Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world, and those crowds inevitably bring some scams aimed at tourists. This article isn’t meant to scare you off; it’s here to help you explore with more confidence. Even domestic visitors sometimes fall for these. For the city’s sights, see our Istanbul guide.
The most common traps
1. The dropped brush trick
How it works: A shoe shiner walking ahead of you “accidentally” drops his brush. When you hand it back, he offers to shine your shoes as a thank-you, then demands an unexpected fee at the end.
What to do: Point to the brush and keep walking. Decline the offer politely but firmly.
2. The “let’s grab a drink” invitation
How it works: Especially around Taksim and Beyoğlu, a friendly stranger approaches men traveling alone, strikes up a conversation and invites them to “a bar he knows.” At the bar, an outrageous bill appears, along with pressure to pay.
What to do: Instead of going somewhere suggested by someone you just met, choose your own places where you can see the prices.
3. The meter and the “long way around”
How it works: Not turning on the meter, quoting a high flat fare or deliberately taking the long route are the most common complaints.
What to do: Before getting in, confirm the meter will be on, and follow the route on a map app. Book through an app if you can. On the Historic Peninsula, the tram, and on the Bosphorus, the ferry, are more enjoyable and faster than a taxi anyway.
4. The carpet and leather shop “tour”
How it works: Around Sultanahmet, someone offering directions says, “Hagia Sophia is closed for prayer right now; let’s stop by my cousin’s shop in the meantime,” and leads you to a long sales pitch.
What to do: Check opening hours with official sources. If you want to shop, do it at stores you choose yourself, without rushing.
5. Exchange offices and card tricks
How it works: Some exchange offices in tourist areas offer very poor rates, and some restaurants suggest charging your card in your home currency, which means a bad exchange rate.
What to do: Compare rates, and when paying by card always choose to pay in Turkish lira.
6. The restaurant with no prices
How it works: Menus without prices, or items sold by weight like “fish of the day,” can lead to surprises on the bill.
What to do: Ask the price and weight before ordering. Restaurants in Türkiye are required to display their price list visibly.
Escaping the crowds: Alternatives
Some places really are worth seeing, but the crowds can spoil the experience:
- If the line at Galata Tower is long, the courtyard of the Süleymaniye Mosque or Pierre Loti Hill are free, fantastic alternatives for city views.
- Instead of İstiklal Avenue, the parallel streets and the neighborhoods of Cihangir and Karaköy make for nicer walks.
- After the Grand Bazaar, walk down Mahmutpaşa, the sloping street where locals shop.
- Instead of pricey Bosphorus tours, you can see the Bosphorus far more cheaply on the public Şehir Hatları ferries.
Avoiding pickpockets
The tram, Eminönü Square, the area around the Spice Bazaar and İstiklal Avenue are the most crowded spots. Don’t carry your phone in your back pocket, and wear your backpack on your front in crowds.
Final word
Most people in Istanbul are helpful and hospitable. What the situations above have in common is someone pushing something on you that you didn’t ask for. A firm “no, thank you” is usually enough. If you’d prefer a guided tour, choose companies that work with licensed guides: Istanbul tours.
Frequently asked questions
What should I watch out for when taking a taxi in Istanbul?
Make sure the meter is on, book through an app if you can, and consider the official airport buses between the airports and the city.
Can you haggle in the Grand Bazaar?
Yes, haggling is normal, especially for items without price tags. Comparing prices at a few shops is the best approach.
