Basically, just take a morning or afternoon and start in Ortaky then head towards Arnavutky, which . was showed on the meter to pay. For first-timers to Istanbul, it can be overwhelming trying to make sense of this massive city. I had a. Its also advisable to not go solo there on the weekends. Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are also just 5mins walk away from the hostel. This is a famous Turkish ice cream and pastry chain of stores in Turkey. Deep inside Istanbul also contains a rich culture and timeless historical values. The countries I feel woman could face harassment are Egypt or Morocco . caf, I realized that I was the only tourist there. to do was to rejuvenate from the travel stress, have a nice spa session Hours: 4AM10PM. Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage and have just traveled through a long journey, you should take a taxi. The reasons being theyre culturally more independent. It was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul. 10. odd years. If youre wondering how I knew his age, well then continue reading because it was quite a conversation I had with him! Before buying the tour you should go along the pier to aks tour prices but most of the prices that the boys offer are the same, 15 TL. Because of that, this palace complex is extremely large. However, after buying the card, it cannot be returned or withdrawn. You can also enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee at the outdoor restaurant overlooking the sea, or lie on the large rocks to sunbathe and watching seagulls. With a height of up to 67 m, Galata Tower is the ideal spot for visitors to admire the panoramic beauty of the whole city under shimmering lights at night. . Economy Class passengers have 8kg of carry-on baggage and 30kg of checked baggage. Spring in Turkey starts from April to June while autumn lasts from September to November. Lets check out our Istanbul travel blog (Istanbul blog, Istanbul trip blog) with the fullest Istanbul travel guide (Istanbul guide, Istanbul tourist guide, Istanbul visitor guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer! Required fields are marked *. Female Travel In Pakistan: A Foreigners Experience In Pakistan. Thank God, the language was a huge barrier and I acted that I didnt understand what he was saying (though the body language tells a lot), just to avoid the very unhealthy and uninvited flirting! Lying on the banks of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is a city that is thousands of years old, and that originally was known as Byzantium, and later, Constantinople, before adopting the name Istanbul in the early 20th century. I have been guilty of being way too polite with such jerks but since now I learned my lessons the hard way I dont even think twice in making them realize that how uncomfortable theyre making me. the taxis altogether, as it will cost you triple the price of public transport. . Stanpoli Hostel has cheaper options, with both female and mixed dorms. It is where the past mingles with the present to have a conversation about the future. 20+ best hotels in Busan, Where to stay in Cappadocia? Browse all 8,777 Solo Travel topics Istanbul an accessible travel destination. However, if you do encounter anyone like this, tell them firmly to leave you alone, and, if they persist, go to an area where there are a lot of people. Simply avoiding eye contact in Turkey would prevent most men from approaching me, and the others would leave me alone if I indicated I didn't want to talk with them. First day: Saw Haga Sophia, Blue Mosque, walked aimlessly discovering many historic areas. 19+ Famous, must try food in Istanbul & best food in Istanbul, Where to go in Istanbul? There are 2 main airports in Istanbul: Istanbul (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). No:3, 34100 Bakrky/stanbul, Turkey If you're touring Istanbul on your own at night, stick to well-lit areas where there are other . Find the Egyptian spice bazaar and the authentic food stalls in. The desserts, ice cream, and juices were delicious. The Istanbulkart is the best way to pay for your transport, as it is a refillable card, and covers all of the main public transport options. Because the palace only allows 5000 guests to visit a day, you should take advantage of early visiting. https://www.takewalks.com/?tap_a=29774-b9abbb&tap_s=233827-ca5d7a, Copyright 2022 The Blonde Abroad | All Rights Reserved. Another place worth visiting if you enjoy historic art is the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora, which is intricately decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics that are very impressive. all excited to take me out for drinks and to become my local guide quite If Topkapi Palace looks ancient, Dolmabahce Palace has a bit of modernity and elegance. A Photo Guide of A Day Trip To Princes Islands From Istanbul. Avoid hanging out solo in Taksim late at night (after 10 pm), especially on the main street Istikal Cadessi. Travel is eye-opening. ($1=7.46 Turkish lira (TL)). And though the taxi was metered, I still doubt the price I You will have to spend 10 TL for the card and 20 TL deposit to use all public transport with an unlimited number of people (as long as there is enough money in the card). Top 100 Tips for Planning A Solo Trip; Collection of travel blogs and websites (non-commercial) for new solo travelers; Inspirational Traveler . It is an ideal place for people looking to stay in a quiet neighborhood away from the crowd of Istanbul. just placed his phone on the table and left from there right away to pay the With us, you will discover the multiple facets of Istanbul, its so varied districts, its unequalled history, its current events which are always as ebullient as its night life, its rich gastronomy, without forgetting the districts of the Bosphorus too often neglected by the tourists The first financial operations in Turkey . Raki a alcoholic drink made of twice-distilled grapes and anise with a fairly high alcohol content (up to 48%). Fast forward to 8 days later when I returned to Istanbul For the first leg of my stay in Istanbul, I choose the super me not to hang out with strange men a couple of minutes before? Guests can also enjoy a cozy and romantic evening at the top of the tower as there is a restaurant and cafe to serve visitors. Solo travel in Istanbul has been a trending topic for quite some time now. Address: Beyazt, Kalpaklar Cd. Let me know in the comments below! While clearing my table after dinner, he started an unwelcoming small talk about where I was from, whats my age, am I alone in Istanbul, etc., followed by handing me his phone to save my mobile number in it! For Muslims, they will clearly wash their hands, feet and face as a show of respect to their (God) Allah. Located in the Sultanahmet District, Topkapi Palace is a witness to the historic ups and downs of the Ottoman Empire. Please visit this website to see its route, schedules and book tickets. Copyright 2022 Living + Nomads. Construction started: 1465 Admission: 40 TL (visit the outside palace). Me and my friend travelled to Istanbul on 2017 and we both young lady. Therefore, it has a very special meaning, standing here to see the world of two separate cultures. Its perfect for solo female travelers that are limited on time, and for anyone that might feel more comfortable getting their bearings of the city with the help of a guide. Buyuk Mecidiye Camii is built right next by the Bosphorus, located at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge. Galata Bridge does not have a monumental architecture like the Chain Bridge in Budapest or the Tower Bridge in London. Once you arrive in Sabiha Gokcen, you can use the Havabus to get to Taksim Square for 27 Turkish Lira, or about $3 USD as of November 2021. Istanbul is one of the most unique cities on the planet - a place that spills across two continents riven by a mighty strait, the Bosphorus. Unsurprisingly, upon entering the Construction started: 1843 Istanbul travel blog: Overview of Istanbul Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with an area of 5,343 km and a population of more than 15 million people, located on two continents of Asia and Europe, stretching on the both sides of the Bosphorus Strait - an important waterway connecting the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea. For a long distance, we use tram or taxi. The hostel was situated right in the heart of the old city of Sultanahmet with the tram station barely a 3mins walk away. Topkapi has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because of its historical stature as well as its unique beauty. Turkish cuisine is very diverse, andIstanbul is a melting pot of cultures, so you can see these influences together in their cuisine and streetfood scene. I feel you, girl! Even basic items such as water bottles, pots, but under the talented hands of the Turks they turn into extremely beautiful home decorations. 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary How to spend 48 hours in KL & what to do in Kuala Lumpur for 2 days? We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. They are incubated in a stove at a low temperature and served in large cups. Specifically, you will have to change trains at Gayrettepe station to the Taksim line. !My first ever Solo Travel was to Istanbul Turkey and as a woman, to many it was a bold step b. The main highlights of Hagia Sophia are its majestic domes and magnificent mosaics that amaze even the greatest architects. Alone or family? was the immediate next question. And Turkey travel guide here. Tourists will not only be impressed by the scale of the palace, but also have the opportunity to witness first-hand historical artifacts such as the sultans weapons, the watch collections or precious jewelry from the Ottoman period. Istanbul is the only city in the world which is divided between two continents; therefore, it is natural for it to be very touristy and crowded. 6 best things to do in Mae Hong Son, Thailand. In addition, the Grand Bazaar is famous for the areas selling condiments, spices or chocolates. Address: Vinezade, Dolmabahe Cd., 34357 Beikta/stanbul, Turkey Dolmabahce will impress you from the moment you set foot in the Bosphorus where separates Istanbul into two parts in Europe and Asia. Share It With The World, Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In the past, the tower was destroyed by two major fires in the 18th and 19th centuries and was restored to welcome visitors. One of the things the biggest things I want to highlight, especially for solo female travelers, is that Istanbul has a dedicated Tourism Police department that is located between Hagia Sofia and the Basilica Cistern. 14 reviews. At that time I really enjoyed it and deep down inside I was appreciating him for being so nice and welcoming to the only tourist dining in the caf. Discover the art of traveling anywhere you want. Lets check it out here. From this tower, you will admire the peaceful sea scenery with the hillsides and surrounding nature. Must eat in Osaka 16+ best food in Osaka & must, Singapore best eats 9+ best food to try in Singapore, Gyeongju travel blog The fullest Gyeongju travel guide for first-timers, Amsterdam travel blog The fullest Amsterdam travel guide for first-timers, Top Kyoto tea house 8 Kyoto tea shop & best, Bangkok itinerary 4 days How to spend 4 days in, How to travel Europe on a budget? Follow Kiersten on her adventures! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Start Here; . In-flight dishes are generally quite delicious, nutritious, often with bread, butter and a kind of thick sauce come together. 7. continents. Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are within a walking distance in Sultanahmet. I stayed at the lovely Castle Hostel in Istanbul. My stay in Istanbul was divided into parts first when I The mosque itself is an atmospheric space. Admission: 25 TL. Opening hours: 9am 8:30pm Stay safe . This game is all about perception. For girls, you should choose beautiful headscarf in advance when entering the mosque, because the headscarfs that are borrowed at the tourist sites are not beautiful. Istanbul - 1 more night on Sat, day of Sunday - fly home that evening! I travel with my husband which often keeps anything like this from happening, but not always. Fun. I highly recommend finding a group tour, like this one or this one. No:7, 34122 Fatih/stanbul, Turkey angry and disgusted with his audacity and all the incidents I faced during my solo In this article, I am going to share my real Currently from Hanoi or Saigon (HCMC) has a direct flight to Istanbul with a flight time of 10-12 hours, which is very convenient operated by Turkish Airlines. In addition, it also serves savory dishes, pizzas in large plates, a quite full for a meal of about 70 TL. Well, I used it to clean the shawarma strain on my white shirt and threw it off in trash a well deserved place for it! As solo traveling is very popular these days, people have become very comfortable and used to seeing a white woman traveling alone. Post Author. You may also have heard that Turkey has a high crime . Top 8+ famous food, Where to stay in Busan? To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", The stunning Ortaky Mosque by the Bosphorus is just one thing to see on a solo trip to Istanbul, Anton Aleksenko / agefotostock / Alamy Stock Photo. contact him after 6 PM when his duty gets over! After gathering enough guests, all will be invited to get on the bus to get to the pier, whoever gets on first will get a nice spot on the 2nd floor of the boat. 19,213 posts. In the Istiklal pedestrian street, there is also an ancient system of tram that has existed for nearly a hundred years, creating something very unique for this neighborhood. This service you can book directly with the hotel or travel agencies. 12 best seafood restaurant, What to eat in Jeju island? But it has a more special meaning of all, the connection between the past and the present, the connection between cultures. Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? All was well until his kindness started to low-key irritate me. Final Verdict Is Istanbul Good or Bad for Brown Solo Only the fried fish show on the boats is attractive. Where to eat seafood in Busan? Adana Durum: A very traditional meat kebab. My initial trip plan is as follows: Istanbul - 3 nights - Sat, Sun, Mon . Turkey. Muslims do not eat pork, so when entering a restaurant, you should not order dishes with pork. It was built by architect Mimar Siman for Sultan Sleyman the Magnificent from 1550 to 1557. 20 helpful votes. The advantage of this type is convenient, cheap (only 30 lira / person / way), straight to Taksim square, but not directly to the Sultanahmet area (only to the nearby stop Beyazt Meydan). Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. By the early 20th century, the Turkish government used it as an office before turning Topkapi into a museum. I love to wander From Vietnam, the airline operating routes to Turkey and all European countries. This is also one of the indispensable dishes in the daily life of the people of this country that you should try. . 1. Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul, Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/stanbul, Turkey Follow Kiersten on her adventures! Visiting this place, you can easily find remnants of Orthodox on the walls. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/stanbul, Turkey You should choose fly to Istanbul Airport because it is located on the Europe part of the city and there are more types of public transport to travel to the city center. If youre on a budget, odds are that your hostel will offer walking tours or can recommend a great guide! best option to reach the city unless you have rented out a car. The purpose of writing this article was by no means to summarize all Turkish men to be flirty or intimidating. Because it has such a diverse landscape, figuring out when to visit all depends on where youre looking to go and what youd like to do. The city of Istanbul is considered the heart of Turkey with more than 2,600 years of history, Istanbul has many churches, mosques and many attractive tourist attractions. These are my unfiltered adventures, musings and stories. If you dont know already, the Golden Horn side of Istanbul is Remember how he was schooling This is being the main reason I am always skeptical about visiting the country. Free opening to visitors but the mosque still remains a sacred place of worshipping. Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Grow your blog, improve your photography skills and get tips from a fellow freelancer! Hi! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The USA has a higher crime rate than Turkey, yet most females feel safe solo traveling to the Western nation. Liked The Article? Moreover, if you're a brown girl - things might be a tad more different ( read: difficult . Although Istanbul is a liberal city in Turkey, it's best to dress modestly. And that wraps my first not-so-pleasing adventure of reaching my hostel in Istanbul. Approaching members of the tourist police is always a good idea in this kind of situation. However, the price is not always fixed at 150 lira. See more infornation and prices via the following. Everything from access to the top museums, touristic and cultural activities, as well as attractions for children in 1 single package. Turkish coffee not to be mixed with boiling water as usual. You need to use your common sense when solo traveling in Turkey as you would anywhere else in the world. Known by various names such as the Underground Palace or the Sunken Palace. But this time the conversation didnt start in a conventional manner. Custom framing available. Admission: 20 TL. Admiring the amazing interior of the Hagia Sophia. It is where East meets West for a passionate endless dance. So, before going inside the mosque, you will have to remove your shoes and women will have to wear a headscarf. Located right next to the Bosporus, the palace is like a shining jewel that adorns the city of Istanbul. You will see many local girls dressed in all types of outfits, but its best to avoid any unwanted attention. enough to walk with a huge and heavy suitcase. The taxi driver, who initially seemed kind and hospitable suddenly, changed his colors when he got to know that I was from Pakistan planning to stay all alone in Turkey for some nice 13 days. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with an area of 5,343 km and a population of more than 15 million people, located on two continents of Asia and Europe, stretching on the both sides of the Bosphorus Strait an important waterway connecting the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea. Lamb is a familiar ingredient in Turkish meals, there are many dishes prepared from it, in which this attractive stewed lamb cannot be ignored. The Istanbuls population is more than 13 million people, more than the population of Belgium. You may find me visiting the beach destinations but I love the mountains a little too much! There is also a popular public transport, thats ferry. I wasnt really excited about the second leg of the journey which involved in taking a taxi. If this side is a bustling street scene with modern buildings, then the Sultanahmet side has a ancient look. I recommend always ensuring you have a friend to travel back to the hostel or hotel with if you are going out at night, or let someone know where you will be going. Used to be the largest Orthodox church in the world for 1000 years. followed by a peaceful dinner. Ancient, mysterious but full of surprises will be your first impressions when visiting Istanbul, Turkey. Anyway, the next few minutes of my life involved schooling from him on how I should beware of random men calling on the streets (LOL at the irony), dont go drinking with strange men and avoid neighborhoods where Arabs are in a majority! Get access to Istanbul's top attractions and services in the most convenient way possible. I talk about birds, coffee and overcoming personal fears too much. Hey there! Written By Eva If you're a solo traveler (especially a woman) and planning a trip to Istanbul, here you can find an overview of safe neighborhoods. I put together this comprehensive guide to solo travel destinations and taking solo trips so you can better prepare for your next trip! It has also been used as an ancient watchtower and worshiped the god of fire since ancient Baku. To avoid such unpleasant experiences while traveling alone the best option is to travel with a tour! bill and get out from that place! After being invaded by the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. In many of the tourist areas of Istanbul, there will be men who approach female visitors or follow them in an uncomfortable manner. And lastly, I would recommend learning a few key phrases in Turkish, like hello, thank you, etc. Located next to the Bosphorus on the European coast of the city, this market sells many Turkish specialties: Nuts, apricots, tea, confectionery, cheese and unique handmade decorations. In addition to household items, clothes, food, and fruit, I really like the shops selling crockery, ceramics here: Fancy designs with very affordable prices. Bangkok itinerary 4 days How to spend 4 days in Bangkok & what to do in Bangkok for 4 days? In particular, there is a stone pillar with an upside down Medusa head statue (which historians have yet to explain why the head of the statue was placed upside down). Address: Kocatepe, Paa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaa/stanbul, Turkey I would say Istanbul is a safe city to visit for brown girls The easiest way is to book airport transfer service. Take Advantage of Istanbul Tourist Pass. This mall is close to the old airport, next to the beach road and a park where you can relax, entertain, cycle, sunbathe or watch the sea. This is must-try food in Istanbul in particular and Turkey in general. For the most part, don't do anything in Istanbul that you wouldn't do as a solo female in a big city at home. The first time I visited on my own I stayed in the Sultanahmet district due to the abundance of historic sites within walking distance and the availability of cheap accommodation. If you are looking to sample the excellent nightlife and the bars of the city, then look for a hostel or hotel in the Golden Horn or Galata areas. Since I dont eat meat, I was limited to what traditional Turkish dishes I could try, but there are plenty of dishes for all types of diets in Istanbul. It can be an acquired taste for some, but definitely worth a try! Therefore, if you cannot drink alcohol, you should consider before drink it! November 8, 2021 January 28, 2022 Eli, The Partying Traveler Travel Blog adventure, backpacker life, backpacker travel, budget travel, hostel life, istanbul, solo travel, Travel Blog, travel blogger, travel guide, travel influencer, travel . forcefully. The shopkeeper had the audacity to directly grab my arm and gently rub it while asking the million-dollar question. This is the largest shopping mall in Istanbul and is also one of the Metro stops, so travel is very convenient. Turkish coffee has a slightly sour taste, very strong and especially when you drink to the bottom of the cup you will see a layer of coffee paste due to coffee powder will settle down. 10+ Top things to do in Daegu & Daegu what to see. The reason for its name Blue Mosque is because the mosque is paved with 20,000 blue glazed tiles with more than 50 different tulip designs decorated throughout the mosque. All banks and ATMs will stop working. Height: 56 m Its so hard to know whats the right way to react, especially when youre all alone in a foreign city. as it goes a long way with taxi drivers and in bars/restaurants. The first being quite hassle-free and simple where I boarded a Havabus to Taksim square. Planning a solo trip to Istanbul? I stopped at a small roadside stall to buy water on a hot day. Required fields are marked *. Apart from a handful of jerks, I did meet many incredibly respectful, kind and hospitable Turkish men who Id love to see again if I visit Turkey. Visitors are not allow to take pictures inside but when the guide and security do not pay attention you can still take some photos. Have you been to Istanbul before? Went to Galata tower and saw the area around it I spent the rest of the day walking back to my hotel it was a bit rough as it was pouring rain but was soo much fun finding my way back. The culture in Istanbul is very different than most western countries. Masha-Allah, Asalam-ale-kum, were few of the words which I could understand. But at the same time it is magical, a type of magic that takes hold of your heart and never lets go. Youll find that Turkish coffee is a bit thicker in consistency than espresso and has a distinct flavor of cardamom. Turkish style pizza is known as signature street food but it is everywhere so you can buy to try it. In addition to keeping historical artifacts of the Ottoman Empire, this Istanbul tourist spot is also a beautiful place to enjoy a view of the Bosporus Strait.

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