Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

İstanbul’s weather can be variable, so pack an umbrella and sweater (jumper) or jacket. Mosque visits involve certain dress conventions. In other situations, you can dress as you would in Europe, North America or Australasia. Walking Tours If you have a guidebook and don’t have specialist interests, there’s no compelling reason to organise a tour guide. That said, there are a number of companies in the city offering excellent walking tours that give an in-depth introduction to neighbourhoods. These include the history-focused İstanbul Walks, food-focused İstanbul Eats, photography-focused Alternative City Tours and art-focused Artwalk Istanbul. See the Sports & Activities sections in our Explore chapters for reviews of other recommended companies. Bargaining The non-negotiable price tag reigns supreme in most of the city’s retail outlets these days, and bargaining is becoming a dying art. Most exceptions to this rule can be found in the Grand Bazaar, especially in its carpet shops, where shopkeepers continue to take pride in practising the ancient art of bargaining. Tipping A Hamams Around 10% for the masseuse/masseur in a hamam, but only if you are happy with their service. A Meyhanes At least ₺ 10 per person for musicians in meyhanes .