Istanbul

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive commissions for purchases made through those links at no cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.

Map of Istanbul

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a huge, sprawling city with a population more than twice the size of New York City. You could easily spend years exploring neighborhoods and still not get to all of them – there’s so much to see!

Where to stay in Istanbul: Most popular neighborhoods (European Side)

Most visitors choose to stay on the European side of the city in Beyoglu, which includes popular neighborhoods like Galata, Karakoy and Cihangir. There’s lots of food and drink options, good links to public transport (including the airport shuttles in Taksim) and endless backstreets to wander.

Where to stay in Istanbul: Going beyond Beyoglu

Other neighborhoods to consider include Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city – my favorite since you can easily reach the European side by ferry! Besiktas has a young, lively crowd and sites like Dolmabahce Palace. Those who come from work might like the business districts in Maslak or Atasehir. If you’d like to avoid the crowds (particularly in the off-season) consider island life on Buyukada or another of the Princes Islands.

Where to stay in Turkey: Going beyond Istanbul

Most first-time visitors to Turkiye will start Istanbul and perhaps venture to one or two other locations elsewhere in the country. (When I first arrived my loose plan was: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Gaziantep.) There are flights, trains and overnight buses to many other regions and if you have a week or longer, you can easily get out to explore multiple regions. There’s a huge difference in climate, geography, culture, food, etc. from region to region so it’s worth it to explore!

Airport Transportation options in Istanbul (IST or SAW airports)

Istanbul is a HUGE city and you need to be aware that there are TWO airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side of the city and the smaller Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side of the city. Your airport transportation options will depend on:

• Which airport are you flying into?
• Which side of the city you are staying in?
• What time of the day/night you arrive?
• How much luggage you are traveling with?

For public transport options, see below. Note that if you arriving during rush hour or after midnight during the week, public transport options may be limited. If you have a lot of luggage, you may want to consider a private transfer, taxi or the HavaBUS or HavaIST buses.

Using taxis from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

The most convenient (and most expensive) option would be a taxi, but it will take you door to door. You can use the Bitaksi (recommended) or Uber app to estimate the cost from the airport to your hotel. For your safety, ask the driver to turn on the meter and be sure to snap a photo of the drivers license plate before getting into the car. Note that there is sometimes a bridge toll or surcharge, if you need to cross from the Asian side to European side and vice versa and this is in addition to the price shown on the meter. If you need to file a complaint or lose an item in a taxi, you can dial 153 for the Municipality hotline and report the license number of the taxi.

Shared buses from IST Airport (HavaIST) or SAW Airport (HavaBus)

Another convenient option would be the HavaIST buses (IST airport) or Havabus buses (SAW airport) which are large, comfortable shared coaches with luggage storage underneath. They run 24/7 from either airport to various points around the city and between the two airports. You can pay with a credit card when boarding the bus.

To reach the buses at IST Airport, you will go down to the -2 level after exiting baggage claim and find the bus going to your destination. In SAW Airport, cross the street once you exit the terminal and look for the Havabus kiosk.

*It is sometimes easiest to take one of these and then combine this with a taxi or public transportation to reach your final destination. (For example, to get somewhere on the Asian side from IST Airport on the EUropean side, you may consider the HavaIST bus to Kadikoy and then a taxi or metro from there.)

Private Airport Transfers from IST Airport or SAW Airport

If you have a group, lots of luggage, or want a more private door-to-door option you may also consider booking your own airport transfer – generally these are comfortable vans that can hold up to 5 or 6 passengers, but be sure you check the booking details and also reviews. You will need to specify which airport and which side of the city you are traveling to and prices may vary based on this.

Using public transportation in Istanbul

The extensive public transportation system in Istanbul is one of my favorite things about living in this city! My favorite ways to get around are by ferry or metro, but you also have the option to take buses, the metrobus, tram, or funiculars. Getting around is inexpensive and the people watching is superb. You really get a good feel for the city and it’s inhabitants when trying to get around on foot or by public transport. Give yourself extra time whenever possible, especially in modes of transport that depend on roads – traffic can be heavy!

As an example, we took the ferry all the way up to the Istanbul Tulip Festival in Emirgan, and then back to Kadikoy. It’s a nice way to spend some time on the water, and don’t forget to look for dolphins! Did you know that there are three species of dolphins that live in the Bosphorus?

What apps should I download before coming to Turkey?

Best public transportation apps for Istanbul

The best apps for using public transportation in Istanbul, in my opinion, is Moovit. It will help you navigate to your destination easily with multiple modes of transport, including the transfers and an estimate of the cost. I used to use Google Maps as well, but lately I notice that the ferry routes aren’t always included and the ferries are my favorite!

Transport in Istanbul: Taxi apps

Try to avoid taking taxis if at all possible as public transport is easy and convenient! If you must take a taxi, try to do so through an app such as BiTaksi (preferred), iTaxi or Uber. Pro tip: Set your hotel address as your “home” location so you can easily get back to it.

Turkish language apps

English is not always widely spoken outside of touristic areas in Turkey, so it can help to learn a few words before your trip. The Google Translate app will come in handy to help you understand signs and to translate conversations. Download the Turkish language to your Google Translate app before you leave to be able to use it offline as well. The camera option will allow you to translate signs and text in real time, or you can use it to upload screenshots or photos of text that you need to translate.

Using an eSIM or tourist SIM card in Istanbul

It’s really useful to have an internet connection when you’re trying to use public transportation in Istanbul. Before you leave your home country, make sure that your phone is unlocked by your carrier so that you’ll be able to swap in a local SIM card.

Tourist SIM card packages are usually good for about 30 days and are not too expensive. Local companies you can use include Turkcell (this is what I use), Vodafone or Turk Telekom.

If you have a newer model phone, you may also consider an eSIM from Airalo which is often cheaper than using a daily package from your home country.

What kind of charger will I need in Istanbul?

In Turkey, you’ll need the European style two-prong plug, although its quite common these days to be using USB-style chargers (you can even find them on some public transport for a quick top-up).

You can easily find chargers and adapters for sale, sometimes hotels might have extras from their lost and found you could borrow. Be sure you double check the voltage on appliances you may bring, like hair dryers or other electronics.