When visiting Istanbul, is pre-booking city tours from known web sites better than on arrival?
I am going alone to Istanbul this Saturday for 3 days. I found a website (booking.com) with discounts on activities. For example, "Tour Haga Sofia with a guide" for $15. Or a tour in a city bus and a boat sightseeing tour with discount about 30% (the total around $20).
I wonder if I can get better offers and options when I arrive. If I do the activities I want, I'll be payimg total 100 in advance. I am on a tight budget but at the same time I want to explore Istanbul.
My Experience:
In general it was a good 3 days experience, lot of things to do, lot of places to be visited , its place where the old and modern city are merged.I wish if there is a question that say most of things to be aware when someone travel to a city, or the things that should be done when travel to a touristic city, I met lot of people who guided me and explained many places. Things to be aware are 3 main things: EXCHANGE RATE and People Who makes Tours trips, and TAXI AT THE AIRPORT.
I exchanged my 300$ with a really bad rate(5.2 which at that time was 5.7 lira turkey per 1$). I lost about 25$.
As for the trips , I met a guy said they do daily trips to BURSA city, which they visit Factories( yes its the precise word they used it, Factories), and only for 25$ which I though its a great deal. But they do not send you to factories, they send you to specific shops where they take commissions from them every time you buy something. In general it was a good experience, I met a new city but honestly I wouldn't prefer to go there, because most of the time I was on the road, and just visiting shops no touristic places or factories.
This airport is new and bit far from the main city of Istanbul, so to go there you can use the bus. Dont go with a taxi, unless if you dont have a problem paying 50$-100$. in the bus it cost me less then 5$. and its somehow the same, though you have to buy an Istanbul cart which its is a savior to travel from one place to another in instabull , also you can use it to travel to island.
In summary, in Istanbul you can do activities by your self and ask lot, there a lot of liars there just to convince you to buy their services.
Best Answer
The Istanbul Card is worth considering.
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What is the best way to explore Istanbul?
1. Get an Istanbulkart, Istanbul's public transport card. It is the cheapest and the most efficient way to get around Istanbul. You may access the whole public transportation network of the city via this single transportation card.How is Istanbul for tourists?
Istanbul is a city that wears its cultures and history well, blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer travelers from around the world. Founded during Neolithic times, Istanbul today is a modern city that remains true to its historic heritage through its Byzantine monuments, and ancient bazaars.How many days do you need in Istanbul?
So, how long should you stay in Istanbul? Give the city, at least three days if you're coming for the first time. Three days in Istanbul will enable you to see the city's most renowned sights \u2014 but anticipate a jam-packed schedule if you want to make the most of your time there!Why Istanbul for tourism?
Istanbul has it all: over 2500 years of history, culture, and traditions, amazing landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views. This transcontinental metropolis is a fast-paced cultural melting pot you can't afford to miss.Our 48 hours in ISTANBUL, Turkey! Best Things to See and Do in 2022!
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