In Istanbul, you'll find the liberal, cosmopolitan city you'd expect in any European country. But there are a few things you need to bear in mind when coming to this majestic gateway.
- It's liberal - you can wear what you want, you don't see many burkas but there are a lot of churches, mosques and synagogs, so you'll need to respectfully dressed and carry around a scarf to cover your hair. Although tourist places have garments for you to wear.
- It's cheap - it doesn't cost very much to shop or get in to see the attractions
- It's a real city where real people live - sure, there are tourist attractions like anywhere else, but unlike some chocolate-box cities like Prague, you get the sense that people actually live and work here.
- It's walkable - most of what's on the traveller do-to list is perfectly walkable, from the boho areas of Beyoglu to the conservative Instagram district of Fatih, you can do it all on foot. And there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants for pitstops along the way.
- Their narrow winding streets might be bum-squeaking for you but the taxi drivers expertly manoeuvre around them
- It's steep - if you're in the Galata side of Istanbul, then your glutes will get a really good workout. The stairs and alleyways are steep and long, so be prepared.
- There's loads of transport options - they've got trams, a funicular, taxis, buses and a subway, so if you don't fancy walking, you're not short of options.
- Turkish desserts are loaded with nuts - so tree and peanut allergy sufferers beware, you can't see them but they're in the cream.
- Great for vegans and vegetarians - you won't go hungry, the opposite in fact.
- Turkish waiters are charming - it's their way, they do it to all the girls, so don't fall for it.
- Water is potable - other sites say to stick to the bottled water, but the tap water is safe to drink. It does have a distinct taste as it comes through the mineral loaded surrounding mountain range, but it's clean. So bring your water bottle.
Originally published 5 October 2019
