Is Istanbul cheap or expensive for tourists?

Istanbul is considered very affordable, especially for international tourists, due to the weak Turkish Lira, making it one of the most budget-friendly major cities in Europe. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $50–$70 daily, while mid-range options are available for $100–$150. Costs are slightly higher in tourist areas like Sultanahmet, but overall, food, transport, and lodging offer excellent value.

Is Istanbul cheap for UK tourists?

Yes, İstanbul and Turkey is very budget friendly place for Tourist, as with other currencies you can buy much more services and goods than in your country.

How much does a meal cost in Istanbul?

In Istanbul, the average cost for a meal at a restaurant is about 100 Turkish Lira. A budget meal can be around 40 Lira, while a nice dinner for two can cost around 250 Lira.

How much is a pint in Istanbul?

Pint of beer: Around 100 TL ( US$ 2.31) (Beer is expensive in Istanbul) Dinner for two in a standard restaurant: 1,000 TL ( US$ 23.16) without wine.

Is Istanbul an expensive city for tourists?

Istanbul is not inherently expensive; rather, it offers a spectrum of price points: Budget travelers can explore its rich history and vibrant culture without spending a fortune. Mid-range tourists will enjoy comfortable accommodations, diverse dining, and efficient public transport.

Cost of Traveling in Istanbul 2025: Budget Travel Guide

Do you still pay 10 pounds to enter Turkey?

No, you no longer pay a £10 fee to enter Turkey; that practice ended years ago, with UK (and EU) passport holders generally able to visit for tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa or paying an entry fee, though you still need a valid passport. The old fee was for an arrival visa, which was replaced by an online e-visa system and then largely waived for many nationalities, but always check current GOV.UK requirements before travel.

Can girls 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.

Is 50 lira a good tip in Turkey?

Bellboys usually receive 20–50 Turkish Lira depending on the number of bags. Housekeeping staff should get 20–30 TL per night. You can also give one larger tip at the end of your stay. For concierge services such as booking tickets or arranging a car, 50–100 TL is suitable.

Is street food cheap in Istanbul?

Street food like simit costs less than a dollar, and a full meal in a local restaurant with soup, a main dish, and tea is around $6–10. In tourist-heavy areas, the same meal can cost five times more.

How much does a Turkish breakfast cost in Istanbul?

The cost of a Turkish breakfast in Istanbul can vary depending on the location and the type of restaurant or café you choose. On average, you can expect to pay around 30-40 Turkish Lira (TL) for a traditional Turkish breakfast.

Is 7000 Turkish lira enough for a week?

Generally it's enough when you don't overspend yourself and don't want to do all at once. Just my advice here is, don't come now and wait at least beyond September. Either make your plans for end of September or October, when the weather is still Okey and the crowd is a bit less.

How much is a coffee in Istanbul?

Turkish Coffee Prices

In neighborhood coffeehouses or small restaurants, a cup of Turkish coffee typically costs 7-20 TRY. In more popular cafés or tourist areas, this price can rise to 40-60 TRY. In luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, specially prepared Turkish coffee can exceed 100 TRY.

How English friendly is Istanbul?

Will it be hard to get by with only English? Turkish is the official language of Turkey and English is widely spoken in Istanbul; visitors are often surprised by the relatively high level of English spoken by most Turks. An attempt to use Turkish is very much appreciated and considered good manners, though.

How much do I need for 7 days in Istanbul?

For a 5–7 day trip, costs vary by travel style: Budget Trip: $50–$70 per day (Hostel dorm, street food, public transit) Mid-Range Trip: $100–$150 per day (3-star hotel, cafés, some tours) Luxury Trip: $200–$300+ per day (5-star hotel, fine dining, private guides)

What is the 3 finger rule for alcohol?

Two fingers means a single pour. Three fingers means a double pour. Served neat in a rocks glass. It's old school.

Can 4 drinks a day cause liver damage?

For men, having 4 to 5 drinks a day for six months or longer raises the risk of the disease. Not everyone who drinks this much will get the disease, but the chances are much higher. Several factors can increase your risk of alcohol-related liver disease or make it worse, including: Sex.

Is 10% tip insulting?

Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America. 

Is it better to take pounds or euros to Turkey?

Key takeaways for travellers to Turkey

Always carry Turkish lira – you'll often find better value than paying in EUR or GBP. Plan ahead – order some lira before your trip from eurochange.

Is it rude not to tip in Turkey?

Tipping in Türkiye (Turkey)

Tipping is expected in Türkiye, especially in touristy areas. If you're happy with the service you receive in restaurants, tip 10-15%. But check whether a service charge has already been included in your bill first.

Can you show cleavage in Turkey?

I recommend dressing more formally when traveling there, with shoulders and knees covered, a high neckline (no cleavage please), and no transparent or form-hugging clothing. You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

Do & don'ts in Turkey?

When visiting Turkey, do dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept tea/hospitality, try local food (like baklava), bargain respectfully in markets, use right hand for eating/passing items, and remove shoes at homes/mosques; don't wear shorts in mosques, speak loudly in places of worship, show excessive public affection, drink alcohol in public, insult the Turkish flag/nation, or use your left hand for dining/passing. Be aware of surroundings, especially regarding scams and sensitive topics like politics or religion.