THINGS YOU MUST NOT DO IN ISTANBUL

Do not exchange currency at the Airport. Exchange your money in Sultanahmet instead to get better currency rates.

Do not take a taxi from the street , request it from your hotel reception, because your receptionist will call drivers whom known to them, so you wont get ripped off . If they drive fast, tell them to drive slowly, lutfen yavas.

Do not get involved in any way with politics and discuss important historical figures such as Atatürk (founder of Turkish Republic) which your views may not be welcomed by others.

Do not stare at a women too long, nor make an attemp to kiss another mans women as this may lead to unpleasant situations

Do not make a show of your cash in your pocket, try to carry Turkish Lira instead of foreign currency as not many places will except foreign currency other then some touristic shops in Sultanahmet and Gransbazaar.

Do not go in to neighberhoods you are not sure of it. Preplan your day.

Do not consume alcahol on the street but in a bar o restaurant, do not show idiotic drunken behavier as this may be not tolerated

Do not let your self draged in to any kind of business enterprice by a person as their intention will be to sell you something wether by force or in a friendly way, eitherway you will end up being ripped-off.

Do not order food or beverage before checking the price and make sure you check the bill before you paying anything, just in case.

Do not get involved with drugs what ever the circumstances are

Do not hesitate to ask if you are in doubt, your hotel staff, they are usually helpful and knowledgeable

Do not hesitate to haggle when purchasing Carpet, Leather, Jewellery

MUST DO IN ISTANBUL

Do buy a Fish and Bread from a small fishing boat at the Galata Bridge and have it with beer, watch ferries come and go (i do it sometimes)

Do wine and dine at the Kumkapi, fresh fish and music

Do book one or two guided trips, you will learn more about Istanbul

Do hire a Private Tour Guide, even if it is for a half day, you will discover more

Do visit a proper Turkish Bath instead of touristic Turkish Baths

Do visit grand bazaar

Do sip your drink at the Piere Lotti Cafe

Do watch bosphorus from Ortakoy

Do book to see Whirling Dervishes Ceremony

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