Picture of passport and boarding pass.

How to Properly Plan a Holiday in Istanbul?

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Properly planning a trip to Istanbul can really make or break your holiday. I can’t count the amount of times people wrote to me things like: “I didn’t know Sabiha Gökçen Airport was on tbe Asian side of Istanbul!”, or “I didn’t know that the area where our hotel is located doesn’t have proper night life!”. Unless you like (bad) surprises, I suggest you read on and get acquainted with my Istanbul planning tips such as area overview, timing, visa, and safety.

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Before You Book

Why Visit Istanbul

Timing

Closing Days and Opening Hours of Istanbul's Tourist Attractions.

Opening Hours of Istanbul Sightseeing Spots and Attractions

Have a look at the opening hours of Istanbul’s main tourist attractions when planning a city trip to Istanbul, so you don’t find yourself standing…
Tulips at Emirgan Park in Istanbul.

Things to Do in Spring in Istanbul

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Istanbul. Temperatures are rising, but it’s not yet too warm. You can enjoy open terraces…
Istanbul in winter with snow covered Hagia Sophia.

What to do in Istanbul in February?

A metropolitan city such as Istanbul has a lot to offer year-round. February is the coldest month of the year with the temperature around 8℃…
Picture of Istanbul during the holy month of Ramadan.

Istanbul During Ramadan

Ramadan (Ramazan) is the holy month of Islam. In this period the holy book Kuran was sent to Muhammed. And in Kuran, those who are…
Strings of a guitar.

Istanbul Festivals and Events

Winter apart, Istanbul is awash with art festivals and music events, giving visitors a vast amount of choice when it comes to entertainment. The purpose…
Picture of fireworks from the Bosphorus bridge during a public holiday in Istanbul.

Public, National and Religious Holidays in Turkey

It’s always a good idea to check out Turkey’s and Istanbul’s official, public, national, regional, and religious holidays before planning a trip or a sightseeing…
Image of the Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii in Istanbul, Turkey

When To Visit Istanbul for a City Trip or Holiday?

My favorite times to visit Istanbul are spring and fall. During those months, the climate is ideal. Does this mean that you shouldn’t plan an…

Accommodation

Visa, Safety, Money & Health

Visa

Safety

Money

Istanbul Museum Entrance Fees

Entrance Fees of Istanbul’s Main Tourist Attractions

The entrance fees for Istanbul’s main tourist attractions range from free to 2000 TL per person. Often children can go in for free, but different…
Picture of plate with tipping money in Istanbul, Turkey.

How Much and When to Tip in Istanbul

Tips or gratuities are custom in Istanbul, or Turkey for that matter. The good news is that tipping (başiş) won’t hurt your wallet since you…
Picture of Duty Free zone at the Istanbul International Airport, Turkey.

Border Procedures and Duty Free Allowance at Istanbul (Atatürk) International Airport

The border procedures at the Istanbul International Airports are not that complicated but follow strict rules. And if you’re a duty free fan, you’ll love…
Picture of ATMs in Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul Money Strategy: Cash Or Credit Card?

You will need cash during your stay in Istanbul, there is no way around it. Sure, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, bars…

Health

Practical

Turkish

Customs & Etiquette

Celebrations

Picking candy to celebrate the end of Ramadan during the Sugar Feast in Istanbul, Turkey.

Sugar Feast or Şeker Bayramı – the End of Ramadan

The Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı or Eid ul-Fitr) is the three day festival following Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr is the Arabic name of this religious holiday….
Picture of fireworks on Bosphorus during New Year in Istanbul.

Where (Not) to Celebrate New Year in Istanbul?

Celebrating New Year in Istanbul (Yılbaşı / Yeni Yıl) is a great idea. Turkey’s metropolitan is bustling all year round, but definitely goes the extra…
Picture of Christmas decorations in Beyoğlu - Istanbul, Turkey.

Celebrating Christmas in Istanbul — Pros and Cons

The roots of Santa Claus lay in Turkey, to be precise in Patara near Myra. Already in the 4th century A.D.E. St Nicholas dropped bags…
Feast of the Sacrifice or Kurban Bayramı in Istanbul.

Kurban Bayramı or the Feast of the Sacrifice in a Nutshell

“What exactly is the Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı)?” is a question foreigners often ask me when visiting Istanbul during that festival. In this…

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