Basic Useful Information about Istanbul Tourism

Five Tips to Make Life Easy For the First Time Istanbul Tourist

Mar 9, 2009

The first time visitor to Istanbul needs to be aware that they will encounter Islamic culture and an aggressive sales pitch in and around the Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul is a fascinating city of great antiquity and a trading crossroads, a role still reflected in the lively Grand Bazaar. First time visitors to Istanbul will find many cultural differences which might dismay. The following few tips will prepare the tourist for a different cultural style and different way of doing business.

While there is a sense of fun and freedom in the streets of Istanbul, tourists need to be aware that inappropriately clad females will often attract sleazy male attention. Tight clothing, short skirts and low necklines are not the order of the day. In particular, women need a scarf to enter places of religious significance like the Blue Mosque and the relics room in the Topkapi Palace, and should not have bare shoulders or legs. Men should not wear shorts. Shoes must be taken off before entry to the Mosque is permitted.

2. Be Wary of Buying Alcohol in Istanbul

Alcohol is freely available in Istanbul but, as it is officially not drunk by the local population, expect exorbitant tourist prices. Quite ordinary wines will be on the wine list at $60 – 120 per bottle. Beer is also a ludicrous price.

3. Try Sahlep

Winter visitors should be certain to try Sahlep. This sweet thick milky drink is made from milk thickened with a particular orchid root and flavored with spices. It is only available during the cooler months. It is available in restaurants and coffee shops but, for a memorable experience, buy one from a street vendor, who will dispense it from a large copper urn.

Istanbul is an enormous city. First time visitor should stay in the area known as Sultanahmet. This is the old city which has houses all the major attractions.

There are numerous hotels in the area – from expensive chains such as the Four Seasons (from 340 Euro Bed and Breakfast) to mid-range hotels like the Sebnem (65 Euro Bed and Breakfast). The tourist should not presume that cheap means nasty. The Sebnem, for example, has small, basic rooms that are scrupulously clean. They offer a magnificent breakfast, free laptop use ad Wifi connection, and serve coffee and cakes all day long from a roof top lounge overlooking the Marmara Sea.

As the tourist walks between the great sights of Istanbul, he or she will find that frequently a well-dressed, erudite man will fall in beside them, and engage them in friendly chat about how they like Istanbul and where are they from. Remarkably, these tourist greeters all have a brother or uncle who lives in whatever city the visitor might come from. They are salesmen and, sooner or later, will invite the tourist to see their shop.

It’s a harmless enough sales ploy, and they are no doubt honest dealers, but when the visitor has had his conversation with his spouse or friends interrupted several times an hour by insincere chitchat leading up to a sales pitch, it becomes very wearing. This friendly approach makes it seem rude to simply walk away but, nevertheless, that is the best solution. Firm refusals, repeated as often as necessary, will eventually see the dealer fall back and find someone else to pester.

By keeping these few facts in mind the visitor will get the most out of this strikingly different city. It is a relatively safe environment, the people are friendly and the food is fabulous. The visitor who respects local customs and offers a friendly greeting will, in turn, be treated with friendship and respect.

The copyright of the article Basic Useful Information about Istanbul Tourism in Turkey Travel is owned by James Parsons. Permission to republish Basic Useful Information about Istanbul Tourism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.