{"id":2926,"date":"2018-09-17T15:23:20","date_gmt":"2018-09-17T15:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/?p=2926"},"modified":"2024-01-18T14:49:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:49:05","slug":"best-places-to-visit-in-istanbul-off-the-beaten-path","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/en\/best-places-to-visit-in-istanbul-off-the-beaten-path\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Places to Visit in Istanbul (On and Off the Beaten Path)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>After living in Istanbul for over three years, it\u2019s about time I share with you all its secrets! In this guide, I will tell you the best places to visit in Istanbul, both on the tourist side and off the beaten path. I will also share with you the best places to stay in Istanbul and some practical tips for your trip to Turkey!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3021\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/la-costa-turquesa1.png\" alt=\"The best places to visit in Istanbul off the beaten path\" width=\"810\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/la-costa-turquesa1.png 810w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/la-costa-turquesa1-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/la-costa-turquesa1-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/la-costa-turquesa1-585x325.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Napoleon Bonaparte once said, <em>&#8220;If the world were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital,&#8221;<\/em> and I couldn\u2019t agree with him more. I lived in Istanbul for over three years, and although it wasn&#8217;t exactly easy, I felt lucky everyday I woke up in this amazing city. Not only is Istanbul incredibly beautiful, it also has an amazing history, culture, and eclectic lifestyle. It\u2019s even the point where the East meets the West! If you haven\u2019t visited Istanbul yet, I don\u2019t know what you&#8217;re waiting for!<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, I\u2019ll share with you the best places to visit in Istanbul: both the most popular tourist destinations and my favorite places in Istanbul off the beaten path. I\u2019ll also share with you some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip to Istanbul and discover Istanbul\u2019s hidden gems!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #eb0570;\">The Most Popular Places to Visit in Istanbul<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Although I prefer to find the hidden gems on the road less traveled, there\u2019s no doubt that Istanbul has many popular tourist attractions you can\u2019t miss. The city\u2019s most famous neighborhood is Sultanahmet, where you\u2019ll find most of Istanbul\u2019s main attractions.<\/p>\n<p>The best thing about visiting Sultanahmet is that everything is right at your fingertips. Even the two most famous attractions in Istanbul\u2014the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia\u2014are literally facing each other!<\/p>\n<p>Ready to discover Istanbul\u2019s popular places? Here are some of the best places to visit in Istanbul!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Hagia Sophia<\/h3>\n<p>Built as a church around 537 AD and converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, Hagia Sophia (<em>Aya Sofya<\/em> in Turkish) is one of the most incredible religious buildings in the world. In addition to its impressive dome and golden mosaics, its second-floor windows offer one of the best possible views of the Blue Mosque!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2963\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2963\" class=\"wp-image-2963\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/33325222545_ff4c39044d_o-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Views of the Blue Mosque from Hagia Sofia, Istanbul\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/33325222545_ff4c39044d_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/33325222545_ff4c39044d_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/33325222545_ff4c39044d_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/33325222545_ff4c39044d_o-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/33325222545_ff4c39044d_o-585x439.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2963\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views of the Blue Mosque from Hagia Sofia, Istanbul<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2965\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Views from Hagia Sofia\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-1170x1170.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/31000386650_c6931559d6_o-640x640.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Blue Mosque<\/h3>\n<p>Facing the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, is the most famous mosque in Istanbul. Its name derives from the famous blue Iznik tiles that line its interior. Don\u2019t worry about budgeting for a visit: admission is free!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2968\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2968\" class=\"wp-image-2968\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32178864462_f9582eb07a_o-1024x786.jpg\" alt=\"Views of the Blue Mosque in a snowy day. \" width=\"700\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32178864462_f9582eb07a_o-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32178864462_f9582eb07a_o-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32178864462_f9582eb07a_o-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32178864462_f9582eb07a_o-1170x898.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32178864462_f9582eb07a_o-585x449.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2968\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views of the Blue Mosque in a snowy day.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Topkapi Palace<\/h3>\n<p>The Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the Sultan, his family, and his harem from its inauguration in 1465 until the mid 19th century, when the incumbent sultan moved his residence to the Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace. The Topkapi Palace is now a museum and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The Basilica Cistern<\/h3>\n<p>The Basilica Cistern is one of several hundred ancient cisterns that were built to supply Istanbul with water in case of an attack. It\u2019s definitely one of the most unusual places to visit in Istanbul!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The Grand Bazaar<\/h3>\n<p>With 61 streets and more than 4000 shops, the colorful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Although it\u2019s certainly one of Istanbul\u2019s must-see attractions, I don\u2019t recommend shopping much there unless you\u2019re a bargaining pro. If haggling is not your strength, visit the shops in the streets around the Grand Bazaar, where you\u2019ll find many of the same products at lower prices.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2971\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/21543835336_0d89e51251_o-1024x494.jpg\" alt=\"Grand Bazaar of Istanbul\" width=\"700\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/21543835336_0d89e51251_o-1024x494.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/21543835336_0d89e51251_o-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/21543835336_0d89e51251_o-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/21543835336_0d89e51251_o-1170x565.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/21543835336_0d89e51251_o-585x282.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The Spice Bazaar in Emin\u00f6n\u00fc<\/h3>\n<p>The Spice Bazaar in Emin\u00f6n\u00fc is smaller than the Grand Bazaar but still one of the largest bazaars in the city. It\u2019s the perfect place to buy things like spices, Turkish sweets, nuts, soaps, and scarves.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque<\/h3>\n<p>The S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque is the masterpiece of the Ottoman Empire&#8217;s finest architect, Mimar Sinan. It is the second largest mosque in Istanbul, and aside from its impressive architecture, it boasts one of the best views of Istanbul.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Galata Tower<\/h3>\n<p>The Galata Tower is an icon of the city and one of the most fascinating places to visit in Istanbul. Although it offers some wonderful views of Istanbul, I recommend skipping the queue and entrance fee. Instead, admire the tower from the outside and enjoy the same views of the city for free from one of the rooftop cafes in the area.<\/p>\n<p>My favorite cafe for viewing Istanbul is Galata Konak Cafe, located only a few minutes\u2019 walk from the Galata Tower. You should definitely check it out if you can!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2975\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata.jpg\" alt=\"Galata Tower skyline\" width=\"700\" height=\"429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata.jpg 3570w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata-768x471.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata-1170x718.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/galata-585x359.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2788\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2788\" class=\"wp-image-2788\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul-1024x579.jpg\" alt=\"Views of Istanbul from Konak Cafe in Galata. \" width=\"700\" height=\"396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul-1170x663.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul-585x331.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/aniIstanbul.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2788\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views of Istanbul from Konak Cafe in Galata.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace<\/h3>\n<p>The Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace is one of the most glamorous places to visit in Istanbul. It holds a lot of cultural significance for Turks because Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk, the founder of modern Turkey, died here. Fun fact: The room where Atat\u00fcrk died is perfectly preserved in the state it was when he passed, and the clocks are even stopped at the time he died (9:05).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue<\/h3>\n<p>Taksim Square is considered the heart of modern Istanbul. To be honest, it\u2019s not my favorite part of Istanbul as it\u2019s changed a lot in recent years, but you should still visit it if you can. Be sure to take a walk on Istiklal Avenue: it\u2019s one of the busiest streets in the world and it\u2019s full of historical buildings.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Cihangir<\/h3>\n<p>Near Taksim Square sits Cihangir, one of the neighborhoods in the Beyo\u011flu district. This neighborhood is especially interesting for its cafes, art galleries, and antique shops, so definitely check it out if you get a chance!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #eb106b;\">Best Places to Visit in Istanbul Off the Beaten Path<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve covered the most popular places to visit in Istanbul, it\u2019s time to dive into some of Istanbul\u2019s hidden gems. These are local places in Istanbul off the beaten path that you won\u2019t find in an average guide, but I\u2019m sure they won\u2019t disappoint you.<\/p>\n<p>After living in Turkey for over three years, these are some of the destinations I\u2019ve come to consider among the best places to visit in Istanbul!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Kadik\u00f6y<\/h3>\n<p>Located in the Asian part of the city, Kadik\u00f6y is the most modern district of Istanbul. It\u2019s known for its cafes, street art, nightlife, sunsets, and views of the Marmara Sea. Next to Sultanahmet, Kadik\u00f6y feels like a completely different city!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2979\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kadikoygraffiti-680x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Street art in Kadikoy, Istanbul\" width=\"400\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kadikoygraffiti-680x1024.jpg 680w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kadikoygraffiti-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kadikoygraffiti-768x1156.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kadikoygraffiti-1170x1761.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/kadikoygraffiti-585x881.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kadik\u00f6y has a very different energy compared to other areas of Istanbul. It feels more local than the more popular tourist areas, though it\u2019s close enough to Sultanahmet for you to reach by ferry. In fact, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll love these little journeys between Asia and Europe: crossing the Bosphorus by boat is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Istanbul!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2981\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2981\" class=\"wp-image-2981\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Moda Sahil, Kadik\u00f6y\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-1170x1170.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/moda.jpg 1427w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2981\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Moda Sahil, Kadik\u00f6y<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Crossing the Bosphorus<\/h3>\n<p>Crossing the Bosphorus is definitely something you should do if you visit Istanbul. Although it\u2019s only a 20- to 25-minute journey, it\u2019s still technically a trip between Asia and Europe, which is pretty cool. The views of the city from the boat are impressive, especially if you travel from Be\u015fikta\u015f to Kadik\u00f6y at sunset.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Be\u015fikta\u015f<\/h3>\n<p>Apart from its football team, the Be\u015fikta\u015f district is known for its modern lifestyle, fish restaurants, and breakfasts.\u00a0I lived in Be\u015fikta\u015f for two years and it\u2019s still one of my favorite places in Istanbul.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>\u00dcsk\u00fcdar<\/h3>\n<p>Also on the Asian side of Istanbul, \u00dcsk\u00fcdar nonetheless feels very different from Kadik\u00f6y, as religion and tradition carry much more weight in this district. Here you can visit the Kiz Kulesi (Maiden&#8217;s Tower), from which you can see one of the best sunsets in Istanbul.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2992\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2992\" class=\"wp-image-2992\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/uskudarsimit.jpg\" alt=\"Simit seller in Uskudar, Istanbul\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/uskudarsimit.jpg 624w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/uskudarsimit-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/uskudarsimit-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/uskudarsimit-585x585.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2992\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Simit seller in Uskudar, Istanbul<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can also walk to Kuzguncuk, a bohemian neighborhood that used to be home to non-Muslim minorities: Jews, Greeks, and Armenians. Kuzguncuk features colorful streets with old wooden houses, historic mansions, synagogues, mosques, bookstores, and a community garden.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>B\u00fcy\u00fck Valide Han<\/h3>\n<p>Among the steep streets of Emin\u00f6n\u00fc is my favorite place in Istanbul: the <a href=\"\/?p=740\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">B\u00fcy\u00fck Valide Han<\/a>. It\u2019s an old caravanserai with rooftop access and the absolute best views of Istanbul. At the time of writing, the B\u00fcy\u00fck Valide Han is closed to the public, but if you\u2019re lucky, the doorman might open the door for you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2995\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2995\" class=\"wp-image-2995\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/28282527553_65c4d2d637_o.jpg\" alt=\"B\u00fcy\u00fck Valide Han, Istanbul\" width=\"500\" height=\"491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/28282527553_65c4d2d637_o.jpg 637w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/28282527553_65c4d2d637_o-300x295.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/28282527553_65c4d2d637_o-585x575.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2995\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">B\u00fcy\u00fck Valide Han is my favorite place in Istanbul!<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>\u00c7amlica Hill<\/h3>\n<p>Also located in the district of \u00dcsk\u00fcdar, <a href=\"\/?p=502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00c7amlica Hill<\/a> is one of the seven hills of Istanbul and the highest point in the whole city. At 268 meters above sea level, \u00c7amlica Hill offers panoramic views of both sides of the Bosphorus, including the two bridges that connect Asia and Europe.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_505\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-505\" class=\"wp-image-505\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Views from B\u00fcy\u00fck \u00c7aml\u0131ca Tepesi (Big hill \u00c7aml\u0131ca) in Uskudar, Istanbul.\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-1170x778.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-585x389.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-226x150.jpg 226w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/camlica.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views from B\u00fcy\u00fck \u00c7aml\u0131ca Tepesi (Big hill \u00c7aml\u0131ca) in Uskudar, Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Balat<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/?p=851\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Balat<\/a> is one of the most colorful and bohemian neighborhoods in Istanbul. Once known as the Jewish quarter of the city, this neighborhood used to be one of the biggest hidden gems in Istanbul. However, it has started to become trendy in recent years, and there are now many new cafes and places to hang out here.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_853\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-853\" class=\"wp-image-853\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12.jpg\" alt=\"colorful streets of Balat, Istanbul\" width=\"700\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-1170x848.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-585x424.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-768x557.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-1024x742.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-207x150.jpg 207w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/balat12-150x109.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-853\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Colorful streets of Balat, Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Karak\u00f6y<\/h3>\n<p>Karak\u00f6y is another formerly forgotten neighborhood of Istanbul that has recently become trendy. It is now full of hipster cafes and restaurants and is currently one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city among young people. Karak\u00f6y also boasts one of the best Turkish hammans and the best baklavas in Istanbul, so make sure to try them while you\u2019re there!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Princes\u2019 Islands<\/h3>\n<p>A couple of hours from Istanbul by boat are the Princes\u2019 Islands, officially known as Adalar. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, I highly recommend you visit these islands: cars are forbidden here, so you\u2019ll be able to enjoy a quiet getaway.<\/p>\n<p>To get to the islands, take the ferry from Be\u015fikta\u015f to Adalar. The boat stops at four islands, the last one (B\u00fcy\u00fckada) being the most popular.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ed005f;\">Arriving in Istanbul, Turkey<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul new airport (on the European side) and Sabiha G\u00f6k\u00e7en (on the Asian side). Once you arrive, the most practical way to get downtown is to take a bus called Havata\u015f.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that you need a tourist visa to enter Turkey. Luckily, you can easily <a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisa.gov.tr\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">get your e-visa online<\/a>. A visa is valid for 90 days and the price depends on your nationality.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3013\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/mezquita-azul-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Blue Mosque, Istanbul\" width=\"450\" height=\"599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/mezquita-azul-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/mezquita-azul-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/mezquita-azul-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/mezquita-azul-1170x1558.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/mezquita-azul-585x779.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ed005f;\">Where to Stay in Istanbul<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although most of Istanbul\u2019s attractions are in Sultanahmet, I personally find this area too touristy and don\u2019t consider it the best neighborhood to stay in. I would also avoid Taksim, which tends to be too crowded. If you want an insider\u2019s opinion, here are my recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in during your visit to Istanbul.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Kadik\u00f6y<\/h3>\n<p>As I mentioned before, Kadik\u00f6y, located in the center of the Asian side, is the most modern part of the city and the best neighborhood to stay in while you tour Istanbul. Although it may seem far from the tourist areas, Emin\u00f6n\u00fc is just a 15-minute boat ride away. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kadik\u00f6y:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/juliet.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Juliet\u2019s Rooms &amp; Kitchen<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Cozy, clean and very well kept, this hotel is the best option to sleep in Moda.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/khalkedon.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Khalkedon Hotel<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0With terrace and right in the center, this is a very good option to sleep in Kadik\u00f6y.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/hostel-bahane.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Hostel Bahane<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0If you like going out, this hostel is right in the &#8220;barlar sokak&#8221; (bar street), the center of the action of the nightlife in Kadik\u00f6y.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/loka-suites.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Loka Suites<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Loka Suites is a more elegant option to stay in Kadik\u00f6y.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Be\u015fikta\u015f<\/h3>\n<p>If you prefer to stay on the European side, Be\u015fikta\u015f is your best bet. Here are the best places to stay in Be\u015fikta\u015f:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/chakra-suites.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Chakra Suites Besiktas<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 An elegant and comfortable place to stay in Be\u015fikta\u015f.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/puffin-hostel.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Puffin Hostel<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 If you are looking for something good, nice and cheap, this hostel is a perfect choice for you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Galata<\/h3>\n<p>Although it\u2019s a tourist area that\u2019s usually crowded, Galata is one of the most charming districts of Istanbul. If you want to stay in Galata, here are some of your best options:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/galata-12.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Galata 12<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0A new and exceptional hotel to sleep in Galata.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/art-nouveau-pera-istanbul.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Art Nouveau Pera<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u00a0An excellent hotel with one of the best views of Istanbul.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/the-house-vault-karakoy.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Vault Karakoy The House Hotel<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Excellent\u00a0hotel and great location.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3000\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/22292005401_7ff695e878_o.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset in Galata, Istanbul\" width=\"450\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/22292005401_7ff695e878_o.jpg 640w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/22292005401_7ff695e878_o-300x285.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/22292005401_7ff695e878_o-585x555.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Cihangir<\/h3>\n<p>Also located near Taksim, Cihangir has a bohemian atmosphere and is one of the most historic districts in Istanbul. If you plan to stay in Cihangir, I recommend one of these places:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/dreamers-b-amp-b.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Dreamers B&amp;B<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 An affordable place to stay in Cihangir.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/tr\/frida-suites-istanbul.en.html?aid=1518699&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Frida Suites<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Comfortable and close to everything in Cihangir.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f50559;\">How to Get Around Istanbul<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Istanbul is a huge city\u2014in fact, it\u2019s the only one in the world that sits on two continents! Still, I\u2019ve found that its public transit system is excellent, with basically every form of transportation you can imagine. You can take the metro, the tramway, or the metrobus (a bus line that crosses the entire city in a single lane). There\u2019s even a train called the Marmaray that crosses from Europe to Asia under the Bosphorus! But of all of Istanbul\u2019s transportation options, my favorite is traveling by\u00a0<em>vapur<\/em> (steam ferry).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3002\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3002\" class=\"wp-image-3002\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Cruzar el B\u00f3sforo es mi trayecto favorito.\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-1170x1170.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/34487192231_5f448906b4_o-640x640.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3002\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crossing the Bosphorus by vapur is my favorite commute in Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>To easily get around Istanbul, I recommend buying an Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart) as soon as possible. This card will allow you to use all public transportation (except minibusses). You can easily recharge it at subway stations, kiosks, or ports (Iskele).<\/p>\n<p>I also recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trafi<\/a>, a useful app that tells you which lines of public transportation you can use to reach your destination.<\/p>\n<p>Be extremely cautious if you plan to get around by taxi. Taxi drivers in Istanbul are infamously untrustworthy: many of them will take a longer route to your destination, tamper with the taximeter, or swap out notes to get you to pay more. I recommend downloading the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bitaksi.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BiTaksi app<\/a>: you can leave reviews and report unscrupulous behavior, so the taxi drivers who use this app are usually fair.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #f50559;\">What to Eat in Istanbul<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Are you under the impression that all Turkish food is kebabs? If so, you\u2019re in for a treat! Turkish food is very rich and diverse, and it\u2019s one of the <a href=\"\/?p=1540\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">best reasons to travel to Turkey<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>There are many foods you should try, but one experience I highly recommend is eating a balik ekmek (fish sandwich) under the Emin\u00f6n\u00fc bridge. Turkish desserts are also delicious; my favorite is the k\u00fcnefe, a dessert filled with hot cheese.<\/p>\n<p>But my absolute favorite foods to eat in Istanbul are Turkish breakfasts. I recommend leaving the hotel and looking for a restaurant that serves a traditional Turkish breakfast. They\u2019re usually huge, so it will give you enough energy to travel throughout the city for the entire day!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3004\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3004\" class=\"wp-image-3004\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Desayuno turco en Estambul\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o-585x439.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/44380891462_81dc3c42ac_o.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3004\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Turkish breakfast in Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re still hungry, one restaurant I love that serves traditional Turkish food is \u00c7iya in Kadik\u00f6y.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for homemade Turkish food at a low price, try eating at a lokanta. These restaurants serve buffet-style food that\u2019s very cheap and usually delicious. My favorite local lokantas are Maya Lokantasi and Balkan Lokantasi.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #f50559;\">When to Visit Istanbul<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s always a great time to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Each season has its charm, but one of my favorite times to visit Istanbul is spring (around April and May), when the city is covered in flowers. If you visit in spring, don\u2019t miss the Istanbul Tulip Festival!<\/p>\n<p>Another good time to visit Istanbul is September, when the weather is still pleasant without being too hot or too cold. Winter is also a good time to visit if you like snow. It doesn\u2019t snow much in Istanbul, but if you&#8217;re lucky enough to be here on a snowy day, you&#8217;ll see that the city is even more beautiful when covered in white!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3006\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3006\" class=\"wp-image-3006\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Vistas de la Mezquita azul nevada.\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-1170x779.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-585x389.jpg 585w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/32165690136_29bda37e20_o.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3006\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Istanbul is even more beautiful in winter.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #f50559;\">What to Avoid in Istanbul<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Istanbul has a bit of a bad reputation thanks to global news stories about Turkey, but I assure you that this city is safe. Generally speaking, I feel much safer in Istanbul than I do in Madrid or Barcelona. Crime can happen anywhere, but as long as you exercise common sense, you should be fine.<\/p>\n<p>You may be surprised by the number of beggars you see in the streets. It\u2019s a sad truth that the war in Syria has driven many people to beg on the streets of Istanbul. Don\u2019t worry though, they mean you no harm.<\/p>\n<p>One area you should definitely avoid, especially at night, is the neighborhood of Tarlaba\u015fi. Although it\u2019s close to Taksim in the heart of Istanbul, Tarlaba\u015fi is a slum area known for prostitution and drug trafficking. The rest of the downtown area is quite safe, especially the neighborhoods where I recommend you stay, like Kadik\u00f6y, Be\u015fikta\u015f, and Cihangir.<\/p>\n<p>Despite Turkey being a Muslim-majority country, Istanbul is a surprisingly modern city. You won\u2019t see many covered women here, and the ones you do see are usually tourists from Saudi Arabia and other more conservative countries. In general, you don\u2019t need to worry about the clothes you wear in Istanbul. However, if you plan to visit the magnificent mosques of Istanbul or other religious places, I recommend wearing clothes that cover your arms, legs, and chest.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #f50559;\">Useful Turkish Phrases<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Turkish language is difficult to learn in my opinion, but you can always get by with English and a few Turkish words. Here are some useful Turkish phrases that will help you get around Istanbul:<\/p>\n<p>Merhaba: Hello<\/p>\n<p>Nasilsin: How are you?<\/p>\n<p>Iyiyim: I\u2019m fine<\/p>\n<p>Kolay gelsin: Take it easy<\/p>\n<p>Ho<em>\u015f<\/em>geldiniz: Welcome<\/p>\n<p>Afiyet olsun: Bon appetit!<\/p>\n<p>\u015eerefe!: Cheers!<\/p>\n<p>Bu ne kadar?: How much is this?<\/p>\n<p>Etsiz ne var?: What do you have without meat?<\/p>\n<p>Iyi ak<em>\u015f<\/em>amlar: Good evening<\/p>\n<p>G\u00fcnaydin: Good morning<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3010\" src=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/perroestambul-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Dog in Istanbul. \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/perroestambul-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/perroestambul-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/perroestambul-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/perroestambul-1-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/vuelveaviajar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/perroestambul-1-585x439.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Istanbul is a magical city, and in my opinion, the most beautiful city in the world. If you haven&#8217;t yet, now is a great time to visit Istanbul: the devaluation of the lira has made traveling throughout Turkey very cheap and the country\u2019s political state is currently stable. If you need more inspiration, I recommend reading these 6 <a href=\"https:\/\/thetravelscribes.com\/turkey-books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Turkey books<\/a> that will spark your wanderlust.<\/p>\n<p>I have traveled all over the world, but Istanbul is the only place that really feels like home. I love everything about this city: its neighborhoods, <a href=\"\/?p=25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">its stray cats<\/a> and dogs, its sunsets, its historical buildings, and gorgeous landscapes.<\/p>\n<p>Although living here isn\u2019t always easy, a trip to Istanbul is a unique experience that should definitely be on your bucket list. Don\u2019t miss your chance to discover the wonders of Istanbul! Hope to see you here soon!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h6>*\u00a0Disclosure:\u00a0Some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, if you make a reservation through the links above, I will earn a small percentage. This helps me to keep my website running. I really appreciate your support. Thanks!<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After living in Istanbul for over three years, it\u2019s about time I share with you all its secrets! In this guide, I will tell you the best places to visit in Istanbul,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2968,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","category-turkey"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Todo lo que tienes que ver en Estambul - Ani Anywhere<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this guide, I will tell you the best places to visit in Istanbul, both on the tourist side and off the beaten path. 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