Istanbul City Guide 2022

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ISTANBUL:

BEFORE YOU SET OFF:

Due to the current pandemic, certain regulations are applied:

- All visitors are required to have a HES code which can be obtained by sending a text message to the number (2023) with the following code:

- HES Country code Pass. no. D.O.B SurName Requested validity period in days 

- Ex: HES PKS 87654322 1955 Ahmad 30

- Wearing facial masks is a must in all public transportation and places.

ISTANBUL CARD

For public transportation, you need to purchase an “Istanbul Card” through the yellow vending machines available at the entrance of transportation points at minimal fee. It can be refilled from the same machines. 

SIM CARD

There are three mobile operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom. You can buy SIM card at the airport at the arrivals terminal. The documents you need is simply your passport and valid visa.

MONEY EXCHANGE

You can exchange money at the airport or at the city from the 'döviz' offices. However, it is worth mentioning that the exchange rate in the airport higher than downtown.

COVID-19 TEST BEFORE YOU RETURN

If you need a COVID-19 test before your return, you can meke it any of private or public hospitals. The cost is between 250 to 500 TL.

YOUR 6 DAYS TOUR

DAY 1: Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofya Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, 

WHY TO VISIT?

It is the most popular area for tourists. It contains ancient sites, mosques, restaurants, and museums. Ayasofya was built as a church, converted to a mosque, stayed 86 years as a museum now is back to being a mosque. 

DAY 2: Grand Bazaar, Matmutpasa Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque.

WHY TO VISIT?:

The oldest & largest closed market is the Grand Bazaar, harboring 4,000 shops within. 

DAY 3: Taksim Sqaure, Istiklal Avenue, Galata Tower, Miniaturk Museum, Eyup Sultan Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill.

WHY TO VISIT?

The companion of prophet Muhammmed (S.A.W), Abu Ayyub al-Ansari tomb lays in Eyup Mosque. It is the first constructed mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi an Ottoman scientist flew from Galata tower crossing the Bosphorus & landing to Uskudar. In order to reach to Pierre Loti Hill you can climb up the hill or ride the telpher. 

DAY 4: Dolmabahce Palace, Yıldız Park, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress.

WHY TO VISIT?

The Rumeli Fortress was built on Sultan Mehmet II orders in 1452 during preparations for conquering Byzantine Constantinople.

DAY 5: Maiden's Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, Camlica Hill, Camlica Mosque.

WHY TO VISIT?

The Maiden's Tower is 2500 years old. The biggest mosque is Çamlıca built in 2019, can take up to 60,000 worshiper at the same time.

DAY 6: Princes' Islands

WHY TO VISIT?

There are 4 islands the biggest one named “Buyukada”, you can enjoy lots of activities and beauty of nature. You can ride the bike, rest at the beach. It is really an oasis of peace and quiet. 

MOSQUES:

Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofya Mosque, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Şehzade Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Eyup Sultan Mosque, Arab Mosque, Valide Sultan Mosque, Dolmabahçe Mosque, Ortaköy Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque,  Çamlıca Mosque.

MUSEUMS:

Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, Basilica Cistern, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, The Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, Dolmabahçe Palace, Naval Museum, Yıldız Palace, Ihlamur Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Galata Tower, Galata Mevlevi House, Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Miniatürk, Panorama 1453 History Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Maiden's Tower.

SHOPPING MALLS:

Cevahir, Zorlu Center, Kanyon, Metrocity, Özdilek Park, Akmerkez, Istinye Park, Historia, Forum Istanbul, Marmara Forum, Olivium Outlet,  Venezia Mega Outlet, Isfanbul,  Mall of İstanbul,  Emaar Square, Optimum Outlet, Buyaka, Viaport Outlet

BAZAARS (HISTORICAL MARKETS):

Arasta Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Mahmutpaşa Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Eminönü Copper Bazaar & Hasırcılar Bazaar

ENTERTAINMENT:

Museum of Illusions, Madame Tussauds, Isfanbul Theme Park, Istanbul Dolphinarium, Istanbul Aquairum (Aqua Florya Mall), Pelit Chocolate Museum, Snowpark (Torium Mall), Kidzania (Akasya Mall)

STREETS & SQUARES:

Taksim Square & Istiklal Street, Çırağan Street (Beşiktaş), Ortaköy Square, Beyazit Square, Fevzipaşa Street (Fatih), Üsküdar Square, Kadıköy Square, Bağdat Street (Kadıköy)

OTHER PLACES: 

Princes Islands, Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car (Eyüp Sultan), Gülhane Park, Yıldız Park, Emirgan Grove, Fethi Paşa Grove, Nakkaştepe Park, Çamlıca Hill, Hidiv Pavilion & Grove Forest, Polonezköy Nature Park

ISTANBUL METRO MAP: PLEASE CLICK HERE