Istanbul Recommendations
To help you plan your trip, we’ve gathered some recommendations for your stay. We’ve included our top picks for where to stay and the sights we think are worth seeing while you're here. We want you to love this city as much as we do!
Breathe in, breathe out. This city is chaotic, and it might make you a bit tense at first, but a glimpse of the sea will calm you down in an instant. It’s the kind of place you’ll fall in love with and get frustrated by at the exact same time. With 8,500 years of history, Istanbul is truly unique and has so much to show you. For over 1,500 years, it was a Roman city. For the last 500, it has been a Turkish one, deeply shaped also by Greek, Jewish, and Armenian communities. While the city may not be as diverse as it was a century ago, you can still feel that influence in the architecture and, most importantly, the food.
Food is our love language. It’s how we show care for one another and how we truly experience a place. When you come to Istanbul, come hungry. Try as much as you can, step out of your comfort zone, and don't hesitate to try something unusual.
Meet the furry locals. Feel free to pet the street cats and dogs. They are very friendly and love the attention. With the cats, just let them sniff your hand first, and you’ll have a new best friend. But while the cats and dogs are lovely, the seagulls are the real owners of this city. You’ll see them soaring over the Bosphorus, and their calls are what make the Istanbul atmosphere complete. Don’t be afraid to say hi if one lands near you.
Understand the reality. It is very easy to romanticize this city, but it has many hardships. People here are struggling with a worsening economy and a sense that their freedom is being limited day by day by a conservative, oppressive government. There is an atmosphere of fear as opposition is often silenced or arrested. When you are here, you will see both sides of Istanbul: the breathtaking beauty and history, but also the people just trying to survive and find a way to enjoy their lives.
If you land at Istanbul Airport (IST)
This is the main, massive airport on the European side.
The Metro: This is usually the fastest way to beat the traffic. Take the M11 line and change at Gayrettepe (near Zincirlikuyu) to the M2 line. If you are staying in Galata, get off at Şişhane station. You can check the Istanbul Metro map here.
Taxi: A taxi to the center will cost you around 40–45 Euros. It’s the most comfortable, but obviously depends on the traffic. You can use to see the estimated price, but don't order a taxi with an app (they are not allowed to come inside the airport to pick up airport, so it gets a bit scammy and they ask for incredibly high prices). Instead, follow the 'Taxi' signs at the airport, which will lead you to a queue of taxi's. They will work on meter. If you pay with card, price will be 10% more.
Havaist Bus: These are airport shuttles. If you’re staying near Galata, take the bus toward Taksim and get off at the Tepebaşı stop (it’s a short walk to Galata from there).
If you land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
This airport is on the Asian side, so it’s a bit further from Galata.
Havabus (Shuttle): There is a shuttle that takes you directly to Taksim. It’s easy and convenient, but avoid this during peak traffic hours. Always check Google Maps first; if the roads are red, you’ll be sitting in the bus for a long time.
Metro + Ferry: Take the M4 Metro line all the way to the last stop, Kadıköy. From Kadıköy, take the ferry to Karaköy. It’s a 20-30-minute boat ride and the best introduction to the city. Once you land in Karaköy, you can either walk up the steep hill to Galata or take the F2 "Tunel" (the world’s second-oldest subway) which takes you right up the hill in 90 seconds.
Please don't hesitate to drop us a message about your arrival transportation. We can advise you the best route based on where you land and your accommodation.
The wedding is on the European side, so we highly recommend staying on this side of the city. Istanbul is huge, and staying nearby will make the trip to and from the venue much easier for you. If you have a specific spot in mind that we haven't mentioned, please don’t hesitate to check with us. We’re happy to give you a "safety and fun level" report on any neighborhood!
Our Favorite Spots
We think Galata is the best places to be. It is a neighborhood around the Galata Tower (medieval Genoese tower) within the Beyoğlu district, and we highly recommend looking for a place there.
If you stay in this area, you’ll be:
Walking distance to İstiklal Street: Full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Close to the nightlife: Right near the bar areas of Asmalı Mescit and Nevizade.
Near the water: A 10–15 minute walk gets you to the pier where you can hop on a ferry.
Near the history: It’s a very quick trip across to the "Historical Peninsula" to see Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Old City walls, and the Grand Bazaar.
If you want to look slightly beyond Galata, Karaköy or the streets directly surrounding İstiklal Street are also great choices. To make things easier, we’ve marked this entire recommended area on the map below so you can see exactly where we suggest staying.
Accommodation Recommendations
A Small Heads-up
While we love Beyoğlu, it has some tricky areas. If you’re looking at a place that isn’t in the Galata area, please check with us before you book. We want to make sure you end up in a spot that’s actually comfortable and safe.
A gentle reminder: come to Istanbul with a mindset ready to try everything. There is so much to taste, but here are the highlights we think you shouldn’t miss.
1. Turkish Breakfast
Breakfast here is more than just a meal. It’s a time to slow down and share a moment with people you love. We usually eat a huge variety of savory and sweet items. There are tons of breakfast spots in Istanbul. Pick one near you with a high Google Maps rating and you’ll be fine. You usually have three paths:
"Serpme" Breakfast: With this, your table is filled up with small plates, so you get a bit of everything (4–5 types of cheese, olives, vegetables, jams, honey, various egg dishes, and unlimited bread.)
Breakfast Plate: Instead of having a full table, you get a plate that has a bit of everything. A smaller version of the first option.
A la Carte: You can also just pick specific dishes. If you do this, definitely try Menemen or Pişi (delicious fried dough).
Our recommendations
2. Simit (The Turkish Bagel)
This is our go-to "on the go" breakfast. We also eat it with a full breakfast spread instead of regular bread. You can grab a Simit from the iconic red stalls on the street (you need cash for this), at supermarkets, or in bakeries.
3. Dinner: Kebabs and Lokantas
Turkey has hundreds of types of kebabs. Döner is obviously the famous one, but you’ll find so much more in Istanbul. Most kebab restaurants will also have vegetarian casseroles, and more and more spots are offering vegan options now.
But really, the warm and cold appetizers (mezes) are the stars. Devour as many as you can. Try the grape leaves, the aubergine in tomato sauce, the artichokes, and the green beans.
If you want to try real home-style food, visit a "Lokanta." This is where you’ll see all the freshly made dishes on display and you just point at what you want. It’s the best way to eat like a local, and they have tons of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Our recommendations
4. Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in heaven. We have both dairy-based and sugar-syrup-based desserts. You’ll find everything from puddings to pastries with nuts and chocolate. You should definitely try pistachio baklava. Also, try different Turkish Delights )our traditional sweet that’s sort of like a dense, marshmallow-like bite).
Our recommendations
Karaköy Güllüoğlu - Baklava
Hafız Mustafa - Baklava, Cakes, Puddings
J'adore Chocolatier - Chocolate Desserts
Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir - Turkish Delight (best one, but on the expensive side as well. you can find cheaper options in supermarkets)
And you will see lots of desserts in all the cafe's
5. Drinks
A heads-up on Alcohol: Taxes on alcohol are very high in Turkey, which makes prices steep. It’s a good idea to check the prices at a bar before you sit down.
Beer: Our favorite is Bomonti. It’s a Turkish beer made with a traditional recipe, and we think it’s the best drink for a day in Istanbul.
Wine: You won't find good wines in regular bars. Visit winebars for the best experience, but be mindful that a decent bottle will cost starting around €60-€70.
Rakı: Our other traditional drink is Rakı, a grape-based spirit with an anise (liquorice) taste. We mix it with cold water, which turns the drink a cloudy white.
Meyhane: Rakı is usually enjoyed with food and mezes. If you’re looking for a special night out, look for a Meyhane (these are traditional places specifically meant for drinking Rakı, eating meze, and having a good time).
Our recommendations
Sofyalı Street is full of great bars
Nevizade Street also has lots of bars and meyhane's
Inside Çiçek Pasajı, you can find Meyhane's
And you will see lots of desserts in all the cafe's
6. Coffee & Tea
Turkish coffee and tea... yumm! We drink both all day long, but they have very different stories.
Turkish Coffee
Our coffee culture is deeply rooted. Coffee made its way to the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s via Yemen, which was under Ottoman rule at the time. Istanbul actually saw the world’s first coffeehouses. They were such popular places for men to sit and discuss politics that some Sultans got paranoid and banned coffee entirely, thinking people were plotting against them.
How to drink it: We have our own way of brewing it in a small pot called a cezve. The coffee is poured into the cup along with the grounds.
Pro tip: Don’t shake your cup like you would with an espresso, and definitely don’t try to chug it. Drink it slowly and stop once you reach the thick grounds at the bottom. Also, it's usually served with a small glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight to balance the strong taste.
Turkish Tea (Çay)
This is the "plot twist" of our culture. Even though it feels ancient, drinking tea is actually a relatively new tradition for us. After WWI and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, coffee became incredibly expensive because we no longer controlled the lands where it grew (like Yemen). To find a cheaper alternative, the government encouraged tea farming in the Rize region (Black Sea).
Today, Turkey has the highest tea consumption per capita in the world (the average person drinks about 3 to 4 kilograms of tea a year). You will find tea basically anywhere you go.
The Vibe: We drink a simple, strong black tea. It’s almost always served in those iconic hourglass-shaped small glasses so you can see the color (we call the perfect red color "rabbit's blood"). You can add your own sugar, but we never add milk.
We suggest bringing comfortable shoes to walk around, as the best way to explore this city is on foot. Here are some key things to see and do. Be mindful that museums are quite expensive for tourists (40-45 EUR per ticket). If you want to visit museums, check this website to get affordable passes.
Also, Istanbul is sooooooo vast. The city horizontally "never ends" for over 100km. There is no one city center; there are actually 39 districts, and each has at least one center. It’s almost like small cities within a big city. The recommendations below are from the historical and most beautiful areas.
1. Historical Peninsula
This is the heart of the very old Istanbul city. This is where the Romans and Ottomans built their grandest structures, and you can feel thousands of years of history just by standing in the square. Most of the "big" sights are packed into this one area.
Hagia Sophia: Originally a cathedral, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again. It is one of the most important architectural wonders in the world—the dome is absolutely massive and breathtaking.
Blue Mosque: Famous for the blue Iznik tiles that cover its interior walls. It’s right across from Hagia Sophia and is a functioning mosque, so it’s free to visit outside of prayer times.
Yeni Camii (New Mosque): Located right by the Eminönü waterfront, this 400-year-old mosque is stunning. It’s free to enter and sits right next to the Spice Bazaar, making it a perfect quick stop.
Spice / Egyptian Bazaar: A paradise for your senses. You’ll find mountains of spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, and teas; it’s a bit more manageable and fragrant than the Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It’s a literal maze of thousands of shops selling gold, carpets, and leather, be ready to get lost at least once.
Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground water reservoir supported by hundreds of columns. It feels like an underground palace and features the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Sultanahmet Square: This was the Hippodrome during Roman times where chariot races happened. Now it’s the main square connecting the big monuments, filled with Egyptian obelisks and history.
Çemberlitaş: Home to the "Burnt Column," a monumental column built for Constantine the Great. It’s one of the oldest surviving Roman monuments in the city, standing right in the middle of a busy street.
Topkapı Palace: For centuries, this was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. You can visit the Harem, see the sacred relics, and enjoy some of the best views of the Bosphorus from the gardens.
Gülhane Parkı: This used to be the outer garden of Topkapı Palace. It’s a beautiful, quiet park perfect for a break from the crowds and a slow walk under giant trees.
Fener / Balat: These are old Greek and Jewish neighborhoods known for their incredibly colorful houses and steep streets. It’s become very popular for its local cafes, vintage shops, and cool photo spots.
2. Other Key Historical Landmarks
Galata Tower: A medieval stone tower that dominates the skyline. You can go to the top for a 360-degree view of the entire city, though the line is usually long.
Dolmabahçe Palace: A 19th-century European-style palace where the later Sultans lived. It’s incredibly opulent, filled with gold and crystals, and sits right on the edge of the water.
Maiden’s Tower: A small tower sitting on an islet in the middle of the Bosphorus. It is one of the most iconic silhouettes of Istanbul and there are many legends about it (one of them is - a king built a sea tower to protect his daughter from a prophesied snake bite at 18. Despite his efforts, a snake hidden in a fruit basket reached her, fulfilling the prophecy.).
3. Seaside
You can't really say you've seen Istanbul until you've spent time by the water. The Bosphorus is the soul of Istanbul, and these neighborhoods are where you can grab a tea and watch the incredible shades of blue.
Karaköy: Once a harbor district, it’s now one of the hippest areas in town. It’s full of street art, trendy coffee shops, and great restaurants tucked into narrow alleys.
Sarayburnu: This is the point where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus. It’s a great spot to watch the ships go by and realize just how much water defines this city.
Ortaköy: Famous for the beautiful mosque that looks like it’s floating on the Bosphorus. It’s a classic spot to grab a "Kumpir" (massive baked potato) and sit by the bridge.
Bebek: A very upscale and wealthy neighborhood. It has a beautiful promenade where locals love to walk, run, and grab high-end coffee with a view of the water.
Arnavutköy: Known for its historic wooden Ottoman mansions and some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. It’s a bit more peaceful and very picturesque.
4. Asian Side (Anatolian Side)
Locals usually live here, and it feels a bit more "real" and relaxed than the European side.
Kadıköy (Moda & Center): This is the cultural heart of the Asian side. It’s full of bars, record stores, and local markets (specifically Moda, which has a great park by the sea where everyone hangs out on the grass).
Caddebostan: Known for its long seaside park and "beach" vibe. It’s a very popular spot for locals to bike, skate, or have a picnic by the Sea of Marmara.
5. The Islands (The Best of All)
If the city gets too loud, the Princes' Islands (Adalar) are the perfect escape. These islands are located in the Sea of Marmara and are famous for having no cars allowed (everyone gets around by bicycle or electric shuttle).
Büyükada is the largest and most popular of them all. It’s full of lush nature, pine forests, and stunning old Victorian-style wooden mansions. You can rent a bike and ride around the entire island, or hike up to the Hagia Yorgi Church for an unbelievable view of the sea and the distant city.
How to get there: You just take a ferry! You can hop on a boat from Eminönü, Karaköy Beşiktaş, or Kabataş on the European side, or Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. The ride takes about an hour and is a beautiful trip on its own.
If you need a suit or a dress
The quick way: Just search for "shopping mall" in Maps and head to the one closest to you. Istanbul has a lot of malls, and you'll find the major brands in almost all of them.
Our recommendation: If you have time, head to Optimum Mall. It’s an outlet mall with a great selection of shops, and it's usually worth the trip. Just a heads-up: people in the shops there generally don't speak English, so have your Google Translate app ready to go!
Magnets and Souvenirs
Skip the overpriced tourist stalls and head to Yüksek Kaldırım Caddesi (the steep street leading from Galata to Karaköy). It’s lined with stores selling all types of souvenirs, and you'll find much better variety and prices there.
Spices, Dried Fruits and Nuts
For the best quality and local atmosphere, check out Hasırcılar Caddesi and the surrounding streets in the Historical Peninsula (near the Spice Bazaar). This is where the locals actually shop for their kitchens.
For anything else...
If you’re looking for something specific, just reach out to us and we'll point you in the right direction!
There is so much to see, do, and eat here that it can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of our personal highlights to help you narrow it down.
Take a ferry: Whether you’re heading to the Anatolian side or the islands, being on the water is breathtaking. Buy a simit before you board to feed the seagulls, they’ll fly right alongside the boat for a snack. If you want to lure them closer, keep throwing small pieces into the air.
Try Turkish Coffee: It’s not everyone’s cup of tea since the taste is very strong and distinct, but it’s a unique experience you shouldn’t skip. Some places offer it with mastika (gum flavor), go for that if you want something even more unique.
The Fortune Traditionally, we don't just drink the coffee and leave; we use the grounds to tell fortunes. Once you’re done, put your saucer on top of the cup, make a wish, and flip the whole thing over. Wait a few minutes for it to cool down and for the grounds to slide down and form shapes. Check this video.
The AI Twist: In the past, you’d need a friend who "knows how to read cups" to tell you your future. A much easier way to do it now is to take a few clear pictures of the patterns inside your cup, upload them to Gemini, and ask it to read your fortune for you. It’s a fun, high-tech way to get a "prediction" for your trip!
Pet the Locals: You aren't just visiting a city; you're visiting a giant, open-air pet sanctuary. You’ll find cats napping on café chairs and dogs lounging in the middle of busy sidewalks. They aren’t "strays," they are communal citizens cared for by everyone. Most of them are incredibly friendly and love the attention, so please pet as many as you can! It’s one of the most heartwarming parts of the Istanbul experience.
Explore Büyükada: Head to the far edges of the island. Away from the main square, you’ll find even more breathtaking views, quiet nature, and incredible old architecture.
Devour a Turkish breakfast: Find a place that does an "unlimited" spread. Make sure to try Pişi (fried dough) with various jams. Our favorite spot on the European side is Çeşme Bazlama.
Go to Güllüoğlu for baklava: This is the legendary spot. Look at the display and pick out a few different types. You can usually buy them by the piece. Try the pistachio, walnut, hazelnut, almond, and even the chocolate ones.
Eat Simit: It’s the ultimate Istanbul street food. Grab one from a red cart whenever you're hungry between sights.
Try Börek: There are so many varieties of these savory pastries (cheese, meat, spinach, potato). They make for a perfect quick lunch. Search börek on google maps and you will find several stores around.
Walk by the Bosphorus: This is the best way to see the city. Walking through Sarayburnu or Karaköy is great, but the stretch between Bebek and Arnavutköy is probably the most beautiful.
Climb Galata Tower: It’s not just about the gorgeous 360-degree view; the museum inside actually has some really interesting facts about the city’s history.
Drink a Bomonti: It’s our favorite local beer.
Eat at a Lokanta: If you want a break from kebabs, go to a Lokanta for home-style cooking. It’s healthy, delicious, and exactly what locals eat every day.
Do a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: It might sound a bit touristy, but we’ve tried it and it’s actually quite fun. You get to see the city lights from the water while watching traditional Turkish dances.
Spend a night at a Meyhane: If you want the "ultimate" Turkish evening, go to a Meyhane. It’s not just a dinner; it’s a marathon of slow eating, drinking Rakı, and long conversations. You’ll start with a table full of cold mezes, move on to hot appetizers, and maybe, if you have any room left, a main course. If there is "Fasıl" (traditional live music), be prepared for things to get a bit loud and festive. It’s the best way to see how we really celebrate and enjoy life. Near Galata, you can find a good meyhane in 3 spots:
Asmalı Mescit area
Nevizade area
Inside Çiçek Pasajı
Cross over to the Anatolian side (Kadıköy): Most visitors never leave the European side, but that’s a mistake. Take the ferry to Kadıköy to experience the city's local, "hip" vibe. It’s the best place to grab a drink, enjoy some great music, and see how the younger generation in Istanbul actually lives and hangs out.