Istanbul is a city that's steeped in rich history, culture, and tradition. Theres a whole load of scams aroundbuying property. Formed in 537 AD as an orthodox cathedral, it turned into a mosque during the Ottomans. Istanbul is definitely up there as a great city for nightcrawlers and party goers and its one of the best things to do in Istanbul at night. So, stop wondering if Istanbul is worth visiting, and book your ticket already! One of the best places to get the fusion vibe of Istanbul, this place certainly tests your bargaining skills. You will be amazed by the richness of the artifacts that are inherited from the Ottoman Empires' vaults. You can use it all over the city on public transport. Forget the bazaars, beaches, piers, bridges, friendly locals. Avoid stepping into religious places wearing shorts or western wear. But you must start by picking up activities that give you a hint of their lifestyle. But its pretty damn special too. The wettest months are December February, but even these months see little rainfall. Is Istanbul worth visiting? While it can sometimes get warmer than this, generally the weather all year round is a comfortable temperature that makes for the perfect temperature for exploring. And at night at times it was frosty. This highly coveted city dates back to the 6th millennium BCE and was ruled by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans until it finally became a part of the Turkish republic. Its full of beautiful places that are a photographers delight. Istanbul is the only city to span two continents; Europe and Asia. Get your travel squad on board and plan on your nexttrip to Istanbul with Pilotfor easy scheduling. The Romans built the cisterns and the Hagia Sophia, while the Ottomans built several of the stunning palaces and the iconic Grand Bazaar. Don't go. 7 of the Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit in 2022, Is Mexico Safe for Tourists: 2022 Safety Guide to Mexico, Is Quito Safe? Unlike other parts of Turkey, Istanbul is quite liberal, so women normally dont have too much to worry about. Answer 1 of 2: Dear forum members, Istanbul has many palaces, much less known than Topkapi and Dolmabahce, but definitely worth visiting. Re: Is it worth visiting Turkey with ONLY Istanbul on the list? In the early 2010s, gentrification spread to this part of the city and trendy cafes and boutiques began establishing themselves in the empty historic buildings. Youll find everything from tempting street food to Michelin-star fine dining, with something to suit all tastes and budgets in between. Sign up and get our FREE travel tips and guides straight to your. Its in Galata where you will find the citys hottest nightlife scene. We are super jealous. Which area is the best to stay in Istanbul? This huge number of visitors puts the city as one of the top 100 most visited cities in the world. And if you thought the scams were just for tourists, think again! Were all about smart travel and believe you should be able to go anywhere you want as long as youre equipped with some great tips on staying safe. Street-food specialties include simit, which is a type of bagel, and of course the quintessential kebab, which are sold from holes in the wall all over the metropolis. And on top of that, the buses usually come complete with their very own crazy driver, too. Balat, for example, is a quirky neighborhood with brightly colored buildings. Other dishes you might want to consider sampling include mant, often hailed as the Turkish ravioli, consisting of small filled dumplings served with yogurt, garlic, and tomato sauce, and the Arab pastry known as knefe, which contains unsalted cheese and is served warm and smothered in syrup. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalar in Turkish) is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world. But at the end of the day, traveling solo as a female always comes with its own unique challenges. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You turn your head and behold two different continents thriving with their own culture and lifestyle across the shorelines. You can even spare the day for sightseeing and shop later in the evening as Istanbuls shopping centers are open until 10:00 p.m. Youll find loud music, flashing lights and live bands playing. Youll find a unique blend of oriental and arabesque styles at the Grand Bazaar, with its vaulted domes and silk merchants. (Unless you want to.). This world city is absolutely huge. Copyright HappyHour Services Inc. 2021 . May 17, 2022, 1:14 PM. One of the main draws of visiting Istanbul is the opportunity to visit two continents in a single trip. Pickpockets, street beggars, and scams are less likely to affect an alert traveler. So here are some top tips to help you stay safe as a solo traveler in Istanbul. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs 40 - 95 and. Its fun and people are friendly. You walk through the most urbanized marketplace while hearing the wild chants from mosques reverberating through the horizon. Its super ready for tourists. Amidst the endless spread of green courtyards lies the Harem, the dwelling zone for mothers and wives of sultans. Youll find that Turkey is great for shopping, especially due to the exchange rates in your favor. It has gained a lot of popularity and attention in recent years as a rising star in both the tourism and foreign house sales scenes in Turkey. That being said, wed still recommend being careful with showing public affection. Enjoy your travels! And whilst youre out. The mix of cultures creates a diverse population of people who all coexist harmoniously. Today, Karaky is one of the citys most hip and stylish Istanbul locations. Its a very unique city. Theres numerous, and we mean numerous, ways that you can get scammed in a taxi in Istanbul. If you choose to spend a week in Istanbul, you will also have time for enticing day trips to places like the car-free Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara, known for its elegant horse-drawn carriages, or the enchanting Belgrad Forest, for a sense of wilderness and a little adventure. You can find it on the European side of Istanbul, in the Beyolu district . So while its definitely popular, is Istanbul worth visiting? A European destination that is not to be missed whether youre a seasoned traveler or budget backpacker. The medieval stone tower, Galata Tower, is another top-rated tourist attraction worth your time when visiting Istanbul. Youll be fine! Besides, you cannot simply keep your eyes off the enigmatic stares of the sapphire eyes that sneak through the veils. Despite not being a capital, Istanbul is a very unique city due to the fact that it is part of both Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus strait that connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. Youll also be able to spy out the medieval Maidens Tower, an unusual lighthouse in the middle of the waterway. Wed recommend sticking with a friend or a group, just to add some extra safety to your nightly stroll. The Galata Tower ( Galata Kulesi) is a 67-metre-tall watchtower in central Istanbul. Hence, Istanbul must have a place on your travel bucket list. This pedestrianized street is lined with some of the biggest brands, who have set up shop inside the historic buildings that line the street. Its the ideal place to shop for authentic souvenirs. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs 130 - 250 and takes 12h 48m, you could also train, which costs 60 - 80 and takes 14h. Is traveling to turkey safe in 2021? While the city offers many sights and attractions, none of those things can compare to the rich history and culture of this vibrant city. We recommend you spend at least four days in Istanbul to see all the main sites at a comfortable pace. I forget which attractions, but there is a ticket/pass type of deal that gives you access to about 5 of the main attractions at a discounted price. It lies as the thread between the ethnic cultures of the east and the wild world of the west. Its good to get lost sometimes, but its also good not to get too lost. Shop till you drop at this 500-year-old bazaar that still holds its glory with over 5000 shops and several eateries. If we think of a paradox, then Istanbul fits the box. If youre someone who loves relaxation, youre going to love the Turkish baths. Comprising cobblestone streets and neoclassical buildings, Galata is one of the citys oldest neighbourhoods. Especially if you're a history enthusiast, Istanbul screams timeless history from every nook and corner. She loves coffee and traveling, but her two dogs and three jobs usually allow her to enjoy only the first, and usually when its cold. Everything from simply not putting the meter on (in which case, tell them to put it on) to taking you a massively long way round to rack up the cost. Sharing a border with Syria doesnt help matters. So, is Istanbul worth visiting? Those are ten major reasons why Istanbul is worth visiting. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'turkeynomad_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-banner-1-0'); Youll definitely try the world-famous kebabs and baklava, but also give other local delicacies a try; you wont regret it! Wear moderately traditional clothes and wear a scarf while visiting mosques. But it still pays off to know about the potential no-go areas. Dating back to the Byzantine period and having undergone many changes since, it is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and a very popular tourist attraction. However, in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkey government decided on a set of mandates to follow. If there are a lot of people out, including families, being out after dark in this area is fine. Copyright 2022 Turkey Nomad, a 260 Media LLC website. It's easy to lose yourself In Istanbul's grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. Blue mosque under renovation. There are particular foods to be careful with when youre buying them off the hot sunny streets of the city in summer. The city is brimming with prime vacation spots which will be relatively empty on account of the weather, and this is the best time to seize a perfect vacation in this eternally beautiful city. Having written for the likes of Wired for Adventure and Luxury Travel Guide, she knows how to spin a tale of exotic intrigue, along with informative guides and how-tos for travelers. . Explore Istanbul, eat the food, get wrapped up in the history and culture of the streets. But you dont actually have to choose between the historic sights of the town and the pearly blue waters of the Med. We also think its worth looking east from Istanbul. When choosing where youll be staying in Istanbul, a bit of research and caution is essential. Try the Banyan for uninterrupted views of the Bosphorus Strait, Vogue for elegant cocktails and an extensive cigar menu, or 5.KAT for a more authentic afternoon drink setting. If youre a photographer like us, we highly recommend Istanbul. You can also shop for souvenirs, clothes, shoes, and accessories throughout the city. Finding yourself a good place to stay thats close to the main sights that you want to see is a good place to start. Istanbul has a long and fascinating history, having been conquered by the Lygos, the Byzantines, the Romans, and the Ottomans. A hammam is a public bath featuring a steamy, marble-clad room where you can be attended to by a masseur who uses warm water, soap, and salts to provide a vigorous exfoliating treatment. Amazing Istanbul. Is Cappadocia Worth the Hype?! Theyll help you find a new host and cover up to 7 nights in a hostel so youre not left on your own if a host falls through. The Hagia Sophia is the oldest mosque in the city, having originally been built as a Roman Catholic church and then converted into a mosque. Theres a rich history dating back to the 7th century BC, along with mystical mosques and Ottoman-era castles. Don't go on holiday just because 1 mosque is closed, don't worry about the 100s of others like Camlica or Sulimaniye or any other. Garden 1897 Restaurant: Well worth a visit - See 1,360 traveler reviews, 1,272 candid photos, and great deals for Istanbul, Turkey, at Tripadvisor. Resorts like Izmir and Bodrum are also only a single days bus ride away, or you could rent your own car and add in stops to UNESCO-tagged Ephesus before hitting the sands. The 60-meter-high stony tower gives you the exquisite skyline of Istanbul.. President Erdogan has also said its finished but were not so sure it IS finished. Sultanahmet is the citys most popular tourist destination. It stands as the cradle of civilization, tradition, and history, all merging together. You can also visit the Galata Tower to get the best panoramic views of the city, or simply head to one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants (more on those later). Istanbul is safe to visit right now. The money will help run this site! As well as the Grand Bazaar, theres also the Spice Bazaar which sells, as you might have guessed, spices. TheTurkeyTraveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. In this guide, we'll be listing all the main reasons to visit Istanbul and why it should be more than just the first stop of your Turkey itinerary . Dont worry about not being polite about it. In one area youll get those urban NYC vibes and the slick feel of a global business district. While the country boasts vast beaches and rugged mountains, for the thrill-seeking nature lover, Turkey also has one of the world's most famous coffee and brightly lit-up cities. Local connections make your trip a lot safer and open up a whole new culture experience.
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