By طبيبك Istanbul Budget Travel Tips
- Get an Istanbulkart transportation card (saves 50% per ride)
- Many museums offer discounted tickets for students/under 25s
- Eat at local lokantas (casual restaurants) rather than tourist spots
- Walk between close attractions in Sultanahmet area
Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet
Morning (Free/Cheap):
- Hagia Sophia (Free, lines shorter in morning)
- Sultanahmet Square & Egyptian Obelisk (Free)
- Basilica Cistern (650₺ – splurge but worth it)
Lunch: Sultanahmet Köftecisi (historic, budget-friendly meatballs)
Afternoon:
- Blue Mosque (Free, check prayer times)
- Hippodrome (Free outdoor site)
- Walk to Arasta Bazaar (less touristy than Grand Bazaar)
Dinner: Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi or street food from vendors
Evening: Free Galata Bridge sunset with fishermen
Day 2: Bazaars & Beyoğlu
Morning:
- Grand Bazaar (Free entry, just browse)
- Rüstem Paşa Mosque (Free, beautiful tiles)
Lunch: Hamdi Restaurant near Spice Bazaar (moderate but famous for kebabs)
Afternoon:
- Spice Bazaar (Free entry, sample spices)
- Ferry to Kadıköy (cheap public ferry, amazing views)
Dinner: Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy (moderate but legendary Anatolian cuisine)
Evening: Istiklal Street walk (free) and historic Tünel funicular
Day 3: Asian Side & Local Life
Morning:
- Ferry to Üsküdar
- Maiden’s Tower view from shore (free)
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Free)
Lunch: Kanaat Lokantası (historic, budget-friendly Ottoman dishes)
Afternoon:
- Çamlıca Hill (Free panoramic views)
- Moda neighborhood walk along sea
Dinner: Street food in Kadıköy Tuesday Market area (if timing matches)
Evening: Bosphorus sunset cruise with Şehir Hatları (official municipal ferry, ~50₺ instead of 50€ tours)
Day 4: Palaces & Farewell
Morning:
- Topkapi Palace (750₺ – splurge but includes Harem)
- Gülhane Park (Free, beautiful gardens)
Lunch: Döner at Karadeniz Döner (Sultanahmet, budget-friendly)
Afternoon:
- Süleymaniye Mosque (Free, best views of Golden Horn)
- Explore Balat colorful houses (Free photogenic neighborhood)
Dinner: Balat fish sandwich or Antiochia (moderate but excellent)
Last evening: Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medrese tea garden (affordable Turkish tea)
Budget Food Must-Tries:
- Street foods (<50₺ each):
- Simit (sesame bread ring)
- Roasted chestnuts/corn
- Balık ekmek (fish sandwich)
- Kumpir (stuffed baked potato in Ortaköy)
- Affordable restaurants:
- Dürümzade (Beyoğlu) – famous wraps
- Bereket Döner (Sirkeci) – cheap döner
- Hafız Mustafa – Turkish desserts at reasonable prices
- Breakfast: Local “kahvaltı” places in Çengelköy or Beşiktaş
Total Estimated Costs (excluding flights):
- Accommodation: Hostels 500-800₺/night = 2000-3200₺
- Food: 300-500₺/day = 1200-2000₺
- Transport: 100-150₺ (with Istanbulkart)
- Attractions: ~1500₺ (if choose 2-3 paid ones)
- Total: ~5000-7000₺ ($160-230 USD)
Money-Saving Tips:
- Museum Pass Istanbul (850₺ for 5 days) if visiting 3+ paid museums
- Free museum days: Topkapi Palace free on Wednesdays (check current policy)
- Refill water bottles at public fountains
- Avoid restaurants with “English menus” on main squares
This itinerary balances iconic sights with local experiences while keeping costs down. The key is spending on a few strategic paid attractions while enjoying Istanbul’s incredible free views, mosques, and neighborhoods.
Note: Prices in Turkish Lira (₺) as of early 2025. Check current exchange rates as inflation affects prices rapidly