Istanbul on a Bugdet

[Asvan]

Hi all,

We have booked a 4 night stay in Istanbul and will be going with our 3 teens. Its our first visit to Istanbul and as weve already been away this year, we are on a tight budget.

We are planning to stay in the old city (Sultanahmet) and want to see all the popular sights.

Can anyone advise on what food prices are like? Would we be better off going half board? Although I've noticed that majority of half board hotels aren't very central and we'd like to stay in the old city.

Are the main attractions expensive to visit? What's the cheapest way of visiting them.

All advice will be much appreciated, even any hotel recommendations.

Thanks.

I would book a cheap place which include breakfast, check the reviews what the breakfast is like as Turkish breakfast are epic and really filling
the street food is amazing in Istanbul, plenty of YouTube videos on what to try, and the public transport is easy to use
don’t get a cab or bus from the airport the tube is much much cheaper , go on the boat to Kadikoy it’s a bit cheaper there as well as amazing food
you can use the istanbulcard on the ferry as well

As with any city it is a lot more expensive to stay in the centre. You may find it a lot cheaper to stay somewhere out of the city centre and just get the metro or tram in each day. Depends really how much you value saving money v's travelling.

Most things are a bit cheaper than the UK. Foodwise you can spend as little or as much as you like. There are street vendors galore, kebab restaurants and even michelin star places. Just avoid the restaurants around the main squares which tend to be expensive and for tourists only. Take the ferry over to Kadıköy and you will find plenty of more resonably priced options.

Some of the main ttractions like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Spice Market and Grand Bazzar are free to get in (just don't buy anything in the Grand Bazzar). Take a ride on a ferry, it is an inexpensive way to see some of the city from the river. Yildiz Park and Gulhane Park are ovely places if you fancy a walk.