Istanbul

Istanbul has been on my travel wishlist for a long time, I've only heard people speak good about the city & they're *always* travelling back- I never truly understood why, but after my time in Istanbul, I get it and I'm 100% going back!

Istanbul is for those who want a city break, there's a lot of exploring (and eating) to do! It's far from relaxing (in my opinion), but there is SO much beauty around. If you're looking for a honeymoon destination, personally I wouldn't go here. But for couples in general, it's definitely a destination to visit with your other half!

A lot of people suggest 3 / 4 days is more than enough to explore Istanbul- I disagree! Especially if it's your first time going, there is a LOT to see and do! You 100% need rest days too because walking around can get tiring at times! Istanbul is the world's 15th largest city, so there are a bunch of different districts to explore too, not just Sultanahmet.

One thing to keep in mind, as you're walking through the streets of Istanbul, you will get hounded by almost every shopkeeper, and if you're looking to buy something don't forget to haggle, most of the time they do lower the price substantially when you're about to leave the shop. Sometimes they can get pretty aggressive (verbally), so just politely decline and walk away.

In terms of food usually, I like to have a list of places I want to visit, but in Istanbul, you spot restaurants in every corner! So food was never an issue, on our walks if we see something that looks good and smells delicious, we'll eat there.

The only "fancy" restaurants we went to was Nusr-Et in Grand Bazaar (£50pp) and Kuzubeyi (£40 meal)- out of the two, I preferred Kuzubeyi, the only downside is that it's a bit of a trek to get there (around 40min - 1hr by Taxi), but if you have some free time definitely check it out!

• March, April & May: Best time to visit, the weather is mild and dry, but there are some rainy days.
• June, July & August: Busiest time of the year, very crowded.
• September, October & November: Best time to visit, but it does get rainier.
• December, January & February: Low season, it’s the wettest and coldest time of the year (expect snow too!).

FLIGHTS: £190 RETURN (Turkish airlines, ECONOMY)

Departure: BHX > IST (4hrs)

Return: IST > BHX (4hrs)

Dates: 15th May - 20th May

Hotel: Yasmak Sultan Hotel (4*)

VACCINATION STATUS 💉

• Non-vaccinated = PCR test (72 hours) or an antigen test (48 hours).
• Vaccinated = Proof of vaccination.

ISTANBULKART🚃

You need an Istanbulkart to use Public Transport, it's basically a pre-paid contactless card. These cost 35TL (£1.70) and you just load money onto it.

• You can get this from the Airport or from any transport station.
• You can pay for up to 3 people per card.
• The card can be used for Ferries, Trams, Busses & Metro.
• To load money on you can use the self-service machine at any transport station.
• A single ride costs around 6TL (30p)

Read more information on the Istanbul-ePass website.

MUSEUM PASS🏛

If you're planning on visiting a number of paid attractions, you might find it cost-effective to purchase a Museum Pass instead. There are two different passes available:

1. Istanbul Museum Pass: 2, 3, 5 & 7 day passes, includes 10 museums. (From £72)
2. Istanbul Tourist Pass: 1, 5, 7 & 10 day passes, includes over 60 attractions. (From £72)

We didn't purchase one as the only paid attraction we went to was Topkapi Palace.

TRAVEL TIPS🚶🏽‍♂️

• British Nationals = No visa required
• ⚠️ Don't have tap water
• ⚠️ Beware of pickpocketers! Keep your belongings within your view and avoid holding bags without zips.
• ⚠️ Make sure the taxi's meter is on
• ⚠️ You will be relying on Google Maps so purchase a SIM card from a local mobile shop, i.e. Turkcell, you need your passport (or a digital copy) at hand.
• Trams are very convenient and cheap, but during peak time people are packed like sardines, so if you want to avoid that just walk. (mainly during Spring/Summer)
• Avoid taxis where you can, traffic is insane! (mainly during Spring/Summer)
• If you need to use a taxi, download the BiTaksi app.
• If you're travelling during Spring / Summer, start your day early (around 8am!)
• Take comfortable footwear, you'll be walking A LOT,
• Streets are cobbly, hilly, and narrow and curbs are quite high in some areas so just watch where you're walking.
• It's not pushchair friendly, there are some pavements and streets which are flat and wide, but the majority are quite cobbly and narrow.
• Learn some Turkish words, or have Google Translation at hand.
• If you want the bill, ask for the "check".