How to Properly Plan a Holiday in Istanbul?

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.

Before You Book

1. Why Visit Istanbul
   • Top 7 Reasons to Visit Istanbul
   • Top 15 Things to Do in Istanbul
   • 10 Fun Activities for Kids in Istanbul
2. Timing
   • When to Visit Istanbul for a City Trip or Holiday?
   • Public, National, and Religious Holidays in Turkey
   • Opening Hours of Istanbul Sightseeing Spots and Attractions
   • Istanbul Festivals and Events
   • Istanbul During Ramadan
   • What to do in Istanbul in February?
   • Things to Do in Spring in Istanbul
3. Accommodation
   • Where to Stay in Istanbul — Beyoğlu or Sultanahmet?
   • Best Hotels in Istanbul — What I Recommend
   • Hotels in Istanbul: Expectations and Facilities
   • Overview of the Main Tourist Areas in Istanbul
4. Travel Agency or On Your Own
   • Advantages of Using a Travel Agent for Trip to Istanbul or Tour of Turkey

Visa, Safety, Money & Health

1. Visa
   • Visa Requirements and Procedures for Istanbul, Turkey
   • How to Get Your Turkish Electronic Visa Online and Avoid the Queue
2. Safety
   • How to Spot and Avoid Common Istanbul Tourist Scams?
   • Istanbul Pedestrian Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road
3. Money
   • Istanbul Money Strategy: Cash or Credit Card
   • Entrance Fees of Istanbul’s Main Tourist Attractions
   • Border Procedures and Duty Free Allowance at Istanbul International Airports
   • How Much and When to Tip in Istanbul
4. Health
   • Health Tips to Consider Before You Leave for Istanbul
   • Health Tips While You’re in Istanbul

Practical

1. Turkish
   • Turkish Language and Pronunciation Rules (for Tourists)
   • 250 Useful Turkish Words and Expressions for Tourists
2. Customs & Etiquette
   • Turkish Customs and Etiquette
   • Mosque Rules and Etiquette for Tourists
3. Celebrations
   • Celebrating Christmas in Istanbul — Pros and Cons
   • Where (Not) to Celebrate New Year in Istanbul?
   • Sugar Feast or Şeker Bayramı — the End of Ramadan
   • Kurban Bayramı or the Feast of the Sacrifice in a Nutshell
4. Other
   • Mosque Structure and What to Look for Inside a Mosque
   • The Battle of Gallipoli (The Dardanelles) and Anzac Day
   • How to Avoid the Steep Climb to Taksim or Cihangir