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I love getting lost in cities filled with history, food, and character—and that’s exactly why I picked Istanbul as my next destination. Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit Istanbul ever since my brief transit to Greece 9 years ago (yes, I’ve been dreaming about this trip for that long!)

A city where Europe meets Asia, old meets new, and chaos meets charm, Istanbul is the kind of place that keeps your senses busy and your camera roll full. Every corner felt like a postcard waiting to happen… well, except for the fact that almost everywhere was packed with people, way more than I expected! 

I only spent 3 days here, but truthfully, that felt just right to explore the main parts of the city. I didn’t plan to go beyond Istanbul this time, though I already know I’ll be back someday for Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

And just like my previous destination, I took a red-eye flight to Istanbul because, apparently… I love landing in new cities half-asleep but full of excitement. 😆

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✅ Flight to Istanbul, Türkiye

My flight to Istanbul was actually quite affordable from Tbilisi! I booked it through Agoda about a week before my trip.

• 💸 Ticket price: RM356.51
• ✈️ Airline: Turkish Airlines
• ⌚ Duration: 3h 35m
• 🪟 Add-ons (window seat): RM66.21

I paid extra for a window seat, not just for the view, but so I could lean my head and (hopefully) catch some sleep since it was a red-eye flight. 

• 💸 Total flight cost: RM422.72

Turkish Airlines also served a full in-flight breakfast, which was nice. Nothing fancy, but it did the job!

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✅ Visa and Entry to Türkiye

Malaysian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or short-term business trips to Türkiye. You can stay in the country visa-free for up to 90 days.

• A passport valid for at least 60 days beyond your duration of stay in Türkiye. 
• A return or round-trip flight ticket to show upon arrival. 

💡 Travel Tip: Even though a visa isn’t required, it’s still a good idea to keep a digital or printed copy of itinerary details and travel insurance just in case an immigration officer asks for them during entry.

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✅ Istanbul International Airport (IST)

It’s massive and, honestly, a little confusing to navigate. When I landed, I had to walk quite far to reach the immigration counter. The walk felt endless. I remember thinking,

“Wait, this doesn’t look like the same airport I transited through years ago.”

That’s when I realized it wasn’t. This is the new Istanbul Airport, not the old Atatürk Airport, which has been out of use since 2019.

I think I can officially say that Istanbul International Airport is one of my least favorite ones so far. Even during my return flight, the departure screens took forever to update. My gate number only appeared right when boarding started—and, of course, I had to run across the massive airport just to make it in time. 

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✅ Airport Transfer

Since Istanbul is pretty well-known for its taxi scams, I didn’t want to deal with the stress of figuring out public transportation, especially after a red-eye flight. So, I booked an airport transfer through Agoda. It was a bit pricier than public transport, but to be fair, the convenience was worth every ringgit.

💸 Price: RM133.22 

• If you’re on a budget, you can also take the metro or bus from the airport.
• You’ll need an Istanbulkart for that. I didn’t try it myself, but I noticed that the Havaist bus stop was only about a 3-minute walk from my hostel in Fatih.

For my return trip to the airport, I used my hostel’s shuttle service. It was way easier (and cheaper!) than booking another airport transfer, and it only cost me USD 15 (RM 63.55).

💡 Travel Tip: If you’re arriving late or after a long flight, book an airport transfer in advance for convenience. But, if you’re traveling light and want to save money, the Havaist bus is a great option.

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✅ Currency to Use in Türkiye

The local currency in Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY). You can’t really find Turkish lira in Malaysia, so here are your best options:

• Bring USD and exchange it when you arrive (make sure the notes are clean and crisp!)
• Withdraw cash from an ATM once you’re there. 

Exchange your money at the Grand Bazaar—it offered way better rates than any other money changer I found in Istanbul. 

I first exchanged USD 50 (RM 211.82 / TRY 2,092.58), then later added EUR 35 (RM 171.07 / TRY 1,690.06)—just enough for my 3 days in Istanbul. I mainly used the cash for food, souvenirs, and my airport shuttle, and I paid the rest with my Wise card.

💡 Travel Tip: Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, but it’s still good to keep some Turkish lira on hand for small shops and street food. If you don’t have an Istanbulkart, you can also use cash for the Bosphorus ferry.

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✅ Getting Around in Istanbul

The tram is one of the most popular ways to get around Istanbul, but honestly, I didn’t use it once during my trip. I explored the city on foot, and it felt amazing! 

Istanbul is packed with tourists—like, really packed 😅. There were moments when I actually got a little annoyed by the crowd, but at the same time, the city is never quiet, and that energy makes walking around feel even more alive. 

So yes, if you can—walk! You’ll see and feel so much more of Istanbul that way.

💡 Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot (and uphill too!). If you plan to use public transport, get an Istanbulkart—it works for trams, metros, buses, and even ferries.

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✅ Where I Stayed

📍 Antique Hostel, Istanbul

• Double room
• Price: RM157.31/night (Total RM314.62) 

When I booked my flight to Istanbul, I already knew I wanted to stay close to all the main attractions, which are in the Sultanahmet area, part of the Fatih district—basically the heart of Istanbul’s old city, where all the main attractions are. So I picked Antique Hostel, and honestly, it turned out to be such a great choice!  

✨ Why It Was the Perfect Stay ✨

• Location, location, location! Everything was within walking distance—the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were just minutes away.
• Clean, cozy, and surprisingly quiet considering how central it is.
• The staff were friendly and helpful, always ready to give tips or directions.
• My room was simple but comfy, and the balcony was perfect—small but cozy, and great for drying clothes after washing them.
• The rooftop café had a gorgeous sea view, and breakfast was decent—served on a plate and ready to enjoy with the morning breeze.

💡 Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time, staying in Sultanahmet is a great choice. You’ll be within walking distance of most attractions, and it’s super convenient for solo travelers. Just book early—hostels and hotels in this area fill up fast, especially during peak season.

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✅ Places I Visited

Since I only had 3 full days in Istanbul, I focused on exploring the main attractions around Sultanahmet, most of which were within walking distance from my hostel. Here’s everywhere I went and what I thought about each place.

📍 The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

This was literally a 3-minute walk from my hostel, and it’s even more stunning in person. The exterior is majestic, but the inside—those blue tiles and domes—is stunning!
💰 Entrance: Free (as it’s an active mosque)
💡 Tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and the prayer times when tourists can’t enter.

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📍 Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Right across from the Blue Mosque—both facing each other like two historical legends. I still can’t believe how grand it looks, especially knowing it’s been a church, then a museum, and now a mosque again.
💰 Entrance: Free for the prayer area. If you plan to visit the upper galleries, buy your ticket online in advance to skip the long queues.
💡 Tip: Non-Muslim visitors can only enter certain parts, so check timing and dress modestly (headscarf for women).

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📍 Sultanahmet Square

Right between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque—you can’t miss it. It’s where everyone gathers, takes photos, and soaks in the view. The atmosphere is always buzzing.
💡 Tip: Come here at night too! The mosques light up beautifully, and it feels magical.

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📍 Grand Bazaar

One word: chaos… but the fun kind. You can literally get lost in the maze of shops selling carpets, lamps, Turkish delights, jewellery, and souvenirs.
💰 Entrance: Free
💡 Tip: Bargain—always! And if you’re not planning to buy, just smile and walk away.

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📍 Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but bursting with colors and aromas the moment you walk in—spices, tea blends, and sweets everywhere!
💰 Entrance: Free
💡 Tip: Sample before buying (they’ll offer it anyway 😋). I found it less overwhelming than the Grand Bazaar.

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📍 Gülhane Park

After all that sightseeing, Gülhane Park felt like the perfect peaceful escape. It’s huge, green, and perfect for a quiet stroll or just sitting with a Turkish simit bread and people-watching.
💰 Entrance: Free
💡 Tip: Visit around sunset—it’s so relaxing, and there’s a nice café inside overlooking the Bosphorus.

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📍 Bosphorus Sunset Ferry Tour

My favorite part of the trip! Watching the sunset over the Bosphorus with the city skyline in the background felt surreal. The cool breeze, the sound of seagulls, and seeing them flying—it’s the perfect way to end a day in Istanbul. The ferry took about one hour, sailing from Eminönü Pier to Üsküdar and back.
💰 Price: Around 10–15 EUR, depending on the operator
💡 Tip: Go for the local ferry (cheaper than tourist tours!) and bring a light jacket—it gets windy after sunset.

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📍Other Places around Istanbul

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✅ Food and Halal Options

One of the best parts about visiting Istanbul is definitely the food, and the best part? Most of it is halal! 🙌 You’ll find kebabs, Turkish pizzas (pide), meze platters, and sweets on almost every street corner. Many restaurants proudly display a “Halal” sign, and even if they don’t, you can always ask—locals are friendly and used to tourists asking about it.

📍 Şehzade Cağ Kebap (A Must!)

If you’re in Istanbul, you have to go to Şehzade Cağ Kebap restaurant—seriously, it serves the best kebab I’ve ever had. I don’t even eat lamb normally, but the reviews made me curious, so I gave it a go and I was so glad I did! The meat was tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned.

The only downside? The restaurant was super packed. Even before I finished eating, a waiter was already preparing my table for the next customer 😅. It felt a little rushed, but no kidding, that kebab was so good it made up for it!

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✨ Turkish Tea & Coffee Moments

You can’t go to Türkiye and not have Turkish tea (çay) or Turkish coffee—it’s basically part of daily life here.

The tea is served in cute tulip-shaped glasses—slightly strong but super comforting. Turkish coffee, on the other hand, is bold, thick, and meant to be sipped slowly. I loved the rich aroma, though the coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup definitely surprised me at first 😂

And oh, the locals are very affectionate with their tea—sometimes a little too affectionate. I got offered tea everywhere I went. Even when I didn’t really want one, they’d insist.

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✨ Other Things I Tried 

• Caesar Salad: I’ve always loved Mediterranean-style salads. They’re always so fresh and flavorful. Honestly, it’s better than any other salad!
• Simit Bread: The famous sesame-covered bread rings sold by street vendors all around Istanbul. You’ll often see them stacked high on carts or carried on trays. Some vendors (especially near tourist spots) even offer simit with Nutella, cheese, or butter—the perfect quick snack on the go!
• Lokum (Turkish Delight): Soft, chewy, and sweet little bites of heaven. My favorite flavor was pistachio—not too sweet, just perfect with Turkish tea.
• Baklava: Layers of flaky pastry with honey and nuts—super famous in Türkiye! I have to be honest, though… it was a bit too sweet for me. I couldn’t even finish it

💡 Travel Tip:

• Most restaurants around Sultanahmet and Fatih are halal-friendly.
• Street food is safe, cheap, and delicious—don’t skip it!
• Keep cash handy; small cafés and bakeries sometimes don’t take cards.
• Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking—stick to bottled water.
• And yes, Hafiz Mustafa is absolutely worth a visit for sweets and tea!

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✅ Language in Türkiye

The main language spoken in Türkiye is Turkish, and honestly, not everyone speaks English—especially once you step outside the main tourist areas. Around Sultanahmet and Fatih, most shop owners and restaurant staff know basic English (enough to take your order or bargain a little 😅), but if you go somewhere more local, expect lots of hand gestures and smiles to get your message across. Even with the language barrier, you’ll be fine. The warmth and friendliness of Turkish people somehow make everything easier.

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✅ Safety in Istanbul, Türkiye

I don’t know about other travelers’ experiences, but as a solo female traveler, I have to admit that I didn’t feel completely safe here. Some men were a little too affectionate… touching my arm or hand like it was normal, which made me really uncomfortable. 

There were also moments when men tried to follow me and insisted on having tea with me and asking for my number. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, and it definitely made me more cautious when walking alone. 

Maybe next time, I’ll come with a partner just to feel a little safer and more at ease exploring the city.

💡 Travel Tip:

• Trust your gut and keep your distance if someone makes you uncomfortable.
• Avoid engaging too long with overly friendly strangers.
• If you’re solo, stick to crowded areas, especially at night.

 

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✅ Overall Experience

• Istanbul is such a lively city—full of energy, history, and people (lots of them!). The crowd was honestly beyond what I imagined. It’s busy, chaotic, and alive in every corner… which is both overwhelming and fascinating at the same time.
• Aside from the safety issue, I also had a few not-so-great experiences:
  ❌ I got scammed by a restaurant—the menu showed one price, but when it came time to pay, they charged me more and even added items I didn’t order.
  ❌ Some places also didn’t give back small change, so I eventually learned to pay the exact amount. Luckily, it wasn’t a big deal, and I just brushed it off as part of the travel experience.
  
• Despite that, I met so many warm and helpful people along the way. The locals were friendly, and I loved how easy it was to walk everywhere from where I stayed. The architecture absolutely blew me away—from the majestic mosques to the colorful bazaars and charming streets that made me stop every few steps just to take a photo.
• Shopping for souvenirs was so fun too! The accessories here are gorgeous and so affordable. I ended up buying a few pairs of earrings for myself because… how could I not? 😄 And the food—especially the kebab was unforgettable. I’m still dreaming about it!

Even though Istanbul turned out to be my least favorite stop on this trip, I know I’ll come back someday—maybe with someone special next time. As beautiful as it is, Istanbul isn’t exactly safe for a solo female traveler. Still, there’s so much more of Türkiye I want to see, and despite everything, this country left me curious for more.

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Next Flight 

Türkiye was the third chapter of my trip—up next: Oman!
I hope this post helps anyone planning a short trip or stopover in Istanbul.

Read my previous trip here: 

• Tbilisi, Georgia: My 5-Day Solo Travel Diary and Useful Tips for First Timers
• Almaty, Kazakhstan: My 4-Day Solo Travel Diary and Useful Tips for First Timers

Till my next post,
💛 Auri Duham

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