What should i wear in istanbul

Istanbul is very hilly and there are some really steep streets to walk up, some even have steps and the pavement tiles can be a bit uneven so comfortable, flat shoes are necessary for walking around this fascinating city.

Women do wear high heels for going out in the evening, though, when they travel by car or take a taxi. You might want to leave some space in your suitcase for clothes, as there are lots of clothes stores from designer boutiques to international labels. Locally manufactured brands like Koton, Mavi and Collezione are very high quality at reasonable prices. On our tour you will visit the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of small shops where you can stop for some delicious street food or shop for handcrafts, clothes and more.

Spring is a pleasant time to visit, especially April when the tulips are in full bloom. When packing clothes remember the rules for mosques and reasonably conservative wear is preferable. In winter the city is sometimes covered in a blanket of snow, although freezing weather only usually lasts a few days.

This season is very varied, too, so be sure to pack a t-shirt, sweater, coat and water-resistant shoes. Read More — Istanbul Travel Blog. About Us. Instant Ticketing. More information about pricing policy of ours. What about dress code for bars, clubs, lounges and nightlife? Do women wear short fitted clothes, heels etc like we do in NYC? Or are they a bit conservative there too?

Heels are acceptable just be aware of the length of skirts, etc. Female tourists do wear shorts in Istanbul — but it does lead to awkward looks and unwanted attention. You are funny with your comments, have you really been in istanbul? You should do proper research before writing an opinion on a huge city, not just a 1km parameter around the tourist spots! Yes, I admit I did not have time to visit the nightlife.

But even in my hotel, I noticed people giving looks to women who were not modestly dressed. My comments are meant to help women travelling alone from being judged by their western wear, not to diminish the beauty of Istanbul which was truly an amazing city. I totally agree with you Selin. If you go to mosques, Grand Bazaar area and old town you can see conservative people who are gonna stare at you. To be honest, locals do not go there. For instance, Ireland changed its abortion law in Even the most Arabic women take of their hijab obviously not in touristic places but when they going out to chic places and wear dresses when they are visiting Istanbul.

Your post really upset me, I wish you could have a chance to explore the real side of Istanbul again without any prejudices. Thanks for your feedback. Skip to content This article may contain affiliate links.

About The Author. Sharon Mendelaoui Sharon Mendelaoui is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer, passionate photographer and creative designer.

She is the founder and publisher of dailydream Many luxury hotels have indoor swimming pools and spas as well. At the beach, anything goes in Turkey so feel free to wear whatever swimsuit you feel the most comfortable in. Pashmina scarves are not only great accessories but are very useful as well! Also useful for layering, you can use this item for added warmth on a boat ride down the Bosphorus! For women, it is not necessary to cover your head or dress conservatively unless you are entering a mosque, church, or holy site.

Many mosques will have scarves on site for visitors to borrow. Turkish women are very fashionable and Istanbul is a city where you will want to look your best. Women will need to cover their head, chest, shoulders, and knees when entering mosques or holy sites, which is in line with the local customs.

Many mosques will have scarves on site for visitors to borrow, though bringing your own is always a good idea. What should MEN wear in Turkey? In Istanbul, Turkish men dress in trendy, European style. Typical city attire includes boots or sneakers paired with a shirt and jacket. A graphic t-shirt paired with a blazer, jeans, and loafers is another classic option for men on the Istanbul streets.

Jeans paired with a sweater or leather jacket is also a great option in Turkey. Pack a mix of casual and more formal attire, and be prepared with a dress shirt and jacket that can be dressed up or down depending on the activity. Turkey has a Mediterranean climate and experiences all four seasons. The weather varies from hot and dry during the summer to cold and rainy in the winter. Different regions of Turkey experience differences in their winter season.

Depending on where you are in the country, the weather can range from mild, to cold and rainy, to snowy. Depending on where you are, you may experience cold, rainy days and chilly evenings so be sure to bring plenty of lightweight clothes for layering. Summer experiences the peak of tourism season in Turkey, and people flock to the coasts for swimming, sunbathing, and exciting nightlife. FALL — September, October, November: Fall is an ideal season to visit Turkey as weather throughout the country remains mostly mild and pleasant for exploring outdoors.

Days are shorter and rain typically begins starting in October. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the north of the country, especially at night. How to dress for different activities in Turkey — Click to expand. Beaches — As Turkey is a largely secular country, bikinis and western-style swimsuits are the norm when visiting the beach. Flip flops, tank tops, and shorts are worn by both men and women at the beautiful beaches throughout the country. Religious Sites — Religious sites such as mosques, churches, and synagogues will require that women dress modestly upon entering.

This means avoiding tight-fitting clothing and covering the shoulders, chest, and knees. Hammam — A Hammam is a traditional Turkish bathhouse, and these are quite popular throughout the country. Exploring the City — In larger cities like Istanbul, fashionable European and Western-style clothing is the norm. In more rural areas you should opt for loose-fitting clothing to remain respectful and blend in a bit more easily.

Many people end up overpacking for their trips and bring items that never see the light of day. Challenge yourself to pack light and be strategic about what you bring. The official language of Turkey is Turkish.

The language was originally written in the Perso-Arabic script used by the Ottomans but in the s in an attempt to modernize the country, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk issued a decree that the Turkish language was to be changed to the Latin alphabet which is used to this day.

English is also widely spoken in Istanbul. Can you flush toilet paper in Turkey?