Istanbul offers numerous world-class, free attractions, primarily focused on its rich history and vibrant culture. Must-see free sites include the iconic Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, the bustling Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, the scenic Gülhane Park, and walking the historic Sultanahmet Square. Visitors can also explore the colorful streets of Balat, walk across Galata Bridge, and enjoy panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill.
No, the Hagia Sophia is not free for most tourists; a €25 entry fee for foreign visitors was introduced in January 2024, restricting them to the upper gallery, while free entry is generally reserved for Turkish Muslim worshippers for prayer.
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.
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.
Don't make any derogatory comments about the Turkish Flag, or Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Republic's Founding Father or in fact anything else about Turkey. It is obviously impolite and disrespectful! Don't stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets. Don't point at someone with your finger.
It's generally better to exchange money in Turkey for larger amounts, seeking out local exchange offices (Döviz) or using ATMs with a good travel card for better rates, while exchanging only a small sum in the UK for immediate expenses upon arrival. Airport exchanges and hotels offer poor rates, so avoid them, and use a travel-friendly card to minimize ATM fees when withdrawing cash in Turkey.
At Turkish beaches, anything goes. Most women wear clothing as they would in Europe or their home countries. Shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops or bare feet are perfectly fine.
Yes, it is fine to kiss your girlfriend in Turkey. Public displays of affection, including hugs and short kisses, are generally tolerated in Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara.
Ever wondered what the 3 Finger Rule Dress Code is all about? It's a straightforward concept that's super handy when it comes to choosing the right outfit, especially in India. Simply put, this rule helps you determine the ideal sleeve length by measuring three fingers from your shoulder.
It is a very simple set of parameters to help you build better outfits. The goal is to get to seven or eight points in your outfit. Each item in your outfit is worth one point. Statement pieces are worth two points.
It's ok to use the water to cook or to clean your teeth, but it's safer to buy bottled water for drinking. The ice cubes you get in your drinks are ok, too, because they're made out of mineral water. The tap water in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir comes from dams and is chlorinated to kill off germs.
Free-of-charge water dispensers are available at 21 different points of the terminal for the use of our passengers. Passengers at our airport can meet their hot or cold water needs by using free-of-charge water dispensers.
