Quick answer: Istanbul runs about EUR 65 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: April–May or September–October.
What things actually cost
| simit from a street cart | 0.50 EUR |
| glass of cay | 0.60 EUR |
| doner durum | 3 EUR |
| tram ride with Istanbulkart | 0.70 EUR |
| ferry across the Bosphorus | 0.80 EUR |
| Turkish breakfast spread | 9 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Balik ekmek by the Galata Bridgegrilled fish sandwich off the boats, about 3-4 EUR
- Ocakbasi kebab at Zubeyir in Beyoglucharcoal-grilled skewers at the counter, about 15-20 EUR per person
- Meyhane night on Nevizade or in Kadikoya spread of meze with raki, about 20-25 EUR per person
- Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) in Cihangir or Kadikoya table full of cheeses, olives, eggs and honey for 8-12 EUR
- Kunefe for desserthot cheese-filled pastry in syrup, about 4-5 EUR
Money mistakes to avoid
- Never leaving Sultanahmetthe real city is in Beyoglu, Besiktas and Kadikoy; cross the water at least once
- Falling for the dropped shoeshine brush or a friendly stranger's bar invitation - both are classic setups, walk on
- Taking street taxis without the meterinsist on the meter or use the BiTaksi app instead
- Paying per ride in cashget an Istanbulkart immediately; it roughly halves every tram, metro and ferry fare
Transport without the tourist tax
From Istanbul Airport take the Havaist bus or M11 metro to the center (4-6 EUR, 60-90 minutes). In town get an Istanbulkart (a few EUR plus top-up) and use trams, metro and the commuter ferries, with most rides costing under 1 EUR - the Bosphorus ferry crossing is the best 1 EUR in the city.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Istanbul itinerary.