What budget for activities and outings Istanbul?
For tourists, there are two cards that allow to visit museums. The MuseumPass Istanbul (360 TL), which is a nominative card for all national museums in Istanbul (except the Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace and Leander Tower), is valid for five days from its first use. This card gives you access to discounts in souvenir stores and museum cafes. The MuseumPass Turkey (600 TL) allows you to visit all national monuments and museums in Turkey. It is valid for 15 days from its first use. You can buy these cards at any national museum, but avoid Topkapı because of the crowds. It is better to take them from the Mosaic Museum, for example, where there are few people. Thanks to these cards, you won't have to queue at the ticket office. Note: museums are free for children under 8 years old.
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 is very cheap for European tourists. On average, one should count on a budget of 200 TL per day, for accommodation, food, transportation and sightseeing. Tipping is widely practiced and amounts to about 10% of the bill, provided of course that you are satisfied with the service. Tipping is a custom in Turkey, mostly in bazaars and markets, but more rarely in stores.
