Street food in Istanbul is generally considered safe and is a highlight of the city, provided you follow common-sense hygiene rules. To minimize risk, eat only at busy stalls with high turnover, where food is served piping hot and cooked in front of you. Avoid raw items, and ensure fruits are peeled.
Street food is very popular and cheap. I would say it's more safe than not and they are often regulated somewhat. But definitely be careful about eating meat, especially doner kebab from the stalls. In places like Istanbul, Ankara and Bursa, there are very good places which are popular with everyone.
Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.
Istanbul is generally safe for British tourists, but like any major global city it requires sensible precautions. Safety patterns are predictable: most visits are trouble-free, while petty crime and occasional scams create the main risks.
Salads are generally fine in reputable restaurants, but in small unknown spots I tell my guests to be careful, since washing practices vary. Overall, Istanbul has a strong food culture and thousands of safe and delicious options, and with the right guidance you will enjoy the variety without problems.
Can I Eat in Istanbul for $25 a Day? | 2025 Food Challenge
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Istanbul?
It is safe to brush your teeth with tap water in Turkey. If you are staying in a modern hotel or apartment, there is no need to worry. However, if you are in a remote village or staying in an old building, you may choose bottled water for extra safety.
Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils when handling raw turkey to avoid cross- contamination. Wash items that have touched raw meat with warm soap and water, or place them in a dishwasher. Cook the turkey until it reaches 165 °F, as measured by a food thermometer.
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.
One of the most common tourist scams in Istanbul, the shoe shine scam, is where a shoe polisher walking past you suddenly drops his brushes or box. As you help him pick the items up, he offers a free shoeshine. You agree, and he polishes your shoes and chats innocently, distracting your thoughts.
The most popular areas for pickpocketing in Istanbul are along Istiklal Caddesi, the Grand Bazaar (thanks to the crowds), and the T1 tram that passes through Beyoglu and Sultanahmet. How to avoid this: Always be aware of your surroundings and don't carry too much money.
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.
"Merhaba" is probably the most standard greeting in Türkiye, meaning "hello" or "welcome." It can be used any time of day, and is usually the first thing any Turkish friend you've made will say to you when you first meet them!
No, British citizens usually don't need a visa for tourism or business in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but your passport must be valid for at least 150 days (about 5 months) from your arrival date and have a blank page. For other purposes like work or study, or if you have a different type of British passport, you will need a visa, so check the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or GOV.UK's Turkey page before traveling.
Remember this general rule of thumb when you have leftovers. ✅ You have 2 hours to get food into the fridge. ✅ It's safe in the fridge for 2 days. ✅ If you're not going to eat it after that, move it to the freezer and eat within 2 months.
Pointing at someone is considered rude. People do not French kiss in public. When visiting homes, removing your shoes is commonly expected. When you sit down and cross your legs by putting your ankle of one leg on the knee of the other, make sure that the bottom of your foot is not pointing towards another person.
The first signs of listeria (listeriosis) often mimic the flu, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing within days but sometimes weeks after exposure, with severe infections leading to stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. Pregnant people might only experience mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection poses serious risks to the fetus, while newborns may show poor feeding, irritability, or fever.
