Everything you need to know for a wonderful whirlwind experience in the world’s best city as a Muslim traveller.

Why visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is a unique gem of a city that illustrates a history of 2500 years of cultural unity in the world. Often described as the bridge between the East and the West, this transcontinental city is an unveiling of tradition and modernization, seamless multiculturalism, and beauty in all of its forms. 

Istanbul stands proudly as an example that the idea of the East and West as opposite sides of the coin is a myth, that East and West co-exist as reliant on each other. The city was a cultural center of the world in the Middle Ages; a bustling hub of the Byzantine Empire that continued the Western Roman Empire for longer than it was present in Rome, then home to the expanding Ottoman Empire that connected North Africa to Central Asia. 

Today, visitors can trace similarities across architecture that merges European Renaissance styles with Persian and Arab influences, taste divine dishes with ingredients and spices from across expansive and diverse Asia and explore winding quarters built around the transportive Bosphorus that melded Istanbul into the important city it is.

Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archaeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner scream with the same admiration. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place on earth

Edmondo De Amicis, World Famous Italian Writer

How to get a Turkish Visa?

It is always best to check your countries visa regulations before travelling anywhere. With regards to Turkey, applying for a tourist visa is simple. If your country has an e-Visa agreement with Turkey you can apply for a visa online. In addition, many nationals can get their visa on arrival at the airport. The tourist visas are generally valid for a 90 day period, which is more than enough time to visit every nook of Istanbul.

The Airports in Istanbul

There are two airports in constant use in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport on the Asian side.
Taxis are always available outside both airports, Ubers are also available but not always reliable. 
If you want to avoid the hassle of finding transport upon arrival, it is best to book an airport transfer online. The company provide clear instructions on where they will collect you upon arrival. 

The most affordable way to reach the city centre is via Airport Shuttle who have specific times of departure and bus stops in the most popular spots of Istanbul. 

Where to stay in Istanbul?

Sultanhamet

Tourists who want to be at the centre of all and within walking distance from most of the historical sights in Istanbul should choose Sultanhamet.  It should be anticipated that Sultanhamet is extremely busy, It is perfect for people visiting Istanbul for the first time as it throws visitors directly into the spirit of the city. Every turn presents historical minarets, multi-lingual individuals and shops regurgitating with Turkish treats. You will be close to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar.

Beyoğlu

The district of Beyoğlu is the district north of Sultanhamet which houses the smaller areas but nonetheless important districts of Galata, Taksim and Karaköy. 

Galata

The Galata area is a wonderful area for a more gentle immersion into Istanbul, the cobbled streets present beautifully lined buildings that hide historical gems or luxury modern surprises. Galata houses the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and the Jewish Museum of Turkey. Historically, Galata was home to many European, Christian and Jewish communities and still carries this feel with European restaurants, bars and music cafes. The medieval Galata Tower, a feat of its time overlooks the district from all angles.

Taksim

Once the leftist, hippy area of Istanbul, Taksim is the never-sleeping quarter of Istanbul. It is extremely well connected to the rest of Istanbul with metro stations, a tram and buses. Istiklal Street is lined with endless shops, restaurants and cafes. The most important national monument is the Independence Monument at the foot of the metro. The Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) has an array of performances at all points of the year. 

Karaköy

Karaköy is the port area of Beyoğlu, this district has always bustled with the goings and comings of merchants and sailors. Today, locals and visitors use this area as a major hub for intercity boat travel, all available with the Istanbul Kart.

Kadıköy

A district on the Asian side that sits parallel to Fatih, Sultanhamet. Kadıköy is distant from the hustle and bustle of the European side and can be a great option for those who want a unique slower-paced experience of Istanbul. Kadıköy is a more affordable district with more locals than tourists and traditional cuisine that Istanbulians enjoy. Lovers of Lokum (Turkish Delight) can visit Hacı Bekir, one of the oldest recorded makers.  

Besiktas

Besiktas slightly north of Beyoğlu rests along the Bosphorus coast as a luxurious district that houses the Haute-class Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Yıldız Palace, and Ortaköy Mosque. With a mix of everything, the historic buildings, nightlife, culture and shopping Besiktas is often neglected by first-time visitors.

What NOT to do in Istanbul!

Don’t forget to reply hoşbulduk!

When entering any establishment you will be welcomed with the words hoşgeldiniz ( Welcome and literally nice coming), don’t forget to reply hoşbulduk (hosh bulduk) the automatic reply to show cultural sensitivity. 

Don’t enter mosques with shoes! 

Mosques in Turkey have a designated area just before entering the mosque where you must remove your shoes. Tourists often confuse this area as a place to remove their shoes but it must be done before to avoid disapproving reactions. 

Don’t accept the first price sellers give you!

Whilst meandering in the bazaars and Carsi’s don’t settle for the first price sellers give you, keep your calm, inject some humour and see if you can lower the price with a bit of bartering. 

Don’t be shy!

Istanbul has always been the bridge between the East and West, a cultural melting pot with stories from all over the world. Don’t be shy to ask the locals for stories, recommendations and feed your cultural curiosities 

Don’t skip the tea culture! 

Turkish people drink the most tea per capita. You will not go a day without seeing someone enjoying the black tea that appears an auburn in the classic clear cup. Enjoy it plain or load it up with sugar, but make sure to try this symbol of Turkish culture. 

Don’t confuse a head nod for a yes!

Turkish tilt their head up with a ‘tsk’ sound to say no, this can be confusing to people who are used to a shake for no and nod for yes. 

What to eat in Istanbul? 

The food culture and best dishes to try in Istanbul.

It goes without saying that Turkish food is world-famous and many tourists will be dying to get their hands on an authentic Doner Kebab, Lahmacun pizza and Kofte. Meat eaters stomaches will have the time of their life with all the street food and restaurant choices. 
Vegetarians can still enjoy a range of choices especially with the breakfast spreads of menemen, eggs in a tomato sauce, omelettes, simit (ring-formed sesame bread), cheeses, sweet spreads of anything jam-ified, hazelnut spreads and chocolate. 
Lovers of deserts are in luck when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth, Turkey is known for its finger-licking baklava, powdered Turkish delights and the delicious stringey cheese desert of Kunefe. 

Other dishes to try:

Manti- The Turkish version of fresh pasta or Asian dumplings. Manti is often filled with mincemeat but vegetarian versions of potato can also be found. The Manti dish is topped with yoghurt, chilli flakes and parsley. 

Pide- The Turkish Pizza, Pides with their longboat like shape are a great option for those who love soft doughy pizza with varied toppings.

Corba- Soups, there are many soups that Turks enjoy, Ezogelin corba is a red lentil tomato-based soup with a zesty taste, although lentil, mushroom and yoghurt soups are also widely found. 

Cig Kofte- Fine bulger seasoned to replace meat and served with pomegranate molasses, lemon, parsley and salad, you can enjoy it alone or in a loaded wrap. 

Yaprak Dolma- Found across the middle east with different names, Yaprak Dolma is seasoned rice enveloped in vine leaves with a tangy taste.

Börek- A thin pastry similar to flakey filo filled with meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes is a snack found across the old territories of the Ottoman Empire. Enjoyed hot or cold, try it piping hot as a snack from Börek bakers and enjoy it at any time of the day. 


Mosques

There are countless mosques in Istanbul, it can be dizzying to visit all of this cities iconic pencil minarets so below are some of the most popular distinct mosques across Istanbul.
 
Hagia Sofia-  Saint Sophia was the once Byzantine Church, turned mosque, transformed to national museum and finally turned to a mosque. She is the elevated gem of Istanbul’s skyline and the heart of Sultanhamet’s square. The Ottomans added the minarets but kept many of the original Byzantine decorations to honour the history of this sacred building.

Sultanahmet Mosque more known as the Blue Mosque- Opposite to the Hagia Sofia, the mosque took inspiration from the cities ancient styles and the Ottoman Islamic contemporary presence. It is the only mosque in the city with 6 minarets and its interior is a spectacular display of domes and semi-domes lit by 200 stained glass windows.

Suleymaniye Mosque- Built on the third hill of Istanbul overlooking the city, the Suleymaniye mosque is a beautiful mosque built by Mimar Sinan under the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent. 

Taksim Mosque - The Taksim Mosque is built in a unique Art Deco style, famous for the early 20th century. It follows a beautiful colour palette of green, brown and gold. 

Camlica Mosque - Turkey’s biggest mosque with a whopping capacity of  63,000 worshippers is located on the Asian side on Camlica Hill. This  Mosque towers and expands in enormity in every possible way Ortakoy Mosque.

Ortakoy Mosque- This mosque rests on the pier of the Bosphorus with a Baroque style that merges European architecture and decor for a Muslim place of worship.


Classic Main Attractions

When it comes to finding things to do in Istanbul, the opportunities are literally endless, visitors can come back again and again and always find wondrous new experiences. 

Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a great place to start, complete or experience Istanbul from a graceful peak, the tower provides a panoramic view of the city split by the Bosphorus. 

Dolmabahce Palace
The Basilica Cistern is a Byzantine relic supported by hundreds of columns that provide visitors with a unique time trip to the Eastern Roman Empire. 

Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace itself will take up a portion of your day based on how much you’d like to scrutinise the beautifully inlaid tiles, precious jewellery, exquisite artefacts and endless rooms.

Bazaars
Get lost in the bazaars of the ancient empire whether it is the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar, let yourself be pulled by the current of sellers, free tasters and conversations on the origins of the products. 

Bosphorus Boat 

Boats cross over every day as a form of public transport from the port stations of Eminönü, Kadıköy and Beşiktaş. Üsküdar is the port station on the Asian side. There are also Bosphorus tours available to buy at the ports, at tourist hot spots and online.