What NOT to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Knowing what NOT to do in Istanbul Turkey ensures you have a smooth, comfortable trip with no mishaps or mistakes!

What comes to mind when you picture Istanbul? Hagia Sophia? The Blue Mosque? A quick wander through the Grand Bazaar followed by a bit of haggling, before you rush off to your next stop? 

Well, that’s what it’s like for most people. Most of them hit the same landmarks, eat at the same overpriced restaurants, and leave thinking they’ve seen all there is to see. 

But Istanbul isn’t something you check off a list, it’s a city you have to feel. You have to experience it. The smell of fresh simit twisting out of a street vendor’s oven, the sound ol ferry horns as you cross continents, the quiet corners no guidebook mentions. 

If you stick to the same tourist traps, chances are, you’ll never see the REAL Istanbul, but lucky for you, this article will show you how not to do that.

What NOT to do in Istanbul

Don’t Follow the Same Old Itinerary

Firstly, we’ll focus on things you’re best off avoiding.

The plan is the same for most tourists – race through Sultanahmet to see the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace (all the best places to visit in Turkey), then grab a way-too-expensive kebab at a restaurant with laminated menus in English. Maybe they’re able to squeeze a stroll down Istiklal Street if they’re willing to fight the crowds. It’s all so rushed and predictable. 

So, what can you do instead if you only have one day in Istanbul?

Why not slow down and get off the tourist trail?

Cross the Bosphorus and spend the morning in Kadıköy on the Asian side, where old walls are full of street art and where you’ll find a food market on every corner. The colorful streets of Balat and Fener are full of Orthodox churches and tiny artisan workshops.

Go through the antique shops of Çukurcuma and quiet, bohemian cafés without worrying what’s ‘next’ on your list. Istanbul wants you to be curious, not go around with an itinerary in your hand. 

If you’re short on time, or you don’t want to organize too much, a great idea would be to book one of the private Istanbul tours so you get curated access to these lesser-known spots without the stress of planning ferry rides and neighborhood routes yourself.

Do NOT Rely Only on Taxis

A lot of tourists are under the impression that taxis are the easiest way to get around, but they’re not. In Istanbul, the traffic is (usually) super slow and stressful, and taxi drivers sometimes take longer routes just to avoid jams. 

Public transport is the way to go. It’s a much better choice because trams and metros are fast and cheap. Plus, they’re well-connected. 

If you want to make it a bit more exotic, then ferries are even better because they’re part of the Istanbul experience and they give you amazing views of the city. 

Don’t Skip the Asian Side

The Asian side is a quieter, more local side of the city where one third of Istanbul’s residents live. Kadıköy is full of markets, cafés, and street art. Moda is perfect for relaxing by the water with a coffee. The Asian side shows a different side of Istanbul and it’s more than worth your time. 

Istanbul is one of the best holiday destinations in Turkey but so many people miss out on a huge side of it!

What NOT to wear in Istanbul

When visiting Istanbul, it’s important to dress respectfully, especially in religious or conservative areas.

Avoid wearing revealing clothing such as short shorts, crop tops, or low-cut outfits, particularly when visiting mosques or historical sites. Sleeveless tops and mini-skirts may also draw unwanted attention in some neighborhoods.

Do NOT Eat Near Major Landmarks

If you want average but overpriced food, go sit in a restaurant that’s near a landmark. If the menu has 5 languages on it, it’s a tourist trap. 

Be smarter than this and walk a few streets away. Look for small, local spots where workers go for lunch. These places serve fresh, home-cooked meals at normal prices. 

Don’t Shop Only at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is fun to see, but it’s not the best place for unique souvenirs because a lot of stalls sell the same mass-produced stuff. Try Arasta Bazaar for a quieter shopping trip or explore the small shops in Galata. 

Where NOT to go in Istanbul

While Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, there are a few areas best avoided, especially at night or when alone.

Some parts of the Tarlabaşı neighborhood, located just behind the lively Istiklal Street, have a reputation for petty crime and can feel unsafe after dark.

Similarly, parts of the Aksaray and Laleli districts, while busy during the day, can be sketchy in the evening due to reports of scams or illicit activity.

It’s also wise to be cautious around overly persistent vendors in very tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet or the Grand Bazaar, where scams and inflated prices can occur.

As in any large city, always stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and stick to well-lit, populated areas.

How to Do Istanbul Right

Getting around: The best way to see Istanbul is on foot. Forget about tight schedules and wander the streets without a plan. This is where the city shows its true character. 

Relax: Go inside the tiny courtyards tucked between apartment buildings, sit in a little café with a single table outside, and listen to the musicians playing on corners for anyone who will stop and listen. 

Try local flavors along the way: Grab a warm Simit from a street vendor, sip tea at a traditional çay bahçesi or end your day in a Meyhane sharing Raki and Meze like the locals do. Shop where residents shop, not where crowds of tourists gather. Kadıköy Market is ideal for picking up fresh food, spices, and handmade crafts. 

Landmarks: And when you do visit big landmarks like Hagia Sophia, go early in the morning or later in the evening because there are not so many people there. That’s when you’ll really be able to enjoy the beauty of these historic places without being rushed or surrounded by selfie sticks. 

Things to Know Before you go to Istanbul

Istanbul isn’t the place for sticking to cookie-cutter itineraries. It’s loud, colorful, full of surprises and it’s the best when you forget about Google Maps… Well, not literally – while getting lost is sometimes a good thing, it probably isn’t that great in a massive city such as this. With that being said, don’t let the app dictate your every step.

Go ahead and go to that restaurant that looks interesting and  order something you can’t even pronounce, get lost on purpose and see where you end up, shop in small places no tourists ever visit. That’s when you can see Istanbul come alive.

Oh, and one other very important thing – when you see a stray cat, be very nice to it. Locals are obsessed with their street cats (as everybody should be), so unless you’re kind to them, you’ll land yourself in trouble.