Budget travel guide: How to visit Istanbul in less than

In 2023, Istanbul was the world’s No. 1 city for international arrivals, according to Euromonitor International. With less than ₹1.25 lakh in your pocket, explore the city of stunning architecture, good food and great shopping.
Istanbul has the unique distinction of being sprawled across two continents (Asia and Europe) and is often called the meeting place of East and West. Known for its fabulous Byzantine monuments and architecture, vibrant food scene, and the o’l world hammams and Grand Bazaar, Istanbul can be explored in less than ₹1.25 lakhs.

Also read: Budget travel guide: How to visit Abu Dhabi in less than ₹1.5 lakh
Also read: Budget travel guide: How to visit Maldives in less than ₹1.25 lakh

Best Baklava: On the way to Grand Bazaar, near the Cemberlitas tram station inside the Vezirhan, you can find the best baklava in Sec Baklava.
Best Doner Kebab: In Donerci Sahin Usta, near Gate no. 1 of Grand Bazaar.
Best Turkish Coffee: The most famous brand of Turkish coffee is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. Find it in the Space Bazaar.
Fish in Karakoy Fish Market: You can pick the fish, and they can cook for you in the same place. One of the cheapest places in Istanbul to try the freshest fish from the Bosphorus.
Istiklal Street: Go there for local food & eateries. It can be extremely crowded, though. Try Dikembe soup in Cumhuriyet Iskembecisi and Kelle Sogus (salad made with cooked lamb’s head) in Beyoglu Kelle Sogus Muammer Usta.
Semolina halva in Mahir Lokantası.
Street food: Simit (a kind of local bagel) in Simit Sarayi cafe; boiled or grilled corn in Sultanahmet or Beyoglu neighbourhood; roasted chestnut in Sultanahmet; fish sandwich in specially-designed boat cafes near Galata Bridge; mussels stuffed with rice and spices (found everywhere, specially in the Bosphorus area); wet burgers (small burgers) in Taxim Square; kumpir (baked potatoes).

Visa: All Indian nationals require a visa to enter Turkey. You can get an E-visa or sticker visa
Flight: Etihad Airways Delhi-Istanbul-Delhi one-stop Economy flight starts at ₹42,000. Comparatively, direct flights are expensive: Indigo Delhi-Istanbul-Delhi Economy flight starts at ₹80,000; Turkish Airlines starts at ₹85,000 (Flight duration: 7 hours 10 minutes). Mumbai-Istanbul-Mumbai return Economy flight starts at ₹52,000.
Accommodation (4 nights, 2 adults, no children): Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Centre: ₹35,000+ (excluding taxes); Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul: ₹27,000+(including taxes); Ibis Istanbul: ₹18,000+ (excluding taxes). If you stay in a hostel, you’ll save nearly 40% (for example: Stay Inn Taksim Hostel is ₹10,000+ for 4 nights). Noya Suites, a capsule hotel, is ₹12,000+ for 4 nights. You can also book a guesthouse for 50% less than a Ramada or Radisson.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). 1 Turkish Lira = INR 2.45
Getting Around: Buy Istanbul City Card (1 day unlimited: Euro 25), a prepaid public transportation card that gives you unlimited access to public transportation including metro, trams, buses, metrobuses, and ferries.