{"id":39095,"date":"2020-01-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=39095&preview=true&preview_id=39095"},"modified":"2025-07-18T00:05:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T14:05:47","slug":"istanbul-budget-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/istanbul-budget-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to travel in Istanbul on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

Straddling the divide between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a humming metropolis up there with the best in the world.\u00a0<\/strong>There are soaring mosques to see, Ottoman-era markets to explore and countless cafes, bars and restaurants to be found hidden in every Byzantine nook and cranny. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But like any major city, a visit to Turkey\u2019s<\/a> capital can quickly deplete your bank balance if you\u2019re not prepared with a few money-saving tips. At time of publishing, Lonely Planet estimated the average daily cost of visiting to be around USD40 per day, even as high as USD200 in summer season. Make your money travel further with our budget guide<\/a> to travelling in Istanbul.<\/p>\n

Where to stay in Istanbul<\/h2>\n

Istanbul is divided into European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus Strait, so choosing which side you stay on will depend on what kind of traveller you are and what you\u2019d like to do. For the most part, the Asian side of Istanbul is largely residential. Many of the big attractions, shopping strips and food haunts can be found on the European side of the city. If you want to save time and money on fares travelling back and forth, it\u2019s generally a good idea to stay around two of west Istanbul\u2019s biggest neighbourhoods: Sultanahmet and Beyo\u011flu (Galata).<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference between Sultanahmet and Beyo\u011flu (Galata)? For starters, Sultanahmet is often referred to as Istanbul\u2019s \u2018Old City\u2019 and most of the city\u2019s iconic sites can be found here, including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (pictured below) and the Grand Bazaar. There are a number of hotels and hostels in the area but, because of a build-up of tourist hot spots, accommodation here tends towards the pricier side.<\/p>\n

\"Hagia

Inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n

Just nearby, opposite Sultanahmet on the northern side of the Golden Horn, is Beyo\u011flu (Galata). Here you\u2019ll find Taksim Square, the famous \u0130stiklal Caddesi boulevard, and Galata Tower. This area has plenty of accommodation options, albeit at a cheaper price.<\/p>\n

When it comes to choosing accommodation, consider staying in hostels rather than hotels to get the best price. Sharing dorm rooms with other travellers is a great way to meet people and make friends, as well as save on one of travel\u2019s biggest expenses. Istanbul has plenty of hostels with lots of charm and personality, including some with rooftop views over the city. If you\u2019re looking to stay in Istanbul for a couple of nights and want the accommodation handled for you, Intrepid Travel offers a two-night accommodation and day-tour package<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Getting around Istanbul<\/h2>\n

Navigating Istanbul\u2019s tangled city roads can seem overwhelming when you first arrive, but the good news is it\u2019s actually very easy to get around. The city has a sophisticated public transport system, included bus, metro, tram, and boat to help get you to almost every location.<\/p>\n

While taking a cab might appeal as the easiest and most straightforward option, it\u2019s also the costliest. The meter rate is expensive and there\u2019s the chance of falling prey to a taxi-related scam, such as overcharging and bill-swapping. Instead, save yourself the headache and buy an Istanbulkart. It\u2019s the Turkish equivalent to London\u2019s Oyster Card, Hong Kong\u2019s<\/a> Octopus card and Melbourne\u2019s Myki.<\/p>\n

\"Istanbul<\/a>

Istanbul Metro Map<\/p><\/div>\n

Istanbul\u2019s public transport system works on a flat USD1 fare for every single-use paper ticket. There are no zones or grading in the metro system, so it\u2019s the same fare to reach every destination. However, if you purchase an Istanbulkart your single-use rate can drop to around USD.50c \u2013 a 50% saving! The card can be used for the metro, buses, trams and funiculars. Note that you must have an Istanbulkart to use the bus in Istanbul as these don\u2019t have cash machines onboard.<\/p>\n

You can purchase an Istanbulkart at automated card machines and kiosks found in almost every metro, tram, ferry or metrobus station. You can purchase one at Ataturk airport on arrival at the airport station. The card costs around USD2 but will come pre-loaded for your first fare (around USD1). You can top up your balance as needed at card machines. To use the card, simply \u2018tap on\u2019 the reader when entering a metro station or hopping onto a bus or tram.<\/p>\n

RELATED STORY: WHAT TO EXPECT ON A STREET FOOD TOUR IN ISTANBUL<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Eating out<\/h2>\n

Street food is a godsend for travellers on a shoestring and Istanbul is one of those cities with a proud street food tradition. Keep an eye out for red-topped carts offering a variety of snacks to keep your energy levels up during the day.<\/p>\n

Every cart owner has their own speciality and \u2018turf\u2019 to cover in the city. Some traders offer simit<\/em> (circular sesame-crusted bread rings), po\u011fa\u00e7a (a crumbly pastry with a variety of fillings), roasted kestane\u00a0<\/em>(chestnuts) and k\u00f6fte ekmek<\/em> (char-grilled meatballs on bread). Just remember the rules of street food \u2013<\/p>\n