The only real rule is please don’t wear white (for obvious reasons!). Other than that, we just want you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. We want you to enjoy the day, not worry about your outfit. If you’re really stuck or have doubts about a specific look, just drop us a message, we’re happy to give you a thumbs up!

Pro-tip: Istanbul nights can be chilly in the summer due to the breeze. As the venue is between the lake and the sea, it might get a little windy after the sunset. We advise you to bring a jackat or scarf with you.

Absolutely! We are more than happy to host your little ones. To help you plan your day, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• • Vibe check: We trust you to know your children! We just ask that older kids are mindful of the ceremony and that you’re still able to let loose and have a great time with us.

  • The "Reset" Rule: If your baby gets overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or starts a "protest" during the ceremony or speeches, we trust you to whisk them away for a quick reset so they can calm down in a quieter space.

  • Feeding & Comfort: You are more than welcome to use the bridal room if you need a private, quiet space for breastfeeding or a quick diaper change.

  • Strollers: There won’t be dedicated high chairs or baby seats at the venue, but there is room to park a stroller right by your table. Feel free to bring your stroller on the shuttle, we’ll make sure there’s space for it!

  • Noise levels: Turkish weddings can get quite loud once the music starts (and the drums come out!). If your little one is sensitive to noise, you might want to bring a pair of baby ear defenders so they can nap through the party.

• • Kids' Food: If your child is a picky eater or needs to eat on a specific schedule, feel free to bring along some of their favorite snacks. We can also ask the venue to help warm up a bottle or baby food if needed.

  • Local Love: Just a heads-up, people in Turkey love babies. Don’t be surprised if the venue staff or other guests offer to help or try to entertain your child. It’s just the Turkish way!

We’ll be celebrating at Park 333 Wedding Garden. It’s a beautiful spot right by the lake in Avcılar.

• • Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oN76kDDPBLavPVQe9 

  • Address: Gümüşpala Mah. İskece Cad. No:7/3 Avcılar, 34320 AVCILAR/İstanbul

Please plan to be at the pickup spot at least 10 minutes before departure so you don't miss it. If you do happen to miss it, don’t worry, you can just take a taxi to the venue. If you’re coming from the European side, the ride will cost roughly €25–€35, depending on the traffic (which, fair warning, can be a beast).

Yes, you can definitely come by taxi if you miss the shuttle or prefer to travel solo. A few things to keep in mind:

• Check the venue name: Our venue is Park 333 Wedding Garden. Be careful, as there are other venues with similar names nearby (like Kiyi 333). Double-check the name on your app before you hit "request!"

• The Cost: If you are staying near Galata/Karaköy, the ride will cost roughly €25–€35.

• Payment: We recommend using the Uber or BiTaksi apps. If you pay by credit card through the app or in the cab, be aware that there is usually a 10% surcharge added to the fare.

• Plan to arrive early: Istanbul traffic is unpredictable. Please check Google Maps or Yandex Navigasyon before you leave to ensure you’ll make it in time for the ceremony.

Yes, feel free to bring your own! We will most likely have wine, rakı and/or beer at the wedding. If you have a specific favorite drink or spirit, please bring it along. The venue will provide all the soft drinks, ice, and glasses you’ll need to enjoy it.

A quick tip: If you want something specific (like gin, whiskey, or vodka), we highly recommend buying it at Duty Free before you exit the airport. Alcohol is very expensive in Turkey due to high taxes. If you need to buy something in the city, look for supermarkets like Migros or local liquor stores called "Tekel."

Having you travel all this way to celebrate with us is the real gift for us. However, if you’re feeling generous and want to contribute to our honeymoon and other adventures, we’d be incredibly grateful.

• If you’re thinking digital: For those who’d rather avoid carrying cash around or dealing with ATMs, you can use PayPal, Revolut or iDEAL/WERO.

• The "Local" Way: If you want to experience the local tradition, you can also buy gold coins, that’s the ultimate Turkish way. It’s the standard wedding gift here because it’s a way to give the couple something that actually keeps its value (or even increases). You’ll see jewelry stores called "Kuyumcu" all over the city, but the Grand Bazaar is the heart of it and usually has the best rates. Plus, you get to experience the chaos of the Grand Bazaar and see hundreds of gold stores with their crazy shiny displays. Just remember that purchasing gold is cash-only.

• Physical Items: As we live in the Netherlands, we won't be able to take large physical gifts back with us. However, we are happy to make room in our suitcases for very small items like trinkets or little memory pieces!

This is a bit tricky. As of 2026, the Turkish government has tightened regulations on international eSIM providers (like Airalo or Holafly), and many of their apps are blocked once you land in the country.

If you want an eSIM: You should purchase and activate it before you leave home. It will likely work once you land, but you might not be able to "top it up" or fix it once you're inside Turkey because the apps might not open.

The safest bet: Pick up a physical "Tourist SIM" at the airport or a shop in the city. Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom are the big ones. You’ll need your passport to register it, and it usually takes about 10 minutes. A tourist pack (with plenty of data) usually costs around €25–€45 and lasts for 30 days.

You can pay by card almost everywhere. You’ll really only need cash for three things:

• Street food: If you’re buying a simit or roasted corn from a small street stall.

• Bargaining: If you’re shopping in local stores, you can usually get a better price if you offer to pay in cash.

• Tipping: If you really liked your service and you want to tip, then leaving cash is the only option.

To be honest, taxis here are notorious for tourist scams. If you hail a cab on the street, always make sure the meter is on (you’ll see the digital fare on the rearview mirror).

• At the airport: Only use the official taxi stands outside. Don’t try to call an Uber or BiTaksi from the airport arrivals; it often leads to "shady" situations between drivers and security.

• Around the city: Use the Uber or BiTaksi apps to call a cab. It’s much safer because it tracks the route and gives you a price estimate.

• Paying by card: Most taxis now accept cards, but keep in mind you will be charged 10% more to cover the bank commission.

• Groups: Don't count on finding a large taxi (8-seaters). They are very rare. You’ll mostly find standard yellow cars that fit 4 people.

It’s actually very easy. You can buy a physical Istanbulkart from the yellow machines at any metro or train station and top it up with cash. But the easiest way? Just tap your debit or credit card for the bus, metro, ferry, and even the Marmaray train.

If you’re having a lazy night/morning or just need some snacks, you’re in the right city. Istanbul has amazing delivery options that are usually very fast. The three most famous apps are Yemeksepeti, Trendyol and Getir.

They cover everything from full restaurant meals to basic groceries, flowers, pet food. Trendyol (using the "Yemek" or "Hızlı Market" sections) is also a huge favorite here. Most of these apps have English language settings, but keep in mind that the delivery drivers might call you if they’re having trouble finding your door, so keep your Google Translate app handy just in case!

Short answer: No. While the city's water is technically treated, the pipes in many buildings are very old, and the water usually has a strong chlorine taste. It’s perfectly fine for showering and brushing your teeth, but for drinking, you should stick to bottled water.

You can buy water at any supermarket, corner shop, or street stall. If you’re staying in an Airbnb and want a larger supply, use the delivery apps (Getir or Yemeksepeti) to order 5L or 10L jugs directly to your door. It’s super cheap and saves you from carrying heavy bags!

Generally, yes. Like any massive city, you should keep an eye on your pockets in very crowded places like the Grand Bazaar or İstiklal Street. But overall, it’s a very social and safe city where people are out and about until late at night. Just use your "big city" common sense and you'll be fine.

Common scams to watch out for

• The "Dropped Brush" (Shoe Shine Scam) - This is Istanbul’s most famous scam. A shoe shiner walking ahead of you will "accidentally" drop one of his brushes.

  • The Trap: When you pick it up and return it, he will be overly grateful and insist on giving you a "free" shine as a thank-you. Halfway through, he’ll start applying expensive creams you didn't ask for and then demand an expensive price. If you refuse, a group of his "friends" might suddenly appear to pressure you.

  • The Fix: If you see a brush drop, ignore it. If you feel the need to be helpful, just point at it and keep walking.

• The "Let’s Have a Drink" Scam - Primarily targeting solo male travelers around Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue.

  • The Trap: A well-dressed, friendly local approaches you, asks for a light or the time, and strikes up a conversation. They eventually suggest going to a "great local bar" they know.

  • The Sting: You’ll be joined by "hostesses" who order expensive champagne. When the bill comes, it could be €1,000 or more. If you can't pay, "security" will escort you to an ATM.

  • The Fix: Never go to a second location with someone you just met on the street.

• Taxi Tricks - Most Istanbul taxi drivers are honest, but a few bad actors give the city a rough reputation.

  • The "No Change" Scam: You hand over a 200 TL note. The driver quickly swaps it for a 20 TL note (they are both slightly reddish/blue) and claims you underpaid.

  • The "Broken Meter": They claim the meter is broken and quote a "special fixed price" that is 3x the actual fare.

  • The Fix: Use the BiTaksi or Uber apps to call rides. The fare is tracked, and you can pay by card through the app, eliminating the "wrong bill" trick.

• The "Complimentary" Appetizers - In tourist-heavy areas like the Galata Bridge or Sultanahmet, waiters may place bread, water, or small appetizers (meze) on your table without you asking.

  • The Sting: You assume they are free, but they show up on the bill at premium prices.

  • The Fix: If you didn't order it, ask "Meze ikram mı?" (Is the appetizer a gift?). If they say no, ask them to take it away immediately.

Tipping isn't strictly mandatory in Turkey, but it is always appreciated if you enjoyed the service, especially if you are with a large group or staying for a long time.

Locals don't really follow a "percentage of the bill" rule. Instead, we tip based on how much we liked the experience. Depending on the size of your group, a tip starting from 50 Lira is a nice gesture. For example, if we go out as a group of four, we’d typically leave around 200 Lira. There’s no real maximum; it’s entirely up to you and your "vibe" with the staff!

If you have a few extra days to explore, Turkey has some incredible spots just a short flight or drive away:

• Cappadocia: Famous for sunrise hot air balloons and "fairy chimney" rock formations. Stay in a cave hotel and explore Derinkuyu, a massive ancient underground city that once housed 20,000 people.

• Ephesus & Izmir: Walk through Ephesus, some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins in the world. Afterward, head to Izmir for a modern Aegean vibe or Kuşadası for the beach.

• Pamukkale: The "Cotton Castle." It’s a mountain of white thermal pools made of travertine. You can actually swim in Cleopatra’s Pool right in the middle of the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

• Bozcaada: A charming, windy island in the Aegean. It’s all about cobblestone streets, colorful Greek houses, and vineyards. It’s the best place for a slow-paced, wine-filled escape.

• Kaş: A favorite spot on the "Turquoise Coast." It’s a bohemian town with crystal-clear water, great diving, and boat trips to see the Sunken City of Kekova.

About Istanbul history / culture

• Podcast | Come hungry - You are about to fall in love with Turkish Cuisine.

• Youtube Video | Istanbul Food Tour

• Youtube Video | Traditionally Vegan & Vegetarian Dishes

• Youtube Video | History of Istanbul / Constantinople

• Youtube Video | Beginner Turkish phrases you can use during your trip.

• Playlist | Songs about Istanbul

Apps

• Yemeksepeti

• Getir

• Trendyol Go

• BiTaksi

Places to see

• Tourist Pass 

• Key Places To See

• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Food & Drinks

• Google Maps List with Our Recommendations 

Accommodation Recommendations

• Airbnbs

• Hotels