Frequently Asked Questions

You can search by category, location, or keyword. Each experience page includes detailed descriptions, highlights, inclusions, and customer reviews to help you choose that suits you best.

We offer skip-the-line tickets for top attractions, guided tours, cultural activities, boat cruises, day trips outside Istanbul, and more. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or adventure, there’s something for every traveler.

Many of our most popular attractions include skip-the-line entry, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time waiting. Please note that in nearly all attractions, a security check is mandatory.

For popular attractions, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. However, many experiences are available for same-day or last-minute booking.

Yes. Many activities on Istanbul.com confirm instantly, making it easy to book even at the last minute.

All tickets come as e-ticket QR codes, which can be scanned directly from your mobile device.

Each experience page clearly lists what’s included, such as entrance fees, guide services, or transportation, and what’s not. Some activities may offer optional add-ons.

At this time, tours and guided experiences offered through Istanbul.com are only available in English. We offer audio guides for many attractions in 25+ languages. Please check the experience’s dedicated page for more details.

Reviews play an important role in helping travelers make the right choice. To keep them authentic and trustworthy, only customers who have booked through Istanbul.com are able to share feedback on the tours and activities they joined. This way, you can be sure every review is based on a genuine experience.

Many of our tours do! When you’ve selected a tour, look under the box that lists the price for the tour, and you will see booking options. If the only option listed is Adult, then everyone who takes this tour will be charged the same rate. If a Child option is displayed, then a discounted rate will be clearly shown for children.

The confirmation email and your e-ticket include full details of the meeting point, start time, and any important instructions. Some activities also include hotel pick-up and drop-off options.

Some experiences may have age limits, health requirements, or dress codes (for example, when visiting mosques). Any such details are clearly mentioned on the attraction page, so you can plan ahead.

Istanbul.com accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. Payments are securely processed through our global partner Stripe, one of the most trusted payment providers worldwide.

All payments on Istanbul.com are processed in Euro(€). If your card is in a different currency, your bank or payment provider may apply its conversion rate and fees.

All transactions are protected by industry-standard SSL encryption and processed via Stripe’s secure system. Istanbul.com does not store your full card details, ensuring your payment remains private and safe.

Your card is charged at the time of booking. Once the payment is confirmed, you will immediately receive your e-ticket via email.

A payment receipt is automatically sent to your email once your booking is completed.

Prices may vary due to dynamic pricing, seasonal demand, or differences in tour options (for example, private vs. group tours). Istanbul.com always displays the final price clearly before you complete your booking.

The price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden booking fees on Istanbul.com.

Yes, all applicable taxes are included in the listed price. You will not be asked to pay additional taxes at the venue.

Cancellation terms differ by product. For the correct details, please check the product’s page.

To cancel, contact our customer support via email, WhatsApp line, or phone. We’ll process your cancellation as long as it complies with the provider’s stated terms.

Cancellation policies vary by product or experience, so for accurate information, please refer to the policy on that product’s dedicated page.

Cancellation terms differ by product. For the correct details, please check the product’s page.

Processing time may vary depending on your bank or payment provider.

Yes, amendments are possible. Contact us, and as long as it aligns with the provider’s policy, we’ll assist. Otherwise, changes are at the provider’s discretion.

If circumstances beyond our control (e.g., weather, force majeure) force a cancellation, we’ll offer either a rescheduling or a refund, depending on availability and provider terms.

Arriving late or missing your tour counts as a no-show, which is non-refundable.

For outdoor experiences (like boat tours or balloon rides) affected by weather, if the provider cancels, we’ll offer a refund or a rescheduled date based on provider’s policy.

The meeting point is always specified on the experience page. For example, for the Golden Horn & Bosphorus cruise, the meeting point is at DsignCafe near Topkapi Palace. For guided tours of Topkapi Palace, your guide will meet you at a designated landmark, holding a purple & fuchsia umbrella for easy identification.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth departure and avoid delays.

Please bring a photo ID that matches the name used for booking. All visitors, including children, must carry valid IDs at all times.

For standard group tours, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included unless explicitly stated on the experience page.

If you cannot locate the meeting point or are delayed, please contact our customer support line immediately (WhatsApp or phone number provided in your confirmation email). We will do our best to assist, but participation cannot be guaranteed if you arrive late.

When visiting religious sites such as Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, modest clothing is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Scarves are also available for purchase nearby if needed.

Yes, security checks are standard at major attractions and may include ID verification and bag screening. Please allow extra time for this.

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to explore the city is by public transport. Istanbul has an extensive network of metro, tram, bus, ferry, Marmaray (undersea rail), and metrobüs (bus rapid transit). For convenience, you can use the Istanbul City Card, which is an unlimited transportation card for tourists visiting Istanbul.

Istanbulkart is a rechargeable smart card used across almost all forms of public transport. Since Istanbulkart needs personalization with ID information, we recommend that you prefer the Istanbul City Card, which is specifically made for tourist needs with its unlimited public transportation usage. You can buy your Istanbul City Card on Istanbul.com, and it will be delivered to your hotel desk.

Yes, many metro, tram, and bus stations now accept contactless credit/debit cards for a higher price. However, the Istanbul City Card remains the most reliable and budget-friendly option.

You can top up your Istanbulkart at machines located in metro, tram, ferry, and bus stations, as well as in small kiosks across the city. Digital top-ups are also available via official apps and services. If you prefer the Istanbul City Card, then you don’t need to top up since it is unlimited through your preferred time slot.

Yes, you can purchase the Istanbul City Card and airport transfers directly via istanbul.com, making your trip easier from the moment you arrive.

Most metro and tram stations are equipped with elevators and ramps. Low-floor trams, buses, and ferries are increasingly available, but accessibility can vary. It’s advisable to plan routes in advance.

Many museums and major landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace provide wheelchair access and facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. However, some historic sites may have limited accessibility due to their architecture.

Public transport is generally reliable and frequent. However, during rush hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:30), expect crowds and occasional delays.

Yes, public transport operates late, and metro lines are usually safe. Buses and ferries run until midnight, with some night buses available. Still, like any big city, remain cautious and keep valuables secure.

You can use airport shuttle buses, taxis, or private transfers. Istanbul.com offers convenient pre-booked airport transfers for stress-free travel.

Taxis are widely available but can sometimes overcharge tourists. Always ensure the meter is running. Alternatively, you can use taxi apps for more secure pricing.

A dolmuş is a shared minibus or yellow shared taxi that follows a set route. It’s a quick and affordable option, but not always tourist-friendly since routes may not be clear in English. For Dolmuş rides, only cash is accepted.

Ferries connect the European and Asian sides, offering both practical transport and scenic views. They accept Istanbulkart and are a must-try experience for visitors.

The Marmaray is an undersea rail line connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It’s one of the fastest and most efficient ways to cross the Bosphorus.

The metrobüs is a dedicated bus line running along Istanbul’s main highways. It avoids traffic jams but can be very crowded during rush hours.

While Istanbul is hilly and traffic-heavy, bike paths are increasing, especially along the Bosphorus and coastal areas. Bike and e-scooter rentals are available, though not ideal for the entire city.

Yes, you can use our istanbul.com app for directions, tickets, and transfers. Additionally, Google Maps and the official “Metro Istanbul” app are helpful for routes and schedules.

Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Using the metro, tram, Marmaray, or ferries often saves time. If you must take a taxi, avoid rush hours when possible.

Small pets in carriers are generally allowed on the metro, trams, and ferries. Larger animals may require special arrangements.

Most metro lines operate until midnight. During weekends and holidays, certain lines may run 24 hours.

Regular ferries accept Istanbulkart and Istanbul City Card. For private sea taxis, you pay directly, usually by card or cash.

Yes, ferries run from several piers (Kabataş, Kadıköy, Bostancı) to the Princes’ Islands. Istanbulkart and Istanbul City Card work on these ferries.

A mix of tram (for Old City), metro (for faster travel), and ferry (for Bosphorus views) is ideal. Using the Istanbul City Card makes transfers between them seamless.

Definitely by ferry! Cruising across the Bosphorus offers stunning views of palaces, mosques, and bridges, one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the city.

While some experiences are operated directly by our trusted local partners, others are provided through affiliate partnerships with platforms such as Viator, GetYourGuide, and our sister brand Istanbul Tourist Pass®. In every case, the operator’s name and details are clearly listed on the experience page, so you always know who will host your activity.

Istanbul Tourist Pass® is our sister brand, offering skip-the-line access, guided tours, digital QR ticketing, and audio guides in more than 25 languages to Istanbul’s top attractions, all in one mobile pass. It’s designed to save you time, money, and stress while enjoying the city like a local.

On each experience page, the provider’s name is displayed clearly. This ensures transparency; you’ll always know whether the activity is hosted by a local partner, Istanbul Tourist Pass®, or an affiliate.

Yes. Whether the experience is operated by a local partner or via an affiliate, all bookings go through Istanbul.com’s secure system. Payments are processed safely, and you benefit from our customer support whenever needed.

You can reach us via email, phone, or WhatsApp. All contact details are provided in your booking confirmation email and also listed on the Istanbul.com website.

Our support team is available every weekday to assist you between 9 AM – 6 PM. For urgent issues (such as same-day tours), WhatsApp and phone support provide the fastest response.

Contact us immediately via the WhatsApp number provided in your confirmation email. We will do our best to assist, but participation cannot be guaranteed if you arrive late.

Our team provides assistance in English and Turkish. Additional language support may be available depending on staff availability.

Our experience pages and FAQ section on Istanbul.com cover the most common questions about bookings, tickets, payments, and experiences. Checking there first may save you time.

If you need help with your booking, directions, or general advice, our team is ready to assist travelers while they are in the city.

Yes. We use industry-standard SSL encryption and trusted global payment providers to keep your personal and payment information secure. Your data is never sold or shared with unauthorized third parties.

Only the details necessary to operate your experience (such as your name, booking date, or number of participants) are shared with the tour provider. Sensitive information like your payment details is never shared.

Yes. In line with GDPR and international privacy regulations, you can request access to the personal data we hold about you by contacting our customer support team.

If you no longer want Istanbul.com to keep your information, contact support, and we will remove your personal data from our systems, except for records required by law (e.g., financial transactions).

You can unsubscribe from newsletters or promotional emails at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of our emails.

Even without an account, you can control your data by reaching out to customer support. Your bookings are always tied to your email address, so you can access, update, or request deletion without needing a login.

Cookies help us improve your browsing experience, remember your preferences, and provide relevant offers. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings, though some site functions may not work properly without them.

Keep an eye on our Instagram and regularly check our website. Promotions and promo codes are announced there, and when you use a designated link, the discount is applied directly to your cart.

If you received a valid promo code, you can enter it at checkout, and discount will be applied instantly to your booking.

Istanbul.com currently does not offer a wallet or store credit system. Only active promo codes or promotional links apply discounts.

Yes, we periodically run seasonal campaigns (for example, New Year’s or summer sales). Follow our Instagram or visit our site to stay updated on time-limited offers.

No. Only one discount code can be used per booking.

Not always. Some promo codes are valid for all experiences, while others are limited to specific categories, activities, or travel dates. The conditions and restrictions are always clearly stated with each campaign.

If your booking is eligible for a refund, the refunded amount will reflect the discounted price you paid. Promo codes cannot be reissued or transferred to another booking.

No. You can book directly without creating an account. All booking details and e-tickets will be sent to your email.

Yes. Your booking confirmation email includes a link to view or manage your booking. From there, you can access your tickets, change details (if allowed by the provider), or contact support.

You can reach us via email, phone, or WhatsApp. Contact details are included in your confirmation email and also available on the Istanbul.com website.

Yes, if you made a typo or need to update your contact details, please get in touch with customer support.

Please check your spam or promotions folder first. If you still can’t find it, contact our support team and we’ll resend your confirmation.

All tickets come as digital QR codes, which can be scanned directly from your mobile device.

Istanbul.com is available in multiple languages, and prices are shown in Euro (€). You can switch the language on the website or in the app to browse more comfortably.