Baklava in Istanbul is a celebrated art, traditionally made with ultra-thin yufka dough, clarified butter, and Antep pistachios. To taste the best, visit legendary shops like Karaköy Güllüoğlu or Hafız Mustafa. True baklava should be crunchy, buttery, and never soggy, and is traditionally enjoyed with Turkish tea.
To avoid high roaming fees in Türkiye, securing a local SIM card (or eSIM) is highly recommended. The top providers are Turkcell (best coverage/speed), Vodafone (good urban experience/value), and Türk Telekom (most affordable). Tourist packs typically offer 10–20 GB of data for $18–$30 and require your passport for activation at official stores.
Discover the best ways to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia — from quick flights to scenic road trips. Compare routes, prices, and travel times to choose your perfect journey. Get ready to leave the city behind and explore Turkey’s most magical landscape of caves, balloons, and fairy chimneys.
Tap water in Istanbul meets international standards, yet many locals still prefer bottled or filtered options due to old pipes and varying taste. Travelers can safely brush teeth and cook with tap water, but bottled water remains the easiest, safest choice for short-term visitors.
When exploring Istanbul, finding a public restroom can be a “mixed bag.” The most reliable, clean, and free facilities are in modern shopping malls. In many tourist areas and mosques, expect to find attendants and pay a small fee (1-2 Lira). Always carry your own tissues.
Turkey now offers free Wi-Fi at 63 train stations, including major hubs in Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The service is easy to access, completely free, and allows travelers to stay connected, plan trips, or enjoy entertainment while waiting. Expansion to more stations is planned.
Istanbul remains a generally safe destination for travelers, with bustling tourist areas like Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu well-patrolled. Petty crimes and scams exist, so secure belongings, use licensed taxis, and stay aware of surroundings. By following common-sense precautions, visitors can enjoy the city’s history, culture, and vibrant streets safely.
Yes, taxis from Istanbul Airport (IST) are safe if you use official, color-coded taxis (yellow, blue, or black) from the designated stand. Always insist the driver uses the meter. A ride to Sultanahmet is around 1,100 TL. Be aware of common scams.
Keeping your Istanbulkart active is simple! You can quickly add credit at Ticket Machines (Recharge Terminals) found at all major transport stops, or via kiosks and small shops. For ultimate convenience, use the official Istanbulkart Mobile App to top up your card instantly using a bank card, ensuring uninterrupted travel across the city.
The Istanbulkart is the essential, cost-effective way to pay for all public transport—metro, tram, bus, and ferry. Purchase your rechargeable card easily at ticket machines (Biletmatiks) found at major stops or from kiosks throughout the city. Simply select “Buy Card,” pay the small deposit, and then top it up to start traveling efficiently!
As a guest in Turkey, show respect to local laws and Muslim traditions. DO NOT drink alcohol in public streets or parks, take photos of women in conservative dress without permission, or photograph military/government buildings. NEVER criticize or insult Mustafa Kemal Atatürk or the Turkish nation; such acts are illegal and carry severe penalties.
Topkapı Palace is one of Istanbul’s busiest attractions, but you can bypass the queues! The four best methods are to buy tickets online for fast entry, purchase the Istanbul E-Pass for a dedicated entrance, book a guided tour, or simply arrive right at the 9:00 AM opening time before the main crowds arrive.
Turkey’s visa policy varies by nationality and length of stay. Many European citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Others can obtain a visa upon arrival, while some nationalities must apply for a tourist, business, or work visa at a Turkish embassy before traveling.
The “Turkish eye,” known as “Nazar bonjuk,” is a powerful amulet from Turkey, not just a popular souvenir. It is believed to protect its owner from the evil eye and damage. If the amulet breaks or disappears, it is seen as proof it has successfully thwarted a great misfortune.
