Istanbul Travel Guide 🇹🇷
Everything you need to know before visiting Istanbul — culture, budget, food & itinerary
🌤 Live Weather — Istanbul
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📌 Quick Facts
Country Turkey
Currency Turkish Lira (TRY)
Language Turkish
Time Zone TRT (GMT+3)
Plug Type C / F
Driving Side Right
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
eVisa Available 30–90 Days Stay Passport Valid 6+ Months- Indian citizens can apply for Turkey eVisa
- Hotel booking & return ticket recommended
- Proof of funds may be required
🗓 Best Time to Visit
Apr–Jun Best weather
Sep–Oct Pleasant & less crowded
Jul–Aug Hot & busy
Dec–Feb Cold but cheaper
💰 Average Trip Budget (Per Day)
- 🎒 Budget: TRY 900–1,300 | ₹2,400–3,500 | $30–45
- 🏨 Mid-range: TRY 1,800–2,800 | ₹4,800–7,500 | $60–95
- 👑 Luxury: TRY 4,500+ | ₹12,000+ | $150+
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Grand Bazaar Bosphorus Cruise Galata Tower🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Metro, tram & ferries
- Istanbulkart recommended
- Walkable historic areas
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom
- Tourist SIMs at airport
- 4G widely available
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash widely used
- Cards accepted in hotels & malls
- ATMs easily available
🍢 Food & Local Cuisine
- Kebabs
- Baklava
- Simit
- Meze
- Turkish tea & coffee
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Istanbul Film Festival
- Ramadan & Eid celebrations
- Bosphorus cultural festivals
🛡 Safety & Tips
- Generally safe for tourists
- Beware of taxi overcharging
- Avoid political gatherings
🙏 Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly in mosques
- Remove shoes when required
- Respect prayer times
🎒 What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Scarf for mosques
- Light jacket (spring/autumn)
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Hot summers
- Cool, wet winters
- Four distinct seasons
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
- Day 2 – Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern
- Day 3 – Bosphorus cruise
- Day 4 – Grand Bazaar & Spice Market
- Day 5 – Galata & Taksim
❓ Istanbul Travel FAQs
Is Istanbul expensive for Indians?
Istanbul is affordable. Budget travelers can manage on ₹2,500–3,500 per day.
Is Istanbul safe for tourists?
Yes, Istanbul is generally safe, but stay cautious in crowded tourist areas.
Do Indians need a visa for Istanbul?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a Turkey eVisa.
How many days are enough for Istanbul?
4–5 days are ideal to explore Istanbul comfortably.