If you got lost in Istanbul

Istanbul is a great city so it is easy to lose one’s way there.

The main thing is not to panic, because you didn’t get lost in the jungle with dirty water and poisonous snakes hanging down from vines. This is just Istanbul - touristic center of Europe. So smile, relax, and take the following steps...

The first thing to make is to look round. If you got lost in the historical part of town, then you should just go towards the sea. You will see or hear it. Just head toward the sea-front and you will get to the place where you’ll find transportation. If the sea is not seen or heard, just look at any house. There will be a plate with two names on each house. The name of district is written at the top and at the bottom - the name of the street. Don’t pay much attention to the figures, because they often hang one plate with three or four numbers on one and the same house in Istanbul. Just such an original way of marking the streets and houses.

The second thing to do is to ask for directions from passers-by. It is often said and written that the Turks are big blunderers who can point the wrong way. This is an exaggeration. Just ask to indicate you the direction of major sight which serves as a guide for the entire city. Galata Tower, some kind of a bridge, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia...

Third, it is better to buy a city map after arrival. There are lots of them being sold right at the airport. Get such a map, ask the hotel to mark its placement with a circle and show to the taxi driver if you suddenly get lost. Didn’t have time to buy a map at the airport? No problem. Many news-stands in Istanbul sell such maps.

Fourthly, always go to big and broad streets because they are usually considered to be the main. According to them you will easily find your way.

Attention! If you booked hotel in Istanbul on our site or through our company, make sure you have the phone number of our Istanbul office: +90 (212) 293 33 83 or +90 (533) 692 02 11. In case of any trouble in Istanbul, call us and we’ll help you.