Two continent in one photo.

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Istanbul

πŸ–ΌοΈ Visual Introduction


Landscape
a view of a city with tall buildings
πŸ“Έ Photo by Ajdin Coric

🌍 Welcome to the City

Uncover the unique rhythm of Istanbul as you stroll past monuments, taste street food, and listen to the stories behind its famous sights.

πŸŽ₯ Featured Video for First-Time Visitors

🚢 Tours & Experiences

Guided tours in Istanbul reveal the hidden history and colorful traditions that most travelers miss.

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Architecture
a city street lined with tall buildings and parked cars
πŸ“Έ Photo by Platon Matakaev

πŸ›οΈ Must-See Attractions

Plan ahead and secure your spot at Istanbul’s most popular attractions without last-minute stress.

🏨 Where to Stay

Family-friendly hotels in Istanbul feature spacious rooms, kid-friendly dining, and activities for all ages.

Find your home away from home in Istanbul with rentals that suit every style and budget.

✈️ Getting There

Start your adventure with flights to Istanbul that make travel easy and affordable.

πŸ“± Stay Connected

Enjoy reliable 4G and 5G coverage in Istanbul with prepaid SIM cards designed for travelers.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety First

Affordable, flexible insurance plans make it easy to explore Istanbul with security and confidence.

Beware of distraction techniques used by pickpockets.


Street Life
Canon 6D Canon 24-105
πŸ“Έ Photo by Amir Komaee

πŸ’³ Budgeting for First-Timers

Enjoy smooth transactions in Istanbul by planning ahead with reliable money management tools.

Store cards and cash in different places in case of theft.

πŸŽ’ Packing & Preparation

Bring sunscreen even if you’re not heading to the beach.

Opt for walking or cycling tours over cars or scooters.

  • Pack Light: A smaller bag makes moving around easier. Most people wear only half of what they pack.
  • Pack a First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic, and painkillers are small items that can save a trip.
  • Stay Alert in Traffic: In some countries, traffic rules are loosely followed. Cross streets with care.

πŸŽ₯ Travel Vlog

πŸŽ₯ Cultural Highlight

πŸŽ₯ Scenic Views

✨ First-Time Reflections

Steam curls from a fresh cup as the city slowly wakes. Neighbors nod in greeting, a newspaper rustles, and the first sip seems to hold the promise of the day ahead.

β€œEven a wise man stumbles. – Japanese Proverb”

β€œLive your life by a compass, not a clock. – Stephen Covey”

The GalΓ‘pagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.


Nature
Mixed shoots in Istanbul from me.
Nikon FE2
Fujifilm Fujicolor C200
πŸ“Έ Photo by Deniz Demirci

πŸ“Έ First-Timer’s Gallery

πŸŽ₯ Video Gallery

❓ FAQs for First-Time Visitors

How can I keep my belongings safe while traveling?
Use anti-theft backpacks, money belts, and hotel safes. Keep valuables close and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

How much should I tip when traveling abroad?
It depends on the country. In some places tipping is expected, while in others it’s not customary. Research local etiquette.

How do I protect my data when using public Wi-Fi?
Use a VPN, avoid logging into sensitive accounts, and turn off auto-connect on your devices.

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