You booked your hotel room; bought your flight ticket and you are more than excited to be visiting istanbul alone that you could just pack up and leave now even though your trip is months ahead. you can’t stop talking about your dream trip to those around you, but wait, why are they reacting so negatively, warning you to be careful in istanbul if you are going to be traveling on your own? it is not even your first time traveling abroad alone. so, what is going on? nothing! we can assure you that istanbul is just as safe as another european city. but then, you might be asking yourself, why is everyone reacting this way? well, there is a lot of badmouthing going on about istanbul but when you stop to ask if they have ever visited the city, it usually turns out that those who badmouth about the city have never set foot on it, and only heard stories from others.
published: 29 September 2022 / updated: 21 November 2024Share
Be Aware Of Scammers:
That does not mean that Istanbul is all roses and sunshine. The city has its fair share of scammers and dangerous neighborhoods. But most of the time, taking the usual precautions just like anywhere else is enough to have a pleasant experience in Istanbul. Keeping away from dark, lonely alleys, carrying a phone with an internet connection, and making sure not to carry valuables is important.
Watch Out For Dishonest Taxi Drivers:
Istanbul is especially notorious with its taxi drivers. If you don’t know a word of Turkish, nor anything about the city, taxi drivers may easily drive you around before dropping you at your destination, charging you double or triple the fare.
Get Professional Support To Plan Your Istanbul Trip:
If you want to have a comfortable Istanbul trip, yet you don’t want to be stuck with those boring group tours that overpriced travel agencies arrange, you will love the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
Unlike the usual travel agencies and their boring, fix group tours, Istanbul Tourist Pass allows you to independently discover the city on your own timeline, with your preferred sightseeing, giving you the flexibility and the comfort you are looking for!
Take Advantage Of Istanbul Tourist Pass:
Istanbul Tourist Pass is a pass that covers the entrance to the most important, must-see attractions that the city offers through one digital code and one-time payment. That means you don’t need to go around looking for tickets to every single attraction you want to visit, waiting in lines hours.
Your Key to Istanbul
Grab the Deal! Time Left to Claim:
05
hours
22
minutes
54
seconds
Planning Your Istanbul Trip?
Istanbul Tourist Pass®️ is your digital pass to 100+ attractions, including Istanbul’s top sights, guided tours and unique experiences. It gives you skip-the-line access and nothing to pay at the door.
✓ Valid for 1 year
✓ Mobile QR ticket
✓ Skip the ticket lines
✓ Save up to 50%
Top Attractions and 100+ Attractions & Experiences Included:
⭐ Trusted by 2M+ travelers since 2013 ⭐ 100% savings guarantee
The pass not only offers you entry to attractions, but it also allows you to have your personal assistance in your pocket, that is available to answer your questions and help you with anything you may need. If you have an urgency you can always reach out to the Istanbul Tourist Pass team and you will be guided over WhatsApp (every day from 09:00 to 18:00).
The pass includes a three-day unlimited internet connection in Turkey giving you access to many apps as well as Google Maps to track your location and help you find your way around the confusing streets of Istanbul easily for extra safety and caution.
Let’s Do This!
All in all, traveling in Istanbul is as safe as traveling anywhere else if you take the necessary precautions. But if you are looking for a completely safe experience that still allows you to be flexible enough to plan your own trip according to your timeline and as wallet-friendly, time efficient, and convenient as possible, you will love the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
Planning your trip before coming to Istanbul gives you a great advantage. Thanks to a good plan, you will be able to visit the most important points of the city in a short time. Having more than 20 years of experience in the sector, istanbul.com is proud to be the biggest supporter of travelers who prefer to Istanbul via mobile application support and ease of payment by credit card.
To get more information on what is included with the pass, the options, the destinations, the prices, and frequently asked questions, make sure to check out the official webpage of Istanbul.com. In addition, to keep up to date with special discounts and offers, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Related Tours
Skip the Line
Recommended
Secure Payment
Full Day Tour
Audio Guide
Kids Friendly
Sightseeing
History
Nature
Guided Tour
Entrance Ticket
Pick Up/Drop Off
For Limited Time Only FREE INTERNET w/ eSIM! Skip-the-Line Access to 100+ Museums, Tours & Attractions w/ Show&Go instant e-Tickets! Get a flexible pass & Explore Istanbul by yourself. Save up to 70%
Beşiktaş is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. There are many neighborhoods in Beşiktaş with different identities but to be fair it is a great district for shopping. Central Beşiktaş is good for its bakeries, accessories, and small boutiques. Other neighborhoods like Bebek or Etiler on the other hand is great for luxury shopping. Here all you need to now about Beşiktaş and shopping.
Turkey is a country surrounded by seas on three sides. Therefore, it is very rich in fish and seafood. It is possible to get lost among the fish and seafood on the menus of Istanbul restaurants. Because a saying in Turkey is reflected in the culinary culture of the whole country: “I would eat my own father if he came out of the sea.”
Where is selamicesme? the selamicesme neighborhood of the kadikoy district is home to the selamicesme mosque. being one of the most well-known and adored neighborhoods on istanbul's asian side, getting there is not a problem. the marmaray and stepping out at the feneryolu stop are the most direct ways to travel to kadikoy from the european side of istanbul. selamicesme mosque is about a 5-minute walk from there.you can board one of the ferries that depart from eminonu for kadikoy if you prefer a more time-consuming yet enjoyable mode of transportation. by doing this, you can spend about 15 minutes admiring the stunning bosphorus strait while grabbing a cup of tea and some goodies from the store inside the ships. when you arrive at the kadikoy pier, seek the big yellow iett bus pick-up location, which is very close to the kadikoy pier. take the bus with the number 4 or the one with the 16d. to get to the selamicesme mosque, get out at the onsekiz mart stop and walk for 5 to 10 minutes. other things to do in and near kadikoy visit the moda neighborhood: the moda neighborhood is one of kadikoy's attractions that stands out from the rest. there is enough to do here to keep you busy for a full day. take a stroll along istanbul's moda coast to observe the bosphorus strait from one of the city's most picturesque and tranquil coastlines. you will unavoidably pass by a few tea gardens on the way there. choose one with a view of the bosphorus, and as you take in the scenery, order a cup of tea or turkish coffee. visit dondurmaci ali usta to sample any of the more than 50 types of delicious, all-natural ice cream for some of the best ice cream in turkey. next, board a tram and begin exploring kadikoy. you will observe the district's prevailing bohemian aesthetic during your trip. you can take a culinary walks kadikoy tour to enjoy turkish cuisine while touring one of the most well-liked neighborhoods on istanbul's asian side because kadikoy is home to a lot of fantastic restaurants where you can sample numerous dishes from the well-known turkish kitchen. visit moda stage theatre to see some of the finest works of turkish theater and cinema. the location for art lovers in kadikoy, there are various plays and movies being produced here, from well-known shows to more independent, arthouse films. after all of this, it might become a little bit late, but don't worry—kadikoy is recognized for having fantastic nightlife with a variety of top-notch bars and pubs. arkaoda is undoubtedly one of istanbul's top bars and a favorite among both locals and tourists. this establishment, which can be found on bar street, features fantastic live music, a wonderful ambiance, and a wide selection of top-notch drinks. viktor levi wine house provides more than 12 different varieties of wines prepared in their cellar if you prefer outstanding house wine over a few beers. the interior of the building is decorated with a variety of plants, adding to its elegant appearance. do you like rock music? so zincir bar is the spot for you. this inviting and welcoming tavern offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks at more reasonable prices than other bars around. are you prepared for another adventure? the following day, depart from the kadikoy dock and board a ferry to eminonu. once there, enter the historic neighborhood of fatih because there is much to learn about this area.
Hagia sophia or ayasofya could be considered the most visited attraction in istanbul along with its neighbor topkapı palace museum. hagia sophia was built as a christian church around 532. throughout time, hagia sophia has become a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again. the minarets and inscriptions of islam illustrates the theological transformations that have occurred in the region throughout the centuries. after turkey's administrative court reversed a 1934 judgment that paved the way for hagia sophia's usage as a museum, a decree on the 10th of july 2020 to legally classify the hagia sophia as a mosque was issued.