Tips and Tricks

Buy: Istanbul Card - 200 liras to pay
Bus from airport 200 liras
Eat in Bistro
Effes Pilsner Blue
Dont need Guide
In museums in the morning
bring extra socks for the Mosque as you would need to take off your shoes (could be kinda gross)
common scams:
- don’t show your passport and wallet if “police” asks, show a copy of the passport
- don't pick up a shoe brush on the floor as they will offer you to get your shoes clean for free and then demand payment
- don't take taxis on the street, instead use Uber or order taxi from the hotel
- don’t talk to random “friendly” strangers as they will offer you free drinks and invite you to parties and then leave you to pay for all of that
- make sure you always check the menu at the restaurants as they might scam you into paying more for food
- they sometimes bring food that you didn't order to make you think this is part of the dish you got but instead they will charge you extra for it. so be sure to ask the waiter if this is free or extra $.

Ana’s list:

Restaurant/rooftop bar → https://www.instagram.com/bizistanbulcuisine/ (https://maps.app.goo.gl/f3UJiEMGY1s1EiPZ7)
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: ****https://www.hagia-sophia-tickets.com
1. need to go early in the morning before 10 am or at 6pm to avoid crowds (do not go on Friday)
Dessert place: https://www.instagram.com/halef.tatli/
Coloured Houses of Balat (street) ****https://maps.app.goo.gl/SbVxbNYeh1gV3ba57

Islam’s list:

Locations:

Sultanahmet
1. Square
2. Turkish breakfast (1 person)
3. Hagia Sophia
4. Sultanahmet mosque
Istiklal Taksim
1. Galata tower
2. Galata port
3. Taskim street
4. Istiklal street
5. Night clubs
Kadikoy
1. Moda district
2. Bars