What budget for activities and outings Istanbul?
For tourists, there's a card that allows you to visit 13 museums in Istanbul. The MuseumPass Istanbul (€105) is a nominative card that covers all Istanbul's national museums (except the Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace and Leander Tower), and is valid for five days from first use. This card gives you access to discounts in souvenir stores and museum cafés. You can buy this card at any national museum, but avoid Topkapı because of the crowds. It's better to buy it at the Mosaic Museum, for example, where it's less crowded.
Along the beaches (Moda, Florya, Bebek..), it is common to find running tracks and bicycle paths with the possibility of renting a bike on the spot. It is not advisable to swim in the Bosphorus, because the waters are polluted. However, there are some paying beaches on the Princes' Islands.
Except for the luxury shops, prices are rather cheap. Prefer stores that display their prices (except for what is paid by weight). Payment is by cash or card if the store is equipped with a machine.
Some clubs do not charge admission, but others charge a fee. Alcohol is often more expensive than in bars. Taxes are included in the price. You can leave a tip if you wish, about 5 to 10% of the bill. You can pay by card or cash.
What budget to eat Istanbul?
It is easy to find good and inexpensive restaurants, however avoid the overly touristy areas such as Sultanahmet and under the Galata Bridge, where prices are much higher. If you plan to eat local, opt for the smaller, more crowded restaurants. If you have to wait a while, at least you can be sure that the crowds will ensure a good flow and therefore a real freshness of the food. Restaurants accept payment by card and cash, but not by check.
Prices vary depending on the neighborhood. In Nişantaşı or on the banks of the Bosphorus, they will be higher. Taxes are included in the price, and you can leave a tip (5-10% of the bill) if you enjoyed the service. Bars and pubs accept payment by card or cash. However, small neighborhood cafes or çay bahçesi (tea gardens) usually only accept cash.
What is the budget for accommodation Istanbul?
The Ministry of Tourism classifies hotels in Turkey from 1 to 5 stars, but prices are freely set by their owners. Among the 4 and 5 star hotels are the establishments of the major international chains. In order to save money, you should choose to stay in the off-season or in areas further away from the city center. For those on a budget, pensions(pansiyon) are the best option. Their quality varies, but you can find clean rooms with bathrooms for a reasonable price, and the welcome is much better than in low-end hotels.
Travel budget Istanbul and cost of living
The cost of living in Turkey remains attractive for European travelers. However, as in all major capitals. The ever-fluctuating Turkish lira has seen continuous devaluation over the past five years. Add to this galloping inflation, and you'll see prices rise rapidly, sometimes doubling in the blink of an eye. The practice of tipping is widespread and amounts to around 10% of the bill, provided of course that you are satisfied with the service. Haggling is a custom in Turkey, especially in bazaars and markets, but more rarely in stores.
