11 Things to Avoid in Istanbul: What Not to Do

When visiting Istanbul, avoid taxi scams by insisting on meters and using GPS. Don’t ignore mosque etiquette—remove shoes and dress modestly. Skip tourist trap restaurants near attractions, and wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets. Always bargain at markets, and don’t drive in the congested city. Ask before photographing locals, and stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. These simple precautions will help you experience Istanbul’s true charm rather than common tourist pitfalls.

Good To Know

• Avoid entering mosques during prayer times, especially Fridays, and always dress modestly with covered shoulders, knees, and hair for women.
• Don’t accept fixed-price taxi offers or unmarked taxis; always insist on using the meter and verify official plates (34-T-XXXX).
• Never drink tap water; use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing produce to prevent health risks.
• Avoid tourist trap restaurants near major attractions; instead seek authentic experiences in local neighborhoods like Kadıköy.
• Don’t pay in foreign currency; always use Turkish Lira for transactions to avoid counterfeit risks and comply with regulations.

11 Things to Avoid in Istanbul: What Not to Do

While Istanbul offers unforgettable experiences, knowing what not to do is just as important as planning your itinerary. Stay away from secluded areas after dark and avoid using street ATMs—opt for those in banks or shopping centers instead.

Keep your belongings secure in crowded tourist spots, especially around Süleymaniye Mosque where pickpocketing is common. Don’t display expensive items like smartphones or cameras that attract unwanted attention.

Stay vigilant in Istanbul’s busiest areas—thieves target distracted travelers flashing valuables near major attractions.

When visiting mosques, dress modestly out of respect. Never place bags on the floor in cafes—keep them on your lap or shoulder. If you’re torn between exploring Scandinavian destinations, consider that Istanbul offers a different experience than Scandinavian countries with their distinct cultural attractions.

Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited hospitality or inviting you for drinks, as these can be scams. Always agree on prices beforehand for services like shoe shining to avoid disputes. Despite occasional concerns, most travelers report Istanbul is as safe as major European cities like Paris or Rome when using common sense precautions.

Falling Prey to Taxi Scams

Transportation troubles rank high among Istanbul’s visitor challenges, with taxi scams topping the list of potential problems. Drivers frequently take longer routes, claim broken meters, or charge nighttime rates during day hours to inflate fares.

Never accept fixed-price offers—they’re typically 2-3 times the actual fare. Insist on meters, carry small bills to avoid “no change” scams, and track your route with GPS. Be cautious of drivers who may attempt to swap your large banknotes with smaller denominations during payment transactions.

Be wary when drivers claim closed roads or refuse to stop at your exact destination. Essential travel tips include familiarizing yourself with approximate distances to avoid unnecessarily long routes.

Use ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber for safer, fixed-rate alternatives. If you must take a street taxi, verify it has an official “TAKSI” roof sign and legitimate license plate (34-T-XXXX). Report any suspicious behavior immediately using the plate number.

Ignoring Proper Mosque Etiquette

Istanbul’s magnificent mosques represent sacred spaces that demand proper respect from visitors. When entering these spiritual sanctuaries, always remove your shoes and dress modestly—men should wear long pants and sleeved shirts, while women need to cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Most mosques provide scarves if you’re unprepared.

Maintain a respectful demeanor by speaking softly, silencing your phone, and avoiding flash photography. Don’t lean against walls, touch artifacts, or eat inside. Try to avoid visiting during prayer times or on Fridays between late morning and early afternoon when religious services are most active.

Be particularly mindful during prayer times—check schedules beforehand and never interrupt worshippers or walk in front of those praying.

Unlike France where dangerous wildlife might be a concern in rural areas, Istanbul’s main safety considerations are cultural rather than natural.

Remember that mosques aren’t just tourist attractions but active places of worship. Following these etiquette guidelines shows respect for Islamic traditions and ensures everyone can appreciate these architectural marvels appropriately.

Eating at Tourist Trap Restaurants

Tourists often fall prey to the overpriced, underwhelming establishments strategically positioned near Istanbul’s major attractions. You’ll pay 2-3 times more for meals that lack authenticity and quality, with pre-made dishes reheated rather than freshly prepared.

Savvy travelers skip the tourist traps near landmarks where you’ll overpay for mediocre, reheated food lacking authentic Turkish character.

Watch for hidden costs like unexpected service charges, automatic bread fees, and “special tourist menus” with inflated prices. Many restaurants modify traditional Ottoman recipes to match perceived foreign preferences, sacrificing authentic flavors for Instagram-worthy presentations. Be especially cautious of restaurants where servers or hosts actively solicit your business, as this could be part of the carpet sales ploy that leads travelers into overpriced dining establishments.

For genuine Turkish cuisine at reasonable prices, venture to local neighborhoods like Kadıköy. Family-run lokantas, street food stalls, and lunchtime specials (öğle menüsü) offer better value and authenticity.

You’ll discover seasonal dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods that tourist traps simply can’t match.

Wearing Impractical Footwear on Cobblestone Streets

While exploring Istanbul’s charming historic districts, your choice of footwear can make or break your experience. Those stylish heels or flimsy sandals might look great in photos, but they’re a recipe for disaster on Istanbul’s uneven cobblestone streets.

The city’s hilly terrain and worn pathways demand sturdy, comfortable shoes with good traction. Ankle boots provide excellent ankle support while navigating the city’s varied topography. You’ll be removing your shoes frequently when entering mosques, so opt for pairs that slip on and off easily. Consider waterproof options during rainy months when those picturesque cobblestones become treacherously slippery.

Sneakers, walking shoes with arch support, or comfortable sandals with non-slip soles are your best bet. Your feet will thank you after long days exploring Istanbul’s neighborhoods, and you’ll avoid injuries that could derail your trip. Unlike Cyprus’s party destinations, Istanbul requires practical footwear that prioritizes comfort over style for truly enjoying its historical wonders.

Limiting Your Exploration to Tourist Hotspots

Venture beyond the obvious to discover:

1. Vibrant local neighborhoods – Explore Beyoğlu’s lively nightlife, Karaköy’s stunning Bosphorus views, or the trendy expat haven of Kadıköy for a different perspective.
2. Authentic culinary experiences – Tourist areas often serve international food at inflated prices, while local districts offer traditional Turkish dishes at reasonable costs.
3. Cultural immersion opportunities – Participate in community events, visit lesser-known museums, and engage with locals in residential areas for meaningful connections.

Now that you’re equipped with proper footwear, you’ll need to decide where those comfortable shoes will take you. Istanbul offers far more than just the famous sites in Sultanahmet. Confining yourself to tourist hotspots means missing authentic experiences that make this city truly special. Consider that Kadıköy provides a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for longer stays and deeper culture than the busier tourist districts. Unlike Cyprus which is known for its costly tourism, Istanbul offers incredible value when you venture into local neighborhoods.

Paying in Foreign Currency Instead of Turkish Lira

Although it might seem logical to use familiar currencies like dollars or euros during your Istanbul trip, paying in foreign currency instead of Turkish lira can lead to serious legal issues and financial losses.

Turkey’s 2022 regulations mandate lira for most sales transactions, with very limited exceptions. Recent counterfeit concerns have made many banks reluctant to accept USD bills, particularly $50 and $100 denominations circulating near the Grand Bazaar.

Always convert your currency at legitimate exchange offices, check current rates on your phone first, and avoid street money changers.

When shopping, politely insist on paying in lira even if vendors offer “better deals” in euros or dollars. This protects you from both legal complications and potential counterfeit exposure. The April 21, 2022 amendment to the Communiqué on Decree 32 specifically regulated that payments in foreign currencies for sale of goods contracts must be fulfilled in Turkish lira.

Unlike top destinations in Croatia where currency regulations may differ, Istanbul has strict rules regarding acceptable payment methods for travelers and locals alike.

Digital payments through verified apps provide an additional safety layer for steering through Istanbul’s currency landscape.

Forgetting to Bargain at Markets and Bazaars

In the bustling markets and legendary bazaars of Istanbul, forgetting to bargain isn’t just missing a cultural experience—it’s practically handing over your money. Those initial prices? They’re typically inflated by 20-50%, especially in tourist areas like the Grand Bazaar, where haggling has been tradition since the 15th century. While exploring these markets, it’s worth noting that they differ considerably from the historic attractions found in other Mediterranean cities like Split.

For successful bargaining:

1. Do your homework – Browse multiple stalls before negotiating to understand fair market prices and gain leverage.
2. Use strategic timing – Shop later in the day when vendors are enthusiastic to meet daily sales targets and might offer better deals.
3. Speak some Turkish phrases – Basic terms like “Fiyatı nedir?” (What’s the price?) and “Çok pahalı” (Too expensive) show respect and often lead to better offers.

The most effective bargaining typically happens between 11:00 and 13:00 when shop staff are working to meet their quotas.

Don’t mistake offered tea for friendship—it’s part of the sales strategy!

Driving or Renting Vehicles in the City

Driving through Istanbul’s chaotic streets behind the wheel ranks among the most stressful experiences you’ll encounter in Turkey. The city’s notorious traffic congestion, aggressive driving culture, and confusing road layouts make navigation a nightmare for visitors.

Brace yourself for Istanbul’s roads—a white-knuckle adventure through congestion, aggression, and confusion unlike anywhere else.

Istanbul’s parking situation is equally challenging, with limited spaces in central areas. If you must drive, remember vehicles operate on the right side, pedestrians have priority at crossings, and you’ll need to be at least 21 to rent a car. When encountering emergency vehicles, you must clear the left lane immediately.

Keep your alcohol consumption at zero (the legal limit is 0.05%), use hands-free devices for calls, and always wear seatbelts to avoid fines. Many travelers prefer visiting peaceful Sweden instead, where traffic is more orderly and less congested.

Instead, rely on Istanbul’s efficient public transportation system—metros, trams, ferries, and buses offer extensive coverage without the stress of driving.

Taking Photos Without Permission

Photography in Istanbul requires a thoughtful approach, as snapping pictures without permission can lead to uncomfortable encounters or even legal issues. Turkish privacy laws explicitly prohibit photographing individuals without consent, especially veiled women.

When exploring Istanbul with your camera, remember these essential guidelines:

1. Ask before capturing – Always request permission before photographing locals, street vendors, or artisans. A smile and simple gesture can suffice when language barriers exist.
2. Respect sacred spaces – Photography is banned in certain sections of historic sites like Topkapı Palace’s Holy Relics section and parts of Dolmabahçe Palace.
3. Be culturally sensitive – Avoid photographing religious ceremonies, worshippers in mosques, or children without parental consent, particularly during Islamic holidays like Ramadan. For travelers seeking more budget-friendly experiences, consider that affordable destinations in Croatia offer different photography customs and regulations. Despite Istanbul having a vibrant photography community, it’s important to balance artistic expression with respect for local customs and privacy expectations.

Drinking Tap Water Instead of Bottled Water

Just as you should be mindful when capturing images around Istanbul, you’ll need to exercise similar caution with what you drink. Despite governmental assurances, tap water in Istanbul isn’t universally trusted—only 4% of locals drink it without hesitation.

While infrastructure has improved and testing shows the water meets standards in many areas, historical distrust runs deep. The chlorine taste doesn’t help either. For those staying in hotels or vacation rentals, a portable water filter system could be a practical alternative to constantly buying bottled water.

Infrastructure improvements haven’t erased generations of skepticism about Istanbul’s tap water, while the strong chlorine flavor only reinforces local distrust.

Bottled water is inexpensive (₺0.08–0.15 per 500ml) and ubiquitous, making it the safer choice for visitors.

If you’re staying longer, consider water delivery services for large containers. This approach is more economical than purchasing individual bottles, especially when compared to Stockholm’s expenses for daily necessities. At restaurants, don’t expect tap water to be served—it’s simply not the cultural norm.

When brushing teeth or washing produce, bottled water remains the cautious option.

The Sum Up

Istanbul’s like a complex Turkish carpet—beautiful but with patterns you’ll need to navigate carefully. By sidestepping these common pitfalls, you’ll discover the authentic city that’s charmed travelers for centuries. Remember, I once tipped a taxi driver 100 lira before realizing I’d been scammed—don’t make my rookie mistake! With these tips in your pocket, you’re ready to experience Istanbul as it’s meant to be enjoyed.