Istanbul in May remains the most popular for tourists city in Turkey. People love and hate it here, some people dream of living in Istanbul, while others vouch to never step foot here again. It’s a city that stirs strong emotions in people, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and bustling energy.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
However, what to see in Istanbul is a matter of personal preference. Some visitors might prefer to explore its lively markets and soak up the local atmosphere, while others may be more interested in its museums and historic sites. Regardless of your interests, Istanbul is sure to leave an impression on you.
Table of Contents:
Istanbul, Turkey: Prices for tourists
Inflation in Turkey is getting higher in higher and prices in restaurants/shops are changing almost every month. Especially in the summer, with high season for tourism. In the video we go to restaurants, local eateries, showing you the apartment we rented in Istanbul, do groceries in the neighborhood where tourists rarely go. Every location from the video is here.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Istanbul, Turkey. May is the best time to visit?
May is one of the best months to visit Istanbul. The weather in May is not too hot yet and everything’s blooming. But other tourists might have the same idea, so it can get quite crowded in the City Centre.
Another great month to visit Istanbul, Turkey is September, when the weather gets less hot than during the summer, but it’s not raining every day yet.
Winter (December to February) is the low season, with colder weather and occasional snow, but it’s also an excellent time to experience Istanbul’s festive spirit and take advantage of lower prices.
If you’re a shopaholic, Istanbul is a dream destination! With a mix of modern shopping malls and traditional markets, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
One of the biggest malls is the Istinye Park, with over 300 stores and a cinema. Need a break? Check out the aquarium or the ice rink. Another popular spot is Zorlu Center, which has a luxury shopping experience with designer brands and high-end restaurants.
List of Shopping Malls in Istanbul, Turkey (European and Asian side).
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
But if you’re after a more authentic experience, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. You’ll find everything from spices to textiles, and don’t forget to bargain! From chic malls to historic markets, Istanbul has it all.
My personal recommendation – go to a Mall if you want to shop for clothes, to a supermarket for Turkish food (to buy as presents) and Grand Bazaar is more for the experience, than for actual shopping.
To try Turkish street food, go to Istiklal street. Wet burger, Turkish Ice Cream and Kokorec was our choice of local food to try! Find out which one we would NOT recommend
Best things see in Istanbul, Turkey in May
Istanbul is a big city with so much to see, you can easily spend 2 weeks there going to a new place every day. My first time in Istanbul was in 2017 and since then I’ve written a travel itinerary for Istanbul, Turkey for 3 days (for first time visitors). And in this article I am revisiting some of the attractions in 2022, as well as go to places I have never seen before.
- Nisantasi
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Macka Park
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Balat
- Princes’ Islands
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
Nişantaşı neighbourhood in Istanbul, Turkey
Nişantaşı is an affluent neighborhood and a district in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a posh neighborhood in Istanbul, known for its chic boutiques and elite shopping.
Although this time I got scammed in Istanbul at an exchange in Nisantasi.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here:
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Nişantaşı has a population of around 8,000 people and it is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Maçka Park in Istanbul, Turkey
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here:
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Maçka Park is a public park in Istanbul. It was built to replace the old Maçka Military Barracks.
It is a huge green area with trees, flowers and water fountains. The park has been designed to be in harmony with the natural environment and it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods on three sides.
Maçka Park is the largest park in Istanbul and the second largest in Turkey. The park also includes a lake of 8 hectares with waterfalls and fountains as well as a forest area with trees from around the world.
The park has been built for all Istanbul residents and it has free entrance for everyone.
Colorful houses of Balat, Istanbul
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here:
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Balat is a historic district in Istanbul on the European side of the city. The district is well known for its colorful houses, but is there more to see?
Balat has traditionally been home to minorities in the city, for Jewish families and Greek Orthodox families. Fener Greek High School is still in operation here, definitely a must see. You cannot go inside, but all the beauty is on the outside.
In the video we also visit a cafe right inside of an old Greek House and go to a restaurant on the hilltop.
Read More: Traveling in Turkey: Your Ultimate Guide to Must-See Destinations and Insider Tips
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
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Shopping in Antalya, Turkey: Best Malls and Supermarkets (with prices)
Antalya, Turkey is a city with great shopping opportunities. Big modern shopping malls and Supermarkets are all over the city. And the Prices will surprise you, I recommend travelling with an empty suitcase which will be full on your way home.
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Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. Best Malls European vs Asian side
Shopping in Istanbul is not only souvenirs, turkish delight and spices from a bazaar. You can buy clothes and accessories much cheaper in Istanbul. Shopping Malls, small local shops, outlets, markets – there is something for everyone who wants to to shopping in Istanbul.
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New Istanbul Airport: Travel Guide and Personal Review
New Airport in Istanbul has a name which is simple and clear: Istanbul Airport (name in Turkish: İstanbul Havalimanı). It was opened at the end of 2018 and replaced Ataturk Airport completely in 2019. In this Istanbul Airport Guide you will find essential information: airport map, where to find ATMs and money exchanges, how to…
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Ikamet: Turkey residence permit for 1 year. How I got it in Antalya
To stay in Turkey for a year, you need to get a Turkish residency permit – Ikamet. It is relatively easy to do. I got a tourist residency permit. Which means I am not allowed to work or start a business in Turkey.
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3 DAYS IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Best things to do if you have never been there before
First of all: 3 days are nowhere near enough for Istanbul if this is your first time. But you have to work with what you got and make the best of it, so here you will find advice from someone who both was a tourist once and a resident. I will not give you in-depth historical references here, we’ve got Wikipedia for that.
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Izmir, Turkey: Where to stay, Things to see, Public transport
Izmir is the 3rd biggest city in Turkey with over 3 million people living there. It is about 1 hour flight from Istanbul. Izmir does not have a beach, but there are so many things to see and to do, that you can easily spend a week there, exploring the city.
Hi I wanted to know when do u think it’s best to come to Istanbul? This will b our first time there I don’t like it too hot or too busy as I am deaf. Plz could u advise. Thank u