20 Mistakes on a First Istanbul Trip: Some of Them We Learned the Expensive Way Ourselves

Istanbul forgives a lot. But sometimes the city sends you a bill – financially, or straight to your thighs.

We experienced these Istanbul mistakes ourselves: 300-euro roaming, steep hotel walks, rush hour, pickpocketing, weather, markets and restaurant traps.

Here are 20 things I now do differently after many trips to Istanbul. We paid for some of them ourselves, others cost us our nerves. And some were, in hindsight, simply very educational.

Mistake 1: Trusting the hotel distance without checking the incline

Google Maps says 400 meters. You think: perfect. Istanbul says: 400 meters uphill, cobblestones and maybe a staircase too. That's exactly why I now check not just distance but topography and reviews.

Mistake 2: Reading hotel reviews only by star rating

I specifically search for words like noise, nightclub, music, steep, stairs, elevator, construction and cleanliness. Especially around Karaköy or Istiklal, one street at night can feel completely different from the next.

Mistake 3: Exchanging a lot of money at the airport

If I absolutely need some cash, only the bare minimum and after comparing rates. I wouldn't blindly exchange large amounts at the very first counter.

Mistake 4: Just letting roaming run

Our nearly 300-euro bill was a very expensive reminder that Turkey doesn't automatically fall under your EU roaming. Today, internet is sorted before departure – usually via eSIM.

Mistake 5: Carrying phone and bag too loosely on crowded public transport

For us this wasn't theory. We were out with my parents and the kids. Four men were standing by the door. As we boarded, they first stepped aside. Suddenly it got crowded around my husband – all friendly, with laughter, so it looked like coincidence.

My husband got on and immediately said he needed to check where his phone was. He had that feeling. The phone was gone. He confronted the men and the phone was visibly glowing in one man's pocket. My husband got it back. My father stepped in between, because no one wanted to turn a phone into a physical confrontation. It ended well. It wasn't pleasant.

Mistake 6: Declaring all of Istanbul dangerous because of one bad incident

That would be just as unfair. We've experienced so much helpfulness that this one incident doesn't define my overall picture. On the Asian side we once stood by a basketball stadium and Google Maps sent us to a bus stop we simply couldn't find. People came out of a shop, asked where we wanted to go, flagged down a taxi, explained the route to the driver and even wrote down for us which bus to take afterward.

We spoke practically no Turkish back then. Still, we got to our destination exactly like that. With hands, feet and a friendly grin, an astonishing amount works in Istanbul.

Mistake 7: Underestimating taxis during rush hour

We've already been stuck on routes that looked completely harmless on the map. The meter keeps running. Fine for short city trips; I plan long or congestion-prone routes differently.

Mistake 8: Automatically taking the car between Europe and Asia

If a sensible ferry or rail connection exists, I check that first. A ferry is usually nicer than a bridge in traffic – and for me part of Istanbul anyway.

Mistake 9: Wrong shoes

Sandals and a full day in Istanbul are, for me, not a good love story. Cobblestones, inclines and a lot of walking need sensible shoes.

Mistake 10: No rain protection from October to spring

Our February snowstorm sends its regards. Sun at the start, snowed in white shortly after. A small umbrella and layers are a must for me.

Mistake 11: Going all-in on the first bazaar day

I love shopping. Exactly why I say: compare. We look at several markets, especially the weekly markets where locals shop. That's where our shopping bags have gotten pretty big before – and extra suitcases have flown back to Austria.

Mistake 12: Ignoring the weekly markets

The Grand Bazaar is an experience. But it's not the only place to shop. In my guide I collect markets by weekday, because that's where everyday Istanbul becomes much more visible.

Mistake 13: Just trying a restaurant with no prices

For me: no. I want to know what something costs before I order.

Mistake 14: Discovering a service charge only on the bill

I check the menu to see whether service is already added automatically. I'm happy to tip – but I'd rather decide myself how much.

Mistake 15: Choosing a completely empty restaurant just for pretty photos

If everything around is full and this one place is empty, I get suspicious. We like going where a lot of locals eat. That's often served us very well.

Mistake 16: Filling three days with 30 sights

Istanbul isn't a spreadsheet. Leave time for the ferry, tea, food, alleys and spontaneous detours.

How to do that without a marathon is shown by my route: Istanbul in 3 Days by Paths and Neighbourhoods – or, if you have more time, Istanbul in 5 Days.

Mistake 17: Underestimating ferries at peak times

In the morning and late afternoon, regular ferries can get full. If having a seat matters to you, plan some buffer.

Mistake 18: Too little data volume

I like to repeat myself: 300 euros. The topic sticks.

Mistake 19: No power bank

My phone is my map, camera, ticket folder, guide and contact for the driver. A dead battery is therefore unnecessary stress.

Mistake 20: Believing Istanbul is "done" after one trip

We've been there so often by now and still discover something new every visit. That's exactly the magic of this city for me.

– Amra