Istanbul is obviously one of the most significant business centers in Europe. Just imagine a city on two continents, blessed by the beautiful Bosphorus strait connecting the two parts. There are various reasons to pack your bags immediately and start exploring Istanbul. Still, how well do you know seemingly minor details you'll need there? Let us help you with our list of the top ten Istanbul travel tips you must know to have a good time!

10. Don't Hesitate to Try the Dishes, Especially Sweets

If you're one of those tourists that rather stick to international food, Istanbul will change this. It will make you try the weirdest stuff that you'll adore! Is the Turkish delight way too sweet for you? We're sorry, but you'll have to take some more sugar this time since it's a crime to skip something as attractive as that!

Moreover, this rule is the most crucial when heading to the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar since that's where people will offer you basically anything to try. Baklava, Pişmaniye, all the tea flavors, and many more will be in front of you. People dedicating their lives to working at this bazaar will be salty if you don't try their dishes. Of course, you'll do it for free!

9. Taxi Is Cheap, But Be Careful

Learning about public transportation is crucial when visiting a city as massive as Istanbul. The good thing about it is that the taxis are cheap. Unfortunately, some drivers will attempt to take advantage if you don't know how to handle them.

While taxis in Istanbul usually don't cost more than 50 lira (or way less, depending on the distance), some drivers will offer a higher price. You have to stay smart and tell them you know it's a ripoff, and before you start driving with them, don't hesitate to talk about the cost. When you ask first, they'll know they won't fool you!

8. Bargain, Everywhere

They'll probably tell you that bargaining is necessary when visiting the Grand Bazaar. That's true – don't ever accept the price the seller offers since he won't expect you to agree! Bargaining is a skill to master along the way; as time goes by, you'll get better deals.

However, the Grand Bazaar is one of many places to bargain in Istanbul. Use that skill anywhere since Turkish people are ready to make an agreement whenever needed! In a taxi, lower the price if you can. In any other shop, do the same. It won't work everywhere, but you'll know you didn't waste the chance!

7. Ask the Waiters About the Prices and Basically Anything

We bet you have no idea how worthwhile the restaurants in Turkey are. They're the center of the best food you'll try, especially because Istanbul offers some of the most delicious dishes worldwide. However, we're not talking about food here – we're trying to tell you that people that work there can help you way more than any other locals!

Judging by all the experiences the tourists had in Turkey, the waiters usually speak English correctly. Hence, it makes you communicate easily with them. Luckily, these people are also beyond polite, they take their time for every guest ever, and they'll help you if someone's trying to fool you. Feel free to ask them anything – they'll be happy to help!

6. People Don't Even Speak English That Well

Unfortunately, you'll have problems if you don't speak Turkish in Istanbul. English isn't too exotic in the smaller places with many tourists, such as Kuşadası by the sea. However, some people won't understand you even when you're there. In Istanbul, though, don't expect an answer in English, especially in taxis!

Even though people rarely point this out, you'll need to know some Turkish phrases to get along. As we mentioned, the waiters are very fluent in English, and the same goes for the sellers since they're focused on the tourists. On the other hand, some hotel staff struggles with English!

5. Prepare Well for Your Boat Trip

As soon as you arrive in Istanbul, everyone will offer you a boat trip since Bosphorus is the most precious experience on the water. You can observe many palaces, bridges, and buildings from that perspective. However, you shouldn't choose your trip randomly, as there are some details to know!

Therefore, you'll need a local guide to show you what you're seeing since it's pointless to stare at all these buildings without a backstory. Furthermore, you should choose the right side to look at; if not, you'll miss all the prettiest things on the other one. Also, take a jacket with you, because it can get freezing cold!

4. It Can Get Cold By Night

As we mentioned, the weather in Istanbul can change rapidly – from warm to very cold, so don't leave your hotel unprepared. If you have a tour lasting a few hours, know that you'll probably need a jacket as soon as the sun slowly goes down, even though some evenings may be warm.

Regarding the icy days, Istanbul rarely has them since it doesn't even snow there too much. However, the days are sometimes so hot that you forget to bring a jacket for later. The city is so big that it's probably complicated for you to return to the hotel and change your clothes. 

3. Make Priorities

Most agency tours last a maximum of five nights, so prepare for a fast tempo throughout the day. Most of the time, you won't even sleep because you'll wish to see as many things as possible. However, running around without priorities will ruin your chance to enjoy it!

First, you must know that seeing Istanbul at once isn't possible. You can only visit some things you should when it's your first time there. Hence, you should make your own priorities and follow a plan that will make everything easier. Next time you're there, you can see some other stuff – don't worry, you'll definitely go there more than once!

2. Take Your Time – The Traffic Jams Are Terrible

Going out of the hotel as early as possible is a must if you're in Istanbul. If you have something scheduled, you'll need to start your journey even 45 minutes earlier, just in case of a traffic jam. When the traffic blocks all the streets, you might struggle for half an hour to get a taxi.

Moreover, sometimes you don't even need a traffic jam to arrive somewhere too late. The distance between all the districts is just too insane, so you'll need to spend a lot of time traveling to your destination. Patience is the keyword in Istanbul, so stay calm and think about all the lovely things you'll see there!

1. Communicate with People – They'll Most Likely Help You

When you were a child, they told you to not speak to people on the Internet, only to meet some fantastic fellows there. They usually say you shouldn't talk to strangers, but meeting people is crucial when traveling. That's how you'll get the natural feel of living in Istanbul, and these people will tell you the real story and help you!

Of course, you should be careful wherever you go and pay attention to who is approaching you. However, you shouldn't be closed off from any conversation because people in Turkey are beyond polite and love tourists. They'll know how to show kindness and make you feel welcome!

After you master all the skills mentioned above, we're sure you'll be a pro at knowing Istanbul. It's a large city and one of the best city breaks, so visiting it might be a big deal at first. Still, the world is your oyster, especially when preparing to have the time of your life!

Have you already had your first trip to Istanbul? Did you know all the details we mentioned in our top ten list?

Cover Photo: xxoktayxx/Pixabay