Istanbul - A Solo Travel Guide

Solo travelling

My first time experience travelling solo, it was quite intimidating at the start and I nearly ended up cancelling everything. But I wanted to try and do this, so I packed my bags and off I went. I travelled over New years and had booked everything about 3 days before I travelled – it was very spontaneous, but I totally recommend solo travelling after the trip I had!

If you’re looking for your next destination, then Istanbul is the place to be. There’s so much culture and history within the city and it has so much to offer to new/solo travellers. Throughout this guide I highlight accommodation, transport, places to visit and give a glimpse of my own experience.

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Transport

Taxi: Travelling from airport to the city is expensive, I made the mistake of pre-booking and it cost a fortune. Another point to add, the traffic is crazy during the day, so be prepared to be stuck on the road for a while. On the departure flight I took the metro (much quicker and cheaper).

Public transport: Buses, metro, tram, underground, Ferry (you name it, they have it). In order to use public transport in Istanbul, you will need to purchase ‘the magnetic card, Istanbul Kart’. There are small kiosks located near all metro stations, piers and bus stops. The card itself costs 25TRY and then you are able to add credit onto the card. There is also an option to buy single travel tickets, but in the long run will be more expensive.

Metro: preferred method of transport, so quick and easy, plus very cheap!

Tram: also very efficient way of travelling, takes you all throughout the city.

Underground : very easy to use and can take you to the Asian side if you are on the European side, or vice versa.

To find the best routes to travel on, Google maps will be your best friend.

Accommodation

Since it was a very last minute trip I booked accommodation quite late, there are plenty options (Hostels and hotels), I stayed in a hostel in the centre of Fatih with a front row view of Hagia Sophia. Other people I met also stayed in Taksim, which has a better night life.

Hostel I stayed: Cheers hostel: 2 nights = £43 (€49) breakfast included – single sex rooms or mixed, very close to centre and everywhere is easily accessible.

Places to book: Booking.com

Food/drink

Seven hill restaurant: Rooftop vibes overlooking the city, with a front row seat to the famous mosques. In my opinion, the food is quite expensive, but the view and experience is amazing – and it is definitely worth a visit! If you’re feeling brave you can even feed the seagulls on the rooftop (I must warn you they have no chill).

Any Turkish restaurant 😂, There is an endless amount of options, everywhere that you go. There will alway be people in the streets trying to show you their menu but honestly the food will be tasty anywhere – prices may vary depending on where you go.

Galata tower: The walk is a mission, but it’s worth it once you get to the top! So many different restaurants and shops up there.

Taksim square: So many yummy kebabs here! Dripping with all the good juices

Nusr-Et steakhouse: I would recommend going here for the experience and to just say you’ve been. It’s relatively cheap compared to London prices! I got a salt bae burger and it was delicious, 10/10.

Hafiz Mustafa 1864: If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you need to try the traditional Turkish desserts from here. The service is sensational and the taste will want you coming back for more! I got a small box of different types of baklava and was sad that I didn’t get more! So so tasty, definitely worth a visit.

Places to visit

Grand bazaar

The worlds oldest and biggest bazaar markets, with over 3000 shops/ stalls. Offering a never ending choice of gifts and items to purchase. If you love to haggle, then this is the place for you – but be careful, you might leave with overflowing bags. You must try the various flavoured Turkish tea available – my favourite was the apple tea.

What to buy at the Grand Bazaar – carpets, jewellery, brooches, bags, clothes and shoes.

Hagia Sophia

One of the many historical treasures of Istanbul, it was once a church, then later a mosque, a museum and since 2020, reopened as a mosque. It welcomes in millions throughout the year, the architectural beauty is the religious centre of Istanbul and I recommend adding to your list of places to visit.

Opening times:

⁃ Mon, Thurs – closed

⁃ Tue, Weds, Fri – 10am-2pm

⁃ Saturday – 4:30-5pm

⁃ Sunday – 9:30-12:30pm

I would advise to go early, I got there around 8:30am and lined for 1.5hours. The line gets huge, however once opened, it’s quite quick to get inside.

The blue mosque

Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This was on my list to visit, however was under renovation, so was unable to go inside. I did see the outside though and it’s absolutely stunning.

Asian side

I loved loved loved visiting the Asian side – especially Kadiköy! It’s so different to the European side, the vibes are immaculate. It’s was just a short trip on the underground train to get across the river. You can also travel by ferry, which is easy to board and runs every 2hours.

Basilica Cistern

Something to tick off the checklist, for me it was a bit underwhelming and quite expensive for what it is. But if you’re into history, then it’s worth the visit. Book online to receive a discount and jump the queue.

Price: 420-490TRY

The Topkapi palace (Seraglio)

A large museum in Fatih, it used to be the main residence of the Sultans. The grounds were very beautiful and it was great to learn about the history. However, the ticket prices were quite expensive and half the palace was under renovation – so no access to certain areas. If you plan to visit, I would recommend checking beforehand which parts will be open to the public before purchasing your ticket.

Price: 420-450TRY

Princes’ Islands

Also known as Adalar, is comprised of 4 larger islands and 5 much smaller islands. I visited the largest (and furthest) island – Büyükada. One of the unique things about the island is that there are little/no vehicles – with the only mode of transport being bicycles, horses and carts.

The whole island is full of enormous houses and it’s so quiet, I’m guessing cause it was the middle of winter. It’s pretty easy to get to the islands – lots of ferries departing from both Asian and European side.