🇹🇷 Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary: Save THIS Guide! ✨
🚌 Airport Shuttle (Havaist Bus) Location: Airport floor -2 (follow signs). To Old City (Europe Side): Line 12 → Havaist Aksaray (204₺, cash/Visa). Pro Tip: Use Uber for last-mile trips in the city! 💱 Currency Exchange Avoid airport rates (1 USD = 31.6₺). Best rate: 32.8₺ near Blue Mosque (Maranda Döner area). 🚍 Istanbulkart (Transport Card) Cost: 130₺ card + 14.55₺ fee (Visa-only, multi-person use). Fares (July 2024): Bus: 17.7₺ Double-decker bus: 35.39₺ Metro: B2 (35.39₺) / M4 (17.7₺) ⛴️ Ferry to Asia Side Operator: Sehir Hatları (yellow boats). Route: Eminönü → Kadıköy (24.98₺, Istanbulkart/Visa). Frequency: Every 10-15 mins (check departure boards!). 🗺️ 3-Day Walking Route 📍 Day 1: Old City (Europe Side) Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar. 📍 Day 2: New City (Europe Side) Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower. 📍 Day 3: Ferry + Asian Side Kadıköy Market, Moda Coast, Üsküdar. 📱 SIM Card Cheapest option: Buy before arrival (e.g., China’s Taobao: ¥51 for 10GB/10 days). Local SIMs cost ~100+₺—only worth it for long stays. 🍽️ Food Tips Warning: Eating out is pricey & mediocre. DIY solution: Shop at budget markets (BIM, ŞOK, A101). 💄 Skincare Bargains at GRATİS Turkish chain with dirt-cheap beauty deals: Sunscreen: 20-30₺ Rose water: 10₺ Hair oil: Under 10₺ #Istanbul #TurkeyTravel #BudgetTravel #TravelHacks