Istanbul City Guide

Food ranges from kebabs and börek to international dishes. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing. Many places, including street food vendors, stay open late or 24/7.

Nightlife is lively with bars, clubs, and taverns mainly around Beyoğlu, Karaköy, and Kadıköy.

Strong coffee culture mixing traditional Turkish coffee and modern specialty cafes in neighborhoods like Karaköy and Kadıköy.

Tipping is common but not required. Around 5-10% in restaurants, small tips for taxis and service staff. No tipping during bargaining.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and provider shops—Turkcell offers the best coverage. Passport needed for registration. Tourist SIMs work about 90 days.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Tourist and affluent areas are cleaner; some residential spots have more litter.

Many minimarts open late or 24/7, rotating late-night pharmacies, and food options like döner shops open through the night.

Supermarkets like Migros, CarrefourSA, Şok, and BİM carry local and some international goods. Fresh produce markets are common. Shops usually open 9 AM to 9 or 10 PM. Bargaining works in bazaars, not in supermarkets.

Cards work in most places like shops and restaurants, especially in tourist spots. Still, keep some cash for local markets and public transit card top-ups.

ATMs from major banks like Ziraat Bankası, İş Bankası, and Garanti BBVA are common. Watch out for fees, and use machines from big banks when possible.

Istanbul has local and international schools offering IB, British, and American curricula. English instruction is common in international schools. Admissions can have waitlists.

The digital nomad community is growing, with meetups and events via Meetup and Facebook groups. Co-living spaces are just starting.

Green spaces include Emirgan Park, Yıldız Park, Gülhane Park, and Belgrade Forest with walking and running paths.

Running routes along the Bosphorus and parks like Belgrade Forest are popular. Running groups and races exist.

Gyms range from local centers to international chains.

Tennis courts are available at sports clubs with various surfaces and equipment rental. Padel courts are emerging.

Padel is growing with some dedicated courts and coaching options.

The city has many yoga studios offering different styles and spa culture is strong.

Various martial arts are taught, including BJJ, Muay Thai, Judo, and traditional wrestling. Some gyms have English-speaking instructors.

Uludağ near Bursa is the closest ski resort, about 2-3 hours away. Ski season is December to March.

Water sports like kayaking and sailing are popular on the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea with rentals and tours available.

Limited surfing mostly at Black Sea spots like Kilyos and Şile, better in spring and autumn. Mostly for beginners with rentals available.

Diving is limited in Istanbul itself but available in Marmara and Aegean seas, mainly in summer.

Private hospitals like Acıbadem and Memorial have English-speaking staff and good care. Public hospitals can be busy. Pharmacies are common and usually open business hours with rotating after-hours service.

Tap water isn't recommended for drinking but is safe for brushing teeth and showering. Bottled water is best for drinking.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are common. Attractions like Miniatürk and Istanbul Aquarium suit families.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is limited; some venues exist but discrimination risks remain. Pride events face restrictions.

Istanbul is fairly pet-friendly, with parks allowing dogs and pet-friendly cafes. Vet services and pet supplies are good.