DON T Make these Mistakes in Istanbul
Istanbul is unforgettable, unless you accidentally ruin it.
In this video, Saygın breaks down 12 of the most common mistakes tourists make when visiting Istanbul. These are small decisions that can lead to big frustrations, wasted money, or missed experiences.
You’ll learn why relying on taxis, skipping the Istanbulkart, or staying only in tourist-heavy areas can affect your trip more than you expect. The video also covers what to wear at mosques, how to find real local food, and why exploring beyond the European side matters. These insights come from years of living in the city and seeing what visitors often get wrong.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been here before, this guide will help you avoid stress and make the most of your time in Istanbul.
✔ 12 tips covering transportation, money, food, neighborhoods, and cultural awareness
✔ How to avoid tourist traps and move around more easily
✔ A smarter, smoother, and more local Istanbul experience
#IstanbulTravel #TravelTips #TurkeyTravel #IstanbulGuide #WhereToStay #StreetFoodTurkey #IstanbulMistakes #LocalExperience #CulturalTravel #citytips
*2025 Turkey esim update* You need to download and install the e-sim prior to arrival as Turkey has now blocked all the major esim providers.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: How to Avoid Ruining Your Istanbul Trip
00:53 – Mistake 1: Not Getting an Istanbulkart
01:37 – Mistake 2: Taking Random Taxis
02:28 – Mistake 3: Not Carrying Cash
03:14 – Mistake 4: Not Getting a SIM or eSIM
03:55 – Mistake 5: Speaking Only English
04:28 – Cultural & Local Experience Mistakes
04:51 – Mistake 6: Wearing the Wrong Shoes
05:20 – Mistake 7: Trying to Do Too Much in One Day
05:56 – Mistake 8: Buying All Souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar
06:35 – Mistake 9: Dressing Wrong for Mosques
07:12 – Mistake 10: Only Staying on the European Side
07:49 – Mistake 11: Skipping Street Food
08:26 – Mistake 12: Eating at Tourist Trap Restaurants
09:00 – Final Thoughts: Enjoy Istanbul Like a Local
Looking for help with booking a tour, planning a trip, or coming to Turkey for medical tourism?
Get more info and a free quote here: https://form.typeform.com/to/qQMTxCXH
Save time and money in Istanbul with the Istanbul MegaPass, giving you fast access to the top attractions: https://megapass.com/turkey/istanbul/...
Get the best e-sim in Turkey with Air Alo:
15% discount for new customers
https://airalo.pxf.io/c/6195224/20710...
10% discount for existing customers: https://airalo.pxf.io/c/6195224/20710...
Discover the perfect soundtrack for your content with Epidemic Sound:
https://share.epidemicsound.com/wscz94