How to Plan Your Istanbul Welcome Card Tour

Are you planning a visit to Istanbul? The Istanbul Welcome Card is a perfect way to ease your travels and experience the best of Istanbul. With the Istanbul Welcome Card, you can visit stunning landmarks, museums and transportation that are a must-visit in Istanbul. Here is everything you need to know about the Istanbul Welcome Card before you book your tour.

Experience

The Istanbul Welcome Card offers access to some of the best attractions in Istanbul. The tour includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and a Bosphorus cruise. You can skip the long lines at the entrance gates and the guide will provide you with insightful information about the history of the attractions.

Highlights

The highlights of the tour include:

• Free hotel delivery
• 10 transportation tickets
• Skip-the-ticket-line entry to several museums and attractions (except Hagia Sophia)
• Guided tours of the Hagia Sophia Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with a historian guide
• A cruise on the Bosphorus
• Discounts at top attractions, including audio guides for museums and museums entrance tickets

Benefit from Free Hotel Delivery

One of the best benefits of the Istanbul Welcome Card is that you don’t have to worry about picking up your card from a specific location. The card and any vouchers that come with it are delivered right to your hotel for free. This means you don’t have to waste any time standing in line for a card or scheduling a pick-up time.

Covering Public Transportation with 10 Tickets

When you have the Istanbul Welcome Card, you will receive 10 transportation tickets that you can use for the ferry, tram, bus and metrobus. These tickets allow you unlimited transportation within the city, helping you travel from one landmark to the other much easier.

Visit Hagia Sophia Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with a Historian Guide

One of the highlights of the Istanbul Welcome Card tour is the guided tours to the Hagia Sophia Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. You will get to skip the ticket lines and learn about these landmarks from a historian guide that will provide insightful information about the history of these places.

Enjoy a Cruise on the Bosphorus

The Istanbul Welcome Card tour includes a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, providing you with an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful waterfront sights of the city. From your boat, you can see iconic landmarks like the Bosphorus Bridge and Dolmabahce Palace, providing you with a unique and memorable experience.

Pay Less at Top Sights Attractions and Activities

A great advantage of the Istanbul Welcome Card is that it provides you with significant discounts on top attractions across the city, including museums and other sights. Additionally, you will have the option to use an audio guide to explore the museums on your terms, allowing you to take your time and enjoy the exhibits.

Book the Tour Here

The Istanbul Welcome Card is an excellent way to experience some of the most popular sights in Istanbul. If you are planning your trip to Istanbul and considering purchasing an Istanbul Welcome Card, you can book your tour here: book the tour here.

Conclusion

The Istanbul Welcome Card is an excellent option for travellers, especially those that have never visited Istanbul before. The card provides access to some of the most popular sights, with the benefit of skipping the entrance lines and enjoying guided tours and discounts. With the 10 transportation tickets included, you can travel around the city with ease, enabling you to fully enjoy your visit to Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Istanbul is a city that attracts millions of tourists every year. This city is known for its rich history and unique culture that brings together the East and West. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, here are some of the frequently asked questions about the city that may come across your mind:

What is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul?

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. This mosque was built during the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I. It is called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that decorate the interior walls. The mosque is a popular tourist attraction with its six minarets, elegant domes, and exquisite architecture.

What is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul?

The Hagia Sophia is another famous landmark in Istanbul. It was built as a church during the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and then converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire in 1453. In modern times, the Hagia Sophia has been converted into a museum, attracting millions of tourists every year. The architectural style of the Hagia Sophia reflects both Byzantine and Ottoman aspects, making it a unique place to visit.

What is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul?

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Located in the heart of Istanbul’s old city, it is home to more than 4,000 shops, selling everything from spices to jewelry. It is a popular destination for tourists to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market and to purchase unique souvenirs.

What is the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul?

The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul into two parts: the European side and the Asian side. It is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with thousands of ships passing through it each year. The Bosphorus is famous for its stunning views of the city and its historic landmarks, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Rumeli Fortress.

What is the transportation system like in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a comprehensive transportation system that includes buses, trams, metro, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is a smart card that can be used on all forms of public transportation in the city, making it easy and convenient to get around. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city.

What currency is used in Istanbul?

The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish Lira. Most businesses in the city accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash for small purchases and for tipping.

What are some of the must-visit places in Istanbul?

In addition to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar, there are several other must-visit places in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Spice Bazaar are all iconic landmarks that reflect the city’s history and culture. The Galata Tower and the Istiklal Street are popular destinations for their stunning views of the city and vibrant atmosphere. For a relaxing experience, visitors can also head to one of Istanbul’s many Turkish baths, such as the Çemberlitaş Hamamı or the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı.In conclusion, Istanbul is a vibrant and fascinating city with a rich history and culture that draws visitors from all over the world. With its stunning architecture, bustling markets, and beautiful views, this city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the East and West.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that has been attracting millions of tourists from all over the world for years. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, amazing food and bustling markets, Istanbul has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or as a family, this city will not disappoint. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time in Istanbul.

Getting around Istanbul

Before diving into the best things to do in Istanbul, it’s important to know the transportation options available in the city. Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, metro, ferries and taxis. The Istanbulkart is a must-have for tourists, it’s a reloadable card that can be used on all modes of transportation. The card can be obtained from various kiosks around the city, including the airport.

Top sights to see in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

One of the must-visit attractions in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia. This former church, turned mosque and now a museum, is an architectural masterpiece that has served as an inspiration for many structures worldwide. The admission fee is 72 Turkish Liras per person.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families. It houses an impressive collection of treasures and artifacts from the Ottoman empire. Don’t forget to visit the Harem section where you can see how the sultans and their families lived. The admission fee is 108 Turkish Liras per person.

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a stunning piece of architecture with its six minarets and intricate blue tiles. The mosque is still in use for prayers, but it’s also open to tourists outside of prayer times. Admission is free, but visitors must dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops and stalls selling everything from spices to jewelry to textiles, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices.

The Spice Bazaar

Located near the Galata Bridge, the Spice Bazaar is another must-visit market. As the name implies, it’s a market where you can find various spices, teas, and Turkish delight. Be sure to stop by the famous Turkish Delight shop, Hafiz Mustafa.

The best food to try in Istanbul

One of the best things about visiting Istanbul is getting to indulge in its amazing cuisine. Here are some of the top foods you should try:

Kebabs

Kebabs are a staple in Turkish cuisine. Whether it’s doner, shish or Adana, you can find a variety of kebabs all over Istanbul. Be sure to try it with the traditional bread, lavash.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry that’s a specialty in Turkey. Layers of phyllo dough are filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup to create a delicious dessert. Check out Karaköy Güllüoğlu, a popular pastry shop in the Karaköy district.

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes that are meant to be shared. It’s a perfect way to try various Turkish foods at once. Some popular meze dishes include stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and baba ganoush.

Tea and Coffee

Turkish tea and coffee are a must-try when visiting Istanbul. Tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses and coffee is brewed in a unique way called Turkish coffee. It’s stronger than regular coffee and is served with a side of Turkish delight.

Other things to do in Istanbul

Bosphorus cruise

Take a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy stunning views of Istanbul from the water. You’ll pass by iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and Ortakoy Mosque. There are many different operators and price ranges available.

Visit a Hamam

A visit to a traditional Turkish bathhouse or Hamam is a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss. Relax in the hot steam room and get a scrub down by a professional attendant. The Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is a popular and historic option.

Visit the Prince’s Islands

The Prince’s Islands are a chain of nine isles located just off the coast of Istanbul. You can take a ferry or private boat to the islands for a day trip. The islands are known for their pristine beaches and peaceful atmosphere.

Final thoughts

There you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Istanbul. From exploring historical landmarks to indulging in delicious cuisine, and experiencing Turkish culture, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to get an Istanbulkart and enjoy the city’s public transportation system, and remember to haggle for the best prices at the markets. We hope this guide helps you plan your perfect trip to Istanbul!