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Travel Prices in Istanbul (on a Strong U.S. Dollar)

Turkish street food

Back in the spring of 2013 I wrote this post on prices in Turkey for travelers and noted that the booming economic times seemed to be leading to higher and higher prices. Overall it felt to me like only a slightly better deal then western Europe and a worse value than Portugal.

Since then rates have definitely swung in the favor of tourists, thanks to a slowing local economy and a strong U.S. dollar. Whereas in 2013 the exchange rate was 1.7 Turkish lira to the dollar, just three years later it’s 3 to the dollar. I’ll do the math for you: that’s an increased buying power of 76%. Even if you factor in inflation, that makes a huge difference. Beer and wine seem less costly, nice restaurants seem more affordable, and the hefty admission charges that can add up are now easier to swallow. The cheap things the average Turk spends money on are cheaper.

I was only in Istanbul on this trip, invited as a speaker for the World Tourism Forum. I arrived a few days early though, exploring on my own and doing a fantastic food and markets tour with Walks of Turkey on the Asian side in Kadikoy. Here’s what I found for costs in Turkey for travelers, all converted to U.S. dollars.

Turkish food Kadikoy

Food & Drink Prices in Istanbul

Coming to Istanbul and not eating out a lot would be a crying shame. This is one of the world’s best cities for food. Thankfully if you avoid the tourist districts and the luxury hotels, you can dine well here without plowing through a lot of cash. Alcohol prices are high here in comparison though, thanks to hefty sin taxes from the nanny Islamic-leaning party. It’s not hard to find in this city—just expensive.

Turkish coffeeTurkish glass of tea: 35 cents to $1
Coffee: 65 cents to $1.35
Soda: $1 – $2
Cappuccino or latte: $1 – $2
Beer in a store: $1.35 – $2
Beer in a bar: $2.50 – $6 (330 or 500 liters)
Glass of wine in a restaurant: $3 – $10
Bottle of local wine or raki in a restaurant: $10 – $25

100 grams of nuts/dried fruit: 65 cents to $2
100 grams of already shelled pistachios: $3.35
Kilo of seasonal fruit/vegetables: $1 – $3
Kilo of olives: $6 – $8
Sesame semit: 35 cents
Doner kebab sandwich: $1 – $1.50
Street food meal: $1.35 – $3
Main dishes, non-tourist restaurant: $1.65 – $6
Ice cream novelties: 15 cents to $1

Sea of Marmara ferry

Transportation Prices in Istanbul

The main number you need to know is 4 because every metro, tram, bus or ferry ride that’s not an especially long distance costs 4 Turkish lira. For taxis, there is a meter (in the rear-view mirror, which threw me) and when they use it the prices are reasonable. Find out how much it should be though because some drivers don’t like to use it if there’s traffic. And there’s always traffic if it’s daytime. Expect Uber to cost more, but can be more convenient with no haggling.

Local transportation: $1.35 one-way
Taxi rides: $3 – $20+ (airport)
Blacklane.com airport car service: $45 – $75

Admission and Activity Prices

So far official admission prices haven’t gone up to compensate for the lower lira, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they do eventually.

Hagia Sophia & other major sites: $10
Second-level museums/sites: $5 – $6
Museum Pass Istanbul (12 sites): $30
Day tour with Walks of Turkey: $41 – $107

Istanbul cheap hotel

$20 a night Taksim Hotel in Istanbul

Hostel and Hotel Prices in Istanbul

Lodging prices are a screaming bargain in this city now, especially outside of summer. In the ranges below, you’ll find a wealth of choices, even at the low end.

Hostel bed in dorm – $8- $16
Cheap hotel double private room: $12 – $25
4-star hotel, double: $25 – $90


Whatever you do, try to spend some real time here so you can wander the back streets and really explore this huge city. You could go sightseeing every day for a month and not run out of things to see and do, so the “48 Hours in Istanbul” kind of articles the airline magazines love to run and only covering a speck of the surface.

See this post on how to have a great experience without spending a fortune: Europe on the Cheap(er): Istanbul.

Istanbul: Get Your Guide

John

Friday 15th of April 2016

Istanbul is a great city and besides the affordable prices it has a fantastic food culture. Wherever you go you'll see friendly faces trying to get you to buy something delicious. I really loved it there!

Dev

Sunday 14th of February 2016

This was useful. When is the best time to visit Istanbul by the way? thanks

ahmed gusto

Monday 8th of February 2016

$20 for hotel room very cheap, I guess tea/coffee is more expensive there. look at that yummy Indian dish with roti. mouth watering