In 2023, Istanbul was the world's top city for international arrivals, according to Euromonitor International. With less than ₹1.25 lakh in your pocket, explore the city with stunning architecture, well food and great purchases.
Istanbul has the distinction of being spread across two continents (Asia and Europe) and is often called the meeting place of East and West. Known for its fabulous Byzantine monuments and architecture, vibrant food scene, hammams from around the world and Grand Bazaar, Istanbul can be explored in less than ₹1.25 million.
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To see/do:
- Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with Turkish shows: A must-see, this 3.5-hour cruise includes dinner, unlimited drinks and a Turkish night show including belly dancing.
- Topkaki Palace: Also known as the Serail, from the 1460s to 1856, Topkaki Palace (literally Cannon Gate) served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Today it is a large museum and library. It's a long walk, you need to bring water and an umbrella.
- Basilica Cistern: Built in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul.
- Hagia Sophia: Often described as one of the most important monuments in the world, Hagia Sophia (officially Hagia Sophia and Mosque) was consecrated as a church in the 6th century and over the following centuries became a mosque, museum and a mosque again.
- Blue Mosque: Officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque is a 17th-century mosque known for its six minarets (mosques generally have four) and its many domes and semi-domes.
- Whirling Dervishes Show: Whirling dervish ceremonies were started in the 13th century as a form of meditation by Jalaluddin Rumi, the famous Sufi Muslim mystic and poet. Go to Kizlaragasi Medrese in the old city of Istanbul to observe the whirling dervishes. With Istanbul ePass enjoy free entry, which otherwise costs 20 euros.
- Istanbul Vialand Theme Park: A great place for family outings, this theme park offers shops, exhibits and thrilling rides. Nefeskesen, Vialand's fastest roller coaster, will propel you to speeds exceeding 110 km/h in just 3 seconds!
- Shopping at the Grand Bazaar: There are almost 4,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar, often described as one of the oldest markets in the world. It's very crowded and you can get lost in the alleys and alleys. Polite haggling is the norm here.
- Day trip to Princes' Island: Take a day trip to the Princes' Islands comprising nine relatively small islands. Of these, only four islands are open to the public. Büyükada is the largest and most popular of the islands.
- Hammams: A Turkish bath is a must in Istanbul. Popular hammams include Sultan Suleyman Hammam, Cemberlitas Turkish Bath, Kilic Ali Pasa Turkish Bath and Galatasaray Turkish Bath. Average price: 50 euros. With Istanbul E-pass you can save at least 30% on Hammam service.
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Must eat:
Best baklava: On the way to Grand Bazaar, near Cemberlitas tram station inside Vezirhan, you will find the best baklava in Sec Baklava.
Best Doner Kebab: In Donerci Sahin Usta, near gate no. 1 of the Grand Bazaar.
Best Turkish Coffee: The most famous brand of Turkish coffee is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. Find it in the Space Bazaar.
Fish at Karakoy Fish Market: You can pick the fish and they will cook for you in the same place. One of the cheapest places in Istanbul to taste the freshest fish in the world Bosphorus.
Istiklal Street: Go there for local cuisine and restaurants. However, it can be very crowded. Try Dikembe soup at Cumhuriyet Iskembecisi and Kelle Sogus (salad made with cooked lamb's head) at Beyoglu Kelle Sogus Muammer Usta.
Semolina halva to Mahir Lokantasi.
Street food: Simit (a kind of local bagel) at Simit Sarayi cafe; boiled or grilled corn in the Sultanahmet or Beyoglu districts; roasted chestnuts in Sultanahmet; fish sandwiches in specially designed coffee boats near the Galata Bridge; mussels stuffed with rice and spices (you can find them everywhere, especially in the Bosphorus region); wet burgers (small burgers) on Taxim Square; kumpir (baked potatoes).
Visa: All Indian nationals require a visa to enter Turkey. You can obtain an electronic visa or a visa with sticker
Flight: Etihad Airways Delhi-Istanbul-Delhi one-stop economy flight starts from ₹42,000. Comparatively, direct flights are expensive: Indigo Delhi-Istanbul-Delhi Economy flight starts at ₹80,000; Turkish Airlines starts ₹85,000 (Flight duration: 7 hours 10 minutes). Mumbai-Istanbul-Mumbai return economy class flight starts from ₹52,000.
Accommodation (4 nights, 2 adults, no children): Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Centre: ₹35,000+ (excluding taxes); Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul: ₹27,000+ (taxes included); Ibis Istanbul: ₹18,000+ (excluding taxes). If you stay in a hostel, you will save almost 40% (for example: Stay Inn Taksim Hostel is ₹10,000+ for 4 nights). Noya Suites, a capsule hotel, is ₹12,000+ for 4 nights. You can also book a guesthouse for 50% less than a Ramada or Radisson.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). 1 Turkish Lira = 2.45 INR
Getting around: Buy the Istanbul City Card (1 day unlimited: 25 euros), a prepaid public transport card that gives you unlimited access to public transport, including the metro, trams, buses, metrobuses and ferries.
Tips for saving money:
- Use public transport: Istanbul has an extensive public transport network, including buses, trams and ferries.
- Buy 7 days Istanbul Sightseeing Pass(Adult: 290 euros, Child: euros: 2440); The 1-day Pass starts at 145 euros, the 2-day Pass: 165 euros. You'll save almost 70% on the price of entry to major attractions. For example, the regular price of visiting Topkaki Palace is 63 euros, with the Istanbul Tourist Pass entry is free.
- If you buy the Istanbul Public Transportation Card with the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you will save 40%.
- By staying in approved guest houses, you can save at least 50% on the rate of 3/4 star accommodation.
Do’s and don’ts:
- Use cash at local stores, it's easier to haggle with cash on hand.
- During the holy month of Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking openly in public places during the day.
- Navigating Istanbul during rush hour can be very intimidating. Plan your journey accordingly.
- Dress modestly for religious sites.
- At night, avoid poorly lit or isolated streets and use reputable means of transportation.
- It is considered rude to point the soles of your feet at people or religious objects, so be careful with your seating position.
- Do not drink tap water.
- Be careful of pickpockets, especially in busy tourist spots and on public transportation.
- If you go to the hammam, take care of your belongings. Check reviews/credentials before making an appointment at the hammam.
