To help you plan your trip, here are my top five budget activities and the five foods that you should definitely try on your first visit to the city.
How to get from the airport to the city center
First things first, you’ll most likely travel to Istanbul by plane. In which case, you should know that Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side (Don’t get these confused! I almost did and lost my flight as a result!).
Here’s how to reach the city center from each:
From Istanbul Airport (IST):
Shuttle Bus: One of the most popular options to reach to/from Istanbul airport to city centre and vice versa is a shared bus transfer. The official public shuttle bus service in Istanbul is called HAVAIST and has 9 lines to places like Taksim and Beşiktaş . A one way ticket for one person is between €1-€1.5.
Public transport: IST Airport is connected to the city by the new metro line M11 Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport. This metro line is available and it involves a lot of transfers. The ticket costs just under €1. When I arrived in Istanbul, I headed to Taksim (where my accommodation was) with this metro line and it did not disappoint.
Taxi: For a taxi ride from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, you will pay about €50.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW):
Shuttle Bus: HAVABUS is the official airport shuttle service of Sabiha Gökcen with 3 lines running every half hour to Taksim and Kadıköy. A ticket will set you back around €5.80. Visit the official website for up-to-date information on HAVABUS schedules, routes and fares.
Public transport: Sabiha Airport is well-connected with Istanbul city center by public bus lines, such as the regular bus line E-11 to Kadıköy, as well as the Metro line M4 (Kadıköy-Sabiha Gökçen Havalimani). It takes 22 stops and about 50 minutes to get to the metro terminus “Kadiköy”.
Taxi: A taxi ride from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim cost around €45.
5 best activities in Istanbul on a Budget
Narrowing down the best activities in Istanbul on a budget was no easy feat, but these five experiences should absolutely be on your list. Whether you’re a history buff or a street food enthusiast, you can’t miss these highlights:
1.Vintage shopping in Beyoğlu
Vintage lovers, Istanbul is for you in its beautified historical district of Beyoğlu . And there is no better option than Istiklal Avenue, which is full of modern shops, from beauty to clothes and little (but lovely) bookshops like the Robinson Crusoe 389.
Exploring a quirky vintage shop in Istanbul, full of unique and colorful clothing finds © Ana Matos
The Public Vintage Boutique near Sishane Metro Station is a real retro place that sells some clothes in soft colors and just a few items, like leather jackets, silver jewellery and branded clothing. I was able to snag a vintage Carhartt jacket for a little over 30 euros - a steal to say the least.
2. Exploring the Mosques
Although there are several hundreds of mosques in the city, in this post I will restrict myself to giving a brief introduction to the three ones that should definitely be on your wish list.
In my opinion, the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a must-visit first due to its stunning blue Iznik tiles. It’s also a fantastic spot for people-watching, as visitors from around the world come to marvel at its grandeur and serenity.
The majestic Blue Mosque stands proudly against the Istanbul skyline © Ana Matos
Next, the Süleymaniye Mosque, perched on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus. Designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, it’s a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Third is the Yeni Cami, or New Mosque, built in the 17th century near the Spice Bazaar, notable for its large domes and beautiful Iznik tiles. Entry to all these mosques is free, and donations to their souvenir shops are welcome.
While Hagia Sophia is also a popular mosque, it charges an entrance fee of about €32. I’d suggest skipping it, as its interior is similar to what you’ll see for free in the mosques mentioned above.
3. The Bazaars
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It was established in the 15th century and today consists of 60 streets and around 4,000 shops selling a wide range of goods. It’s an extraordinary place with lots of treasures and a history, worth an exploration at a leisurely pace.
A chaotic day at the Grand Bazaar, where every corner is filled with a different surprise © Ana Matos
You can find anything here: fine and fashion jewellery, textiles and ornate ceramics, spices, antiques, copper and brass items, and, of course, carpets from all parts of Turkey. There are also shops selling made-to-measure leather bags, jackets, skirts and so on. At the entrance to the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find bronze lanterns and tobacco pipes sold outside the shops.
If you don’t mind walking for a short distance – just 10-15 minutes from the Grand Bazaar in the direction of Bosporus, you can visit the Egyptian Bazaar, or the spice market. The Egyptians were the first ones in the Mediterranean region to cultivate spice crops. Here, you can buy a bag of saffron for around €5-€10 or pick up about €2-€5 of a mix of aromatic spices to take away and add to your cooking.
A feast for the senses at the Spice Market, where vibrant colors and rich aromas fill the air © Ana Matos
4. Cruise the Bosphorus
You’re also missing out on a real treat if you don’t see the city from the water. Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait is perfect for this and the best way to explore it is by taking one of the many budget ferries that run between the European and Asian sides of the city.
Aside from giving you views of all the iconic landmarks – the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, the Bosphorus Bridge – you’ll be able to see the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants. Take it at sunset if you can, because the skyline can take on some golden hues. Very cheap; they often cost less than €2.
Cruising along the Bosphorus, capturing the stunning blend of old and new Istanbul © Pexels
Want to splurge? There’s always the Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table , where you can enjoy gourmet dining and captivating entertainment. For €20, it’s a bargain!
5. Stroll Through Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most atmospheric gardens and is located across from the Blue Mosque in the historic Sultanahmet district. Once the garden of the Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park is a sprawling green space that offers a nice respite from the bustling tourist hub outside the walls. You can walk down tree-lined paths, sit by pretty fountains, and get various views of the Bosphorus from around the park.
The Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam is also in the park if you are interested in learning about the scientific feats of ‘science and technology’ in the Islamic world. The park is free and is a great activity if you are on a budget.
A serene moment in the park, with a statue of a musician adding to the peaceful ambiance © Pexels
5 best foods to try
If you’re exploring Istanbul, you won’t want to miss sampling its vibrant food scene. Here are my five must-try dishes that capture the essence of the city’s rich culinary heritage:
1. Mussels with Rice (Midye Dolma)
Midye Dolma literally translates as ‘filled mussels’, or, as we know it, mussels with rice. It’s by far the most popular street food in Istanbul. The flavours of the sea, combined with spices from abroad, make this a delightful dish. The mussels are stuffed with spiced rice mixed with pine nuts and currants, seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and herbs – an explosion of flavours, the salty mussels paired with spiced rice. ‘Şampiyon Kokoreç’ in Beyoğlu is my favourite place for freshly made stuffed mussels, and you can usually get a serving for around €0.80. Sometimes a container is wheeled around the street selling it.
Indulging in Turkish stuffed mussels, a delicious blend of spiced rice and fresh seafood © Ana Matos
2. Fish Wrap (Balık Dürüm)
Going hand in hand with its position as a ‘city in a lagoon,’ one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous staples of Istanbul’s food scene is balık dürüm, or fish wrap. It’s hard to spend many days in the city without trying some. The freshly grilled fish, a sort of mackerel, is bundled into a soft, chewy flatbread alongside a heap of fresh vegetables and a squeeze of lemon, resulting in a light and flavorsome snack that captures something of the city – the maritime culture, in other words. Balık dürüm stalls are as abundant as they are inexpensive, and there are few greater joys than finding a fish boat on the waterfront at Eminönü, buying yourself an ultra-fresh balık dürüm, where it was made, and then taking a seat and watching the Bosphorus pass by. It costs as little as €4.20.
You can also get another version of this called balık ekmek, which is a sandwich instead of a dürüm. Balık ekmek features the same delicious grilled fish, but it’s served in a slice of bread, making it another convenient and tasty option for enjoying Istanbul’s iconic flavors.
Savoring a classic Istanbul street food: the tasty and satisfying balik ekmek © Ana Matos
3. Simit
Simit is a commonly eaten Turkish bagel shaped as a circular bread sprinkled generously with sesame seeds, which gives it a great combination of crunchiness and chewiness. It is a daily snack food and usually eaten with tea or cheese and can be enjoyed all day long, whether you’re in the morning, afternoon or evening. Even the street vendors, known as tulbent, sell Simit in crescent, round or triangle shapes and can be enjoyed with or without sesame seeds. It pairs well with Turkish tea, which will leave a bitter aftertaste in your mouth. A classic Simit typically costs around €1.
Enjoying a fresh and crunchy simit, a beloved Turkish snack perfect for any time of day © Ana Matos
4. Manti
Manti – sometimes described as Turkish ravioli – are little dumplings of dough stuffed with spiced minced meat of lamb or beef and served sizzling hot with a splash of yoghurt and some melted paprika-flavoured butter poured over them. The handful of the soft dumplings, the creamy yoghurt, and the spicy butter produce a perfect explosion of flavours. You can enjoy this dish at ‘Aşkana Mantı’ (Manti of Love) in the district of Beşiktaş, open since 1971 and cooking by hand. A serving typically costs around €4.
“A plate of mouthwatering manti, Turkish dumplings served with yogurt and a spicy tomato sauce © Ana Matos
5. Turkish Kebab
You must sample a Turkish kebab: everyone knows how good kebabs are in Turkey. And in Istanbul, you can enjoy them from the smoky Adana kebab to the Şiş kebab, which melts in your mouth because of the special seasoning it is marinated in and the way it is prepared. They are often served with fresh vegetables, flatbread, and a selection of sauces, some with chili peppers, others more gentle. Because of the fresh local ingredients and centuries of kebab preparation, the kebab tradition in Turkey is excellent. One of the best places in Istanbul to enjoy a kebab is ‘Zübeyir Ocakbaşı’ , a restaurant specializing in grilled meats, and well-known for its lively atmosphere. A meal here typically costs around €10.
Watching a master at work as he slices savory doner kebab from a towering spit © Pexels
Best time to visit
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to travel to Istanbul. You’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures, steering clear of the heat of summer and the chill of winter. Spring brings a burst of colour with flowers blossoming and greenery everywhere. Autumn has not just a comfortable climate but fewer visitors, so it is also a great time to explore Istanbul’s magnificent history, culture and architecture.
Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay in Istanbul largely depends on the kind of experience you seek but here are the best places to stay if it’s your first time in Istanbul:
Sultanahmet (Old City): By staying in Sultanahmet, you’ll be right in the middle of Istanbul’s history. This area is home to the spectacular Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, all within walking distance of your hotel. The narrow, cobbled streets and delightful historic architecture mean a stay here is a real immersion, and it’s great for first-time visitors as well as history lovers. The neighbourhood is full of delightful cafes and traditional Turkish restaurants for you to try the local fare.
Beyoğlu (Taksim): Beyoğlu is the cosmopolitan, contemporary centre of Istanbul, buzzing with nightlife, shopping and dining. The best place to start is at Taksim Square where, heading North, Istiklal Avenue offers also a pedestrian street as one of the earliest examples of urban gentrification – crowded with shops and tables, serving food and drinks, and showcasing street theatre. Beyoğlu is the spot for those who want to stay in the centre of Istanbul’s nightlife, or who want good connections to the city’s periphery through public transport and who do not mind to leave the tourist trail.
Riding the historic red tram through the bustling streets of Taksim Square, Istanbul © Pexels
Beşiktaş: Beşiktaş is a posh neighborhood that marries tradition and modernity, lined with jaw-dropping views of the Bosphorus and just a short stroll from most Istanbul attractions. The neighbourhood is home to Dolmabahçe Palace and the picturesque Beşiktaş Square, a hotspot to consume the freshest fish at the local market, sip tea at local eateries, or lounge in one of the coffee shops. This neighbourhood is the best choice for those who seek to combine sleep, shopping, sightseeing and nightlife with a dash of Turkish life. You can easily take a ferry to both the European and Asian sides from Beşiktaş.
How expensive is Istanbul?
Istanbul offers a variety of affordable options for travelers. Here’s a typical daily budget for one person:
Currency: Turkish Lira (₺/TRY)
Lunch: ₺200-₺300 (€5-€7)
Dinner: ₺300-₺400 (€8-€10)
Coffee: ₺40-₺50 (€1-€1.40)
Beer: ₺50 (€1.75)
Accommodation
Hostel bed: ₺350-₺500 (€8.75-€14)
Hotel: ₺1-₺2500 (€28-€70)
Conclusion
Starting with its history as Byzantium, continuing through the Roman empire as Constantinople, and leading to the modern city as Istanbul, it’s hard to think of any city that has had so many incarnations – and all of them equally beautiful.
It is a regal city, crammed with grand monuments. No wonder empires have fought to take control of it. Hopefully, this guide will help you truly explore the city and uncover your own hidden gems, all while enjoying a delicious fish wrap!
