MISTAKES Tourists ALWAYS make in Istanbul

Summary

This video highlights common mistakes tourists make in Istanbul, such as assuming everyone speaks English, relying on Hop On Hop Off buses during peak hours, and joining large group tours that limit personal experience. The speaker advises learning basic Turkish phrases, considering private tours for a more authentic experience, avoiding high season for better prices and less crowd, and respecting local customs like removing shoes in mosques. Additionally, viewers are cautioned against eating at chain restaurants instead of local ones, mispronouncing Turkish dishes, and underestimating the importance of bargaining in markets. The video also clarifies that the Bosphorus is a strait, not a river, and offers tips for internet access and respectful behavior in public places.

Takeaways

• 😯 Don't assume everyone in Istanbul speaks English; learn basic Turkish phrases for communication.
• 🚌 Be cautious with the Hop On Hop Off bus timing to avoid peak traffic hours and crowded weekends.
• 👥 Traveling in large tour groups might limit your experience; consider private tours for a more personalized visit.
• 🍽 Avoid eating at chain restaurants; opt for local eateries to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine.
• 🌞 Visit Istanbul during the low season for less crowd and more affordable accommodations.
• 📅 Be aware of national holidays and events like Ramadan to avoid busy times and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
• 🌐 For internet access, consider using eSIMs like idolo for convenience and to avoid varying prices at local shops.
• 👣 Show respect by removing shoes before stepping on carpets in mosques and other sacred places.
• 🔊 Keep your voice down in public transportation, mosques, and other quiet places to respect locals and other visitors.
• 🚴‍♂️ Istanbul is not bicycle-friendly, so avoid bike tours, especially in crowded areas.
• 🍬 Skip the hype around Captain Candy; seek out local shops for authentic Turkish delight.
• 💬 Understand the culture of bargaining in Turkey, but keep it relaxed and avoid trying to haggle in inappropriate places.
• 🌊 Know that the Bosphorus is not a river but a strait connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and dividing Istanbul.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about language in Istanbul according to the video?

The common misconception is that everyone in Istanbul speaks English. However, while English is spoken in touristy areas and by some locals, it's not universally understood, so learning basic Turkish phrases is recommended.

What advice does the video give about taking the Hop On Hop Off bus in Istanbul?

The video suggests being mindful of the timing when taking the Hop On Hop Off bus, especially avoiding peak hours like 4 to 6 p.m., as Istanbul can be very chaotic and traffic-heavy during those times.

Why might traveling in a large group in Istanbul be less comfortable than expected?

Traveling in a large group might be less comfortable because you have to adhere to a set schedule and may not be able to linger at places or take more photos as you wish. Also, the quality of restaurants and food might be compromised as they cater to large groups with fixed menus.

What is the video's suggestion for a more authentic Istanbul experience?

The video recommends taking a private tour with a certified tour guide, like the one offered by the video creator's husband, which allows for a more personalized and authentic experience.

What are the downsides of visiting Istanbul during high season?

During high season, which is typically from late May to mid-September, tourists can expect large crowds, long lines at attractions like the Blue Mosque, and higher accommodation costs.

Why should tourists avoid eating at international chain restaurants while in Istanbul?

The video suggests that there's not much difference in cost between international chain restaurants and local Istanbul restaurants, so it's better to spend the same amount and enjoy authentic local food.

What is the importance of knowing the correct names of local foods when traveling?

Knowing the correct names of local foods is important as it shows respect for the local culture and can prevent misunderstandings or offense, as some food names might have cultural or historical significance.

What is the video's recommendation for having internet access in Turkey?

The video recommends using an eSIM (embedded SIM) from a provider like idolo, which can be activated as soon as you arrive and is not subject to varying prices at different physical locations.

Why should tourists avoid speaking loudly in public transportation and religious sites in Istanbul?

Speaking loudly in public places like the metro, buses, or mosques can be seen as disrespectful and annoying to locals and others, so it's advised to moderate one's voice volume.

What is the main reason the video advises against bicycle tours in Istanbul?

Istanbul is not a bicycle-friendly city, with vehicles not respecting bicycles and crowded areas making it difficult and potentially dangerous for cyclists.

What is the cultural significance of bargaining in Turkey and how should tourists approach it?

Bargaining is a part of Turkish culture, especially in local bazaars and street markets. Tourists should approach it in a relaxed manner and avoid trying to bargain in inappropriate places like shopping malls.

Why is it incorrect to refer to the Bosphorus as a river?

The Bosphorus is not a river but a strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and divides Istanbul into two parts, the European side and the Asian side.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Language Barriers and Tourist Misconceptions

The paragraph highlights the common misconception that everyone in Istanbul speaks English. It advises tourists to learn basic Turkish phrases for communication. The speaker also discusses the Hop On Hop Off bus tours, recommending they be taken during less busy hours to avoid traffic. The paragraph touches on the downsides of traveling in large groups, such as limited time for exploration and subpar dining experiences, and suggests private tours for a more personalized experience.

05:01

🏖️ Visiting Istanbul in High Season and Internet Solutions

This paragraph addresses the downsides of visiting Istanbul during peak tourist seasons, such as long lines and higher accommodation costs. It recommends traveling during the low season for a more relaxed experience. The speaker also warns about the impact of national holidays like Ramadan on local availability and crowd levels. Additionally, the paragraph provides advice on securing internet access in Turkey, suggesting the use of an eSIM from a company like idolo, which offers a reliable connection without the need to search for local sellers.

10:03

🍽️ Dining Locally and Respecting Cultural Etiquette

The speaker emphasizes the importance of dining at local restaurants to experience authentic Turkish cuisine, rather than opting for international chains. They also stress the need for tourists to correctly identify and refer to local dishes to show respect for Turkish culture. The paragraph includes a personal anecdote about ordering a 'pide' and the importance of using the correct term. Additionally, it advises tourists on how to behave in sacred places like mosques, such as removing shoes before entering prayer areas, and the importance of maintaining a respectful volume level in public spaces.

15:05

🚴‍♂️ Avoiding Common Tourist Activities and Understanding Local Customs

This paragraph discusses several activities that may not be suitable for Istanbul, such as bicycle tours due to the city's lack of bicycle-friendly infrastructure. It also cautions against visiting certain overhyped shops for sweets, recommending local alternatives for a more authentic experience. The speaker touches on the local custom of bargaining, suggesting that it should be done in a relaxed manner and primarily in bazaars and street markets. Lastly, the paragraph clarifies the geographical nature of the Bosphorus, explaining that it is a strait, not a river, and highlighting its significance in dividing Istanbul into two continents.

✍️ Conclusion and Call for Audience Input

The final paragraph wraps up the video by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on common tourist mistakes in Istanbul. It encourages audience engagement by asking for additional insights to help others plan their visits better. The speaker also reminds viewers to like and subscribe for more content about travel in Turkey.

Keywords

💡Istanbul

Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. It is renowned for its rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks. In the video's context, Istanbul is the main subject, with the speaker discussing common mistakes tourists make when visiting, thus emphasizing the importance of understanding local customs and logistics for a better travel experience.

💡English misconception

The term 'English misconception' refers to the false belief that everyone in Istanbul speaks English. The video highlights this as a common mistake made by tourists, underlining the importance of learning basic phrases in the local language to facilitate communication with locals and enhance one's travel experience.

💡Hop On Hop Off bus

The 'Hop On Hop Off bus' is a popular tourist activity where passengers can board and disembark at various stops to explore a city. The video script points out that while this can be a good option, tourists should be mindful of the timing to avoid traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, to make the most of this service in Istanbul.

💡Group tours

Group tours refer to organized travel experiences where a large number of tourists move together, often with a fixed itinerary. The script mentions that while these can be affordable, they might not offer the flexibility or authenticity that some travelers desire, such as the ability to linger at certain spots or try local cuisine.

💡Authentic experiences

Authentic experiences are those that genuinely reflect the local culture, food, and lifestyle. The video encourages tourists to seek out private tours or independent exploration to have more personalized and authentic experiences in Istanbul, rather than sticking to standard group tour itineraries.

💡High season

High season refers to the peak tourist periods when destinations are busiest and prices for accommodations and attractions are typically higher. The video advises avoiding high season in Istanbul for a more pleasant and cost-effective visit, suggesting the off-peak times as preferable.

💡National holidays

National holidays are significant dates in a country's calendar that often involve public celebrations and observances. The script warns tourists about the potential crowds and increased prices during such times in Istanbul, recommending planning travel around these events for a more enjoyable experience.

💡Local restaurants

Local restaurants are eateries that serve traditional dishes and provide an authentic taste of the destination's cuisine. The video emphasizes the importance of dining at local establishments in Istanbul rather than international chains to get a true sense of the local food culture and to support the local economy.

💡Cultural respect

Cultural respect is the act of acknowledging and adhering to the customs and etiquette of the place one is visiting. The script mentions several instances where tourists should be mindful of local practices, such as removing shoes before entering mosques and not speaking loudly in public transport or sacred places.

💡Bazaars

Bazaars are traditional markets or shopping centers where goods are sold. In the context of the video, bazaars are highlighted as places where bargaining is customary and expected, and tourists are advised to engage in this practice respectfully and appropriately.

💡Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a natural strait that divides Istanbul into its European and Asian sides, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The video corrects a common misconception by clarifying that it is not a river, but a strait, emphasizing the importance of accurate geographical knowledge for tourists.

Highlights

Misbelief that everyone in Istanbul speaks English is a common tourist mistake.

Learning basic Turkish phrases like greetings and asking for directions is recommended.

Taking the Hop On Hop Off bus is not bad, but timing is crucial to avoid traffic.

Traveling in large groups can be less comfortable and limit personal exploration.

Private tours with a certified guide offer a more personalized Istanbul experience.

Visiting Istanbul in high season can lead to crowded attractions and higher accommodation costs.

National holidays and festivals can make Istanbul very crowded; it's better to avoid these times if flexibility allows.

Eating at international chain restaurants instead of local ones is a common mistake.

Using an eSIM like idolo for internet access in Turkey can be more convenient than local packages.

Removing shoes before stepping on carpets in mosques is a respectful practice often overlooked by tourists.

Speaking loudly in public transport and sacred places can be seen as disrespectful.

Istanbul is not a bicycle-friendly city, so bicycle tours are not recommended.

Captain Candy is not an authentic Turkish shop; better options for sweets are nearby.

Bargaining is part of Turkish culture, but it should be done respectfully and not overdone.

The Bosphorus is not a river but a strait connecting two seas and dividing Istanbul.

Transcripts

[Music]

if you're visiting Istanbul soon here I

share the most common mistakes tourists

make when visiting the city so that it

would happen to you too believing that

everybody in Istanbul will speak English

and this is a big misconception because

many people when they come here are

expecting that everybody will be able to

understand them and communicate with

every tourist in English but the reality

is totally different maybe in the most

visited areas like sutan taxim square

and maybe the most visited cities or

regions like apia antalia Ephesus yeah

you might find people locals that might

be able to speak English even in some

parts also languages like Spanish or

even Arabic but don't expect that every

person will will be able to speak to you

in English that is why we recommend you

to learn at least the basic phrases for

you to be able to communicate with

locals like for example hello how much

is this how can I get to the metro

station and little basic if phrases the

next one is taking the Hop On Hop off

buser bus and I'm not saying that in

fact it is bad because to be honest it

is not bad the only thing that I'm

saying is that pay attention to the time

you're planning on taking this bus and

this is because let's remember that

Istanbul is a very chaotic City

especially at peak hours er especially

if you're planning on taking it between

4 maybe to 6:00 p.m. trust me that will

be not the most suitable thing to do so

just pay attention to the timings maybe

you can do it very early morning maybe

around 10: 10:30 that will be ideal

because most of people are in their

office at schools so you will not be

stuck in traffic also pay attention on

weekends because also weekends here in

the city usually is when also the locals

sent to go go out visit friends visit

family so the city is much more crowded

and the traffic it's almost impossible

so maybe in some other cities it's a

great option I have done it in Toledo in

Spain with my parents and to be honest

in Toledo was a great choice and also

it's a great option for those who cannot

work for for for a long time and maybe

they just want to get into this BS and

get to places easier but in istano the

situation is a little bit different so

that's why you need to pay attention to

that traveling in Istanbul in a huge

group with maybe 25 or even up to 50

people at the same time and I'm not

saying this is bad but the reality is

that it will not be as comfortable as

you believe it to be and many people I

know they they prefer this type of

tourist because first of all they are

much more affordable than Private Tours

or even smaller group tours but even for

example let's imagine that you're

visiting a place and you would like to

stay a bit longer to see more of the

place and even take some photos more

likely you will not be allowed to do

that because you are depending in the

other 25 30 people or 50 people so you

have to be moving really quick in order

to to finish the circuit of that of that

tour and when it comes to the

restaurants as well take into

consideration that when you are

traveling in a big group H usually these

tourists what they have to do is that

they have to choose a specific

restaurants where they will be able to

receive big groups of tourists so

usually they're not very good

restaurants and they also already have

fixed menu for these groups so you will

not be able to try more authentic places

and even Foods in the city while taking

those type of Tours but don't worry

because I have a solution for you if you

really want to to discover stul in a

much more authentic way and basically in

a tour that will be focused only in you

and you will be the one in charge of the

time then also you can check our tours

that we are giving with my husband who

happens to be a a certified tourist

guide in Istanbul and some other

provinces of turkey so you can take a a

private tour with us so I'll be I'll be

sharing the link in the description box

and pin comments visiting isul in High

season especially when it comes to

summer season when it when it is between

maybe late late May to all the way to

mid-september and I am telling you this

because unless you don't really have

time to choose or to be flexible on your

traveling dates then you have to expect

that when you come to toble more likely

you will find huge lines to visit the

main attractions like the blue musk a

and even top cap palas and ASO the

accommodation will be much more

expensive so that is why if you're Flex

ible in traveling to Istanbul we highly

recommend you to do it in low season

like for example right now which is

November end of November and to be

honest there's not much tourism going

around even there's no line at all to

enter AA Sophia another thing to keep in

mind is that if you're planning on

traveling to Istanbul pay attention to

the national holidays especially like

those festivals or holidays like for

example the Ramadan or even the

sacrifice Feast usually is when locals

also have a holidays and days off from

from their office and schools so of

course every place not just in Istanbul

but all around Turkey all of the places

like riches hotels and every attraction

is very full so unless you really want

to experience the the spirit of Ramadan

season because to be honest visiting

isul during this season is is very

interesting because you can learn a lot

about the Ramadan but unless you don't

want to be with with a lot of crowds and

and everything then I suggest not coming

during that time going abroad and eating

think at only famous chain restaurants

and this is a very common mistake that I

see and I canot understand that why some

people try to do it because they believe

that that it is much more affordable

that even eating at local restaurants in

any country they they're visiting but to

be honest when it comes to Istanbul

there is not much difference between

these H International chain restaurants

like fast food restaurants to local

restaurants so basically you can spend

almost the same amount of money and but

you will be be able to to try authentic

foods of istambul so that is what I'm

I'm telling you unless that you're

crying for something because maybe you

have been here in the city for maybe

months and you would like to try not

only kebabs or the or the Turkish uh

foods and you want something different

then just go for it but to be honest if

it is like your first time and you're

traveling uh for just a few days I

highly recommend you to instead look for

more local

restaurants not calling Turkish foods

accordingly and I'm saying this because

let's remember that some Turkish foods

are very similar to other Foods in

different countries especially the

Middle Eastern countries or Greece so

many people for example when they come

here instead of calling a donor they

call it Shawarma for example or even

they call it gidos or hos to be honest I

don't know how to pronounce it in in

Greek so please do the proper research

and call the foods accordingly depending

on the country you are visiting and it's

not that maybe people will get mad at

you you call it

like in in Turkey but to be honest like

some people can take it like in a bit

disrespectful that is why it is

important for us as Travelers or

tourists to do the proper research

beforehand and even try to learn the

correct names of the foods we are going

to try in that new country for example

in this case I just ordered for myself

one p donet and I'm not going to call

this one sh or G because it is not at

least not in Turkey in in Turkey so here

we call them donut P donut or donut D so

please call them

[Music]

accordingly this not only happens with

donut or with the Shawarma or the ketos

this also happens very often and because

we have heard this like tourists

ordering for example yogurt in instead

of saying y they say Greek Y and let me

tell you that this is a very sensitive

topic when it comes to baklava to

specially yogurt between Greece and and

turkey so that is why here in in the

country don't say Greek yogurt just

State your that's it and the next one is

about how to have internet in Turkey I

know that in many of my previous videos

I have I have suggested what local

companies in the country you can

purchase your your package however I

have found a better option for you and

that way you won't have to be dealing in

looking for a for a place in Istanbul to

purchase your package and let's be

honest also even though it is the same

brand you will have to pay different

prices because at the end of the day

they are frenchise and they don't really

respect the prices just for the brand so

if you want to avoid all of these and

losing time in looking for a proper

place then I highly recommend you to get

the famous eims in case that you don't

know what is an eim basically you you

just go online there are many different

H brands that you can purchase them with

but I personally have been using idolo

idolo is a great company that um in my

previous travels I have been using it

and also just recently like two weeks

ago I was traveling in Japan and South

Korea and I was using it and it worked

wonders so basically as soon as we

landed we like our plane just landed we

we just turned it on activated it and

with it within 10 15 minutes we were

able to already use our Internet the

only thing that you have to keep in mind

is to make sure that your mobile like

your phone actually supports these eims

and also with your carrier you have to

make sure that it's not blocked but that

can be easily fixed because if your if

it's only blocked by your phone carrier

in your home country you can just give

them a call and and inform them that you

have to unblock your your phone to be

able to use an eim and because I have

been using this service for quite a

while and I love the service that is why

I have also a kit for my audience and in

case that you want to purchase this eim

with idolo I will be giving you a coupon

to get a 10% in any purchase you do

there so if you want to to get that 10%

off I will be leaving the link in the

description box of this video and the

pain

comment this is one of the biggest

mistakes that I see tons of tourists

making when they are visiting AA Sophia

musque and any other mask and this is

not removing the shoes before they step

onto the carpet let's remember that

every time we visit any sacred place

like musks we need to remove the shoes

before stepping on the carpet so this is

something that I see very often even

though there are some signs like telling

tourists please do not step on the

carpet remove your your shoes outside

they still don't do it and they just

pass it away and they're stepping on the

carpet so please be respectful of this

rule inform yourself before visiting

sacred places what is the etiquette we

cannot visit places just without not

knowing anything so please pay attention

to your surroundings and I know that

especially when when the mosque is very

very crowded there are some some people

telling others to please not to step on

the carpet but I guess we don't have to

tell you this you just have to act just

as other people does so just look at at

locals how they are doing everything and

just follow their

lead and another mistake that can be a

bit annoying especially for locals and

those ones who are just going back home

after a long day of work is hearing

tourists or in general any person

speaking very loudly in the tra that is

why we recommend you that as soon as you

are inside a Metro a bus or any mosque

as well please try to keep your voice a

little bit moderated this doesn't mean

that you cannot speak yes of course you

can speak but let's try to moderate our

voice

volume another experience that we have

seen H here in stanbul is that some

people are trying to get these bicycle

tours in the old Peninsula but let's be

honest here isul is not a bicycle

friendly place not as some other places

in Europe so here to be honest I

wouldn't recommend it and the main

reason is because one the vehicles They

Don't Really respect H bicycles and

secondly this area where usually they do

the tours is one of the most crowded and

frequented places of the city which is

around amonu CI and also it's a bit

difficult because people are not just

walking on the sidewalks but also in the

middle of the road so it gets quite

quite difficult especially on weekends

or peak hours so I wouldn't suggest

doing that

the next one will be buying these

candies at this very popular shop not

just in stambul but in many other cities

of Europe and this one is Captain candy

I see many people being overhyped about

this store but to be honest it's not

even Turkish I mean it's not authentic

you will not get those flavors so that

is why instead if you want to buy

something sweet something delicious as

well and something that it's from Turkey

I will highly recommend you just to walk

couple of of meters away and you will

find one of the best best shops to buy

Lum or the Turkish delight and here

you're not only buying good flavor but

also you're buying

history let's remember that tury is one

of those countries where bargaining is

part of their culture but also I have

seen some visitors or tourists that are

trying to to to go so intense into this

bargaining custom yes you can do it and

of course locals will be up to it but

also you need to be a little bit more

relaxed about it and also I have seen

some some people trying to bargain not

only in the bazaars but also they try to

bargain for every service they are

receiving and also inside the shopping

malls it's that doesn't mean that it's

not allowed but it is funny so basically

here the custom is that you can bargain

for example in local bazaars in Street

bazaars inside the Grand Bazaar spice

Bazar or even at the shops around the

spice bazaar like in amonu neighborhood

but other that than that I wouldn't

suggest it calling the Bosphorus a river

and I am trying to explain this because

it is good to know what exactly it is

the Bosphorus so the poorus in reality

it is not a a river it is a a straight

or a canel that is connecting two seas

in this case the Sea of morm and the

Black Sea it is a natural straight and

also it divides Istanbul into two parts

the European side and the Asian side but

it is it is incorrect calling it a river

so these were some of the most common

mistakes that I see tourists making in

Istanbul let us know in comments below

what others you would like to add to the

list so also others can read them and

take them into consideration if you like

this video please don't forget to give

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Eble in Turkey every week see you next

time

bye-bye