There’s something almost chaotic about Istanbul—but in a charming, “let me get lost again and not even be mad about it” kind of way. It’s the kind of city that doesn’t just greet you—it grabs you by the elbow, pulls you into a side street filled with the scent of grilled meat, and says, “Here. Try this. You’re welcome.”
If you’ve booked yourself a week in this city, downtown hotel and all, congratulations—you’ve made a life choice you will not regret. Especially if you’re traveling DIY-style. No tour buses. No pre-packed schedules. Just you, your curiosity, and maybe a dodgy map that you'll abandon by the second day.
Let’s dive into the city, shall we?
Wandering Without a Cause (but With Purpose)
The best way to see Istanbul is to not try too hard. Yes, there’s a long list of “must-sees,” and we’ll get to them—but honestly, this city shines in its side streets, its surprise tea shops, and its deeply suspicious-looking alleyways that turn out to be treasure troves of carpets, antiques, and cats that stare at you like they pay rent.
Of course, you’ll want to start in Sultanahmet. Even if you pretend you’re too cool for touristy stuff, the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern are architectural gut-punches of beauty. I walked into the Hagia Sophia and literally whispered, “okay wow,” to no one in particular. Entry is free for the mosque; the cistern will set you back about 450 TL (~$20 CAD), but it’s worth it just for the eerie vibes and columns held up by ancient Medusa heads. Mythology, moisture, and mystery—it’s a win.
Budget? Think Street Smart
So, what’s the damage? You can easily keep daily expenses under CAD $40–50 per day if you eat smart and avoid the tourist traps where you’re charged triple for a kebab and a view.
Food? Street food here is not just edible, it’s elite. Grab a simit (think sesame bagel’s flakier, cooler cousin) for breakfast—about 10 TL (50 cents). Lunch could be a juicy dürüm (wrap) with spicy chicken or lamb for around 80 TL ($3.50 CAD). And dinner? Treat yourself to balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) near the Galata Bridge or venture into a local meyhane (tavern) for meze and grilled seafood. Budget about 250 TL ($11 CAD) for a more sit-down experience. Throw in tea, coffee, and snacks and you’re still floating under CAD $50.
Ferries, Trams, and Other Ways to Get Lost
Don’t Uber your way through Istanbul—where’s the fun in that? Instead, grab an Istanbulkart (public transit card) and hop on trams, ferries, and funiculars like a local with commitment issues. One ride is around 15 TL (~65 cents CAD). Ferries are especially magical—imagine paying 65 cents for a Bosphorus cruise with views of two continents.
Speaking of the Bosphorus, don’t leave without taking a ferry over to the Asian side, specifically Kadıköy. It’s younger, hipper, and slightly less tourist-infested. Grab a coffee at Walter’s Coffee Roastery (inspired by Breaking Bad, oddly enough), and stroll the market streets where fishmongers, baklava dealers, and pickle shops live in perfect harmony.
The Grand Bazaar Is Watching You
Even if you have no intention of buying anything, go get overwhelmed at the Grand Bazaar. It’s been around since the 15th century, and it still somehow smells like spice, leather, and capitalism. Haggling is part of the game, so channel your inner negotiator. You’ll either leave with a handmade lamp you didn’t need or a story about being offered three rugs and a goat for your camera.
Climb Things. Always.
Galata Tower is a staple, and while yes, it’s touristy, the view is worth the queue and the climb. There’s also a small café at the top, but honestly, just take your photos, nod like you're in a movie, and head down to Karaköy for a real coffee.
For a quieter alternative, hike up to Pierre Loti Hill in Eyüp. The café at the top has a view of the Golden Horn that might actually make you forget your phone exists for 10 minutes. Shocking.
Nights in Istanbul: Not for the Sleepy
Nightlife here isn’t just bars and clubs—though if that’s your thing, Beyoğlu has you covered. The real joy is in the small taverns where live music sneaks up on you, the kind of places where locals end up singing along while sipping rakı and debating everything from politics to soccer.
Want something more chill? Head to a nargile café (hookah lounge), order some apple tea or Turkish coffee that could wake the dead, and just soak in the ambiance. Street musicians, neon lights, and the sound of a distant call to prayer—it’s a vibe.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. “When Can I Come Back?”)
A week in Istanbul doesn’t feel like seven days—it feels like five different cities in one. You’ll walk through ancient Roman arches in the morning and shop at indie bookstores by the evening. You’ll have conversations using a mix of English, hand gestures, and questionable Google Translate skills. You’ll eat something wrapped in dough, smile, and not ask questions.
Here’s a rough daily budget to keep you grounded (excluding flights & hotel):
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Food: CAD $20–25
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Transportation: CAD $3–4
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Entry fees/attractions: CAD $10–15
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Extras/souvenirs/surprise baklava: CAD $5–10
➡️ Total: Around CAD $40–50/day
Istanbul isn’t just a city. It’s a sensory buffet, a historical rollercoaster, and a low-key fitness challenge (those hills are no joke). But most of all, it’s a place that welcomes wanderers—especially the DIY kind—with open arms, full plates, and a very persistent cat that might try to follow you home.
So go. Wander. Get gloriously lost. And for the love of simit, don’t forget to look up.
