For those who prefer modern shopping, Nişantaşı is Istanbul's high-end fashion district, home to international brands and Turkish designers. If you're looking for unique local boutiques, head to Çukurcuma, known for its vintage stores and artisan workshops.
Let's start with the most popular and obvious one, Istiklal Avenue. This street is easily one of the most crowded places in Istanbul. It has so many brands of stores, cafés, and restaurants that experiencing everything this street has can easily take a month.
When people visit Istanbul, Türkiye (Turkey), they usually stick to the famous sites in Sultanahmet and the European side. However, the Asian side of this city should not be missed out on. The Asian / Anatolian side is far less touristy, filled with hidden gems and delicious cheap food. It is perfect for a relaxing.
Some people think that Sultanahmet, being the historic part of Istanbul, is much more atmospheric and authentic than Taksim. There are, of course, plenty of restaurants in Sultanahmet to enjoy. These are a little pricier than the restaurants on the Taksim side, but do offer a range of Turkish and international food.
Istanbul is a safe city and Sultan Ahmed is one of the safest areas. Since this is a tourist district, you'll always see police around. Even special tourism police in their vehicle checking the streets. The only thing that might bother you are street sellers offering flowers and perfume.
Sariyer. Sariyer is considered one of the most exclusive and expensive residential areas in Istanbul, located at the northernmost part of the European side. It offers a mix of stunning natural landscapes and spectacular views of the Bosphorus.
Accommodation: Hotel prices in the European side are typically 20% to 40% higher than those in the Asian side, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim. Dining: Restaurants in the European side, especially near landmarks, are more expensive.
The best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul for tourists are: the historic Fatih (Sultanahmet, Eminönü) the hipster Beyoğlu (Cihangir, Pera, Taksim, İstiklal, Galata)
The Antalya region of Turkey, which includes the towns of Lara, Kemer, Side, Belek and Alanya is especially rich in shopping opportunities, so if you come for the beaches, take an extra suitcase to bring back some clothes and homewares.
Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı, IPA: [ˈtaksim ˈmejdanɯ]), situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network.
If you're wondering what to buy in Istanbul, focus on items that reflect the city's rich culture and craftsmanship. Must-have Istanbul souvenirs include Turkish carpets, evil eye charms, Turkish delight and hand-painted ceramics.
Taksim Square attracts attention not only for its vibrant social life but also for its cultural richness. It is home to many of the most important theaters, art galleries and museums in the city.
Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of İstanbul. The second you step foot along its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings, you sense an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in İstanbul, and indeed the world.
This means that British tourists won't need to buy travel permits for the country from Monday 2nd March 2020 onwards. Before the change, British tourists needed a travel permit which cost £27 to travel to the country. In addition to a £10 entry fee.
Sultanahmet is the obvious choice for first-time visitors who want to stay in the historical and cultural heart of Istanbul. It's the oldest part of the city - and also the most popular. Not that this is a bad thing, because Sultanahmet, in the Fatih district, is one of the best areas to stay 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.
The best area to stay in Istanbul for your first time is Sultanahmet, thanks to its walkability, proximity to major attractions, and direct access to Tram Line 1. If you want somewhere central but less touristy, Sirkeci and Karaköy are equally great options with competitive prices.
Sarıyer establishes itself as the richest and most expensive district in Istanbul by 2024, followed by Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı. If you are planning a purchase or investment in Istanbul, location remains the most key factor in determining the value and profitability of a property.
Karakoy is where old Istanbul meets modern energy. It's a hub of trendy boutiques, street art, and rooftop bars with incredible Golden Horn views. Even if you're into historical landmarks or modern dining, Karakoy has something for everyone.
Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. It's important to respect the cultural norms and values of the city. Examples: Shorts and Sleeveless Tops: Avoid these in mosques and traditional neighborhoods.
Sultanahmet is by far the most important borough of the historical peninsula of Istanbul. It was the heart of the Byzantine, Constantine and Ottoman empires. Today people still refer to Sultanahmet as the historical heart of 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.
