{"id":13112,"date":"2025-11-02T23:52:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T22:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/?p=13112"},"modified":"2026-03-17T17:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T16:45:19","slug":"travelers-guide-istanbul-stopover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/travelers-guide-istanbul-stopover\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveler\u2019s Guide to Making the Most of an Istanbul Stopover"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"13112\" class=\"elementor elementor-13112 elementor-12304\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c11fc09 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c11fc09\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47fda4c elementor-toc--minimized-on-desktop elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"47fda4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;,&quot;h5&quot;,&quot;h6&quot;],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of contents\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__47fda4c\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__47fda4c\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__47fda4c\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-060d389 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"060d389\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Hello! \ud83d\udc4b<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re stopping in Istanbul for a short stay or have a Turkish Airlines stopover, you\u2019ve come to the right place. We\u2019ve been here a few times \u2014 once just in transit, another time on our motorcycle trip \u2014 and gathered the essentials: how to make the most of 1\u20132 days in the city and see its essence without trying to do everything at once.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\">In this guide, we\u2019ll show you how to make the most of your layover in Istanbul: where to stay with easy transport access, how to use public transit, what to know about visas and SIM cards, where to withdraw or exchange money, and how to stay safe while exploring.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Ready? Let&#8217;s go. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f640026 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f640026\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Where is Istanbul located?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-343ec5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-google_maps\" data-id=\"343ec5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"google_maps.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-custom-embed\">\n\t\t\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?q=istanbul%2C%20turkey&#038;t=m&#038;z=10&#038;output=embed&#038;iwloc=near\"\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"istanbul, turkey\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"istanbul, turkey\"\n\t\t\t><\/iframe>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b3d39a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b3d39a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">On the map, Istanbul sits at the crossroads of two continents. The Bosphorus Strait \u2014 about 30 km long \u2014 divides the European and Asian sides, linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. On the European side, the Golden Horn (Hali\u00e7) separates the Old City from the rest. In short: one city, two continents, three bodies of water \u2014 all within view.    <\/p><p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/data.tuik.gov.tr\/Bulten\/Index?dil=2&amp;p=The-Results-of-Address-Based-Population-Registration-System-2024-53783\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">It\u2019s also Turkey\u2019s largest metropolis,<\/a> home to 15.7 million people as of December 2024 (according to T\u00dc\u0130K). Administratively, Istanbul is divided into 39 districts \u2014 most on the European side, with the rest spread across Asia. <\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re flying in, Istanbul has two main gateways: Istanbul Airport (IST) \u2013 about 35 km from the city center on the European side, Sabiha G\u00f6k\u00e7en Airport (SAW) \u2013 on the Asian side, roughly 40 km from Kad\u0131k\u00f6y and 50 km from Taksim.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\">So where did this metropolis come from? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Istanbul\/Constantinople\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">It all started as the Greek colony of Byzantion<\/a>. In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine made it the \u201cNew Rome\u201d \u2014 Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. On May 29, 1453, the Ottomans captured the city, making it the heart of their empire for centuries. The modern name \u201c\u0130stanbul\u201d became official internationally in the 20th century, following the republican reforms \u2014 more on that in the practical sections later on.      <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cc30dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1cc30dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Our journeys<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ll walk you through two of our own trips: first, our overland ride through Turkey on the way to Oman, and later, a stopover in Istanbul we took with Turkish Airlines \u2014 because honestly, it\u2019s one of the best ways to get a quick but meaningful taste of the city.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84dab2d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"84dab2d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>We are traveling from Poland to Oman via Turkey.<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">We dropped by Istanbul on our way from Poland, entering Turkey from the Bulgarian border. The city was a natural stop on our <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/desert-horizons-2025\/\">Desert Horizons expedition<\/a> \u2014 a quick chance to revisit a few spots we\u2019d missed before, grab a coffee at Starbucks (yes, the mugs are already in our collection \ud83d\ude04), and then continue east, all the way to the Iraqi border. If you enjoy these kinds of on-the-road travel diaries, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/blog\/desert-horizons-2025-part-1-europe\/\">expedition page and trip log <\/a>\u2014 we\u2019ve covered everything from entering Turkey to <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/blog\/desert-horizons-2025-part-2-turkey\/\">what driving there is really like<\/a>.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3577bf elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"e3577bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--1 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/desert-horizons-2025-road-009.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/desert-horizons-2025-road-009-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Two riders wearing helmets on a motorcycle on the Road near a \u201cWelcome to T\u00fcrkiye\u201d sign\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a365a87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a365a87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Stopover with Turkish Airlines<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">The second option \u2014 and in our opinion, a great one \u2014 is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkishairlines.com\/en-us\/flights\/stopover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stopover in Istanbul<\/a>. When flying with Turkish Airlines, you can get a free hotel stay during a longer layover. The rules are simple: your connection must be at least 20 hours, both flights must be on the same round-trip booking, and your ticket number has to start with 235 (that\u2019s how you know it\u2019s issued by Turkish Airlines). <\/p><p class=\"p1\">With an economy class ticket, you\u2019re entitled to one night in a 4-star hotel, while business class passengers get two nights in a 5-star stay. For some long-haul routes \u2014 like the US, Japan, or Australia \u2014 the stopover package is even more generous, with upgraded hotels and extended options.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">You need to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, and note that the stopover program can\u2019t be combined with Touristanbul \u2014 that\u2019s a separate option for shorter layovers. If your booking qualifies for Touristanbul, it will be clearly marked in your reservation, meaning you can join a guided city tour instead of an overnight stay.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">In our case, we went for the free hotel stay during our Asia-bound flight (<a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/malaysia-one-day-stopover-in-kuala-lumpur-in-2023\/\">we wrote more about it in our post about our one day in Malaysia<\/a>). The application website works smoothly, and you shouldn\u2019t run into any issues \u2014 well, let\u2019s just say it\u2019s definitely better organized than Air China\u2019s system \ud83d\ude04. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1308386 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1308386\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Accommodation<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Istanbul is huge, so when you\u2019re short on time, logistics are everything \u2014 stay near the metro, Metrobus, or Marmaray, and make sure you\u2019ve got an easy airport connection. Below are our recommended areas with a quick \u201cwhat &amp; where\u201d \u2014 plus who each one works best for. <\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;hid=1450706\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wish More Hotel Istanbul <\/a>\u2013 Bayrampa\u015fa, right next to Forum shopping mall and just a few steps from Kocatepe metro station (M1 line). A solid pick if you want quick, no-transfer access to the city center. We stayed here back in the COVID days \u2014 room quality was great, and the price back then was ridiculously low.  <\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;hid=1198154\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mercure Istanbul West Hotel &amp; Convention Center <\/a>\u2013 located in Yenibosna\/Bah\u00e7elievler, along the Bas\u0131n Ekspres corridor. It\u2019s more of a spot for those renting a car, since getting here by public transport can be a bit of a hassle (but hey, fortune favors the brave \ud83d\ude04). This was our stopover hotel \u2014 huge building, spacious rooms, and honestly, we couldn\u2019t find any flaws. When it\u2019s free, that\u2019s a fair price \ud83d\ude05.   <\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;hid=13824525\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">G\u00fcne\u015f Hotel Merter <\/a>\u2013 located in Merter\/G\u00fcng\u00f6ren, just a 5-minute walk from Merter station (M1A). We stayed here during our motorcycle trip \u2014 logistically a great spot if you\u2019re planning to move around the European side of Istanbul.  <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6750f9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"6750f9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--1 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-mercure-hotel.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-mercure-hotel-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Mercure Hotel Istanbul bedroom with unmade bed, pillows, and wall-mounted TV\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a34aee2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a34aee2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Visas and documents<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Good news to start with: Polish citizens can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism. Entry is allowed with either a passport or a national ID card (for tourism and transit purposes). If you enter with your ID, you\u2019ll receive a printed entry slip at the border \u2014 keep it safe, as you\u2019ll need to show it again when leaving the country.   <\/p><p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.pl\/web\/turcja\/informacje-dla-podrozujacych\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A few practical tips that will save you stress:<\/a><\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\">Is your child traveling with someone other than a parent? Carry a notarized parental consent form (in English or Turkish) with you\u2014Turkish border guards may ask to see it. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">Are you staying longer than 90 days (studies, work)? This is no longer considered \u201cvisa-free tourism\u201d \u2013 you will need a residence permit (ikamet) or an appropriate visa. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">Want to buy a local SIM card? Take your passport with you &#8211; the operator will copy your details, as card registration is mandatory. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> <\/span><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p3\">And if you are traveling by car or motorcycle, y<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trade.gov.tr\/customs-formalities\/frequently-asked-questions\/accompanied-vehicles?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ou should take everything that \u201cproves\u201d the legality of the vehicle and your right to drive it<\/a>.<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\">In our case, the <b>vehicle documents<\/b> are the registration certificate. At the border, you will also need a <b>Green Card<\/b> confirming the validity of your civil liability insurance in Turkey; without it, you may be required to purchase border insurance on the spot. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li><b>If you are not the owner <\/b>(lease, parent&#8217;s\/company car): take a notarized authorization from the owner to export and use the vehicle abroad, preferably with a translation into Turkish\/English. In practice, without this, you may be turned back at the border. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> Not sure how to handle it? <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/guides\/turkey-and-leasing-legalize-documents\/\">Check out our separate post\u2014we walked this health trail ourselves during a motorcycle trip.<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Who can drive?<\/b><\/span> Driving \u201con your behalf\u201d means that you are the person authorized to use the car in Turkey (registered in the customs system). Others can generally only drive when you are sitting inside. <\/li><li class=\"p1\">Driver&#8217;s license: a Polish license is sufficient \u2014 as a tourist, you can drive for up to 6 months after entering the country.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3809551 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3809551\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Traffic conditions<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Before we get into tolls and limits, a few words about what you\u2019ll actually see on the road. Driving in Istanbul is dynamic \u2014 expect frequent lane changes, short distances between cars, and plenty of honking, usually meaning \u201cheads up, I\u2019m coming\u201d rather than aggression. In practice, it\u2019s best to keep a safety buffer, avoid blocking intersections, and read the traffic ahead \u2014 it really helps you blend into the city\u2019s rhythm.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The city can get seriously congested \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomtom.com\/traffic-index\/istanbul-traffic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">according to TomTom<\/a>, the average travel time for 10 km in 2024 was 22 minutes and 25 seconds; around 25 minutes during the morning rush hour and roughly 32 minutes in the evening.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">A few specifics that really help:<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\">Most highways (otoyol) and major Bosphorus crossings are tolled electronically via HGS (RFID sticker or license plate recognition). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kgm.gov.tr\/Sayfalar\/KGM\/SiteEng\/Root\/HGSeng.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">You can buy and top up an HGS card at PTT branches or selected gas stations<\/a>. Rental cars usually already have HGS installed \u2014 tolls will be settled with you afterward. Ask for a detailed breakdown of your trips to avoid inflated flat-rate charges.<\/li><li>For vehicles with foreign plates, the easiest way to settle HGS payments is at the border when leaving Turkey \u2014 customs officers won\u2019t let you exit the country until all fines and tolls have been paid.<\/li><li class=\"p1\">The 15 July Martyrs Bridge (First Bosphorus) and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Second Bosphorus) charge tolls based on vehicle class \u2014 motorcycles fall under Class 6. Current rates are published by KGM (General Directorate of Highways).<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><b>The Eurasia Tunnel (Avrasya T\u00fcneli) <\/b>charges a toll in both directions \u2014 you can pay using your HGS sticker or online after passing through. Motorcycles have been allowed since May 1, 2022, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avrasyatuneli.com\/en\/tolls\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">and there\u2019s also a cheaper night-time tariff<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><p>Speed limits:<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\"><strong>For cars<\/strong>, the general speed limits are 50 km\/h in cities, 90 km\/h outside urban areas, 110 km\/h on dual carriageways, and 120 km\/h on KGM-operated motorways. On certain concession sections, the limit may be raised by sign to 130\u2013140 km\/h.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>For motorcycles<\/strong>, the limits are 50 km\/h in cities, 80 km\/h outside urban areas, 90 km\/h on dual carriageways, and 100 km\/h on motorways \u2014 unfortunately, slightly lower than for cars.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>EDS\/PTS systems = speed and section control cameras <\/strong>\u2014 are widely used throughout the country.<\/li><\/ul><p>And if you\u2019re planning to rent a car in Istanbul, <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/turkey-how-to-rent-a-pretty-much-undamaged-car\/\">check out our dedicated article where we cover in detail what to look out for before you hit the road<\/a>. \ud83d\ude97<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1e5c27 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"b1e5c27\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-001-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Istanbul Road street in Turkey with cars, scooters, shops and pedestrians lined along the road\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-003.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-003-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Traffic on an Istanbul road with a white Range Rover and vehicles parked in narrow lanes in Turkey\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-003-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-003-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-003-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-003-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-004-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-004-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Classic light-green car in Istanbul, Turkey, parked on a busy city street with other vehicles around\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-004-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-004-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-004-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-004-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-002.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-road-and-cars-002-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Cars on Istanbul Road in Istanbul, Turkey, passing high-rise buildings under a cloudy blue sky\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c28c72 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0c28c72\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Public transport in Istanbul<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">The network is dense and diverse: metro lines, Marmaray (commuter rail through the Bosphorus tunnel), trams, funiculars, IETT buses, the fast Metrob\u00fcs running on a dedicated lane, and of course\u2026 city ferries. For a short stay, just stick to a few simple rules. <\/p><p><strong>Airports and metro: <\/strong>both airports are connected to the city by rail. From Istanbul Airport (IST), take the M11 line (Istanbul Airport \u2194 Gayrettepe\/Ka\u011f\u0131thane; the extension to Halkal\u0131 is still under construction). From Sabiha G\u00f6k\u00e7en Airport (SAW), the M4 line (Kad\u0131k\u00f6y \u2194 Sabiha G\u00f6k\u00e7en) takes you directly to the city. It\u2019s usually the fastest and most reliable option during rush hours.  <\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\">From IST to the city centre by <strong>M11 metro<\/strong>: the fare depends on the number of stations \u2014 from the airport to Gayrettepe it\u2019s 14 stops, costing 48.28 TL (the M11 line uses its own fare table). From there, you can transfer to the M2 line to reach Taksim. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">From IST to Kad\u0131k\u00f6y via Havaist HV\u0130ST-14, the fare is 390 TL per person. You can buy the ticket in the app or directly at the stop. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">From IST to Taksim (HVL-9 line), the fare is around 275 TL per person (<a href=\"https:\/\/tuhim.ibb.gov.tr\/media\/24534\/elektronik-bilet-%C3%BCcret-tarifesi.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">as of July 2025<\/a>). <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">From SAW to Kad\u0131k\u00f6y by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metro.istanbul\/en\/SeferDurumlari\/BiletUcretleri\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">M4 metro<\/a>, the standard \u201ctam bilet\u201d fare with an Istanbulkart is 35 TL.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">From SAW to Taksim by Havabus, the fare is 367 TL per person. You pay on board, and buses run every few dozen minutes. <\/li><\/ul><p><strong>The easiest way to get around is with an Istanbulkart <\/strong>\u2014 it works on the metro, trams, buses, Metrob\u00fcs, Marmaray, and ferries. You can buy one from the yellow or blue vending machines at stations and both airports, and top it up at machines or via the official app. Note that one card is valid for one person only.  <\/p><p><strong>Metrob\u00fcs and buses: <\/strong>Metrob\u00fcs lines run 24\/7 on a dedicated lane (Beylikd\u00fcz\u00fc \u2194 S\u00f6\u011f\u00fctl\u00fc\u00e7e\u015fme, about 52 km), making them a great plan B for early mornings or late nights. IETT operates hundreds of daytime routes plus several night lines \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/iett.istanbul\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">you can find timetables and a route planner on the IETT website<\/a>. <\/p><p><strong>The \u201cNight Metro\u201d<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metro.istanbul\/en\/content\/Gece-Metrosu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">operates on Friday and Saturday nights<\/a>, offering a total of 66 hours of continuous service \u2014 from Friday 6:00 a.m. until Sunday 12:00 a.m.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cec5780 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"cec5780\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-004.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-004-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Istanbul Public Transport tram in a city street under overhead wires\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-001-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Hand holding an Istanbul public transport ticket card in Istanbul, Turkey, at a station entrance\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-002-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Woman seated inside an Istanbul public transport carriage, with orange seats and hanging handholds\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-003.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-public-transport-003-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul Public Transport sign and platform with metro train at Atat\u00fcrk Havaliman\u0131 Y\u00f6n\u00fc\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-911f314 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"911f314\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>SIM card<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">In Istanbul, local SIM cards for tourists tend to be quite expensive, especially at the airports. The cheapest and most straightforward option is to buy one at an <b>official operator store in the city<\/b> (passport required). Turkcell and Vodafone also offer tourist eSIMs, which can be activated remotely after scanning your passport.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\">How much does it cost (approximately, end of 2025):<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcell.com.tr\/trc\/prepaid-tourist-sim-turkey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Turkcell Tourist Welcome Pack:<\/a> 20 GB + 200 min \u2013 1,500 TRY (eSIM or physical SIM).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kurumsal.turktelekom.com.tr\/mobil\/paketler\/welcome-100gb-tourist-mobile-paketi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">T\u00fcrk Telekom \u201cWelcome \/ Tourist Mobile\u201d<\/a>: e.g., 100 GB package \u2013 TRY 1,840 (28 days, offer updated on February 6, 2025).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><li class=\"p1\">Vodafone \u201cWelcome to Turkey Pack\u201d: 20 GB + 750 min + 1000 SMS (28 days) \u2013 prices depend on the point of sale; the operator does not provide them directly online.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\"><b>Price tip: avoid airport booths<\/b> \u2014 prices in the city are often 50\u201370% cheaper for the same data packages. If you do buy at the airport, stick to an official operator store, not a random kiosk. <\/p><p class=\"p1\">From our experience, for a short trip it was more cost-effective to buy eSIMs on Allegro from a local seller \u2014 they were noticeably cheaper than the popular eSIM stores for Turkey, and in practice worked just the same. Each SIM cost us around 50 PLN for 20 GB.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea1c20e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea1c20e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Food<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">All across Turkey, it\u2019s genuinely hard to find bad food \u2014 especially in Istanbul. The cuisine revolves around fresh vegetables, grilled meat, fish, soups, and freshly baked bread. For a short trip, we recommend three simple routes: lokantas (home-style food), ocakba\u015f\u0131 (grill), and meyhanes (meze and hot dishes).   <\/p><p class=\"p1\">What and where to eat:<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Lokanta \/ esnaf lokantas\u0131:<\/strong> think of it as Turkey\u2019s version of a casual canteen or diner \u2014 simple, home-style meals served from a counter. Expect stews, vegetables in olive oil, rice, and soups like mercimek or ezogelin. You walk in, look at what\u2019s on display, and point to what you\u2019d like. It\u2019s cheap, quick, and satisfying \u2014 and in many places, you can even pay by card!   <\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Ocakba\u015f\u0131: <\/strong>a restaurant with an open grill, where the chef prepares everything right in front of you. Expect classics like Adana or Urfa kebab, k\u00f6fte, chicken wings (kanat), grilled vegetables, and lavash straight from the oven. <\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Meyhane: <\/strong>the perfect spot for the evening \u2014 a place for cold and hot meze (like haydari, \u015fak\u015fuka, fava, or roasted eggplant), followed by fish or grilled dishes. And if you drink, it\u2019s traditionally paired with rak\u0131.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Fish:<\/strong> in season, go for gilthead sea bream (\u00e7ipura\/dorada), sea bass (levrek), or bonito \u2014 and if you\u2019re on the go, try a bal\u0131k ekmek, the famous fish sandwich.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Breakfasts: <\/strong>the traditional kahvalt\u0131 spread \u2014 with various spreads, cheeses, olives, menemen (eggs with tomatoes), and fresh bread \u2014 is often hearty enough to count as two meals.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Street food: <\/strong>try simit (sesame-covered bread rings), b\u00f6rek, lahmacun and pide fresh from the oven, kokore\u00e7 (for the brave), or midye dolma (stuffed mussels with rice) \u2014 just make sure to buy from places with good turnover.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><strong>Sweets:<\/strong> try baklava, k\u00fcnefe, Mara\u015f ice cream (dondurma), and Turkish delight (lokum) served with coffee. For take-away, buy from proper patisseries, not the souvenir stalls near tourist sites. <\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\">Vegetarian? No problem! Go for soups like mercimek, vegetable meze, imam bay\u0131ld\u0131 (stuffed eggplant), g\u00f6zleme with spinach or cheese, menemen without meat, or pide topped with cheese and veggies. In a meyhane, you can easily put together a fully plant-based feast.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\">How to choose a spot among the multitude of options:<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\">Open the map and sort reviews by \u201cmost recent\u201d, not \u201chighest\u201d. Pay attention to Turkish-language reviews \u2014 if locals like the place, that\u2019s a good sign. <\/li><li class=\"p1\">Look for places with a visible oven and a menu with prices displayed at the entrance. Avoid touts and menu-less restaurants in overly touristy streets. <\/li><li class=\"p1\">In lively neighbourhoods like Kad\u0131k\u00f6y \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131, Karak\u00f6y, Be\u015fikta\u015f \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131, or Balat, it\u2019s hard to go wrong \u2014 just pick a spot that\u2019s busy after 7 p.m.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\">Apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yemeksepeti.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Yemeksepeti<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/getir.com\/us\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Getir<\/a> are very popular, but for a short trip, it\u2019s usually nicer to sit down and eat at a restaurant. Still, if you don\u2019t feel like leaving your hotel, delivery works incredibly well. To order via Yemeksepeti, you\u2019ll need a local phone number \u2014 you can\u2019t register without one. Couriers usually call locally or message you on WhatsApp when they arrive.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac73feb elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"ac73feb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-004.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-004-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Turkey Istanbul Foods on street table plate with grilled chicken and fries, rice, and red tea in Istanbul, Turkey\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-002-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul foods on street: fries and a sesame burger with a small bowl of sauce on a wooden table\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul Foods on street: Turkish flatbread pide with melted cheese and fries on a wooden tray\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-003.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-foods-003-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul Foods on street table with pide bread, salad, drinks, and a person preparing food\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3459ce9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3459ce9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Exchange office or ATM?<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">It won\u2019t come as a surprise that paying by card is the easiest option \u2014 payment terminals and contactless payments are everywhere, so on a short trip you can easily cover almost all expenses without cash. Turkey has a highly developed card market, something confirmed by both industry reports and data from BKM, <a href=\"https:\/\/bkm.com.tr\/en\/turkey-an-exceptional-market-for-payment-innovations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the country\u2019s interbank card centre<\/a>. <\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you do need cash (for small shops, tips, or public toilets), it\u2019s usually better to use an <b>ATM<\/b> in the city rather than an exchange office at the airport. Some ATMs charge an operator fee, which you\u2019ll see on the screen before confirming the transaction. Don\u2019t like it? Cancel and try another machine \u2014 that\u2019s perfectly normal practice.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\">A key rule when withdrawing cash or paying by card: if the terminal or ATM asks whether to charge in PLN\/EUR, always choose TRY (Turkish lira) and <b>decline on-the-spot conversion<\/b>. That option is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) \u2014 the exchange rate is set by the intermediary and is usually worse than your bank\u2019s rate. By paying in TRY, your own bank or card provider handles the conversion, almost always at a better rate.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\"><b>What about exchange offices?<\/b> You\u2019ll find plenty of them around the city, often offering much better rates than at the airport. The best deals are usually in the Sirkeci, Spice Bazaar, and Grand Bazaar areas \u2014 it\u2019s worth comparing two or three counters, making sure they\u2019re clearly marked \u201cno commission,\u201d and counting your money before you leave. At the airport, rates tend to be significantly worse, though you can still exchange there if needed \u2014 you\u2019ll just be paying for convenience.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24c555f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"24c555f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Climate and weather conditions<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Istanbul has two sides: a long, warm, and humid season from late spring to early autumn, and a cooler, rainier half of the year. By November, it usually turns grey and wet \u2014 daytime temperatures hover around 15\u00b0C (dropping to 9\u201311\u00b0C at night), with around 70\u2013100 mm of rainfall per month, spread over 10\u201313 rainy days. There\u2019s not much sunshine either (about 4 hours a day), so it\u2019s no surprise that our November stopover came with pretty gloomy weather.  <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">  <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Winters here are humid and windy, and from autumn to spring there can be icy storms from the south \u2014 when that happens, the sea gets rough, and ferries or some cruises may be suspended. In contrast, summers are warm (often above 28\u201330\u00b0C) and humid, but spring and early autumn usually offer the most stable weather for short sightseeing trips. If you\u2019re planning a stopover between November and March, pack a light rain jacket, something windproof, and have a backup indoor plan \u2014 like visiting museums or bazaars.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55e2848 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55e2848\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Safety<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">In our view, Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, but it\u2019s still a big, lively city with plenty of character. As in any major city, the most common risk is pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas \u2014 though we personally never had any issues here. Keep your phone and camera in front of you, don\u2019t accept food or drinks from strangers, and if someone suddenly offers to take you to a \u201cgreat place\u201d, just politely decline. That\u2019s exactly the kind of advice you\u2019ll also find in official travel advisories.   <\/p><p class=\"p1\"><b>Taxis and getting around: <\/b>always use official cabs \u2014 either on a <b>metered fare<\/b> or booked through an app where you can check the estimated price in advance. Note down or take a photo of the car\u2019s side number, and avoid unmarked taxis that just pull up offering a ride. <\/p><p class=\"p1\"><b>Public transport is well monitored<\/b>, and at metro entrances you\u2019ll often find security gates with bag checks. It\u2019s mainly a safety measure \u2014 your job is simply to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and remember to tap your card when entering and exiting (especially on the Marmaray line). <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d09043 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6d09043\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Places to see in Istanbul<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-793f208 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"793f208\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Suleyman Mosque<\/h3><p><em>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque \/ \ud83d\udccc Pin on Google Maps &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/VByy2fWLWRrhmAWb6\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"p1\">One of the most beautifully located mosques in Istanbul, it stands on the Third Hill, with terraces overlooking the Golden Horn. It was designed by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent, and it\u2019s more than just a mosque \u2014 it\u2019s a whole complex (k\u00fclliye) with a courtyard, madrasas, and mausoleums where Suleiman and H\u00fcrrem Sultan are buried. It\u2019s the essence of classical Ottoman architecture and part of the UNESCO World Heritage area. The interior impresses with its proportions and light, while outside you\u2019ll find some of the best city views without the crowds typical of Sultanahmet.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Entry is free \u2014 the mosque is still an active place of worship, and visitors are allowed between prayer times. The safest window is roughly 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but keep in mind that tourist access is paused during the five daily prayers, especially Friday noon prayers.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The entry rules are simple: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), women should cover their hair, and everyone must remove their shoes before entering. It\u2019s a good idea to bring a small bag to carry your shoes with you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8888ca5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"8888ca5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-002.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-002-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Suleymaniye Camii in Istanbul, Turkey, with towering minarets and a wide courtyard under a blue sky\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-001-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Tourists posing at Istanbul Suleymaniye Camii with Istanbul skyline and the Bosphorus in the background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-004.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-004-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Inside Turkey\u2019s Istanbul S\u00fcleymaniye Camii with visitors standing on the red prayer carpet under ornate arches and chandeliers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-004-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-004-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-004-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-004-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-003.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-suleymaniye-camii-003-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Suleymaniye Camii in Istanbul, Turkey, with Ottoman-style minarets and domes against a blue sky\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ebb86e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8ebb86e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"DUwDvf lfPIob\">Bajazid Square<\/h3><p><em>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 Beyaz\u0131t Square \/ \ud83d\udccc Pin on Google Maps &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/az1NCLQ5isntuZ3U8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Beyaz\u0131t is a perfect snapshot of old Istanbul. The square itself stands on the site of the Roman Forum of Tauri (later the Forum of Theodosius), once one of Constantinople\u2019s grandest forums. Today, its monumental backdrop is formed by three landmarks: the Beyaz\u0131t II Mosque from the early 16th century, the main gate of Istanbul University, and the slender Beyaz\u0131t Tower \u2014 a former fire watchtower, rising 85 metres above the campus.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s also super practical \u2014 just a stone\u2019s throw from the Grand Bazaar, with the T1 tram offering the easiest access. Simply hop off at Beyaz\u0131t\u2013Kapal\u0131\u00e7ar\u015f\u0131 stop and you\u2019re right there.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Entry to the square is, of course, free. If you\u2019re going into the mosque, standard rules apply: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off at the entrance. Visiting is paused during prayer times. The university gate is a photogenic city symbol, and since 2024, Istanbul University has officially opened the Beyaz\u0131t campus to visitors on weekdays (8:30 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m.). They now offer limited guided tours, including access to the tower, but advance registration is required. Policies may change, so it\u2019s worth checking the university\u2019s latest announcements before your visit.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">You might encounter a bit of \u201clocal flavour\u201d on site \u2014 like guys offering \u201cinstant souvenir photos\u201d with on-the-spot printing. If you\u2019re not interested, a smile and a polite \u201cno, thanks\u201d is usually all it takes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96a2c08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"96a2c08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul Beyazit Square: Atat\u00fcrk flag in front of Istanbul University building with Turkish flags under blue sky\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-002-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Istanbul Beyazit Square view of a mosque dome and tall minaret under a blue sky with visitors walking\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-beyazit-square-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d7b9d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d7b9d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"DUwDvf lfPIob\">Hagia Sophia<\/h3><p><em>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i \u015eerifi \/ \ud83d\udccc Pin on Google Maps &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/S4NR1JWoazRrW5zd6\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s an icon \u2014 no doubt about that. We visited back when entry was still free, but now the tourist route is ticketed. The price for foreigners is \u20ac25, and children under 8 enter free with a guardian. Opening hours are roughly 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, but access is paused during prayer times, especially Friday noon prayers \u2014 so it\u2019s best to plan your visit between prayer hours.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Is it \u201cworth it\u201d? If it&#8217;s your first time, yes, although in our opinion it&#8217;s not as impressive as other mosques in the Middle East.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe12eae elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"fe12eae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-001-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, with domes and tall minarets under a cloudy sky\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-002.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: ornate interior with massive arches, illuminated chandeliers, and large circular dome windows\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-003.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-003-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Couple taking a selfie inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, with ornate chandeliers and arches in the background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-003-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-003-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-003-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-hagia-sophia-003-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-461e7d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"461e7d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"DUwDvf lfPIob\">Blue Mosque<\/h3><p><em>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 Sultanahmet Mosque \/ \ud83d\udccc Pin on Google Maps &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/gbBHxUnvNgWskPC59\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"p1\">\u201cCrowded\u201d is putting it mildly \ud83d\ude05 \u2014 this is one of the city\u2019s most visited mosques. The interior is stunning: six slender minarets, a classic domed layout, and thousands of \u0130znik tiles that gave rise to its nickname, the Blue Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1617, it was designed by Sedefkar Mehmed A\u011fa and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2276545 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"2276545\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-002.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-14\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Interior of Turkey\u2019s Istanbul Sultanahmet Camii with ornate domes, stained-glass windows, and worshippers in the hall\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-14\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul Sultanahmet Camii courtyard with minarets and visitors under an overcast sky\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-sultanahmet-camii-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98a44d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98a44d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"DUwDvf lfPIob\">Grand Bazaar<\/h3><p><em>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 Kapal\u0131 \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131 \/ \ud83d\udccc Pin on Google Maps &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/mpxHMDNj9N6MNKR37\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re wondering whether it\u2019s more for tourists than locals \u2014 yes, these days it mostly is. The Grand Bazaar is a historic \u201ccity under a roof\u201d, with around <span class=\"s1\"><b>61 covered streets and 3\u20134 thousand shops <\/b><\/span>, several hundred thousand people pass through here every day. It is more of a spectacle and a hunt for souvenirs than a place for everyday shopping for Istanbul residents.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd5c29a elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"bd5c29a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-15\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul Kapali Carsi Bazaar busy market street with shops and shoppers under covered passageways\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-002-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-15\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Turkey, Istanbul\u2019s Kapal\u0131 \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131 market stall with baskets of dried fruit, spices, and packaged goods\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-kapali-carsi-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70cae4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"70cae4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"DUwDvf lfPIob\">Egyptian Bazaar<\/h3><p><em>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 M\u0131s\u0131r \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131 \/ \ud83d\udccc Pin on Google Maps &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/PPFMmvBqyGiYJ3Be8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s the \u201cyounger cousin\u201d of the Grand Bazaar \u2014 and nowadays, more of a spectacle than a place for daily shopping. This 17th-century hall was built as part of the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) complex, and for centuries it was the heart of the spice trade. Today, alongside spices, you\u2019ll find Turkish delight, nuts, teas, and souvenirs. The atmosphere is great, but both the prices and product selection are clearly aimed at tourists. The bazaar is located right on Emin\u00f6n\u00fc Square, right next to Yeni Camii.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Opening hours can vary depending on the day and season, but a safe bet is roughly 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with closures or reduced hours during public holidays. Entry is free. If you\u2019re after a more relaxed visit, come in the morning \u2014 by midday, the crowds tend to build up at every entrance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68852da elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"68852da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-001.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-16\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-001-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Crowds in the Istanbul Spice Bazaar Egyptian Bazaar aisle with red awnings and hanging spices.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-001-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-001-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-001-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-001-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-002-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-16\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-002-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Shoppers walk through the Egyptian Bazaar at Istanbul Spice Bazaar under arched striped ceilings and hanging signage\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-002-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-002-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-002-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/turkey-istanbul-spice-bazaar-002-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a34db13 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a34db13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Summary<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">You can see the key highlights of this city in 24\u201348 hours, but there\u2019s no way to capture it all in just one blog post. If you can, try not to visit places just to tick them off a map \u2014 take some time to blend into the rhythm of each neighbourhood, even if just briefly. Of course, we know that takes time too \u2014 and let\u2019s be honest, vacation days aren\u2019t endless.  <\/p><p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ve intentionally skipped the topic of \u201cserious shopping\u201d here \u2014 and no, we\u2019re not talking about those \u201cGucci\u201d treasures at souvenir stands \ud83d\ude05, but actual sales in malls and outlet stores. That deserves a separate guide on its own, because price differences and travel times can eat up your day faster than some historical landmarks. <\/p><p class=\"p1\">And then there\u2019s the Asian side \u2014 Kad\u0131k\u00f6y, \u00dcsk\u00fcdar, and beyond \u2014 still sitting on our list, waiting for a proper, unhurried visit. We\u2019ll get to it next time and share ready-made 1\u20132 day loops for exploring \u201cthe other side\u201d of the city.If you\u2019re planning your own stopover, feel free to use all the tips above \u2014 and if you\u2019ve got questions about a specific day plan or logistics, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out. Istanbul has this magic: even a short visit can feel like something much bigger.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Discover what to see in Istanbul during a Turkish Airlines stopover. Tips, must-see attractions, and our personal impressions from the visit.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12831,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[104],"tags":[498,168,175,173,148,171],"class_list":{"0":"post-13112","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-asia","8":"tag-istanbul","9":"tag-tourist-attractions","10":"tag-travel-planning","11":"tag-travel-safety","12":"tag-turkiye","13":"tag-urban-tourism","14":"cs-entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13112\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}