The first thing you will want to learn regarding Istanbul tourist information is that the city is divided into eight districts which will help significantly when you're trying to find your way around. These districts include Sultanahmet-Old City, Galata, New City, Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Prince's Island, Asian Side and Western Suburbs.
There is plenty of public transportation available but many times you will need to transfer which is where the districts come in. The most important tourist information you can learn is to keep a map of these districts on you at all times. Whether you take a bus, boat, metro or tram, you will need to use a token which can be bought at all stations.
Smart Tickets are recommended if you're doing a lot of sightseeing. There are private and city busses in Istanbul. Most operate from 6:00 AM until midnight but you can find some 24-hour bus lines as well.
The underground metro was constructed in 1875 and is still fully functional. It only goes to certain places but is a recommended option if you need to get to the ferries to take you to the Anatolian side. The tram can get you across the city fast but is not recommended for tourists during rush hours as it gets very crammed. Sea busses and ferries can be found in certain locations and the train is the fastest route from the western suburbs to the old city.
Taxis for the most part are an inexpensive way to get around the city. Since 2009, it is no longer more expensive to ride at night so don't fall for this common scam, there is only one fare unit now.
Currency tourist information may seem a little complicated but it's really not. The Turkish lira (TL) is the primary currency here however, many touristy areas will accept the US dollar and the euro. It's not a good idea to assume this though so you should have some TL on you or have a credit card available. Currency exchanges are plentiful as are ATM machines.
Istanbul is safe but you should keep a close hand on your wallet, purse or bags in crowded areas. When taking a cab alone, sit in the front passenger seat and know the route. There have been concerns of men stalking or harassing single women travelers. Stay near groups of people and if you feel threatened, make a scene. If you have an emergency dial 112 or if you need the tourism police to report theft or a lost passport, dial +90 212 527 4503.
Turkish is the primary language spoken here but many also know Arabic and Kurdish. You will find that most employees in hotels and restaurants do speak English and many individuals you encounter on the streets at least have a limited vocabulary. Learning a few key phrases can be helpful.
Climate is another thing you may be interested in if you are looking for tourist information. A temperature oceanic climate is what you will enjoy here. Summers are dry, hot and humid with an average temperature of 23 ° C. While this may not seem that hot, the high humidity exacerbates moderate heat temperatures. Winters are cool, rarely dipping below 8.7 ° C during the day but snowfall can be heavy so pack warm, waterproof boots.
