Travel Guide For Istanbul 2021
The commercial and cultural center of Turkey, Istanbul is Turkey’s biggest town with residents of just over 16 million people which makes Istanbul the largest city in Europe.Located in both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is definitely the most interesting city in the world geographically. The Asian part is largely residential so you’ll find main popular sights on the European side – First-time visitors to Istanbul will certainly be spending a lot of time in 2 districts; Sultanahmet and Beyoglu.
Here is Travel Guide For Istanbul 2021
How To Get Visa For Turkey
The best way to get a visa for Turkey in E-visa. All is carried out online and you can get your visa in mins. You can go to the official Website of E-visa; https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
How To Get To City Center From Istanbul Airport
As Ataturk airport is closed, most of the international flights arrive at Istanbul Airport. Istanbul airport is new and there is no subway from the airport to the city center yet. You can take a shuttle bus, taxi or private transfer
The cheapest way to go to Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Taksim from Istanbul Airport is a shuttle. Price is 18 TRY and roughly will take 2 hrs, 47 KM, please note duration depends on traffic. There is a shuttle bus every half hour. You can make payment with Credit Card or Istanbul public transportation card. You may check further details; https://hava.ist/en/
The taxi will charge roughly 180 - 200 Try from airport to old town and it may take 1 hr depends on traffic. One way private transfer is roughly 25 - 30 Euros up to 4 people with small Vans.
Where To Exchange Money
Airports always give the worst rates all around the world. You may exchange a small amount and then the best place to exchange money in Istanbul will be the Grand Bazaar. You can see some bad rates outside or on the main street in the Bazaar but if you wonder in the Bazaar, you will see the best places where the local people exchange. One of the places that locals exchange; Çavuş Döviz Ve Altın
Where To Stay in Istanbul
As a local and travel expert in Istanbul, We can recommend a few places; Sultanahmet, Sirkeci. Sultanahmet and Sirkeci are next to each other and both neighborhoods have lots of hotels and they are walking distance to all main popular sites. So you can easily wander in the old city but be aware that you will be surrounded by tourists. Sirkeci can be more convenient for the ones who like to explore other parts of the city as it is closer to the water and piers.
Galata, Karakoy are ideal neighborhoods for the ones who like to have balance both the old city and the new city. You can easily take a tram to the old town or walk like 25 minutes. These neighborhoods also have piers that you can take a ferry to the Asian Side of Istanbul or you can easily walk to Taksim or reach Besiktas neighborhood where locals like to hang out.
Kadikoy ( Asian side of Istanbul )If you are looking for a place to stay where it is more local, We highly recommend Kadikoy. As it is a totally a local neighborhood. If you choose a place that closer to the pier, you can take a ferry to the European side ( Eminonu ) and you can walk or take a tram to Sultanahmet where all the sites are located.
THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL
See Sultanahmet’s Main Attractions; Sultanahmet is home to Istanbul’s top tourist attractions like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace. You should see these sites if you are coming to Istanbul for the first time.
Hagia Sophia: The most important historical site in the city and once considered the greatest church in the world.
Blue Mosque: One of the greatest mosques remained from the Ottoman Empire with its more than 20.000 Cobalt blue tiles.
Basilica Cistern: The largest water storage remained from the Greek Empire.Hippodrome: The former spot for chariot races.
Topkapi Palace: The residence of the Sultans and royal family from 16th Century to 19th.You can visit all the sites on our own but should you would like to have more in-depth experience, You may check our guided Istanbul tours; https://www.freeistanbultours.com/istanbul/istanbul-tours/
Also, you may explore some sites from outside and inside with an official tour guide on a free walking tour Istanbul; https://www.freeistanbultours.com/istanbul/walking-tours/free/
Travel guide for Istanbul 2021
