Istanbul Travel Blog – A Greek Bloggers tips to visiting Istanbul

Last Updated on February 13, 2022 by Tia

In this Istanbul Travel Blog, we will cover all the facts and tips you need to know before you visit Istanbul.

The highlights of the city, along with its history, climate, budget, and customs await!

The blue waters of the Bosporus, the glistening rooftops, the call to prayer echoing across the Golden Horn, the smells, sounds, and energy…Welcome to Istanbul!

Keep reading to explore Istanbul, the only city in the world that belongs to two continents; Asia, and Europe

Where is Istanbul ?

Istanbul is in Turkey. It is one of the most special cities in the world, as its position belongs to Europe and Asia at the same time.

In the south of Istanbul you find the Marmara Sea, and to the north, the Black Sea.

On the European side, you will find all the historical sights, and on the Asian side, all the glorious food markets, and what I like to call, the real essence of the city.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Why you should visit

This city is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in Europe or Asia.

The reasons are many, but in a single city, you will find a plethora of Greek and Eastern influences.

Additionally, your eyes will marvel at monuments like Ayia Sofia church, mosques, tombs, palaces, and food markets.

At the same time, you can explore cosmopolitan shopping, street art, beautiful rooftop restaurants, and a lively night scene to top it all off!

This Istanbul travel blog will take you through this enigmatic city filled with wonders, culture, and a perfect combination of ancient and modern!

A brief History – Why Istanbul is really, Costantinoupoli

Until 1453, Istanbul was in fact called Constantinople (Kostantinoupoli) and was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 324.

The city was set on the site of an already-existing city, called Byzantium, which was settled in the early days of Greek colonial expansion, in around 657 BC, by colonists of the city-state of Megara.

In 1453 it was captured by the Ottoman Empire and made the Ottoman capital. Later in 1923, the Republic of Turkey was founded and so the capital became Ankara. 

Constantinople was officially renamed Istanbul in 1930 and Hagia Sofia was turned into a mosque.

The dwindling Byzantine Empire came to an end when the Ottomans invaded the city by breaching Constantinople’s ancient land wall after besieging the city for 55 days.

The war was bloody, brutal, and cruel, with over 4.000 deaths.

The Fall of Costantinoupoli called outrage, and Pope Nicholas immediately sought help to recover the city, although he received no help from any Western Monarch.

The fall of the legendary Constantinople was a turning point in Western History and is seen as the end of the Middle Ages.

What is it like visiting Istanbul as a Greek or Cypriot citizen?

I’m going to be brutally honest here.

Istanbul is a safe country to visit- sure – but my experience as a Greek Cypriot traveling there was somewhat… different.

And I will be the first to admit, that perhaps I am also to blame, as I am prejudiced because of all the bad history between the Turks and Greeks/Cypriots.

After all, Cyprus was invaded by Turkey in 1974, and still wrongfully inhabits 1/3 of my country.

But I have to say, the minute we spoke Greek, we were met with a certain hostility that made me uncomfortable.

Taxis didn’t seem eager to take us to the Saint George’s church for Greek Easter, and Ayia Sofia (A Greek Wonder) was filled with Islamic inscriptions everywhere.

All these details made me feel kind of unwanted, so I feel compelled to share them here.

Do let me know if you have a different experience, especially as a Greek.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Language and Religion

The official language in Istanbul is Turkish, although English is also spoken due to tourism.

The religion is mostly Muslim, although some small proportions of Christians and Jewish people still live in the city.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Dress Code

As stated above, Istanbul is a Muslim city, although it is also modern and westernized!

As a result, the dress code is relaxed, but also modest.

A headscarf is not mandatory for women but you will need to cover up when you visit a mosque. Men should also wear t-shirts and have their knees covered to visit mosques.

My Jordan Packing Guide is perfect for this Istanbul travel guide, as it is also a Muslim destination and the same rules apply!

Make sure you pack a pashmina, so you can quickly and easily cover-up. (you will need to do this several times per day!)

Tia’s tip: Feel free to pack something fabulous if you want to hit a nightclub! The dress code there is definitely more relaxed!

Unusual things to do in Istanbul

Below, you will find suggestions for the most historical sights in Istanbul.

But there is more to this fascinating city that meets the eye! All you need is to know the secrets!

And you can enjoy hidden gems like religious ceremonies, authentic cuisine, marble art workshops, food cooking classes, and more!

If that sounds like you, then definitely read the most unusual things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul Travel Blog – The most historical sights

In this Istanbul travel blog, I wish to help you explore Istanbul in its 360-degree glory.

To achieve that, you need to plan an itinerary that includes unusual activities, as well as the highlights and historical sights of Istanbul.

I am certain you have heard of many of these world-renowned locations. The Grand Bazaar, Ayia Sofia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), and Topkapi Palace are only a few!

Keep reading for a full list of Istanbuls Highlights and Sights!

Where to stay in Istanbul

Choosing where to stay, will greatly affect the quality of your holidays and of course your accommodation and transportation budget!

There is nothing worse than being in the wrong area, or overspending on a hotel! Read hotel and area recommendations here

Istanbul Travel Blog – Climate

In this Istanbul travel blog, I find climate information to be of crucial importance! ‘There is nothing worse than freezing in your entire trip and trust me, I say this from bitter experience!

Summer is both warm and humid with very little rain but during winter, it is cold, wet, and sometimes snowy.

The hottest month is August (25-30 degrees) and the coldest is January (6 degrees).

Best time to visit

The summer is pretty great in Istanbul!

It is definitely not as hot as Cyprus, but it is busier and more crowded. Springtime is a good time to visit – less heat and fewer crowds too.

On average, April is 17 degrees and May is even better at 22 degrees!

Alternatively, September and October are also beautiful months to visit, with 25 and 20 degrees respectfully!

What if I visit Istanbul during Ramadan?

I have a whole article about what it is like visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan!

This will help you understand what Ramadan is, and to know how it will affect your holidays.

For example, some sights might be closed as well as many restaurants and bars. Or as a sign of respect, you might like to only eat and drink inside closed doors.

Muslims practicing Ramadan do not eat, smoke, have intercourse, alcohol, or even water from sun up to sundown.

Particularly in Istanbul, you will find many things open during that time.

Such examples are the famous Grand Bazaar, many restaurants, food stalls, and sights. The famous Blue mosque is also open, but with limited opening hours.

Tia’s Tip: During Ifte (the breaking of the fast at sundown) restaurants might be super busy and crowded.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Cuisine

Istanbul is a melting pot of multicultural influences and delicious tastes.

In most of the dishes, you will find southeast European staples and Middle Eastern tastes. These of course, result in a fantastic culinary experience!

The 360 rooftop restaurant is one of my favorites in the city for fine dining and excellent views of the city!

The Istanbul insider has a brilliant article on the 10 top things to eat in Istanbul.

Can I eat street food?

Absolutely! The hygienic standards are quite high in Istanbul, and you’ll find many tempting food stalls in the streets!

As always, I advise being sensible when it comes to choking where to eat in ALL your travels.

Choose establishments that are busy, especially with locals! And of course, make sure it looks clean, and that food is prepared fresh and not left outside for ages!

Should I leave tips?

A 10% tip is customary in restaurants, but not in bars or taxi rides.

Tia’s tips: Before you tip, make sure you check the bill! If it says ”Servis Dahil” it means they gave already added your service charge 🙂

Can I drink the tap water?

No! Bottled water is a better choice for tourists, and is widely available everywhere you go!

In the event of a funny stomach from water, food, or alcohol, make sure you take some activated charcoal tablets. You will need to pack those in your bag beforehand.

I buy mine from Amazon, as it is so much cheaper online than in the pharmacy! Activated Charcoal sucks up all the toxins from the body and will eliminate stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea in no time!

Istanbul Travel Blog – Transportation and Airports

Istanbul is actually a large city, but thankfully, not too hard to get around.

You can choose many transportation options like the bus, metro, tram, ferry, and taxi.

The airports in Istanbul are two, Ataturk airport on the European side, and Sabina Gokcen Airport on the Asian side.

Ataturk is the airport most frequently used by tourists!

Do I need a visa?

Cypriot travelers need to apply for an E-visa online and obtain their visa on arrival or online. The same rules apply to UK citizens too!

Tip: You will need to enter the names and details of babies and children traveling with you.

Additionally, you MUST buy your e-visa before your arrival in Istanbul. The visa is valid for 180 days, but you can only stay for 90 days in the city.

What is the best way to cross between Asia and Europe in Istanbul?

The cheapest and most enjoyable way to cross between the European and Asian sides is to take the ferry.

There are frequent ferries that take this route between Eminomu and Kadikoy. Alternatively, you can take a bus or Metrobus!

Lastly, you can visit the famous bridge, and walk along to cross from Asia to Europe.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Budget

I say this in all my articles, but please remember that you can travel either cheaply or expensively everywhere in the world, including Istanbul!

This depends on the type of accommodation you choose, the amount of shopping you want to do, and the type of food you choose to eat!

On average, I spent around 40- 50 euros daily on food, sightseeing, drinks, transport, and unexpected items here and there.

Below is a daily average budget plan.

Should I exchange money?

The Currency in Istanbul is the Turkish lira. Although large shops and sights might accept Euros, I would advise you to trade in the Lira.

You can use ATMs, which are available everywhere in the city. Better yet, pop into a currency exchange office, where you will get better rates.

Tia’s Tip: You will always save money by exchanging in the country you are visiting. Take out enough money from an ATM at the airport for the first day, and exchange the rest in the city.

For good rates, DO NOT exchange at the airport, or your hotel!

Safety and Tourist Scams in Istanbul

All things considered, Istanbul is a safe city. There are very few violent crimes in the city, although caution should be applied all our travels!

What is not uncommon though, are petty thefts and tourist scams. I was the victim of two of those in the space of a week!

So make sure you get to know the most known tourist scams in Istanbul

Charging your devices in Istanbul

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs

. I used my international travel adapter. It has got to be my most used travel purchase of all time – and it’s super cheap too!

Thank you for reading through my Istanbul Travel Blog! I hope I have given you the answers to all your questions on this beautiful, historical, and highly multicultural city!

Make sure you subscribe below to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts! And while you are here, go on and follow my Instagram for daily travel inspiration and news!

Love, Tia

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Other Istanbul Articles

Istanbul Travel blog – All you need to know to plan the perfect trip

The most unusual things to do in Istanbul – The Things that no one tells you about.

Beautiful Istanbul Photography – Travel Inspiration

Istanbul Scams to know before you travel – Avoid getting scammed and robbed