Travelling to Istanbul from Tunisia: flights, districts, budget and tips

For many Tunisians, Istanbul is the first big trip abroad: no visa, direct flights from Tunis, a familiar culture and an immense city to discover. Here are the essentials for preparing a four to six day stay, whether you travel alone, as a couple or as a family.

Getting there: flights and airports

Direct flights link Tunis-Carthage to Istanbul in about 2.5 hours, several times a day depending on the season. From Djerba you generally go via Tunis; we can arrange the connection. Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul (IST), on the European side, and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), on the Asian side. Both are far from the centre (45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic): Havaist/Havabus shuttles, metro from IST, taxi or private transfer.

Formalities and money

Tunisians are exempt from visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days (see our dedicated guide). The currency is the Turkish lira; exchange is easy in town and bank cards are widely accepted. Mind the Tunisian tourist currency allowance: ask your bank about the available amount and the documents required before departure.

Where to stay

• Sultanahmet: the historic district, steps from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Ideal for a first stay and for sightseeing on foot.
• Taksim and Beyoğlu: İstiklal Avenue, restaurants, nightlife, Galata Tower. Well connected, livelier in the evening.
• Kadıköy, Asian side: more local, markets, cafés, frequent ferries to Europe. For a second visit or a relaxed trip.
• Around the Grand Bazaar and Laleli: handy for shopping, many mid-range hotels.

The must-sees

Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern can be visited in a day from Sultanahmet. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar fill a morning. Then cross the Galata Bridge, climb Galata Tower and walk up İstiklal to Taksim. Book a Bosphorus cruise, preferably late afternoon, and a day on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar). Mosques are free to visit outside prayer times, in covering clothes.

Getting around

The rechargeable Istanbulkart works on the metro, tram, buses, funiculars and ferries. Tram T1 links Sultanahmet, Eminönü and Karaköy. Ferries are the most pleasant way to cross from one shore to the other. Avoid unofficial taxis.

Budget and season

Prices vary a lot with the season, the district and the exchange rate. Generally allow a higher budget for hotels from April to October and during holidays. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best weather; winter is cold and sometimes snowy, but rates drop. For meals, lokantas (canteens) and street stalls are cheap and delicious.

Practical tips

• Keep a copy of your passport and ticket.
• Bring good shoes: the city is hilly.
• Bargain in the Grand Bazaar, not in shops with displayed prices.
• Download an offline transport app and get an eSIM or a local SIM card.

Istanbul with children

The city is tiring for little ones (hills, crowds, stairs) but very welcoming. Ferries, the aquarium, Gülhane and Emirgan parks, the Tünel funicular and the Eyüp cable car amuse children; simit (sesame bread rings) and Turkish ice cream do the rest. Plan short days and a nap at the hotel.

Shopping: what to bring back

Turkish tea and coffee, lokum and baklava (bought the day before you leave), İznik ceramics, textiles and hammam towels, olive-oil soaps, spices from the Egyptian Bazaar. In the bazaars bargaining is expected; in malls and brand shops prices are fixed. Check the baggage allowance on your return flight.

Ideas for outings

A historic hammam (Çemberlitaş, Cağaloğlu), dinner in Karaköy or Kadıköy, the view from Çamlıca hill, the Süleymaniye mosque and its district, the Princes’ Islands by ferry for a car-free day: all good complements to the great classics of Sultanahmet.

Going with 3H Travel

Our five-day organised trip to Istanbul includes flights, hotel and transfers, with an adaptable sightseeing programme. We handle the logistics; you enjoy. See our Istanbul trip and our other trips abroad.