Istanbul is one of the most beautiful and incredible cities in the world. It is also one of the world’s first cities. If you are interested in visiting, you need to know what you require to enter the country and where you should go and what you should see. This city is full of stunning sights and so much to do, so don’t worry if you can’t do it all during your first trip – this is definitely a city you’ll want to visit again and again.
Check Travel Restrictions
Always check what the travel restrictions are when you book, as there may be changes to lockdown or quarantine rules when you land. Many travel sites, including hotels and airlines, offer deals that make it easy to change your booking dates in case travel restrictions change after you book, so check when you make your first booking and again a few days before your trip.
Get Your E-Visa
Many countries now require you to get a Turkish e-Visa before visiting. Don’t worry! This is a very fast and cheap visa to get. It takes just minutes to do if you are from one of the 100+ countries that can visit Turkey with an e-visa. Just go through the government page and fill out the application form. Once you pay, you’ll have to download the PDF e-visa and ideally print it out to be part of your travel documents.
Choose Where to Stay
First-time visitors will want to stay in either Sultanahmet and Taksim (Beyoğlu). These are very large areas that feature the best parts of Istanbul. Taksim (Beyoğlu), for example, contains Karaköy, which is one of the most prominent and historical areas in Istanbul. It’s ideal for those who want a great view of the peninsula and of old Istanbul. One of the best options in the area is The Bank Hotel Istanbul, which sits in the prominent district and is within easy reach to everything you’ll want to see and do during your stay.
Plan What You Want to Do
There are so many wonderful things to do within Istanbul:
Places to See
Istanbul has some truly spectacular tourist destinations to explore and see up close, including the Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous churches and mosques in the entire world.
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapı Palace
- Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
Places to Shop
Bazaars are beautiful on their own and great places to shop. In Istanbul, you have many great choices to choose from:
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Bazaar
- Çiçek Pasajı
- Feriköy Flea Market and Organic Bazaar
Museums to Explore
In a city as old as Istanbul, going to museums is a must. It isn’t all just historical facts and figurines you’ll find, however, with some great modern and contemporary art museums in the mix:
- Archaeology Museum
- Galata Mevlevi Lodge
- Istanbul Modern
- Arter Contemporary
Natural Delights
Need a break from the city during your stay? There are two excellent destinations for a break amongst nature:
- Gülhane Park
- Belgrad Forest
There are many great restaurants, entertainment venues, and spas that also make Istanbul so special. Explore the streets, enjoy the wonderful things to do, and fall in love with Istanbul.
