You will see a lot of "things to do in Istanbul" or "top 10 things to do in Istanbul" kind of lists everywhere. Here we are giving a counter list. It is easier to write a to-do list for Istanbul for travelers, but every city has its own culture and rhythm that some disappointments may happen while visiting the city. As a resident of Istanbul, it is my duty to warn people in advance, before they come to avoid do these things which anyone can easily do..
1) Do not take Metrobus at rush hour
Metropolitan Istanbul is a huge area and millions of people travel inside the city each morning and leave it in the evening to arrive their work or home. Tens of thousands take the metro-bus, a speed bus service which has it’s own lane on the motorway. It is a great option to pass through Bosphorus and commute from Asian side to European side or opposite, since it can effectively bypass the heavy bridge traffic. It’s way too far being kind at rush hour since you just leave yourself into the human stream and find yourself inside the bus. It’s mostly difficult, sometimes impossible to get off the bus when you get to your station.
Believe me, it is not a nice and comfortable experience. Just look at the photo below, you will see why.
2) Don’t expect drivers to stop for pedestrians
Istanbul is suprisingly safe for its size and chaos but the most dangerous aspect of it is still there to watch out : the traffic. Drivers in Istanbul, like the others in Turkey, would not stop because you’re about to cross the road. Stripes are useless, drivers are unfortunately ignorant about this. I hope this will change in near future (cross your fingers!). Even if it is green for you, check twice if there is a car still coming.
Are you thinking to use a bike in Istanbul? Just another not-to-do in Istanbul! (I do it regularly but if you don’t have time to get used to, just don’t do it)
3) Don’t buy souvenirs without bargain
What you've heard is true, Turkish people are so friendly and most of the time, they offer everything they have; except professional relations. I mean, if you’re in a shop, the owner will probably overcharge you because you’re a tourist. The same person, with the same reason, will help you to the end if you need help on the street. (Well, like you do in your hometown, be aware of forgery and bad behavior!)
First advice: Don’t buy souvenirs from the main tourist areas! But if you have to, do bargain! I’ll write another entry about how to bargain with Turkish people, but for a brief explanation, I can surely say that the price of many things is twice of the real price.
4) Don’t wear one layer clothe on season change periods
Weather of Istanbul is super unpredictable. This is especially true in spring and autumn, it can change from 10 degrees to 28 degrees during the day, it may rain, shine after and then a wind storm may begin. Worse, it may snow in Sultanahmed while it is quite shiny and warm in the Northern parts of Bosphorus (at the same time!)
It’s best to wear a t-shirt, then a sweatshirt, then a thin jacket and if you’re going to stay out at late night, it’s better to have a coat with you. Of course you can check weather forecast but you’ll thank me after you experience a day out in April.
5) Do not wear the colors of big football clubs
Istanbul is home to the biggest football clubs in Turkey and a minority but significant number of their supporters are hooligans and can be dangerous for people dressing the colors of other clubs. Since it is common for a hooligan mind to attack first and judge later, they may just attack you because of the colors you wear look like rival club's colors, long before realizing that you are just a tourist.
6) Do not fall into tourist scams.
When it comes to tourist scams, Istanbul can easily play to top 10 in the world. Some common scams are Blue Mosque scam "guides", taxi scams, overpricing, bar/club scams, accounts of bar/club scams, Lira/Euro scams and shoe brush scams. Here in Wikitravel Istanbul Travel Guide page, you can find an updated list of these scams as well as some establishments to stay away.
7) Don’t think that Istanbul is just Sultanahmet and Taksim
Even though old town of Istanbul is amazingly beautiful and Taksim area is full of fun, there are many districts of the city which has lots of attractions to see. Never skip Asian side, which has a more authentic lifestyle and a cool youth. Uskudar will offer you a historical atmosphere with a nice Bosphorus coast. If you want to experience a boat trip and a nature walk, don’t miss out Prince Islands.
8) Disrespect to Turkish Flag
Well, you probably know that disrespecting a countries flag in that country is quite a stupid idea, but in Turkey some "normal" behaviour for you can still be considered as disrespect such as wearing a flag as a part of your clothing.
9) Do not bother with Taxis
You will ofcourse need taxis a few times but try to minimize this. Other than overcharging problem and various scams, with the heavy traffic in Istanbul, this is a slow way of transportation. If you plan your commutes outside rush hour and use rail system (which now even connects Asia and European side) as well as buses and boats, you will probably go around faster.
10) Don't pay everything with 50 TL
Many Turkish shop owners and taxi drivers will love to keep extra change as "tip", if you pay them 50 TL for something worth 10 TL or a little more. Keep 10 TL, 5 TL and 20 TL notes in your pocket and pay with them, whenever possible (especially in the taxis).
1) Do not take Metrobus at rush hour
Metropolitan Istanbul is a huge area and millions of people travel inside the city each morning and leave it in the evening to arrive their work or home. Tens of thousands take the metro-bus, a speed bus service which has it’s own lane on the motorway. It is a great option to pass through Bosphorus and commute from Asian side to European side or opposite, since it can effectively bypass the heavy bridge traffic. It’s way too far being kind at rush hour since you just leave yourself into the human stream and find yourself inside the bus. It’s mostly difficult, sometimes impossible to get off the bus when you get to your station.
Believe me, it is not a nice and comfortable experience. Just look at the photo below, you will see why.
 |
| Metro-bus and the rush hour crowd. Source - Istanbullies |
Istanbul is suprisingly safe for its size and chaos but the most dangerous aspect of it is still there to watch out : the traffic. Drivers in Istanbul, like the others in Turkey, would not stop because you’re about to cross the road. Stripes are useless, drivers are unfortunately ignorant about this. I hope this will change in near future (cross your fingers!). Even if it is green for you, check twice if there is a car still coming.
Are you thinking to use a bike in Istanbul? Just another not-to-do in Istanbul! (I do it regularly but if you don’t have time to get used to, just don’t do it)
3) Don’t buy souvenirs without bargain
What you've heard is true, Turkish people are so friendly and most of the time, they offer everything they have; except professional relations. I mean, if you’re in a shop, the owner will probably overcharge you because you’re a tourist. The same person, with the same reason, will help you to the end if you need help on the street. (Well, like you do in your hometown, be aware of forgery and bad behavior!)
First advice: Don’t buy souvenirs from the main tourist areas! But if you have to, do bargain! I’ll write another entry about how to bargain with Turkish people, but for a brief explanation, I can surely say that the price of many things is twice of the real price.
4) Don’t wear one layer clothe on season change periods
Weather of Istanbul is super unpredictable. This is especially true in spring and autumn, it can change from 10 degrees to 28 degrees during the day, it may rain, shine after and then a wind storm may begin. Worse, it may snow in Sultanahmed while it is quite shiny and warm in the Northern parts of Bosphorus (at the same time!)
It’s best to wear a t-shirt, then a sweatshirt, then a thin jacket and if you’re going to stay out at late night, it’s better to have a coat with you. Of course you can check weather forecast but you’ll thank me after you experience a day out in April.
5) Do not wear the colors of big football clubs
Istanbul is home to the biggest football clubs in Turkey and a minority but significant number of their supporters are hooligans and can be dangerous for people dressing the colors of other clubs. Since it is common for a hooligan mind to attack first and judge later, they may just attack you because of the colors you wear look like rival club's colors, long before realizing that you are just a tourist.
6) Do not fall into tourist scams.
When it comes to tourist scams, Istanbul can easily play to top 10 in the world. Some common scams are Blue Mosque scam "guides", taxi scams, overpricing, bar/club scams, accounts of bar/club scams, Lira/Euro scams and shoe brush scams. Here in Wikitravel Istanbul Travel Guide page, you can find an updated list of these scams as well as some establishments to stay away.
7) Don’t think that Istanbul is just Sultanahmet and Taksim
Even though old town of Istanbul is amazingly beautiful and Taksim area is full of fun, there are many districts of the city which has lots of attractions to see. Never skip Asian side, which has a more authentic lifestyle and a cool youth. Uskudar will offer you a historical atmosphere with a nice Bosphorus coast. If you want to experience a boat trip and a nature walk, don’t miss out Prince Islands.
8) Disrespect to Turkish Flag
Well, you probably know that disrespecting a countries flag in that country is quite a stupid idea, but in Turkey some "normal" behaviour for you can still be considered as disrespect such as wearing a flag as a part of your clothing.
9) Do not bother with Taxis
You will ofcourse need taxis a few times but try to minimize this. Other than overcharging problem and various scams, with the heavy traffic in Istanbul, this is a slow way of transportation. If you plan your commutes outside rush hour and use rail system (which now even connects Asia and European side) as well as buses and boats, you will probably go around faster.
10) Don't pay everything with 50 TL
Many Turkish shop owners and taxi drivers will love to keep extra change as "tip", if you pay them 50 TL for something worth 10 TL or a little more. Keep 10 TL, 5 TL and 20 TL notes in your pocket and pay with them, whenever possible (especially in the taxis).
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