📕 Check out our amazing itineraries and guides! We have carefully created many itineraries not just in Istanbul but in many cities around Turkiye, organized useful information for you, including a list with plenty of hotels for all budgets in each city we mention, a list with more than 100 restaurants including one with vegan options, desserts, and much more! All the guides are LIVE, that means that they're updated daily and surely we’ll keep adding more and more! The new changes will automatically sync even after you get it WITHOUT an extra cost! All you have to do is sign up for free and get the guide or itinerary you're interested in! 🎉 www.thatch.co/@beryistanbul 🗺 Guided tours in Istanbul Looking for a hassle-free way to book your city tours? Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, we've got you covered. Experienced guides will show you the best of what the city has to offer, all while providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. www.remindertour.com/tours/ Licence number: 14213 🛜 Do you want to have internet wherever you travel, including Turkey? Then take a look at the option of Aíralo's eSim cards! They are a great choice for those who will be traveling through different countries or regions and don't want to waste time finding local companies in the countries they visit. You buy your eSim online, and as soon as your flight lands at your new destination, you can have internet! To get a 10% discount on your next eSims, click on the following link and enter the discount code BIT before completing your transaction. airalo.pxf.io/c/4673026/1268485/15608
I have been watching your videos and your content is excellent, but my advice is to seriously consider upgrading your microphone and audio because it very low. Continue the great work 👍
I’ve recently visited Istanbul to pass the IELTS exam, and it was my biggest mistake that I didn’t learn any Turkish words 😅 I got lost after arriving from Istanbul airport to the city by metro just because my Internet connection died and I couldn’t check the right location of the bus stop I needed 😅 I got on the wrong bus, but then got off and I tried to ask policemen, who were there, how can I get to the place that I need, and they couldn’t even answer me 😂 It was really confusing, but one man helped me, although I was not sure whether to believe him or not - it was almost night and my first trip alone) Fortunately, it ended well! 🎉 But I got a life-lesson in my 19yo
I already stared a file titled Turkiye and saving these very helpful videos. Wife and I traveling to Türkiye for one month and want to be prepared so we can get the fullest benefit from our visit. Thank you so very much. Excellent information.
I am learning Turkish at the moment and the frustrating thing is that locals hear their language spoken by foreigners so rarely that it is very hard to find people who understand anything I say in Turkish! 😂
Tq for the.tips..i ve been following your channels and they are very useful as i am going to istanbul in Januray 2024..hope my family and i can see u in istanbul.. Love from malaysia...
Plz tell us more in detail about the hotels and airbnb, about trams and trains and buses. From the airport to different parts of the city. I love your videos.
Lonely planet guide to Istanbul and also the Turkish phrase book an essential. Came in handy for myself when I visited. Also this channel and others I watched and so grateful as got the most out of my trip. 😊
Thank you very much Bery for this amazing video. Your info are always full of helpful content and when we intend to move to Turkey we have just to watch a video of yours, as each of them is so well detailed from a touristic point of view. Love double decker bus, as from the upper deck the view of Istanbul must be awesome!
It would be lovely if you could do a video for disabled people,like myself, visiting Istanbul. I am finding it very difficult as I have been told I will not be allowed to take my folding (with a seat for the time in the Q) mobility stroller into any mosque (& I can’t take my shoes off or on without sitting down) or Topkapi palace. I have dreamed so long of visiting but it has turned into a nightmare 😢
Hi. Thank you for these tips. I am glad I came across your channel. I am visiting Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia. The esim will work on all those areas?
I got into an argument with a waiter in Thessaloniki about that. I can't stand American coffee, and I was worried that when he offered coffee, it would be "Nescafe" or the like. It was "Turkish" coffee. Note that the Turkish word for "breakfast" is "kahvaltı," which literally means "before coffee". Order tea (çay) with your breakfast; save the coffee for later. And never, ever go to Starbucks!
Taking the metro from taksim to istanbul airport is the biggest mistake I made. Took me close to 90min and quite a bit of walking. Should have used the Havaist.
Yessss! Agree! That metro line tbh is not convenient at all, that’s why I haven’t made a video on it because is difficult for foreigners still especially when thinking that they need to exchange several times and if you’re carrying luggage is even more difficult. Even the metro station is not connecting directly to the terminal, there some walking still. Way better the Havaist. Direct bus to Taksim from the airport and vice versa.
Hi Bery Please advice to visit Topkapi castle with a knowledgeable & informative good guide. How can I get a good guide and how much time should I spend?
I was here for Ramadan this March-April and no one prepared me for Eid. Ramadan itself was fine, and if you are not Muslim, it is really cool to experience in a predominately Muslim country. The first few days (two to three) a lot of shops are closed, so this is something to be aware of as it can catch you off guard. I was, can we say hello McDonalds? LOL Eid, however, was an experience that I was grossly unprepared for. I was unaware that all public transportation was free during that time period. So why does this matter? Because it feels like all 16M residents of Istanbul are all taking public transportation at the same time. I do not recommend going anywhere other than on foot for those two days, if you can, as there are just people everywhere. One thing is for sure, you will get stuck in traffic or a sea of people, probably both, if you try to venture out, even on foot. Had I known all of this, I would have stayed in Antalya a couple of more days before coming back to Istanbul (who doesn't love extra beach days?). Ramadan is amazing to experience, but just be prepared for Eid.
I guess you didn’t watched our video about Ramadan 😄 Also in many other videos we have mentioned that in some holidays especially ramadan last days, Eid (sacrifice) and others public transportation is free for us as citizens and residents and is horrendous being out since all public transportation is a chaos, I always tell my audience to keep an eye on those days if they have planned a trip here 😀
@@BeryIstanbulTips I clearly missed that one! 😂 I will never make that mistake again. I love all your videos, I think all travel videos should be like yours, helpful and informative.
In a city like Istanbul, Antalya, or even Izmir, people won’t mind tbh. Living here for almost a decade as a non-muslim and never had an issue eating out, drinking water outside, etc. people understand that not everybody fasts, people are just minding their business. However, in smaller provinces you could receive some stares.
Marhaba, I am looking to offer prayers are HS - is this easy enough to do on a Friday afternoon? Maybe a silly question but are shoes secure in the those compartments?
Just came back 1 week ago, Shoes are very safe in those compartments, however get there between 12-12.30 as it gets really busy between 12.30-1pm Jumma Khutba starts at 1:15 ish
Very convenient, when I arrived to Istanbul on my connection flight I had time to go to some places and walk around, problem was that nobody spoke English! So just prepare yourselves for this. check before hand how to pay for the subway, a map of how to get around because if you need someone for instructions it will be difficult.
You can find options for vegetarians and vegans only through my paywalled foodie guide, I also shared a list of good restaurants and even some of them offer traditional Turkish dishes but in vegan/vegetarian versions: www.thatch.co/guide/1ak9inabg6pqq
One thing I will say is, Try not to look like a tourist. I walked though Istanbul all though the Bazaars and up Gelata tower etc, I bought a gift in the Bazaar and it went into a gift bag that made me as a tourist 😂 All the way home to the hotel I was constantly harassed.
Hi this is by far the most informative video I've seen and thanks for the information. I'm thinking of traveling to istanbul and I will like to book your tour service for a week, can you please provide information Tx!
Good afternoon we are from the USA and will be in Istanbul for only one day because our flight was delayed. Wanted to see if you can advise us what hotel to stay in for 2 nights on a medium budget and comfortable. We want to take advantage of the only day we will be there and would want to do the most possible like going to the Grand Bazaar and other places if possible. Can you give us recommendations please, we don’t mind walking to the places if not to far. Please advise. Thank you in advance.
Thanks for the video! As for Hagia Sofia, if we cannot make it on time as early as 9AM to get "in line" in January, what other time would you suggest to visit mosques (besides the exact time of prayers) on say, between Jan.4 - 6 ? Thanks!
Interestingly, "döner," "shawarma," and "gyro" are all basically the same word, with "shawarma" the Arabic pronunciation for "çevırme," a Turkish verb meaning "to rotate". In my opinion, learning 100 basic words in Turkish is essential, but for foods, there is a lot of overlap in the Balkans, Turkey, and Levant. Afiyet olsun!
Just keep in mind that from July-beginning September the weather is the hottest 🔥, is high season (higher prices in accommodation) and all places might be more crowded than any other season since is schools are in summer holidays too and local tourism is quite active.
Grand Bazaar area, she mentions this in another video. I however just pull Lira from the ATM. Don't select the conversion rate option, let you bank do it for you (they give you the better rate without charging you a fee). Thankfully my bank refunds all ATM fees and is travel friendly, so this is what I do instead of exchanging money
When I was in Turkiye 2022 I just used my bank card to draw Liras without any hassles as there are quite a few languages. ATM'S and money exchanges are plentiful. Got good rates also. Forgot you have to notify your bank.
Is difficult unless is at the Spice Bazaar where you could maybe get some discount. At places we know as “baharatçı” which are more local and we find them in every neighborhood usually they already have fixed prices, is not common to bargain there.
Omg when my family was in Istanbul my sister started bargaining with some poor dude in a scar shop. 😭😭I was mortified 😂 luckily the owner was super friendly about it and even played along for a bit til he caved and lowered the price. 🤦🏼♀️I felt so bad 😂
Nice one, totally agree. Group tours in the sense of travelling together from country A to Country B and doing every single activity together are bad for sure, done it once in Romania, once in turkey, never again. I just don't understand people who travel to a foreign country to eat in chain restaurants. I avoid that like the plaque, because part of the experience is learning about the food culture. Sure some people are squeamish about hygiene or food taboos, so I say avoid street food and research what you can eat before traveling. I stayed in China for 16 days and only twice I had food in a Turkish/Arabic restaurant, otherwise, I only had food in local Chinese restaurants of excellent ratings, most where for locals. Same with Thailand, Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzun), Azerbaijan, Paris, etc. The same goes for candies. Honestly I have a sweet tooth and when in Turkey there are oodles of yummy desserts to enjoy and to buy as gifts, so I wouldn't even dream of buying non-Turkish desserts. The sensitivity issues I totally get for coffee, donair and Baklava as well as many other dishes. The same is true in Greece (ordering Turkish coffee in Greece can get you at least frowned at).
It is honestly weird and a bit hostile to get angry/offended if a doner was called shawarma. The tourist isn't intentionally trying to insult the restaurant owner/workers by calling it shawarma. You are also right that most of the residents in Istanbul don't speak English, which is also strange considering it is a major tourist attraction. I've interacted with 5-star hotel staff who don't speak a word of english, which was quite shocking. Some of which also get offended when you speak English to them. Expecting tourists from all around the world to learn some Turkish before coming, a language specific to one country, is unreasonable. Otherwise, good video.
We are doing a 14 day cruise starting at Istanbul on the Viking Sky on November 14 this year. There is a complementary shore excursion at each port. What would be the best shore excursion to do in Istanbul? The ship will stop at other parts of Turkey and there will be a complimentary shore excursion at each stop. Any useful suggestion would be welcome. Thanks.
trust me yoghurt and baklava are not sensitive topics at all, they are just different in Greece and different in Turkey :) I love greek people in london, we celebrate our differences even if we use the same word but make it differently. Some nationalists take things differently tho, be careful about those people, clearest sign is people doing wolf hand shapes, avoid them at all costs
📕 Check out our amazing itineraries and guides!
We have carefully created many itineraries not just in Istanbul but in many cities around Turkiye, organized useful information for you, including a list with plenty of hotels for all budgets in each city we mention, a list with more than 100 restaurants including one with vegan options, desserts, and much more! All the guides are LIVE, that means that they're updated daily and surely we’ll keep adding more and more! The new changes will automatically sync even after you get it WITHOUT an extra cost!
All you have to do is sign up for free and get the guide or itinerary you're interested in! 🎉
www.thatch.co/@beryistanbul
🗺 Guided tours in Istanbul
Looking for a hassle-free way to book your city tours? Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, we've got you covered. Experienced guides will show you the best of what the city has to offer, all while providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
www.remindertour.com/tours/
Licence number: 14213
🛜 Do you want to have internet wherever you travel, including Turkey? Then take a look at the option of Aíralo's eSim cards! They are a great choice for those who will be traveling through different countries or regions and don't want to waste time finding local companies in the countries they visit. You buy your eSim online, and as soon as your flight lands at your new destination, you can have internet!
To get a 10% discount on your next eSims, click on the following link and enter the discount code BIT before completing your transaction.
airalo.pxf.io/c/4673026/1268485/15608
I have been watching your videos and your content is excellent, but my advice is to seriously consider upgrading your microphone and audio because it very low. Continue the great work 👍
looking for a guide/driver to do Theodosian Walls, St Saviour in Chora, Palace of Porphyrogentius, etc. Any tips?
Not watching this channel before coming to Türkiye would be the worst mistake 😊
100% the worst mistake 😎
True😅
Facts 😭
Agreed! Bery is fabulous!
she's just promoting her partnerships, actually...
I’ve recently visited Istanbul to pass the IELTS exam, and it was my biggest mistake that I didn’t learn any Turkish words 😅 I got lost after arriving from Istanbul airport to the city by metro just because my Internet connection died and I couldn’t check the right location of the bus stop I needed 😅 I got on the wrong bus, but then got off and I tried to ask policemen, who were there, how can I get to the place that I need, and they couldn’t even answer me 😂 It was really confusing, but one man helped me, although I was not sure whether to believe him or not - it was almost night and my first trip alone) Fortunately, it ended well! 🎉 But I got a life-lesson in my 19yo
Same experience. 😂😂😂
Turkish people are the most accommodating kind and family oriented people. They really go out of their way to help you. Love them from the uk 🇬🇧
It’s too bad people of London are not the same way. People of London are the worst.
Best scammers in the world.
lol bullshit 🤣🤣
You are right. Thank you. We were 10 days ago in İstanbul. It was beautiful.
I am in Turkiye right now and let me say i am in love with the country and the lovely people ❤
@@nicelyplayedgamer3777😊I am afraid both is correct for Türkiye.
I already stared a file titled Turkiye and saving these very helpful videos. Wife and I traveling to Türkiye for one month and want to be prepared so we can get the fullest benefit from our visit. Thank you so very much. Excellent information.
Update did you go? How was it?
@@baut_4451 he passed away
I am learning Turkish at the moment and the frustrating thing is that locals hear their language spoken by foreigners so rarely that it is very hard to find people who understand anything I say in Turkish! 😂
Maybe you need to practice a bit more then? They will understand you just fine when you learn 👍
Your videos always make me hungry, the food looks wonderful!
Tq for the.tips..i ve been following your channels and they are very useful as i am going to istanbul in Januray 2024..hope my family and i can see u in istanbul.. Love from malaysia...
I think as a Turkish, I can say this tips very usefull. Thanks Yenge❤
Happy to hear that! ❤️❤️
Say: “as a Turk”, not “as a Turkish”
Plz tell us more in detail about the hotels and airbnb, about trams and trains and buses. From the airport to different parts of the city. I love your videos.
Lonely planet guide to Istanbul and also the Turkish phrase book an essential. Came in handy for myself when I visited. Also this channel and others I watched and so grateful as got the most out of my trip. 😊
The only thing I don't like about visiting Istanbul - is every my visit is +5kg to my weigth ))). Love Turkey, love Istanbul. Greetings from Georgia.
Very good guidence Thanks. Waiting for your next video 😊
Thank you very much Bery for this amazing video. Your info are always full of helpful content and when we intend to move to Turkey we have just to watch a video of yours, as each of them is so well detailed from a touristic point of view. Love double decker bus, as from the upper deck the view of Istanbul must be awesome!
So glad to have found your channel - really appreciate your tone and how informational this is - thank you!
Thank you Bery for every effort
Looking forward to visiting this month.
I am planning to visit Turkey, thank you for some information.
Sevgili Bery, detayları güzel yakalıyorsunuz. Teşekkürler.
Bery dear! your guidance about Turkey is quite appreciative. Thanks from Pakistan, Raza
It would be lovely if you could do a video for disabled people,like myself, visiting Istanbul. I am finding it very difficult as I have been told I will not be allowed to take my folding (with a seat for the time in the Q) mobility stroller into any mosque (& I can’t take my shoes off or on without sitting down) or Topkapi palace. I have dreamed so long of visiting but it has turned into a nightmare 😢
Extremely pinpoint facts & figures provided. Thanks Mam. Love from India ❤
Hi. Thank you for these tips. I am glad I came across your channel. I am visiting Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia. The esim will work on all those areas?
Thanks. Very useful! Just got back from Turkey
How was it?
I wish I could visit in the late autumn months but my workplace only offers July vacations...... LOOKING FORWARD TO IT REGARDLESS
When I was in Turkey I drank Turkish coffee. When I went to Greece and ordered Turkish coffee I was told it's Greek coffee !
I got into an argument with a waiter in Thessaloniki about that. I can't stand American coffee, and I was worried that when he offered coffee, it would be "Nescafe" or the like. It was "Turkish" coffee. Note that the Turkish word for "breakfast" is "kahvaltı," which literally means "before coffee". Order tea (çay) with your breakfast; save the coffee for later. And never, ever go to Starbucks!
😂😂
I'm neither Greek or turk. I believe it is Turkish coffee. First, it was introduced by Ottomans, and beans were delivered from Serya.
Thank you for all the detailed informations, really appreciate it, taking lots of notes😆
Taking the metro from taksim to istanbul airport is the biggest mistake I made. Took me close to 90min and quite a bit of walking. Should have used the Havaist.
Yessss! Agree! That metro line tbh is not convenient at all, that’s why I haven’t made a video on it because is difficult for foreigners still especially when thinking that they need to exchange several times and if you’re carrying luggage is even more difficult. Even the metro station is not connecting directly to the terminal, there some walking still. Way better the Havaist. Direct bus to Taksim from the airport and vice versa.
Great video,very informative and done in an excellent way
Excellent advice and very helpful. Thank you
Thanks bery for knowledgeable video you made.. waiting soon for your next one❤
This is an excellent video, I will be using this video to help inform people.
Katilıyorum ( I agree ).
Very useful
Hi Bery
Please advice to visit Topkapi castle with a knowledgeable & informative good guide. How can I get a good guide and how much time should I spend?
Wonderful, good tips and always informative, 🎉🎉🎉thanks for your tips , really appreciate it😂😂😂
Great video! I have been to Istanbul a couple of times and plan to return again sometime so these tips will come in handy :)
Great information as Always 👍. Thank you Both.☘✌
A mistake is not to ask how much anything cost even if the price is written down, in most places they will overcharge you if you are not a local.
Good information and really high quality video.
Great Channel. It helped a lot. Thx
I was here for Ramadan this March-April and no one prepared me for Eid. Ramadan itself was fine, and if you are not Muslim, it is really cool to experience in a predominately Muslim country. The first few days (two to three) a lot of shops are closed, so this is something to be aware of as it can catch you off guard. I was, can we say hello McDonalds? LOL Eid, however, was an experience that I was grossly unprepared for. I was unaware that all public transportation was free during that time period. So why does this matter? Because it feels like all 16M residents of Istanbul are all taking public transportation at the same time. I do not recommend going anywhere other than on foot for those two days, if you can, as there are just people everywhere. One thing is for sure, you will get stuck in traffic or a sea of people, probably both, if you try to venture out, even on foot. Had I known all of this, I would have stayed in Antalya a couple of more days before coming back to Istanbul (who doesn't love extra beach days?). Ramadan is amazing to experience, but just be prepared for Eid.
I guess you didn’t watched our video about Ramadan 😄
Also in many other videos we have mentioned that in some holidays especially ramadan last days, Eid (sacrifice) and others public transportation is free for us as citizens and residents and is horrendous being out since all public transportation is a chaos, I always tell my audience to keep an eye on those days if they have planned a trip here 😀
@@BeryIstanbulTips I clearly missed that one! 😂 I will never make that mistake again. I love all your videos, I think all travel videos should be like yours, helpful and informative.
Bery… do restaurants in Istanbul have different operating ours during Ramadan? Would you get looks if you are eating or smoking out in public?
In a city like Istanbul, Antalya, or even Izmir, people won’t mind tbh. Living here for almost a decade as a non-muslim and never had an issue eating out, drinking water outside, etc. people understand that not everybody fasts, people are just minding their business. However, in smaller provinces you could receive some stares.
Loved Istanbul!!
Is it worth buying turkish eye jewellery? Where to buy them from etc
I just came across your video and i have a question. I’m planning a trip to Turkye in April of 2025 April 4 to 12 , is that a good time visit?
I love it winter time
Bery we would love a video about your trip to Japan and south Korea 😊
Thank you for the useful information
Marhaba, I am looking to offer prayers are HS - is this easy enough to do on a Friday afternoon? Maybe a silly question but are shoes secure in the those compartments?
Just came back 1 week ago, Shoes are very safe in those compartments, however get there between 12-12.30 as it gets really busy between 12.30-1pm Jumma Khutba starts at 1:15 ish
Great job, what was the outdoor mall area when you were talking about bicycles? Thank you! Helpful info thank you
Very convenient, when I arrived to Istanbul on my connection flight I had time to go to some places and walk around, problem was that nobody spoke English! So just prepare yourselves for this. check before hand how to pay for the subway, a map of how to get around because if you need someone for instructions it will be difficult.
Hi could you tell us, that what are the good vegetarian options in turkey food?
You can find options for vegetarians and vegans only through my paywalled foodie guide, I also shared a list of good restaurants and even some of them offer traditional Turkish dishes but in vegan/vegetarian versions:
www.thatch.co/guide/1ak9inabg6pqq
Great stuff. Good to know. Going there April 2025. Cheers from NYC!!
❤❤❤❤ Hola 🥰buen trabajo🙌 Amazing job 😍super LIKE 👍🏻Gracias por compartir 🙏Suerte 🫶🏼🙏🫶🏼
One thing I will say is, Try not to look like a tourist. I walked though Istanbul all though the Bazaars and up Gelata tower etc, I bought a gift in the Bazaar and it went into a gift bag that made me as a tourist 😂
All the way home to the hotel I was constantly harassed.
Would like to visit Istanbul, Turkey sometime in 2024 for 1 week and would like to get a guide to take us around
Hello i would like to know what currency is use in Turkey is it Lira or dollars? Thank you
Turkish Lira ( TL )
I went to kusadasi and i exchanged my money to lira, but everyone there told me they accept euros as well
Thanks for the informative video.
Bravooooooo
Nice explanations!!!!
Hi this is by far the most informative video I've seen and thanks for the information. I'm thinking of traveling to istanbul and I will like to book your tour service for a week, can you please provide information
Tx!
We’re going to Istanbul fr 3 nights at the end of May 2024. Thank you for your information.
Good afternoon we are from the USA and will be in Istanbul for only one day because our flight was delayed. Wanted to see if you can advise us what hotel to stay in for 2 nights on a medium budget and comfortable. We want to take advantage of the only day we will be there and would want to do the most possible like going to the Grand Bazaar and other places if possible. Can you give us recommendations please, we don’t mind walking to the places if not to far. Please advise.
Thank you in advance.
Thanks for the video! As for Hagia Sofia, if we cannot make it on time as early as 9AM to get "in line" in January, what other time would you suggest to visit mosques (besides the exact time of prayers) on say, between Jan.4 - 6 ? Thanks!
You can also check the time when it closes, and maybe you can visit an hour or 2 before it closes ❤️
@@BeryIstanbulTips Thanks! i will try to seek any online time but doubt that will be anything online for the mosques...never thought of checking ;-p
It’s makes me feel feared again I suddenly felt I’m still in Istanbul like 25 years ago
I used to live there for 15 years when I was 13 years old
Thank you! Just having a 11 hour layover there but I learned about the metro cards, places to see and food choices.
Thank you for your help.💚
Will May become too crowded to visit ? Or is that a good time to visit..
Well, travel 1000 miles to eat in McShit is difficult to understand. Well done for pointing this out!
Thank you 👍
I have just return from Istanbul and she is right. I fortunately did to make these mistakes🎉
Interestingly, "döner," "shawarma," and "gyro" are all basically the same word, with "shawarma" the Arabic pronunciation for "çevırme," a Turkish verb meaning "to rotate". In my opinion, learning 100 basic words in Turkish is essential, but for foods, there is a lot of overlap in the Balkans, Turkey, and Levant. Afiyet olsun!
Hi Bery, Is it good to visit Turkey in the second half of July?
Just keep in mind that from July-beginning September the weather is the hottest 🔥, is high season (higher prices in accommodation) and all places might be more crowded than any other season since is schools are in summer holidays too and local tourism is quite active.
Hi, where would be the best place for a tourist to exchange $ or € to Turkish Lira?
Grand Bazaar area, she mentions this in another video. I however just pull Lira from the ATM. Don't select the conversion rate option, let you bank do it for you (they give you the better rate without charging you a fee). Thankfully my bank refunds all ATM fees and is travel friendly, so this is what I do instead of exchanging money
When I was in Turkiye 2022 I just used my bank card to draw Liras without any hassles as there are quite a few languages. ATM'S and money exchanges are plentiful. Got good rates also. Forgot you have to notify your bank.
How about bargaining for tea/nuts/dried fruits which are sold by weight on bazaars? Is it OK or not?
Is difficult unless is at the Spice Bazaar where you could maybe get some discount. At places we know as “baharatçı” which are more local and we find them in every neighborhood usually they already have fixed prices, is not common to bargain there.
I love how civilized Turks are as far as public transportation etiquette.
Thanks 😂❤
So the Bosporous is a strait? Thank you!
Omg when my family was in Istanbul my sister started bargaining with some poor dude in a scar shop. 😭😭I was mortified 😂 luckily the owner was super friendly about it and even played along for a bit til he caved and lowered the price. 🤦🏼♀️I felt so bad 😂
Nice one, totally agree. Group tours in the sense of travelling together from country A to Country B and doing every single activity together are bad for sure, done it once in Romania, once in turkey, never again. I just don't understand people who travel to a foreign country to eat in chain restaurants. I avoid that like the plaque, because part of the experience is learning about the food culture. Sure some people are squeamish about hygiene or food taboos, so I say avoid street food and research what you can eat before traveling. I stayed in China for 16 days and only twice I had food in a Turkish/Arabic restaurant, otherwise, I only had food in local Chinese restaurants of excellent ratings, most where for locals. Same with Thailand, Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzun), Azerbaijan, Paris, etc. The same goes for candies. Honestly I have a sweet tooth and when in Turkey there are oodles of yummy desserts to enjoy and to buy as gifts, so I wouldn't even dream of buying non-Turkish desserts. The sensitivity issues I totally get for coffee, donair and Baklava as well as many other dishes. The same is true in Greece (ordering Turkish coffee in Greece can get you at least frowned at).
Thanks. I have always liked your videos. I get lots of info about Turkiye especially istanbul.
Is there other good local places to buy Turkish Delight closer to Galata Köprüsü, or the Spice Market, or the cruise port?
People using an ‘indoor voice’ ❤❤❤
Can you tell me the cheapest hotel of turkey?
I lived in Turkey for 8 years. I called it my second home.
Please suggest a few restaurants where vegan/vegetarian food is available !
is feb a low season or high???
February is low season
Plan to travel on feb next year, i want to experience winter there
Bery.. Pls teach me how to go to constatinopolis hotel fatih from istanbul airport?
nice video ❤💯💞👍
Que bello!
Why English speaking people expect everyone to speak English? To say the least it is not very sensitive to other countries.
English is the international language!
because English is predominantly spoken in most touristic countries, and virtually world wide.
chills in instanbul
It is honestly weird and a bit hostile to get angry/offended if a doner was called shawarma. The tourist isn't intentionally trying to insult the restaurant owner/workers by calling it shawarma. You are also right that most of the residents in Istanbul don't speak English, which is also strange considering it is a major tourist attraction. I've interacted with 5-star hotel staff who don't speak a word of english, which was quite shocking. Some of which also get offended when you speak English to them. Expecting tourists from all around the world to learn some Turkish before coming, a language specific to one country, is unreasonable.
Otherwise, good video.
This is helpful going October
We are in Istanbul. We would love to Collab with you Tomorrow. Please let us know ❤
Nice 👍
Hi i want to hire a tourist guide how ?
We have the same problem in Scotland. Seems to b from Indians and Arabs - talking very loudly, almost shouting at each other!
We are doing a 14 day cruise starting at Istanbul on the Viking Sky on November 14 this year. There is a complementary shore excursion at each port. What would be the best shore excursion to do in Istanbul? The ship will stop at other parts of Turkey and there will be a complimentary shore excursion at each stop. Any useful suggestion would be welcome. Thanks.
trust me yoghurt and baklava are not sensitive topics at all, they are just different in Greece and different in Turkey :) I love greek people in london, we celebrate our differences even if we use the same word but make it differently. Some nationalists take things differently tho, be careful about those people, clearest sign is people doing wolf hand shapes, avoid them at all costs