Istanbul Travel Guide & Tips

Here are all the Istanbul travel tips that you will need.

Weather in Istanbul: For the most part, Istanbul weather enjoys a semi-temperate Mediterranean climate. On the European side of Istanbul, you can expect weather conditions similar to that of Western European cities like Athens, Brussels and Madrid. Summers are hot here, but not as dry as the cities closer to the Mediterranean. It can be a little bit more humid. The spring and autumn seasons are the absolute best. If you visit during those months, you will get the most pleasant Istanbul temperature and the prices of accommodations might be cheaper as well. Try not to plan a vacation during winter unless budget is the issue. It rains during winter and is also cold enough to make most of the outdoor activities less enjoyable.

Nightlife in Istanbul: The nightlife of Istanbul surprises many, with its usual reputation of a historic baroque town. But Istanbul actually has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe. The shores of Bosphorus are dotted with open-roof locations and cocktail bars. Ortakoy is a prime neighbourhood to find the best night-time destinations in the city. Many of these bars have infinity pools merging with the strait water. For a different kind of experience, take an overnight cruise in the Bosphorus or take a walk over the bridge, or try locating the best haunts for local food and wine with the help of an Istanbul city guide.

Shopping in Istanbul: None of the stories you have heard and read about Turkish bazars would match up to what you will see here for real. Istanbul travel guide will not take you to all the nooks and corners of course, and you will have to use an Istanbul map to locate them all. Grand Bazar and Spice Bazar is easy to locate. They are right in the heart of the city. To see some of the markets with a more local Turkish vibe and less tourists, find Yesilkoy, Kadikoy and Bakirkoy Markets. Remember to stock up some exotic spices, Turkish coffee and treats, dried fruits and ceramics. These are some of the best Istanbul souvenirs you can take back home.

Food in Istanbul: Many people confuse Turkish cuisine with Greek. It is close, but it is not the same. Trying Turkish coffee and the small sugar-coated Turkish treats is a must. The most-devoured dishes in Istanbul are kebabs, and ironically, a Turkish-style pizza called Lahmacun. Also try the famous appetizer Meze, Balik Ehmek and koftes. Find the best restaurants for all of these stuffs on an Istanbul Turkey map or you can ask for local recommendations.

Festivals in Istanbul: Istanbul celebrates the usual Muslim and Orthodox Christian festivals with lots of festivities – a careful homage to its past. The Conquest festivals are an annual thing held for a week in the Golden Horn to mark the capture of Constantinople by the Turks. Other than these, there are the cultural events like International Film, Music, Shopping, Jazz and even a Tulip festival.