First-Time Visitor Guide to Istanbul: East-Meets-West Briefing
Istanbul straddles two continents and 1,600 years of empires. First-timers should base in Sultanahmet for sights, then crossover to Beyoğlu for nightlife and modern Turkey.
Arrival logistics
IST (new airport) is 50km out, HAVAIST bus to Taksim (₺200, 90 min) or M11 metro (₺50, 30 min to city center). SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) is on the Asian side, 50 min by HAVABUS. Get an Istanbulkart from any kiosk.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet for tourist sights walking distance. Karaköy/Galata for design hotels + nightlife. Beşiktaş for local vibe. Avoid Aksaray and Laleli — touristy with hard-sell carpet shops.
Day 1 itinerary
Hagia Sophia → Blue Mosque → Topkapı Palace → Grand Bazaar → Spice Bazaar. All in 10 minutes walking radius. End with sunset Bosphorus ferry (₺38) from Eminönü to Üsküdar (Asian side).
Cultural respect
Mosques: cover shoulders/knees, women cover hair (scarves provided). Closed during 5 daily prayers (15-30 min each). Take shoes off. Don’t enter during Friday noon prayer (12-1pm).
First-timer mistakes
Falling for ‘free’ tea + carpet sales pitches in Grand Bazaar. Taking unmetered taxis (use BiTaksi app). Doing only European side (Asian side has the best food). Underestimating distances: Istanbul is huge.