r/istanbul_tips

Considering taking my family of five to Vialand. It’s July, holiday season.

Can I expect long ques?
Is it worth the money?
Thinking of getting the diamond pass for fast-track. 139USD is quite a lot for five people.

What are your honest reviews?

I have an 8-hour layover at Istanbul Airport, arriving at 12:30 PM and departing at 8:30 PM. I have a Canadian passport, so I don’t need a visa.
I’m wondering if it’s realistic to leave the airport for a short visit to some of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Photography is my hobby, and I’d love the chance to take a few photos while I’m there.
I’m hoping to spend about 3–4 hours in the city before returning to the airport. Is that a reasonable plan? Would I have enough time to visit a couple of locations, take some photos, and still get back to the airport comfortably in time for my flight?

Hi
First time in Istanbul. Arriving early afternoon with two kids (one is a baby) nisantasi is the destination.
Which app or taxi service do I use and how much will a small van cost? Can I pay with Apple pay or do I need cash?
Anyone who used services of a private driver that you can recommend?

Updating: bus and metro services won’t be an option for us

Thank you

[supprimé]

I have an 8-hour layover at Istanbul Airport, arriving at 12:30 PM and departing at 8:30 PM. I have a Canadian passport, so I don’t need a visa.
I’m wondering if it’s realistic to leave the airport for a short visit to some of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Photography is my hobby, and I’d love the chance to take a few photos while I’m there.
I’m hoping to spend about 3–4 hours in the city before returning to the airport. Is that a reasonable plan? Would I have enough time to visit a couple of locations, take some photos, and still get back to the airport comfortably in time

Hey planning to visit turkey this august or September beginning with family..is it good time to visit as this is our first international trip? Pls suggest us bess places to visit for 5 days plan (we wanna go to hot ballon experience as well)

Hi everyone

My friend and I (two girls) are planning a trip to Istanbul and we’re trying to figure out the best area to stay in.
We’re looking for a place that is:
Good for shopping (boutiques, malls, cute local shops)
Great food (cafés, street food, nice restaurants)
Nice atmosphere for walking around and relaxing
Maybe a bit lively, but not too chaotic

I have heard about Kadıköy but I’m scared it’s too quiet and or boring?

Which area would you recommend for first-time visitors who want a mix of shopping, food, and a nice vibe?
And if you’ve been, what would you choose again?

Thanks a lot!

Hi everyone,
I’m a bit confused and hoping someone who has traveled recently can clarify this.

When I check Google Maps, it shows “SG2 Havabus” from Taksim to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which makes it seem like they’re the same service.

However, I’ve seen people mention:
SG2 costs around 126 TL
Havabus costs around 440 TL

So are SG2 and Havabus actually the same bus, or are they two different services that happen to use similar stops/routes?

Has anyone used this route recently? I’d really appreciate clarification before I rely on it.

If you only had 6 or 7 hours in Istanbul what would be your must-do’s?

Hello!!! I have around 6 hours in Istanbul from 7pm until I have to catch a bus to another city from Alibeyköy and I’m trying to make a little itinerary. I have never been to Istanbul before.

My goals are to see a panoramic view, have a filling meal, and explore the city as relaxed as I can. My boyfriend also wants to hit up a hookah spot.

My first idea:
- Walk Istiklal avenue (see the red tram, Çiçek Pasaji and Balik Pazari) to Gala tower
- Walk the Galata Bridge (view the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Yeni Cami from afar)
- Go to Eyrup Sultan Mosque
- Take the cable up to Pierre Loti Hill, eat and smoke here.
The pro is that Eyrup is close to Alibeyköy and I can catch the bus easily

Second option:
- the first part is the same: Istiklal-Gala Tower
- take the tram to Sultanahmet
- see Hipodrome Square: Obelisk of Thutmose III, Serpentine column from Delphi, column of Constantine Porphyrigenitus
- see the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia
- eat and nargile at a skybar
- take a 45 min bus to Alibeyköy

My brother and I will be in Istanbul in the end of July, this will be our first time visiting the country so I am looking for good affordable hotels not too luxurious and elite kinds because I don't wanna spend too much on my hotel stay ,just the decent one which includes breakfast.

And located at a place where all the tourist attractions are nearby not too far.

If someone can suggest something it'll be a great help.

Hi, I will be travelling to Turkey. Will be in Istanbul for 4 days and then in Antalya for 4 more. What SIM card with suitable data plan (mostly maps and google searches) can I purchase. I will be travelling on a rather tight budget.

Driver Aytac krim +905491010039 from world transfers Istanbul is a fraud and a lier. Never book a transfer with world travel. He never showed up at airport and left us stranded with a 2 year old baby

https://preview.redd.it/wp4aa9vbj2ah1.jpg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=805cc8c1d1d757c54d28046175de59877f6fb83c

Hiii! I'm travelling to Istanbul with my sister near the end of January 2027. I've been seeing mixed feelings about traveling there in January, some said its bad due to rainy days but some said its good due to lesser tourist during that time.

Can anyone tell me how the weather will be like most likely during the end of Jan, and if it does rain, will it affect any itinerary like walking around the streets?

Also how should i dress like if it's cold? Do i wear really thick? This is my first time traveling during such cold weather

Hi there,

Any suggestions on how to spend a morning? I need to be back at my hotel near ITU by 12:30pm.

Options are:

1. **Sapphire Tower Observation Deck** \- is this worth it?
2. **Emirgan Park (Google suggested this)** \- Any good restarants/cafes nearby? How long is the Boardwalk?

Anything else I should consider?

I had been thinking to head down and see Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque early in the morning, but Google tells me it's too far and I may not make it back in time.

\-

Hi! I want to buy baklava as a souvenir from Istanbul for my family and friends. Do i buy it from Hafiz Mustafa 1864 or can i just buy it from any shop? Cause i have never tried baklava, so i don't know which baklava tastes good.

There seems to be some turkish delight too that i might be able to bring back home, but I'm not sure how to bring all these sweets back home and which shop to buy it from.