In an emergency
- Emergency112
- Police112
- Ambulance112
- Complaints153Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality hotline, e.g. for taxi overcharging
112 covers police and ambulance. Carrying photo ID is a legal requirement in Turkey, so keep your passport on you. A dedicated tourist-police number was not confirmed, so it is left out.
Fair prices
What locals pay. If you are asked for much more, you are probably being overcharged.
| Tea (çay) in a neighbourhood tea house or caféAbout 25-35 TRY in tea houses outside the centre; about 55-65 TRY in Taksim, Beyoğlu and Karaköy. | 25-65 TRY |
|---|---|
| Simit (sesame bread ring) from a street cartThe Istanbul simit price rose from 25 to 30 TRY on 26 September 2026; it binds sellers registered with the bakers' chamber. | 30 TRY |
| Döner sandwichChicken döner in half a loaf is about 215 TRY at chains such as Paşa Döner; meat döner at well-known shops runs 400-490 TRY (2026 menus). | 200-490 TRY |
| LahmacunThe Istanbul average was 131.7 TRY in January 2026 (Lahmacun Index), from 78 TRY in Sultanbeyli to 200.2 TRY in Beşiktaş. | 78-200 TRY |
| Single public-transport ride on Istanbulkart (metro, tram, bus, funicular)Full fare from 20 July 2026, after a 10% rise. | 46.20 TRY |
| Commuter ferry Eminönü-ÜsküdarEminönü/Beşiktaş-Kadıköy is 65.21 TRY; both paid with Istanbulkart (from 20 July 2026). | 58.52 TRY |
| Ferry Bostancı-Princes' IslandsIstanbulkart fare from 20 July 2026. | 171.89 TRY |
| Taxi (standard yellow) meterMinimum fare (indi-bindi) is 230 TRY; larger and luxury taxis have higher tariffs. Tariff in force from 20 July 2026. | 71.94 start + 47.92 per km TRY |
| Public Bosphorus tour by Şehir Hatları (foreign passengers)Official municipal ferry prices; locals pay half. Private cruise sellers on the waterfront charge more. | 340 short tour / 640 long tour return TRY |
Tickets
Official prices and the only places to buy. Anyone else selling on the street is a reseller.
- Hagia Sophia
EUR 25 (foreign visitors)
Buy at: Ticket office on site (by the Hippodrome); sold on site
Unsolicited 'guides' and touts around Sultanahmet; the Museum Pass Istanbul is not accepted here, so a pass seller cannot get you in.
- Topkapı Palace
2,750 TRY (foreign visitors; includes Harem)
Buy at: Ticket office at the palace; Museum Pass Istanbul accepted per 2026 fee list
None specific; buy at the palace or use the Museum Pass.
- Basilica Cistern
1,950 TRY daytime / 3,000 TRY evening session (foreign visitors)
Buy at: Ticket office on site
The Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid here, so bundles claiming to include it are not official.
- Galata Tower
EUR 30
Buy at: Ticket office on site
None specific; the standard price is EUR 30, so compare before paying a reseller.
- Dolmabahçe Palace
2,000 TRY (foreign visitors, April 2026)
Buy at: Ticket office on site; official info at millisaraylar.gov.tr
Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid here.
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
EUR 15
Buy at: On site or with Museum Pass Istanbul
None specific.
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
EUR 17
Buy at: On site or with Museum Pass Istanbul
None specific.
- Kariye Mosque (Chora)
EUR 20
Buy at: On site
None specific.
- Rumeli Fortress
EUR 6
Buy at: On site or with Museum Pass Istanbul
None specific.
- Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum
EUR 7
Buy at: On site
None specific.
- Theodosius Cistern
900 TRY
Buy at: On site
Museum Pass not valid.
- Istanbul Modern
900 TRY (550 TRY seniors/students)
Buy at: On site
None specific.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Free
Buy at: No ticket
Anyone selling entry or insisting on a paid 'guide' is not official.
- Süleymaniye Mosque
Free
Buy at: No ticket
None.
Traps
- Watch outTaxi meter tricks
Use a registered taxi, note the plate before you get in and insist on the meter. Drivers may claim the meter is broken, detour, or quote a fixed price. Ride-hailing apps help avoid this.
Source: gov.uk, travel.state.gov, esim.holafly.com - TipReport overcharging to 153
Istanbul municipality's 153 hotline takes complaints about taxi overcharging. Note the plate number, time and route before you call.
Source: dailysabah.com - Watch outThe friendly-stranger bar bill
A very friendly local invites you for a drink; drinks, snacks and hostesses arrive unasked and the bill is huge, sometimes with intimidation. Only go to established places and see a menu with prices before ordering.
Source: travel.state.gov, esim.holafly.com - Watch outMenus without prices
Some restaurants near the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet hand out menus with no prices or a special tourist menu. Ask for the priced menu and walk out if there isn't one.
Source: esim.holafly.com, travel.state.gov - Watch outThe dropped shoe-shine brush
A shoe-shiner 'drops' a brush in front of you; when you hand it back he offers a free shine, then demands a large payment. Keep walking.
Source: esim.holafly.com, en.wikivoyage.org - Watch outFree 'guides' at the Blue Mosque
Friendly people offering to show you around the Blue Mosque for free may demand a fee afterwards. Entry to the mosque is free and needs no guide.
Source: en.wikivoyage.org, theistanbulinsider.com - Watch out'It's closed today'
Someone tells you the sight you are heading to is closed and steers you to a shop instead. Check the sight's hours yourself and carry on.
Source: esim.holafly.com - Watch outThe 'free' rose
A rose placed on your table or handed to you is followed by a demand for money. Hand it back straight away.
Source: esim.holafly.com - Watch outHelpers at the ATM
Decline unsolicited help at cash machines; it is a way to see your PIN or fit a skimmer.
Source: esim.holafly.com - Watch outFake 'antiques' and carpets
Street sellers pass off replicas as Byzantine antiques or 'rare' handmade rugs. Real antiquities are illegal to buy or export, with prison terms of 5 to 12 years.
Source: esim.holafly.com, gov.uk
Money
- RuleNo cover charge or service charge since 1 Feb 2026
Restaurants and cafés in Turkey may no longer add kuver (cover), service, table or compulsory tip lines to the bill. They may only charge for items listed on the menu.
Source: twocontinents.com, rustourismnews.com, turkiyetoday.com - RuleUnordered bread and salads
The 2026 rules also target bread, water or salads put on the table and then billed without warning. If it wasn't on the menu or you didn't order it, question it.
Source: twocontinents.com, rustourismnews.com - TipTipping is your choice
With service charges banned, any tip is voluntary and left to you.
Source: turkiyetoday.com - TipWalk five minutes inland
In Sultanahmet two restaurants 200 m apart can charge double for the same plate; tourist restaurants by the main sights run about 600-1,500 TRY a head against 250-500 TRY at an esnaf lokantası.
Source: hotelperula.com - Watch outLarge US dollar notes may be refused
Banks and exchange offices may not accept USD 50 or 100 notes because of counterfeits. Bring smaller notes or use cards and ATMs.
Source: gov.uk - TipBargaining in the bazaar
In tourist carpet and souvenir shops the first price is inflated; learn the going rate and bargain before you buy.
Source: en.wikivoyage.org, esim.holafly.com
Transport
- TipOne Istanbulkart for the group
Up to five people can travel on one Istanbulkart: tap, wait a few seconds, and the next person taps. It works on metro, tram, Marmaray, buses, funiculars and ferries.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleCurrent fares
A full-fare ride on Istanbulkart is 46.20 TRY since 20 July 2026. Ferries cost 58.52 TRY Eminönü-Üsküdar and 65.21 TRY to Kadıköy.
Source: hurriyet.com.tr, eleman.net - TipFerry instead of a cruise
Commuter ferries across the Bosphorus cost a fraction of private cruises. For a longer ride, the municipal Şehir Hatları Bosphorus tour costs 340 TRY (short) or 640 TRY (long, return) for foreigners.
Source: hurriyet.com.tr, sehirhatlari.istanbul - RuleKnow the taxi tariff
Standard yellow taxis charge 71.94 TRY to start plus 47.92 TRY per km, with a 230 TRY minimum. Larger and luxury taxis charge more per km.
Source: hurriyet.com.tr, birgun.net - TipRide-hailing apps
Apps are common in Turkey and help you avoid taxi scams in Istanbul.
Source: travel.state.gov - RuleNo smoking on transport
Smoking is illegal on public transport and in indoor public places.
Source: gov.uk
Etiquette
- RuleDress for mosques
Dress modestly in mosques. At Hagia Sophia women cover hair, shoulders and legs and must bring their own scarf; men wear knee-length or longer.
Source: gov.uk, istanbulclues.com - TipPlan around prayer times
Mosques close to visitors at prayer times; Hagia Sophia closes to visitors on Fridays 12:00-14:30.
Source: istanbulclues.com, en.wikipedia.org - TipRamadan manners
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in daytime may cause offence.
Source: gov.uk - RuleRespect for the state is law
Insulting the Turkish nation, the flag, the President or Atatürk is a criminal offence.
Source: gov.uk - RuleCarry your passport
It is illegal not to carry photo ID in Turkey.
Source: gov.uk - RuleNo photos of military sites
Do not photograph military or official installations.
Source: gov.uk - TipMind the football colours
On match days be aware of club colours: Beşiktaş black and white, Fenerbahçe navy and yellow, Galatasaray red and yellow.
Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Food
- TipOrder tea the local way
Tea comes in small tulip-shaped glasses; ask for koyu (strong) or açık (light). Hold the glass by the rim, it is hot.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipEat at an esnaf lokantası
Tradesmen's canteens serve home-style dishes from a counter for roughly 250-500 TRY a meal.
Source: hotelperula.com - TipFish sandwich by the water
Balık ekmek runs 150-200 TRY; the grill boats by the Galata Bridge are the classic spot.
Source: hotelperula.com - TipBoza is a winter drink
Boza is a thick, slightly sour fermented grain drink. Vefa Bozacısı has served it since 1876; traditionally it was not sold in hot summers.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipMeyhane evenings
A meyhane is a tavern serving rakı, wine and beer with meze; order a spread and share.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipAsk for ayran
Ayran, the salty yoghurt drink, is often not on the menu; just ask.
Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Safety
- Watch outFake alcohol can kill
People have died from methanol in illegally made spirits and counterfeit branded bottles; you cannot taste or smell it. Buy from licensed shops, bars and hotels and check the seal is intact.
Source: gov.uk, travel.state.gov - Watch outWatch your drink
Drinks and food from strangers may be spiked. Buy your own and keep them in sight.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outPickpockets in tourist areas
Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in Istanbul's main tourist areas.
Source: gov.uk, travel.state.gov - Watch outUnofficial taxis
Accepting lifts from unofficial taxis is highly risky.
Source: gov.uk - RuleDrugs mean prison
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry prison sentences of 4 to 24 years.
Source: gov.uk - TipMeeting people from apps
Meet in busy public places, tell friends your plans and never leave drinks unattended.
Source: travel.state.gov - TipEmergency number
Dial 112 for police and ambulance.
Source: gov.uk, travel.state.gov
Free
- TipBlue Mosque
Entry is free outside prayer times.
Source: theistanbulinsider.com - TipSüleymaniye Mosque
Free, and a calmer alternative to the Sultanahmet crowds.
Source: theistanbulinsider.com - TipGrand Bazaar
Free to wander 4,000-plus shops on 61 covered streets. Closed Sundays and bank holidays.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, theistanbulinsider.com - TipSpice Bazaar
Free entry.
Source: theistanbulinsider.com - TipEmirgan and Yıldız parks
Both are free; Emirgan's pavilions serve as cafés.
Source: theistanbulinsider.com, en.wikipedia.org - TipA continent-hop for 58.52 TRY
The Eminönü-Üsküdar commuter ferry crosses from Europe to Asia for the price of a transit fare.
Source: hurriyet.com.tr
Fun
- FunSix minarets by mistake?
Folklore says the architect misheard 'altın minareler' (gold minarets) as 'altı minare' (six minarets); the Sultan then paid for a seventh minaret in Mecca.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunCount the tiles
The Blue Mosque holds 21,043 Iznik tiles in more than fifty designs; the finest are on the upper gallery's north wall.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunShoe colours by faith
Ottoman rules once set shoe colours by religion: yellow for Muslims, blue for Greek Orthodox, black for Jews and red for Armenians.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe great 1591 heist
A theft of 30,000 gold coins in 1591 shut the Grand Bazaar for two weeks during the investigation.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunA sultan's dessert habit
Sultan Mahmud II is said to have visited a kiosk in the Grand Bazaar in disguise to eat pudding.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunFour glasses a day
Turks drink more tea per person than anyone, about 3.16 kg a year, or almost four glasses a day.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunBackgammon with your tea
Tea gardens are where people play backgammon; sit down, order a çay and watch.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunBoza since 1876
Vefa Bozacısı, founded in 1876, is the only boza shop from that era still in business.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - Fun500 taverns
In the early 1800s Istanbul had about 500 meyhanes (taverns).
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunMoonlight on the Bosphorus
In summer the municipal ferry company runs a Moonlight Tour (730 TRY for foreign passengers).
Source: sehirhatlari.istanbul - FunThree coloured pavilions
Emirgan Park's Yellow, Pink and White pavilions were built for Khedive Ismail Pasha and now serve as cafés.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
When to go
- TipTulips in April
Emirgan Park has hosted an international tulip festival every April since 2005.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipSummer moonlight tours
The Şehir Hatları Moonlight Tour runs in summer only.
Source: sehirhatlari.istanbul - TipBoza in the cold months
Boza is traditionally a cold-weather drink; in summer shops sell other drinks instead.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipWinter hours at Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is open 08:00-19:00 April-October and opens at 09:00 November-March.
Source: istanbulclues.com - TipRamadan
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daytime out of respect.
Source: gov.uk - TipPrices change mid-year
Transit and taxi fares rose 10% on 20 July 2026; check current fares before relying on older guides.
Source: hurriyet.com.tr - TipSundays at the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Words
- TipKuver
Cover charge. Banned on bills from 1 February 2026.
Source: rustourismnews.com, turkiyetoday.com - TipKoyu / açık
Strong / light, when ordering tea.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - Tipİndi-bindi
The taxi minimum fare, currently 230 TRY for standard taxis.
Source: birgun.net, hurriyet.com.tr - TipEsnaf lokantası
Tradesmen's canteen: home cooking at local prices.
Source: hotelperula.com - TipMeyhane
Tavern serving rakı and meze.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - Tipİnce belli
'Slim-waisted': the tulip-shaped tea glass.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Checked September 2026. Every item links to where it came from.