Rock Bottom accommodation Costs
The most important part of any trip is where you stay. It is essential to have a comfortable place to rest, after a long day of site seeing. In Istanbul there are several budget options, including the popular hostels. This dorm style room allows you to rent a bed usually in a shared room, not always ideal but at rock bottom prices, it is definitely worth it. University’s often offer alternatives to hotels. Similar to that of a hostel, they are not as low in price, but many offer breakfast and your own room/bathroom facilities. Universities can be a great option during the summer months, when students are on break.
Keeping Meal Prices Low
In this Turkish city, the main food is Indian. You can find great prices on competing cafeterias, since this is the common food here. By reading local travel reviews, you can find entrees starting at low rates. There are “Lokantas” here. These are restaurants that keep their food in steam baths and diners can order a la cart at a very reasonable cost and as a plus, the food can be seen in advance, which might be helpful in a new country. Asking around and finding the spots where the locals frequent, are a great way to save money and get great food tips. The locals tend to know everything about the best local restaurants and can be a fountain of knowledge.
Traveling the City
Renting a car might not be an option for everyone. If budget travellers want to save money, then they can use the Istanbul’s public transit system. This low cost travel method offers an AKıllıBİLet or Smart Ticket, which is good if you’re planning on staying more than a couple days. This smart ticket will allow you to easily use buses, trams, suburban trains, metro, local ferries. The Smart Tickets are re-loadable at booths located at bus, tram, and metro stations. This ticket gives a discount far over the single ticket price. You will have to pay a deposit to get the little device, but it is completely refundable.
Finding Free Attractions
It is possible to see the sites in Istanbul, without breaking the bank. There are several free museums such as the Florence Nightingale Museum, which offer a great way to spend the day. If a museum is not your thing, why not visit the Gulhane Park. This park often has concerts and with the magnificent views of the Bosphorus, it makes this free location attractive.
Shopping in Istanbul
If you love shopping, it’s impossible to visit Istanbul on a budget and not visit the Grand Bazaar. It has over 4,000 shops and vendors ready to haggle on pricing. This market is one of the oldest and largest in the city and even in the world. Given its flea market style, it is very popular among the locals. The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is also a unique shopping place. This place sells herbs, Turkish spices and nuts. It sits on the Golden Horns banks.
To really make the most out of your hard earned money, plan your trip as much in advance as possible. Many different holiday providers offer great travel deals for people who book more than three months in advance so start looking today.