istanbul travel advice australia

Is Türkiye safe to travel to right now? Here's the latest advice for Australians

As türkiye continues to reel from the effects of shocking earthquakes that devastated the country's south, here's the latest advice for australian travellers on whether it's safe to travel there..

One month has passed since Türkiye was devastated by enormous earthquakes. Source: Getty

• Australian travellers are being urged to exercise a "high degree of caution" when travelling to Türkiye.
• Türkiye was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake a month ago, destroying 10 provinces in the south.
• Here is the latest advice as to where you can and cannot go, and whether it's appropriate to travel to Türkiye.

The three reasons why the Turkey-Syria earthquake was so devastating

Can I travel to Türkiye?

Turkey or Türkiye? Why the country changed its official name

Are there flights available?

Is it appropriate to holiday in türkiye now.

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Wander-Lush

42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

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Is Turkey safe? Big question about Australians’ next travel hot spot

It’s been named one of the hottest destinations for Australian travellers in 2019, but there’s one thing everyone keeps asking: Is it safe to go?

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It’s difficult to talk about Istanbul without mentioning the elephant in the room (hint: it begins with “t” and ends with “ism”). In 2015, the exotic city – known and appreciated around the globe for its arresting blend of ancient eastern aesthetics and modern western lifestyle – was riding high as one of the globe’s most visited cities. When the first bombs went off later that year, the streets fell silent and visitor numbers plummeted as tour operators and cruise lines pulled out of the country.

Three years on, Istanbul’s making a comeback of epic proportions; not only is the city back on tour itineraries, but operators are reporting significant growth in global bookings.

“We believe it could be one of the hottest destinations of 2019,” says James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO.

“In September alone, we saw a 132 per cent increase in travellers compared with the previous year, and as people continue to be captivated, we’re expecting Turkey’s popularity to rise and rise as time goes on.”

TURKEY ON THE RISE: HOT TRAVEL TRENDS IN 2019

CHEAP AND SWEET: EUROPE’S BEST VALUE CITIES

INSIDE TURKEY’S SECRET UNDERWATER CITY

IS IT SAFE?

It’s a fair question – particularly since smartraveller.gov.au still advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Istanbul. It’s worth noting, however, that Istanbul has actually had fewer incidents of terrorism than London or Paris, and security is tight in all good hotels and tourist attractions. Perspective is required.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Qatar Airways flies multiple times a day from Doha to Istanbul, with daily flights to Doha from Melbourne, Perth and Canberra, and twice-daily flights from Sydney.

Istanbul New Airport, a $17 billion juggernaut which opened in October 2018 to replace Ataturk Airport, is the best bet for those staying in the city’s European district, while Sabiha Gokcen airport is better for those located on the Asian side.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

When it comes to your back pocket, there’s no better time to visit than right now. Turkey’s economic crisis has seen the Turkish lira plummet, allowing Australians to flash the cash without feeling the heat.

Of course, if you’d rather base your holiday decisions on climate, the shoulder season months of May to June and September to October are best, when the temperature hovers around a balmy mid- to high 20s. Outside of that, Istanbul’s weather can be extreme, ranging from hotter than hell to arctic, so best avoid.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

It’s hard to go past an opportunity to stay in a former Ottoman palace-turned luxury Kempinski property, and with its location right on the scenic Bosphorus, Ciragan Palace is tough to beat – particularly when features of the property include a handmade marble hammam (Turkish bath), and a celebrated Sunday brunch venue with a dedicated chocolate room.

If you’d prefer to steer clear of tourist-heavy places, the Asian side of the city sets the scene for a more authentic experience, serving up little pockets of quaint pastry shops, vibrant street markets and cheap and cheerful cafes. Sumahan on the Water , a stunning waterfront hotel in Cengelkoy, is one of the best in the area but if you’d prefer to book a private rental, you can do no better than picking one located right by Bagdat Caddesi, a 14km-long shopping strip dotted with designer boutiques, cafes and well-dressed locals.

HOW DO I GET AROUND?

Perhaps the question should be reframed: exactly how can I get around without having to cross any of the three bridges connecting the two continents? We won’t beat around the bush; the traffic in Istanbul is frightening stuff at peak hour. And every hour is peak hour.

Fortunately, the city’s elaborate ferry system is efficient and quick; use these wherever possible, and opt for a dolmus (communal taxi) for areas distant to the network.

WHAT ARE THE NOT-TO-BE-MISSED ACTIVITIES?

Any trip to Istanbul must be planned with military precision. The city is gargantuan and constantly growing (current stats: 5345sq km and an official population of 15 million) so you can easily fill two weeks with back-to-back activities and still not have touched the sides.

Must-sees for first-timers include opulent palaces Topkapi , Dolmabahce , the museum of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque , a 400-year-old active mosque which was given its name thanks to its impressive interior tile work. Completing the touristic “hit list” of course is the historic Grand Bazaar, a 560-year-old market comprised of more than 4000 stores and just as many rug sellers.

To see the real Istanbul, however, be sure to allocate a day to simply enjoy (and photograph) the sights of Balat, a former Jewish quarter and one of the city’s most historic suburbs, and take a trip out to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, where cars are banned, ancient Ottoman mansions are plentiful and the local cherry ice-cream (supposedly) has zero calories.

Then it’s a matter of kicking back on a cheap and cheerful Bosphorus cruise, meandering the streets of chic European suburb Beyoglu and – even though it seems an unlikely choice – keeping your Tuesday free for Istanbul’s famous Sali Pazari (Tuesday market).

It’s no Grand Bazaar, but there’s simply no better way to gain insight into local life – even if you have to wade through mountains of “Louise Vuitton” to get it.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

While there’s no denying the magic of a well-timed doner kebab, a quick meaty fix is no comparison to tasting rich layers of 600-year-old Ottoman history in every bite you take.

For an education like no other, book a table at Tugra Restaurant & Lounge , a decadent establishment which serves up authentic Ottoman cuisine in a spectacular setting, and follow it up quickly with a terrace-seat booking at Mikla , a fine dining establishment which prides itself on a contemporary take on Turkish food.

At the lower end of the price scale, you’re spoiled for choice (meals for less than a dollar are not unheard of), but a traditional balik ekmek (fish sandwich) on a ferry port after a commute is not to be missed.

The key to avoiding the dreaded “Sultan’s Revenge”? Choosing a stand with a lengthy queue of locals.

WHAT’S THE NIGHTLIFE LIKE?

How would you like your nightlife served with a landscape of ancient ruins and Ottoman palaces stretching as far as the eye can see?

Istanbul is (rightfully) famous for its rooftop bar scene and there’s no better start to the evening than watching the sun set from 360 Istanbul , or 5.Kat which offers a slightly more relaxed take on the trend.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Beyoglu area, Alexandra Cocktail Bar in upscale Arnavutkoy draws in the crowds, as does the more relaxed Arka Oda a live music venue in the Asian suburb of Kadikoy. Either way, be prepared for plenty of cigarette smoke.

WHERE CAN I SHOP?

You’ve loaded up on spices from the Egyptian Bazaar and bought enough leather jackets from the Grand Bazaar to look as though you’ve gone rogue on a cattle farm, so now what?

Leave plenty of room in the s uitcase because Istanbul also happens to be the land of the shopping mall, with close to 360 centres opening across the city since 2000.

Stick lifestyle destinations Istinye Park and Kanyon on the list, but don’t rule out making the trek over to Viaport , a massive outlet centre in Pendik, waaaay out in the Asian ’burbs. It may not be the easiest place to get to, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with Mavi jeans for less than $20, and major discounts on high-end local brands such as Yargici and Ipekyol.

As for the $64,000 question: will you leave the city without buying a Turkish rug? Probably not; acceptance is key.

For more travel advice and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter .

Dilvin backpacked solo around Europe after finishing high school and has lived for adventure ever since. She’s fallen under the spell of Bora Bora, made multiple trips to Turkey and finally got to visit Antarctica. She is also a self-professed cruise convert after a trip around the Norwegian fjords.

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Istanbul Travel Guide

Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region.

There is nowhere in the world quite like Istanbul. Spread across two continents, Istanbul is a city of layers and contrasts. With historical sights like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace brushing up against buzzing bars and lively cafes, with Ottoman-era mosques a short walk from contemporary art museums and galleries, with traditional carpet shops around the corner from trendy boutiques, Istanbul is a city of old and new coexisting. The city never stops moving.

Istanbul is the cultural capital of the country, with a plethora of independent galleries and inventive restaurants, as well as its transit hub, with flights going all over Turkey and all over the world. Each neighborhood has its own distinct identity and vibe, and it's easy to spend weeks in Istanbul without ever seeing everything. But that is what makes it so fascinating—there will always be something calling you back for more. So order a cup of Turkish coffee and a piece of pistachio baklava, and get ready to delve into this fascinating metropolis.

Turkey's time zone is GMT+3 year-round, and is also called TRT (Turkey Time). Turkey does not do daylight savings.

Best Time to Go

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the perfect times to visit Istanbul, when the weather is bright and mild. During the month of April is the city-wide Tulip Festival, when the parks and green spaces in the city are bedazzled with the colorful bulbs. In the summer, the city becomes sticky and very hot, and most residents flee to the beaches in the south as soon as they can, but the streets are alive all night when the air cools off a little. Winter is gray and rainy, showing Istanbul at its most moody and evocative.

Things to Know

The main language in Istanbul is Turkish, though with a large international presence in the city, don't be surprised to hear chatter in English or Arabic or Farsi as you explore. Turkish people are generally quite helpful, even if you don't speak any Turkish, and shop owners (especially in Sultanahmet, the historic center) will often invite you to sit down and share a çay, a tiny tulip-shaped cup of strong black tea. Personal space is often a luxury in this crowded city, so don't be surprised if you feel someone is standing too close to you as you wait for a bus or in a line—it's normal here.

Don't mistake the water that bisects the city for a river. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara (and, by extension, the Mediterranean) with the Black Sea, and is therefore a major global shipping route. It's not unusual to see massive container ships floating by your commuter ferry.

While Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, the capital city is actually Ankara, in central Anatolia. But the palaces that dot the Bosphorus, left over from Istanbul's status as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, might make you think otherwise. The politicians might do their business in Ankara, but Istanbul feels like the center of the world.

Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)

(Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Turkish I don't speak Turkish: Türkçe bilmiyorum. I'm lost: Kayboldum Can I have…?: …alabilirmiyim? Where is…?: ... nerede?

Calling Code: +90

Capital City: Ankara

How to Get Around

Intricate interlocking transportations—both official and informal—make it easy to navigate around Istanbul. There are multiple metro lines with clear signage and modern cars that connect to an above-ground tram line and two funiculars. The Marmaray, a cross-continent metro line that passes under the Bosphorus Strait, connects the metro system on the European and Asian sides of the city, and has recently expanded to run all the way into the suburbs on both sides of the city. Otherwise, the best way to cross from Europe to Asia and back is by ferry, with multiple ferry lines running between stations on a regular schedule all throughout the day.

The gaps are filled by city buses, which are paid for by the same IstanbulKart that gets you onto the metro, Marmaray, and ferries. And if there is no bus that runs to your destination, there might be a dolmuş , a yellow van that runs on a fixed route but stops whenever a passenger requests it and leaves whenever the van is full. There are also light blue minibuses that run on various routes throughout the city. Dolmuş and minibuses are paid in cash, with the price depending on the distance you go.

Taxis are plentiful, especially around touristed areas. Apps like BiTaksi can be useful to call taxis directly, and hotels are also usually happy to order a taxi if you can't flag one down.

Best Hotels

Ciragan palace kempinski.

Address: Ciragan Caddesi 32 34349 Istanbul Phone: +90 212 326 4646 Website

Housed in an ornate former Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, the Ciragan Palace is the ultimate luxurious hotel in Istanbul. The Ciragan boasts an outdoor infinity pool, an exquisite spa with a Turkish hamam, and high-end restaurants. If you want to experience Istanbul like Ottoman royalty, the Ciragan is the place to do it.

Corinne Hotel

Address: Kuloğlu Mah., Turnacıbaşı Caddesi 41 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 293 94 94 Website

Located in the heart of Beyoğlu, Istanbul's nightlife and entertainment district, the Corinne Hotel is an ideal base to experience the energy of the city. The boutique hotel is in a lovingly restored late-Ottoman neoclassical building, with trendy and contemporary amenities alongside a winding marble staircase. Don't miss out on its rooftop terrace, the perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch Istanbul sparkle below.

Sirkeci Mansion

Address: Taya Hatun Sokak 5 34120 Sirkeci/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 528 43 44 Website

Nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet, Sirkeci Mansion is walking distance from the Hagia Sophia, Gulhane Park, and Topkapi Palace. The hotel contains 32 spacious rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. Relax at the hotel's Turkish hamam, or head up to the hotel's rooftop, with its sweeping views of the old city.

Pera Palace Hotel

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi 52 34430 Tepebasi/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 377 4000 Website

Modern luxury and Turkish history entwine at the Pera Palace hotel, a grand Art Nouveau beauty that was built for travelers on the Orient Express and over the years has hosted illustrious guests that include Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway, and Queen Elizabeth II. The Pera Palace is located close to Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul's main thoroughfare. The five-star hotel has 115 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and a fully-equipped spa and fitness center.

The Bank Hotel

Address: Azapkapı, Bankalar Caddesi 5/1 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 283 00 55 Website

Located in a reappropriated late-Ottoman-era bank in the Karakoy neighborhood, The Bank Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel located between the historic peninsula and the nightlife of Istiklal Caddesi. The eclectic design mixes the modern and the historic bones of the building throughout the hotel's 62 rooms. The restaurant on the rooftop offers splendid views of the city.

Splendid Palace Hotel

Address: Büyükada-nizam, Yirmiüç Nisan Caddesi 39 34970 Adalar/İstanbul Phone: +90 216 382 69 50 Website

This striking hotel on Istanbul's biggest island is full of early Republic charm, somehow both modern and nostalgically vintage. A highlight is the outdoor pool, where it's easy to while away the day in the sunshine. The 60 rooms and 9 suites are bright and breezy, perfect for an island escape in the middle of the city.

Best Restaurants

Address: The Marmara Pera Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 293 5656 Website

The creation of lauded Turkish-Scandinavian chef Mehmet Gurs, Mikla has long had a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Istanbul thanks to its creative twist on traditional cuisine. Located on the roof of the Marmara Pera Hotel, the views are as exquisite as the food. Try the tasting menu to get a sense of the scope of Mikla's creative culinary creations. Reservation is recommended. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.

Ciya Sofrasi

Address: Caferağa Mah. Güneşlibahçe Sokak 43 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Phone: +90 216 330 3190 Website

This unassuming restaurant in the heart of the Kadikoy neighborhood's market street belies its reputation as an Istanbul powerhouse. With cuisine drawn from various regions across Anatolia, especially its diverse southeast region, the menu is constantly shifting and incorporating seasonal produce. In the summertime, try the cherry kebab; in the springtime, don't miss the lamb stewed with erik , Turkish sour plums. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.

Address: Azapkapı, Gümrük Han, Fermeneciler Caddesi 40/A 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 244 97 76 Website

This seemingly ramshackle restaurant comes alive at night, glittering with strings of lights and lanterns. Perched right at the edge of the water in the Karakoy district, this is an evocative place to have the Turkish meyhane experience, with small plates of meze dotting the table and rakı (an anise liquor) flowing all night. Make sure to try the atom , thick yogurt mixed with hot dried peppers, and the catch of the day. Reservation is recommended, especially on weekends, and most dining is outdoors.

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi 107/F 34430 Beyoglu/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 243 2633 Website

This cozy bistro in the Pera neighborhood, walking distance from Istiklal Caddesi, combines Turkish, Persian, and Middle Eastern influences in its inventive cuisine. Make sure to try the dudi Persian rice speckled with ruby-red barberries. Reservation recommended, only indoor dining.

Things to Do

Hagia sophia.

Address: Ayasofya Meydanı 1 34122 Fatih/İstanbul Phone: +90212 522 17 50 Website

The Hagia Sophia is a building that has held many identities: from a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque to a secular museum, and now back to a mosque again. Visitors will need to respect the rules of the mosques in Turkey and dress appropriately , but there is no longer a fee to experience the ultimate palimpsest of a building. While some of the famous mosaics and frescoes are covered, many are still visible.

Topkapi Palace

Address: Cankurtaran Mah. 4122 Fatih/Istanbul Phone: +90 212 512 04 80 Website

Construction on Topkapi Palace began in 1453, when the Ottomans took Constantinople, and was the primary seat of imperial power for nearly four hundred years. The Harem requires an additional ticket, but it's worth it, with its magnificent blue-tiled walls and chambers.

Galata Tower

Address: Bereketzade, Galata kulesi 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 245 4141 Website

Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, Galata Tower is an iconic part of the Istanbul skyline. Climb to the top for some of the best views of the city—especially at sunset.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Address: Süleymaniye Mah, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi 1 34116 Fatih/İstanbul Website

Suleymaniye Mosque is considered Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan's most splendid Istanbul mosque, and the architect himself is buried in a tomb on the site. With its intricate tiles, massive dome, and sweeping view of the city from its courtyard, Suleymaniye is a gem among Istanbul's imperial mosques.

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam

Address: Kemankeş Mah. Hamam Sokak 1 34425 Tophane Karaköy/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 393 80 10 Website

The full hamam , or Turkish bath, experience is particularly luxurious at the Kili Ali Pasa Hamam. Sweat out on a marble slab in the elegantly restored historic building, and get scrubbed squeaky clean.

Best Shopping

Grand bazaar.

Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. 22 34126 Fatih/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 519 12 48

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, encompassing an entire buzzing hive of artisans and merchants spread across 60 streets and 4000 shops. Come for traditional Turkish carpets, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and more—and make sure to sit, share a tea, and haggle.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Address: Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sokak 92 34116 Fatih/İstanbul Phone: +90 212 513 65 97

Built in the 17th century, this fragrant covered market brims over with spices, from tangy sumac to smokey urfa pepper to Turkish saffron. Vendors also sell Turkish delight, ceramics, and other non-spice items.

Arasta Bazaar

Address: Kabasakal Caddesi 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

This market street in the heart of the Sultanahmet neighborhood historically housed shops whose rent helped pay for the maintenance of the nearby Blue Mosque. Now, vendors sell hand-woven pestamel (Turkish towels), ceramics, carpets, and more.

Souq Dukkan

Address: Büyükdere Caddesi 185 34330 Şişli/İstanbul Phone: +90 555 030 82 32 Website

Souq Dukkan began as an artisan's bazaar in the trendy Karakoy neighborhood before recently relocating to Kanyon in Levent. Featuring the work of local designers, creators, and artists, Souq Dukkan is the place to find unique Turkish items from some of the city's most creative minds.

Neighborhoods to Know

Sultanahmet : Seemingly every block in this neighborhood has something historical poking out. The central square is dominated by the twinned Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and the streets hold other imperial Ottoman-era mosques, Byzantine cisterns, and the remains of a hippodrome. This is the main place visitors to Istanbul come, and with good reason—the layered empires that dominated Istanbul have all left their mark right here.

Kadıkӧy : Located on Istanbul's Asian shore, Kadıkӧy is the neighborhood of artists and creatives. Bright colorful murals decorate the walls of buildings, while the streets brim with vibrant bars, sleek third-wave coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and al fresco dining. Kadıkӧy has a long stretch of seaside that is filled on summer nights with locals enjoying a beer at sunset. Only a picturesque ferry ride away from the city center, Kadıkӧy is the neighborhood to visit to see how Istanbul's cool kids live.

Cihangir : This trendy neighborhood, just a few blocks from Taksim Square, is the place to see and be seen. With cutting-edge boutiques, moody bistros, colorful bars slinging cocktails, and stylish cafes, Cihangir has long been the scene where hip Turks and foreigners mingle.

Beşiktaş : Located on the European Bosphorus shore just a short walk from Dolmabahçe Palace, Beşiktaş is a rowdy neighborhood famed for its passionate support of the local football team and its plethora of pubs. Explore the rollicking side streets spilling over with people enjoying the night time energy.

Karakoy : Formerly a forlorn strip of shipping warehouses and camping shops, the Karakoy neighborhood has blossomed in the last decade into a colorful strip of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. One building houses five of Istanbul's premier private galleries, while mere steps away is the splendid Kılıc Ali Paşa Mosque and its luxurious hammam.

Nişantaşı : For luxury and high-end experiences, Istanbul's elite come to upscale Nişantaşı. Here's where you can find haute couture boutiques, luxury brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton, and elegant restaurants. Just nearby is Maçka Park, one of the few parks in central Istanbul and an ideal place to stroll.

The Princes Islands : The Princes Islands, called Adalar in Turkish, are nine islands in the sea of Marmara, with four open to the public. Cars are not allowed on the islands, so it's best to get around by bicycle, by foot, or by horse-drawn carriage. With its charming white wooden houses and lush bougainvillea, the islands are an escape from the city within the city. The four islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada) can be reached by regular ferries from the mainland.

Balat : The twinned neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, historically home to large Greek and Jewish populations, are some of the most picturesque in Istanbul, with colorful wooden houses lining hilly cobblestone streets. Balat has erupted in recent years, easily claiming its place as one of Istanbul's most interesting up-and-coming neighborhoods. Explore the antique shops that dot the area or stop at one of the many cafes and new restaurants that line the streets.

Winter: Istanbul winters are gray and constantly rainy, with weather hovering around 45°-50°F. While it's not ideal weather, the city is evocative and somehow cozy, with vendors selling roasted chestnuts on the street corners and steaming tulip-shaped cups of tea on offer at every restaurant.

Spring: In the springtime, the sun comes out and the weather warms up to a comfortable 65°-70°F. Flowers bloom all over the city, from fragrant jasmine to hot pink petals bursting from Judas trees. The early end of spring can still be a little chilly, but everyone still sits outside to soak in the sun.

Summer: The long, sticky, crowded days of Istanbul's summer usually have temperatures around 85°F with 70% humidity. The saving grace is the water that surrounds the city—the breeze off the Bosphorus on a transcontinental ferry ride or a swim in the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul's islands takes the edge off the muggy heat. And the endless summer nights, often spent sitting around a long meyhane table sipping a cold glass of anise-flavored raki , make it all worth it.

Fall: Autumn in Istanbul is warm and comfortable. The humidity comes down, as does the temperature, lingering around a comfortable 65°F in the early autumn and slipping around to 60°F in the later part. This is the best time to come to Istanbul.

Apps to Download

BiTaksi: Local taxi-hailing app iOs | Android

Uber: International taxi-hailing app iOs | Android

Trafi: Live traffic updates iOs | Android

Moovit: Transportation schedule aggregator iOs | Android

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Taking care of your health.

Explore this page for travel health advice for all Australians, no matter who you are, where you're going or what you're doing overseas. Your health is your responsibility, and prevention is better than cure.

On this page

• health checklist before you go
• taking care of your health while you're away
• how the Australian Government can help overseas

Read this page as well as our travel advisories for your  destinations . Also see the Australian Government's  travel health information  (Department of Health) and  travel health advice  (healthdirect).

This page is for Australian planning to travel overseas. If you're already travelling and need medical care, see our general advice on  medical assistance overseas . 

Health checklist before you go

• Research your destination
• Get travel insurance
• Talk to your doctor
• Get your vaccinations
• Pack and prepare your medication
• Think about what activities you're planning

1. Research your destination

Every destination is different. This includes the health risks you may face when you get there. Be informed, be prepared. Know the risks so you can make informed choices about where you go and  what you do there . 

Start by reading our  travel advice for your destinations . Each has a heading for 'Health' that covers some of the key things you need to know  before you go .

Then, read travel guides, do online research and talk to people you know who've been there before. For each destination you're travelling to or through, find out about:

• infectious diseases  there, including water borne, food borne and STIs
• other types of health risks, such as altitude sickness or injuries from car crashes
• availability and quality of health care , medical facilities and  medications
• local attitudes towards disability , and the availability of accessible accommodation
• local attitudes and laws around mental health , and the availability of mental health support
• laws about medication. If your prescription is illegal you could be  arrested or jailed

Read the travel advice for your  destinations  before you go.

2. Get travel insurance

Health cover is one of the main reasons Australians get  travel insurance . It won't prevent you getting sick or injured, though it can prevent you suffering financially.  Medical assistance overseas  can be very expensive.

You must pay for all medical care you receive overseas. You can't expect to get free or subsidised care through your destination's public health system, like you would in Australia. 

If you can't pay, local authorities could  arrest  you. The Australian Government can't pay you bill for you, loan you  money  or get you out of  jail .

You need  travel insurance . You also need to make sure you choose a policy that is right for you. 

• Read the fine print. It's in the product disclosure statement (PDS).
• Declare all pre-existing conditions to your insurer upfront. If you don't, you may void your policy.
• Tell your insurer the  activities  you plan to do, before you go. Many common activities like skiing are excluded in basic policies. You may need to pay extra.
• Check if you have free credit card travel insurance. Some cards include cover. However, they often have different conditions than paid policies. Understand the differences. Read the  CHOICE guide to free credit card travel insurance .
• If you're  going overseas for a medical procedure , you may not be covered by a basic policy. Ask your insurer or talk to your private health insurer in Australia.
• If you're going somewhere with a  reciprocal health care agreement , you still need insurance. Agreements are limited in what they'll will cover.

If you have a terminal illness, you may not be able to get basic travel insurance. However you may be able to find a specialised insurer that covers you for health, accidents or property problems unrelated to your illness. Talk to your insurer to find out. 

Learn more about getting international  travel insurance  before you go.

3. Talk to your doctor

Your doctor is the expert on your health and can give you advice on travelling that's specific to your health care needs. Take their advice. 

• See your doctor 6 to 8 weeks before you go. You need enough time to apply their advice. 
• Ask if it's safe for you to travel. Especially if you're a mature traveller or have a pre-existing condition. If you rely on specialised care, it may be hard to find overseas.
• If you're  planning to travel while pregnant , talk to your obstetrician, travel insurer and airline. They can advise if there's any other steps you can take to reduce risks to you and your unborn child. Tell your doctor where you're going. Ask for preventative advice that suits your needs in that destination.
• Ask your doctor what  vaccinations  or boosters you need. Some require several courses over time. 
• Ask for practical advice for while you're away. Your doctor can advise you how to reduce the risk of having problems health problems overseas.

4. Vaccinations and preventative health

Prevention is better than cure. Your GP or travel doctor can tell you exactly what  vaccinations  you need. Their advice considers your health, your immunisation history and your  destination .

• Ask your doctor what  vaccinations  or boosters you need. They can check your health record so see what you've had.
• Ask how many shots (or courses) you'll need, and when to get them. Some vaccinations need several applications and take time to have an effect.
• Find out which  infectious diseases  are common in your destination. Learn what practical steps you can take to help reduce your risk of infection.
• Find out if you need a vaccination certificate to enter your destination. This is especially common in countries with  Yellow Fever .

Some preventative products like mosquito nets you can probably get when you get there. Others, especially repellents and medications, may be safer to buy before you go. Not all destinations share Australia's high quality and safety standards.

Read our general advice on  vaccinations and preventative health . See more about  immunisation for travel  (Department of Health).

5. Stock up on supplies

You may have challenges refilling your script or finding medical supplies overseas. Your  medication  may not be available in your destination, it could be low quality or even illegal there.

• Ideally, take enough medication for your whole trip. You may wish to take a bit extra, in case things change and your  return home  is delayed.
• Find out if your prescription medication is legal in your destination. Local authorities could charge you for  carrying or using drugs . You could be  arrested or jailed .
• Find out if the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has  restrictions on your medication . There are laws and restrictions on the amount and types of PBS subsidised medicine you can take overseas.
• Keep your medication in the original packaging. Carry your script and a letter from your doctor that explains why you have it. If authorities question you about your medication, this can help prove it's for personal use, not for sale.
• When you're packing, keep some of your medication in different bags. If one bag is lost or stolen, you won't have to worry about running out.

Read our general advice about travelling with  medication and medical equipment . See what other  preventative health  supplies you can take with you. 

6. Think about what you're planning to do

The  activities you're planning to do  overseas affect your health.  Your health also affects what activities you can do safely.

This doesn't just apply to adventurous activities like bungee jumping or skydiving. It also applies to  going on a cruise ,  volunteering ,  working  or other  activities .

• Research your destination and planned activities before you go.
• Find out if you can get high-quality heath care in your  destination . Check the 'Health' section of the travel advisory.
• Research the  activity  you plan to do. Find out if it commonly leads to particular health problems, especially injuries.
• Check your  travel insurance  policy. Basic policies don't cover you for higher risk activities. You may be surprised what some policies exclude. Some will only cover your activity if you pay extra.

If you're going overseas for a  medical procedure , choose your hospital and surgeon wisely. Standards vary. The wrong choice could lead to serious and expensive complications, or death. Read our general advice on  medical tourism . 

Make smart decisions while you're away

You'll enjoy your time overseas more if you don't get sick or injured. You can make choices while you're there that reduce your risks.

• Partying  or getting romantic with someone over there? Use a condom. Not just for birth control, but to prevent  sexually transmitted infections  (STIs).
• Going on a road trip? Learn about the road rules and follow them.  Stay within the law . Think about road safety, you'll be less likely to have an accident and need  medical assistance overseas .
• Riding a motorbike or scooter? Wear a helmet and proper protective clothing. Think about road safety, just like you would in Australia.
• Exploring street food and local cuisine? Choose vendors and restaurants that look clean and are popular with locals.
• Eating with your hands? Wash them first. Make sure they're dry to reduce the risk of  diseases .  Travellers diarrhoea  (healthdirect) is the least of your worries.  
• Getting a tattoo? Choose a shop with high safety and hygiene standards. Always ensure they use fresh needles. The wrong choice and you can catch an  infectious disease , including HIV / AIDS.

If you're planning to go to a dangerous  destination with a ' Do not travel ' warning, you're putting yourself at serious risk. You could  die . Take our  advice level  seriously. The Australian Government may not be able to help you if  things go wrong .

What the Australian Government can do

The Australian Government is limited in when and how it can help Australians overseas. You're responsible for your own health overseas. It's up to you, your family or your travel insurer to organise and pay for any  medical assistance  you need.

For more information about how we can help, see the  Consular Services Charter . 

What we can do

• We can provide you or your family with a list of local hospitals or doctors that speak English.
• We can provide you or or your family with a list of local lawyers that speak English.
• We can publish some information about general heath risks in your  destination . We also publish local emergency contact numbers is each  travel advisory .

What we can't do

• We can't pay your medical bills for you, or loan you  money .
• We can't recommend hospitals, doctors or lawyers.
• We can't organise or provide you with health care or medicines.

Before you go

• Research your  destination . Find out if there are specific health risks overall or in certain areas and if your  medication is  legal .
• Get  travel insurance . Make sure it covers your pre-existing conditions and injuries from your planned activities (don't just rely on a  reciprocal health care agreement ).
• See your GP or travel doctor for a health check. Get a letter for any medications you need to carry to prove you aren't  carrying or using drugs .
• Get your  vaccinations  early, some you'll need to start taking well before you go for them to have an effect
• If you can, take a bit more than enough  medication  to last the trip.
• Keep your medication in original packaging.
• Pack some of your medication in your carry-on baggage. Just in case your other bag is  lost  or  stolen .
• Get your affairs in order. Ensure your will is up to date. Even if you're fit and healthy,  you could  die  if  things go wrong .
• Learn about  vaccinations and preventative health  measures you can take.
• Learn how to reduce your risk from  infectious diseases .
• Read about travelling with  medication and medical equipment .
• Learn how to look after your  mental health .
• Some medical emergencies in certain countries are covered by  reciprocal health care agreements .
• Understand what happens if you  die  overseas. Think about the impact on your next of kin.
• See our advice for  travelling with a disability .
• Learn how to take care of your health at sea if you're  going on a cruise .
• Choose the right  travel insurance  that covers your health when things go wrong.
• Reduce the risk of getting injured. Especially if you're planning high risk  activities .
• Know how to get  medical assistance overseas .
• Understand how and when the Australian Government can help overseas. Read the  Consular Services Charter . 
• See  travel health information  and  travel health advice  (Department of Health).
• Read  advice on overseas travel  (Victorian Department of Health and Human Services).
• Read the  Staying healthy when travelling overseas  fact sheet (NSW Department of Health).
• See country and disease specific  advice for travellers  (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Related content

Medical tourism is when you go overseas for medical treatment. Before you go, gather the information you need. Make informed choices about your medical procedure.

No matter who you are, where you're going and what you're doing, get travel insurance. Learn how to choose a policy that's right for you.

This page provides mature travellers with information to prepare for a hassle-free journey. Properly preparing before you travel will help you have a safe trip.

• Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Hon Julie Bishop MP

• Media Releases
• Transcripts

This content has been archived.

Travel advice for turkey.

• Media release

The Australian Government has increased the level of concern in the travel advice for two cities in Turkey, Istanbul and Ankara, to 'reconsider your need to travel'.

The travel advice has been reissued following the deaths of more than 80 people in four separate suicide bombings in Istanbul and Ankara in 2016. Terrorist groups continue to threaten further attacks, including targeting tourists and westerners.

The Australian Government does not take this decision lightly. The travel advice for Turkey, like all travel advisories, remains under close review and represents our best assessment of the safety and security environment that Australian travellers will experience in Turkey.

I am conscious of the effect of this on the many Australians planning to attend this year's Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli. The Australian Government is not aware of any specific threat to Anzac Day services planned on the Gallipoli peninsula or to other Australian interests in Turkey. The overall level of advice for Turkey, including Canakkale and the Gallipoli peninsula, remains at 'exercise a high degree of caution'.

Australians travelling to the Anzac Day services should minimise any transit time spent in Istanbul and Ankara, including in tourist and other public areas.

We continue to work very closely with New Zealand and Turkey to ensure the safety and security of Australians and New Zealanders attending the Anzac Day ceremonies. We greatly appreciate the extensive security arrangements put in place by Turkish authorities on the Gallipoli peninsula.

I encourage all Australians visiting Turkey to read and subscribe to the travel advice at smartraveller.gov.au , register their travel details and obtain comprehensive travel insurance.

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Destination Guide – Istanbul, Turkey

“This magical meeting place of East and West has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (and that’s a lot).”- Lonely Planet

Our guide to Istanbul gives you a great starting point for inspiration if you’re thinking of visiting this culturally diverse city. Within this guide you can find things to do, restaurants and cafes, places to go shopping, events, bars and nightlife, and general tourist information.

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An insider’s guide to Istanbul, from the Hagia Sophia to fried-fish sandwiches

By Turkey specialist Ninwa

Straddling two continents, Istanbul has been a sprawling, cosmopolitan city and vital commercial hub since the days it was called Byzantium. Ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and then Ottomans, the city blends the ancient, historical and modern as effortlessly as it does different cultures and religions.

You’ll find monumental houses of worship, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as a contemporary fashion scene that sets the tone for most of the Middle East and North Africa. You can also while away your days wandering through the maze-like streets and sipping Turkish coffee, watching the world bustle by.

Sultanahmet: The Old City of Istanbul

Located on the entrance to the Bosphorus Strait, Sultanahmet is the historic hub of Istanbul and crammed full of monumental sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Because they’re all grouped on the central Sultanahmet Square, many visitors tear through the big three in one day, but I think that’s a disservice to both the city and yourself. There’s only so much beauty you can absorb in one day before you’re stunned into numbness.

Instead, I prefer to space them out over three or even five days, while also seeing the city’s less-iconic sights. A driver and guide can help you navigate the heavy traffic here and throughout the city, as well as provide context.

Hagia Sophia

Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, the Hagia Sophia was once the nexus of the latter-day Roman Empire and its central dome represents a radical departure from the classical rectangular Roman basilica. The new style represented a new take on Christianity — this was the first ever Greek Orthodox Patriarchal cathedral. It was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and then into a museum in the early part of the 20th century — a microcosm of the country’s own history.

It’s a dazzling feat of engineering, an improbably massive dome suspended on seemingly slender supports. The rising walls are pierced by windows, filling the airy interior with light. But the abstract genius of its engineering was hard for me to appreciate the first time I stood inside and saw the soaring complexity and grandeur of the space.

The walls are clad in richly veined marble and decorated with glittering gold mosaics of swirling acanthus leaves and six-winged angels. The stone patterns on the floor and the constant echo of sounds through the domes gives the whole building a sense of movement and liveliness that seems wholly incongruous with its mountainous size.

The Blue Mosque

With its huge central dome and six slender, soaring minarets, the majesty of the Blue Mosque rivals that of the Hagia Sophia. I suggest that you don’t approach from Sultanahmet Square, but instead through the massive courtyard in order to best appreciate the elegant proportions of the building.

This isn’t a museum, but a thriving place of worship that buzzes with the faithful who come to pray, so time your visit to work around the call to prayer, which happens five times a day. Non-Muslims enter via a side door, where you take off your shoes. Women will need to cover their hair and wear clothing that covers their arms and legs — there are scarves available to borrow if you haven’t brought one.

Stepping inside is like walking under the vault of Heaven. There’s an enormous central dome and smaller side domes supported by four elephantine columns, and walls decorated with more than 21,000 İznik tiles. The tiles’ floral and geometric motifs are dominated by cobalt blue, which give the mosque its nickname, but there are also swirls of green, red and yellow amid the dense designs.

Topkapi Palace and Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Nearby, Topkapi Palace stands on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn — Sultan Mehmed II chose the commanding position for its strategic and symbolic importance when he began construction in 1465. This was the opulent heart of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, where the wealthiest sultans lived at the empire’s peak. It’s long been the setting for fervid (often ill-informed) fantasies, from the odalisques of the Romantic painters to today’s endless Turkish historical TV dramas.

The reality is more beguiling than any story, however. The palace complex is sprawling (and often busy), so plan to spend at least half a day here, gaping at the grandiose architecture, lingering over the Chinese porcelain collection in the kitchens and admiring the richly embroidered robes at the Palace Clothing Exhibition. One of the most intriguing stops is the harem, which offers a glimpse into the intensely private world of the sultan’s wives and concubines.

Most visitors to Topkapi overlook the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located on the palace grounds, but I think they’re entirely worth your time. Three different buildings are tightly packed with treasures from around the world, a collection that includes tiles from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, gold necklaces unearthed in Troy and the bas-relief sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. There’s also a display that lays out a comprehensive history of the city.

The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market

Established in 1461, the Grand Bazaar is as legendary as the palace, a gigantic covered shopping area that includes 4,000 vendors and 66 labyrinthine streets and alleys. Some denigrate it as ‘too modern’ but I think it remains true to its original incarnation — a pulsating market that caters to buyers from three continents. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, just wandering through is an experience worth having.

Old men sit at tiny tables sipping Turkish coffee, runners dash between shops with trays of coffee and tea, buyers bargain fiercely in a dozen different languages and sellers importune passersby. You’ll find shops selling golden bracelets, silver coin necklaces and souvenir knick-knacks, as well as leather goods, carpets, candies, cheap clothing, lanterns, traditional slippers and designer shoes. This is the best place to buy an inlaid board to play tavla, a local variant on backgammon.

The less-updated Spice Market is just a ten-minute walk away. It’s much smaller and less visited, but I admit that I prefer its quiet atmosphere to the endless bling of its better-known counterpart. Here, small shops display baskets of aromatic spices, bowls of dried herbs and endless trays of dried fruits, nuts and sweets. The scent is intoxicating or overpowering, depending on your personal perspective, but I can’t imagine it’s much different than what it would have been when the market was first established in the 1600s.

The Spice Market is also known for a panoply of perfumes, especially oud oil, a sweet, woodsy scent that’s a status symbol across the region.

Beyoglu, Galata Tower and Taksim Square: modern shopping and a medieval tower

Set on a steep hill just north of the Golden Horn, the stone Galata Tower dominates the city skyline. Built in 1348 by the Genoese who lived here then, its upper balcony provides excellent views of the Old City, albeit for a price. The upper reaches also have a restaurant and nightclub that you can reach via elevator.

Nearby, Istiklal Avenue is the city’s modern shopping district, a wide boulevard in a city known for its narrow alleyways. The hectic street is lined with 19th-century buildings that are home to a mishmash of international chain stores, bookshops and chic boutiques featuring the works of Turkish designers, as well as synagogues, churches and mosques. An old-fashioned tram runs down rails in the middle of the street.

You’ll know you’ve reached the end of Istiklal Avenue when you arrive at Taksim Square, a vast plaza that’s ringed with cafés, restaurants, high-rise hotels and other urban necessities. At its heart stands a monument to Atatürk, surrounded by small beds of grass.

This is also the best place to buy balik ekmek, Istanbul’s signature street food — though, strictly speaking, these fish sandwiches aren’t sold on the street but from bobbing boats moored to the shore. Crusty bread rolls are split and filled with fresh fish that’s been grilled right on the boat and topped with a handful of lettuce and sliced onions and then sprinkled with lemon juice. It’s hot, fast, filling and remarkably satisfying.

Ortaköy: waterfront cafés and a locals-only bazaar

Sitting at the base of the Bosphorus Bridge, Ortaköy is a far cry from the crowded, touristed streets of Sultanahmet. Well-heeled Istanbulites live, work and play in this quiet residential area that stretches along the waterfront, filled with cafés and coffee shops.

This is also home to a different sort of market than you’ll find at the Grand Bazaar. It’s less frantic and aggressive than the Bazaar, geared toward locals rather than visitors. You’ll find tables piled high with hats, shoes dangling from racks, displays of handicrafts, and stalls selling baked potatoes (called kumpir).

Walk through the market far enough and you’ll come to a waterfront promenade along the Bosphorus. The bank is lined with waterfront restaurants and cafés. You'll find locals sitting at tiny tables out front, sharing gossip over a cup of strong Turkish coffee, smoking shisha (syrupy, fruit-scented tobacco), and playing endless games of tavla or cards.

Karaköy: where to stay in Istanbul

While there are many high-end hotels in both Sultanahmet and along the Bosphorus, I prefer to stay further away from the fuss and frenzy in Karaköy. Another residential area, this one located across the Golden Horn from the Old City, it’s known for its flourishing restaurant scene, lively nightlife and lovely coffee shops.

If you want to try Turkish coffee, this is where I suggest you do it. If you’ve never had the dense, dark drink before, there’s really no way I can prepare you for just how strong it is. (You can also order Western-style coffee, but you will be judged.)

Proper Turkish coffee is served in small, squat cups and topped with a thick, dark brown foam. You’ll notice some locals will turn their cup upside down on its saucer after they’ve finished their drinks. It’s thought that you can have your fortune read in the patterns of the dried grounds that run down the sides. It’s an old tradition that’s carried on by grandmothers around the city.

One of the best hotels in the area, in my opinion, is The Bank Hotel Istanbul . The thoroughly modern and stylish interior gracefully compliments the beautifully restored 19th-century Ottoman exterior, an elegant limestone façade that wouldn’t look out of place in Paris or London. Its perch on a hill means that it can offer some excellent views of the Old City and it’s convenient for exploring Sultanahmet.

Read more about trips to Turkey

Istanbul, Cappadocia & the Turquoise Coast

10 days from $9,295pp

Luxury Turkey tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Bodrum

12 days from $11,930pp

Grand tour of Turkey

18 days from $13,065pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

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