Istanbul Guide

Master the City of Two Continents

Transport Hacks

Istanbulkart

Essential for all public transport (Metro, Ferry, Bus, Tram). Buy one at any yellow machine. Credit cards are accepted but cost 2x more per ride.

Apps & Taxis

BiTaksi or Uber calls standard yellow taxis. TAG (Martı) is a scooter/ride-share app (cash only, cheaper but legally complex).

Fastest Way

Traffic is unpredictable. Always choose the Metro or Tram (T1) over taxis during rush hour. Use the Ferry to cross continents.

⚠️ Local Tip: For Sultanahmet & Old City, avoid taxis completely. The T1 Tram is faster and cheaper!

Must-See Locations

Hagia Sophia Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

T1 Tram: Sultanahmet Station.

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Blue Mosque Istanbul

Blue Mosque

T1 Tram: Sultanahmet Station.

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Basilica Cistern Istanbul

Basilica Cistern

T1 Tram: Sultanahmet Station.

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Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace

T1 Tram: Kabataş (Last Stop).

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Besiktas Istanbul

Beşiktaş Center

T1 Tram: Kabataş (Last Stop) + Walking.

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Galata Tower

Galata Tower

M2 Metro: Şişhane Station.

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Istiklal Avenue

İstiklal Avenue

M2 Metro: Taksim Station.

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Kadikoy Moda

Kadıköy & Moda

Ferry from Eminönü or Marmaray/Metro.

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Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill

Cable Car (Teleferik) recommended.

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Must-Eat Turkish Flavors

Turkish Doner Kebab

Turkish Döner

Vertical rotisserie grilled meat. Served in 'Pide' bread or as a 'Dürüm' (wrap).

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Turkish Kebab

Traditional Kebap

Spicy minced meat grilled on skewers over charcoal. A masterpiece.

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Turkish Manti

Mantı

Tiny dumplings filled with meat, served with garlic yogurt and butter sauce.

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Turkish Lahmacun

Lahmacun

Very thin, crispy dough topped with minced meat. Squeeze lemon and roll it up!

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Turkish Baklava

Baklava

The ultimate dessert. Layers of phyllo pastry, pistachios, and syrup.

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Why Istanbul Guide?

Istanbul Guide 2026 was established as an independent travel platform so that you do not get lost in the chaos of the city. Our aim is to both enable you to discover local flavors and offer the most up-to-date "hacks" on challenging issues such as transportation. All information on our site is updated according to 2026..

✉️ Support & Contact

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Email: baysoyserhat1@gmail.com
Location: Istanbul, Turkey