Accommodation Prices in Istanbul
A budget plan Istanbul visitors can actually use starts with choosing the right area to stay. Istanbul offers a wide range of accommodation options, including five-star hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, and apartments suitable for different budgets. The first thing we suggest you consider is choosing a neighborhood that matches your purpose of visit.
If you want to be close to the city’s shopping spots and entertainment venues, hotels around Taksim Square and Beşiktaş can be a good fit. If you want to experience the city’s historical texture up close, you can stay in areas such as Sultanahmet, Galata, and Karaköy. If you prefer a quiet yet lively atmosphere, Kadıköy is often a popular choice. If enjoying a sea view from your balcony sounds appealing, you can choose Adalar, also known as the Princes' Islands.
Because the transit network is widespread in Istanbul, you can usually reach public transportation without much trouble no matter where you stay. Still, accommodation prices vary widely depending on location, season, and hotel type.
Current Accommodation Prices in Istanbul
For five-star hotels, an adult night stay costs between 290-11200 Turkish Lira (500 euros on average). In hotels with lower stars, an adult night stay costs between 180-1900 Turkish Lira (90 euros on average). In hostels, an adult night stay costs between 130-590 Turkish Lira (30 euros on average). One night of rent for apartments costs between 960-99 000 Turkish Lira (55 euros on average).
As with any large city, rates can change depending on the season, district, and demand, so it is always a good idea to check the official site of the property or the latest booking platforms before making your final decision.
Transportation Prices for Your Budget Plan Istanbul Trip
There are many means of transportation in Istanbul, and the city can be very budget-friendly in this regard. You can use the bus, Metrobus, Marmaray, metro, ferry, minibus, taxi, taxi minibus (Sarı dolmuş), tram, and Uber for inner-city and intercontinental travel between the Anatolian and European sides.
You can use a single transportation card, Istanbul Card, for buses, Marmaray, metro, tram, Metrobus, and ferry. You can get the Istanbul Card from offices or ticket machines (Biletmatik) throughout Istanbul. You can top up your card from the mobile application, website, and ticket offices. The Istanbul Card fee is 13 Turkish Lira (1.15 euros). The adult tariff for the Istanbul Kart is 4.03 Turkish Lira (0.36 euro). For current fares and card details, you can also check the official Metro Istanbul website.
Adult fare for Marmaray is calculated according to the number of stops between the stations you are traveling to. The adult tariff is 4.03 Turkish Lira (0.36 euro) for 1-7 stops and 8.91 Turkish Lira (0.79 euro) for 36-43 stops. If you have traveled less or more than the specified number of stops, you can refund the fee charged at the vending machines at the stations.
In Istanbul, the initial fee of taxis is 5.55 Turkish Lira (0.49 euro), and 3.45 Turkish Lira (0.30 euro) is charged per kilometer. You can use mobile applications to call for a taxi or contact a nearby cab stand using map services. You can also use Uber in Istanbul.
The initial price set for Uber in Istanbul is 4 Turkish Lira (0.35 euro). It costs about 0.40 Turkish Lira per minute. The cost per kilometer is 2.5 Turkish Lira (0.22 euro). For this reason, Uber prices vary depending on the route. In addition, Uber has congestion charging that can increase by 2 to 3 times.
If you plan to visit major landmarks such as Hagia Sophia or shop around the Grand Bazaar, public transportation is usually one of the most practical ways to keep costs under control. Ferry routes can also be useful for sightseeing, and you can review official city ferry information at Şehir Hatları.
Food and Drink Prices in Istanbul
One of the fascinating things about Istanbul is that there is a wide range of restaurants in the city, including luxury restaurants, street food buses, and international, local, and authentic Ottoman cuisine restaurants. You can dine according to your taste and budget, whether in luxury restaurants with Bosphorus views or in small, warm, and cozy average restaurants.
- Prices in Istanbul restaurants vary between 25-300 Turkish Lira (15 euro on average).
- The average menu price in a fast-food restaurant is 30 Turkish Lira (2.60 euro on average).
In short, food spending can be as low-key or as indulgent as you want it to be. Street food and casual local restaurants can help you save money, while waterfront or fine-dining venues naturally increase your daily budget.
Offices and Banks Where You Can Exchange Currency
You can exchange currency at exchange offices located at airports in Istanbul and tourist districts such as Taksim, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, and around the bazaars, as well as at banks such as TEB and QNB Finansbank.
Because the exchange rate is constantly changing, the data you get from the internet and the rates at exchange offices may not coincide. Sometimes the figures you see online and the rates offered at the office can be slightly different. It is useful to keep this in mind before making an exchange.
It is best that you check it yourself just before your budget planning. If you prefer to use your own currency (euro/dollar) during your visit to Istanbul, some restaurants, shops, and hotels may help you with this. However, to have a more comfortable trip, we recommend exchanging your currency into TL, the official currency of Turkey, at a reliable office or bank.
How to Build a Realistic Daily Budget
Your total travel cost in Istanbul mostly depends on three variables: where you stay, how often you use taxis instead of public transportation, and where you choose to eat. A traveler staying in a hostel, using the Istanbul Card regularly, and eating mostly at affordable restaurants will have a very different budget from someone booking a five-star hotel and dining at upscale Bosphorus venues.
That is why the most practical approach is to divide your budget into four simple categories: accommodation, transportation, food and drink, and a small extra amount for shopping or unexpected expenses. If you are planning to visit several popular areas in one day, choosing a centrally connected district can also save both time and transportation costs.
FAQ
Is Istanbul expensive for tourists?
Istanbul can fit many budgets. The city has hostels, mid-range hotels, luxury properties, public transportation, street food, and high-end dining. Your total cost depends mostly on where you stay, how you travel around the city, and the type of restaurants you choose.
What is the cheapest way to get around Istanbul?
The cheapest and most practical option is usually public transportation with an Istanbul Card. It can be used on buses, metro, tram, Metrobus, Marmaray, and ferries, making it a budget-friendly choice for most travelers exploring different parts of the city.
Should I exchange money before arriving in Istanbul?
You can exchange money before arriving, but many travelers also use exchange offices and banks in Istanbul. Since exchange rates change constantly, it is a good idea to compare rates shortly before exchanging and use reliable offices or banks.
Which areas are best to stay in for different travel styles?
Taksim and Beşiktaş are suitable for shopping and nightlife, while Sultanahmet, Galata, and Karaköy are convenient for historical sightseeing. Kadıköy offers a quieter but lively atmosphere, and Adalar can appeal to travelers who want a more scenic stay.
