We arrived in Istanbul a few days ago, and after coming from Thailand, everything felt quite expensive. We did some research in Thailand and spoke to a few people that had been to Turkiye, the consensus was it’s a pretty affordable place to visit but wouldn’t be as cheap as Thailand.
We thought — why not give it a shot? We love any adventure, a challenge and finding ways to experience places on a budget, without giving up our little creature comforts.
💡 Key Tips & Takeaways
- You can stay affordably in Istanbul — just dig for the right spots to eat, sleep, and explore.
- Don’t judge the city by the first 24 hours — prices settle as you settle.
- Eat where the locals eat, not the flashy tourist spots.
- Accommodation is the biggest expense, like most big cities.
- Stay central to avoid transport costs (traffic is hectic).
- We fed all 3 of us for:
- Breakfast – 100 lira with 2 coffees (~$5)
- Lunch – 275 lira (~$13)
- Dinner – 340 lira (~$17)
- Snacks – 10 to 50 lira (~$0.50–$2.50)
- Tourist shopping? Get prices first, then consider bartering.
- Many attractions are just as magical from the outside.
- Early mornings are gold for peaceful exploring.
Accommodation & Transport
Our first hurdle was the ride from the airport — 50 euros / $83 AUD. We could have tried public transport, but with backpacks and a baby we opted for a secure ride.
We chose to stay in the Fatih district and paid 210 euros / $347 for 5 nights (~$69 per night) at Aslan Home Apart. It was basic but central — an old building, clean, with a bathroom, fridge, and space for Kaia’s cot. Normally we budget $30/night, but this was the best value we could find that felt safe and central.
Navigating Food Prices
Food was another challenge. Walking down busy streets while trying to read menus is no joke. The first night, we walked into a simple place and meals were 200–300 lira ($10–15 each). In Thailand, we fed all 3 of us for that price!
We found:
- A bakery with 2 coffees + 2 pastries for 100 lira ($5) — a big win!
- Street cart sandwiches for 75 lira ($4).
- Kebabs varied from 110 to 400+ lira — watch out for tourist pricing.
One day I paid 75 lira for a pide. The next day, for the same thing (from the same shop!), I was charged 230 lira. Tourist tax in action. 😅
Dinner Dilemmas
Dinner was trickier. First night: 865 lira ($41) for three simple dishes and two teas. Second night, the pub: 1590 lira ($75) for three meals and two beers. Oof — but it was delicious!
Night three? Total score: a local soup kitchen-style spot with 3 hearty meals for 340 lira ($16). So good. We ate early because of Kaia which worked well because these more affordable places often got quite busy later on.
Sweet Tooth? Proceed with Caution 🍬
Ohh the baklava. And the shiny Turkish delights. We got stung at the local bazaar: 865 lira ($41) for a small bag of nuts and one roll. Pushy sales tactics and — insult to injury — the nuts had bugs. 🙃
Our advice?
- Avoid bazaar madness if you’re budget-conscious or go for a look but don’t be persuaded into shops. Its really hard to leave without buying anything .
- Look for shops with clear pricing displayed.
- Average price for turkish delight varied drastically: 790 lira/kg ($38) to 1,000+ lira/kg ($50–$90).
- A “log” of delight weighs about 200–250g.
Attractions & Exploring Istanbul
We’re not big on paid attractions — we’re walkers. And Istanbul is perfect for that.
You can wander past the mosques, palaces, and architecture without paying a cent. Some let you in for free, others charge — just depends on your interest.
Safety & Final Thoughts
Like anywhere, watch your phone, wallet, and passport — especially in crowds. Our taxi driver told us, “There are bad people in Istanbul, like everywhere.” It stuck with me. It’s true — and not a reason to avoid a place, just stay aware.
Despite the busyness, we never felt unsafe. We’ve loved our time in this city — the food, the colour, the chaos.
But… it’s time to move on. Time for cliffs, rocks, and some climbing. Next stop: Antalya!
Til next time,
R
