbul speaks English widely, it is good to get acquainted with some simple Turkish to maximize your visit. Locals love those simple welcomes like "Merhaba" and "Teşekkür ederim", which mean "Hello" and "Thank you", respectively, and this will make daily exchanges easier to get through.
4. Be Prepared for the Call to Prayer
The call to prayer in Istanbul is hauntingly beautiful, coming five times a day and beckoning one to stop for a minute and say one's prayers. A very much identifiably feature of Istanbul's cultural ambiance, even for visitors not familiar with this custom.
5. Explore the Culinary Delights
In Istanbul, one should never miss the food delicacies of this lovely place. A gourmet paradise, right from rich sweets to kebabs in flavors, classic Turkish tea, or over coffee in a lively city atmosphere, nothing could be more enjoyable. Absolutely not to be missed is the baklava or sweet pastry and borek, meaning the savory pasties, as well as kofte, or meatballs.
6. Check for Transportation System
Istanbul has very complex network of transportation, including bus, tram, ferry, and until recently the famous Istanbul Metro. Learn about the different methods for getting around town, and consider an Istanbulkart reusable card, which are available for all public transportations.
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The really legendary bazaars of Istanbul do have some wonderful things on offer, though of course you can haggle over anything from carpets to spices. However, the crowded might be dangerous as in any city around the world if you do not pay attention to your valuables. Keep your valuables safe and sound and be aware of the crowd.
8. Immerse Yourself in the City's History
In Istanbul, numerous historical sites and spots abound in cultural treasure since it has passed through a long period spanning thousands of years. Every venue, from the grandeur of Topkapi Palace to the famous Hagia Sophia, opens on a live window with the varicolored past of this city. Marvel at the beauty of these architectural wonders and learn more about various civilizations that have made Istanbul the lively city it is today.
9. Embrace the Spirit of Hospitality
Above all, enjoy the famous warmth and hospitality of Istanbul. The Turks are amongst the friendliest, most generous people you will ever meet, from a glass of tea and a chat with the owner in the Grand Bazaar to dinner with the neighbors in a Meyhane. If you make the effort to get on with the locals and take whatever comes your way, you can be sure you will leave Istanbul with memories to last a lifetime.
10. Bargain Wisely in the Bazaars
Joys of Istanbul include finding its fabled bazaars such as Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, where everything from spices to carpets can be haggled over. Haggling is common in the markets here, but it needs to be done in a very civilized and light-hearted manner: make an offer well below what you're asking, then haggle your way up to a price that will satisfy everyone.If you would like to do your shopping safe and sound and to get good prices with a local's help, Istanbul Tours offers a Private Shopping Tour which can be customized according to your needs.
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Keep these very important tips in mind to get yourself ready for Istanbul with a promise of an unforgettable, enriching experience: Savor the food in Istanbul and the multifarious culture-the city offers newer chances of exploration and adventure with every passing moment. Bag up, open up your heart, and be prepared to grab these once-in-a-lifetime moments in this vibrant metropolis where East meets West. Or simply contact us and let us customize your tours in Istanbul according to your needs!