Turkey · tool
How much does Istanbul cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Istanbul trip before you book anything.
Istanbul, Turkey travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorm bed or a very basic guesthouse room.
Street food (simit, doner), local bakeries, and simple 'lokanta' (tradesmen's restaurants).
Extensive use of Istanbulkart for trams, buses, metro, and ferries.
Exploring bazaars, walking through neighborhoods, visiting free mosques, enjoying parks.
Small souvenirs, occasional tea or coffee.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Mix of casual restaurants, cafes, and trying some mid-range traditional Turkish cuisine.
Occasional taxis or ride-sharing apps (like BiTaksi or Uber, though availability can vary), supplemented by public transport.
Entrance fees to major historical sites (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace), a Bosphorus cruise, perhaps a Turkish bath (hamam).
Moderate shopping, tips, extra snacks.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
4-5 star hotel, boutique hotel with Bosphorus views, or a high-end serviced apartment.
Fine dining restaurants, tasting menus, rooftop bars with views, gourmet experiences.
Private airport transfers, frequent use of taxis or private car services for convenience.
Private guided tours, exclusive experiences, high-end hamam treatments, cultural performances.
Premium shopping, spa treatments, flexible spending.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Use ATMs from major Turkish banks like Is Bankasi or Garanti BBVA to minimize fees. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist-heavy areas.
- •While credit cards are common, always have some cash for smaller vendors, street food, and local transport top-ups.
- •Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, but not in modern shops or restaurants.
- •Be aware of 'tourist pricing' – if a price seems too high, politely walk away or try a different vendor.
- •Tipping around 10-15% is appreciated for good service in restaurants, but check if a service charge is already included.