Does it matter what you wear in Istanbul?

Although there are no rules for dress, it's better to dress quite modestly to avoid unwanted attention and beachwear certainly isn't recommended. Istanbul has some very impressive mosques and you will have the opportunity to witness their wonderful architecture and artwork on our Istanbul City Tours.

Do and don'ts in Istanbul?

Is Turkey strict with clothing?

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country with a diverse population, and while urban areas are more liberal, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites.

Can I wear a crop top in Istanbul?

Though supposedly it is summer, the weather was cold. So nobody on street wore anything less than light jacket. But observing the locals, it is ok to wear crop tops in Turkey, provided you cover in religious places.

Is it safe to wear jewelry in Istanbul?

If I were going to take my more expensive clothing and jewelry, Istanbul is one of the few places I would feel more comfortable doing this. It is not a dangerous city.

WHAT TO WEAR IN ISTANBUL? | When is the best time to visit? What to wear in a Mosque?

What should I be careful of in Istanbul?

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations. Be cautious in transportation hubs, markets, malls, and government buildings, as well as hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, and parks. Be careful in airports and at major events.

Is it cheap to buy jewelry in Turkey?

Turkey imposes relatively low import duties and sales taxes on gold, making it one of the cheapest countries to buy gold jewelry in the world. This tax-friendly approach ensures that buyers get more value for their money, especially when compared to regions with high tax burdens.

How to dress as a tourist in Istanbul?

Having said that, most people wear international smart-casual clothing. Jeans are very popular combined with a sweater and jacket in the cooler months. Although there are no rules for dress, it's better to dress quite modestly to avoid unwanted attention and beachwear certainly isn't recommended.

Can a woman wear shorts in Istanbul?

In Turkish cities, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Female tourists wear their usual clothing. There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques.

Should I cover my hair in Istanbul?

Dress more formally

You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. Pack those loose-fitting jeans, longer skirts, knee-length capris, and loose yoga pants.

What is not acceptable in Turkey?

Smoking is banned in all indoor areas including cafes, restaurants, hotels (it may be allowed in the hotel room), bars and on public transport as well as in the gardens of mosques and hospitals. It is sometimes banned at certain outdoor public events, for example artistic, cultural or sports events.

What can I not bring into Turkey?

What to wear to Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

What to avoid when travelling to Turkey?

Drink and food spiking

Be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub. If strangers offer you food and drink these could be spiked. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them.

What is Turkish breakfast?

Variety in Dishes: It usually consists of just about everything: varieties of bread, varieties of cheese, eggs, menemen, a dish of eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, and spicy Turkish sausage known as sucuk.

Is there tipping in Istanbul?

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Turkish restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Turkey depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.

Which items are cheap in Turkey?

Prices may vary depending on location and quality, but you can generally find many goods cheaper than in other European countries. Popular items to buy include textiles, ceramics, and leather goods which are offered at very reasonable prices, particularly when purchasing handmade goods from local markets and bazaars.

What money is better to take to Turkey?

One thing to note is that due to the volatility of the Turkish lira, euros are often accepted in Turkey and can even be requested as the main currency. It's often a good idea to take a combination of Lira and euros in cash and currency on the Travelex Money Card.

Do you haggle in shops in Turkey?

A few simple bargaining or haggling tips will help youget the best price for whatever you buy in Turkey. Bargaining or haggling is a tradition in Turkey as in many other countries. Shoppers in Europe and America bargain over price when they buy cars, houses and other expensive items.

How to avoid getting sick in Istanbul?

What medications are not allowed in Turkey?

Medications containing certain narcotics or psychotropics are strictly restricted in Turkey. Controlled substances include painkillers, anxiety medication, and sleeping pills like tramadol and acetaminophen. Even with a proper prescription, these medications need extra authorisation from the Turkish Ministry of Health.

What to know about Turkey before you go?

Can I take a bag into Hagia Sophia?

Will my luggage be allowed inside the Hagia Sophia? Big luggage bags are not allowed inside Hagia Sophia.

What is closed in Istanbul on Monday?

When planning your itinerary, keep in mind the closures for these top sites: Closed Monday: Archaeological Museums, Ayasofya, Dolmabahçe Palace, Great Palace Mosaics Museum. Closed Tuesday: Topkapı Palace and Harem. Closed Wednesday: Chora Museum, Rumeli Fortress.

What to wear in Topkapi Palace?