What Istanbul is REALLY like to visit in 2026

Описание: Istanbul travel guide (winter 2026): what it’s really like to visit now, how much things cost, and whether the main sights are still worth it.

In this Istanbul vlog, I spend a full day exploring the city in winter, from a traditional Turkish breakfast to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower and İstiklal Street. I also share honest updates on Istanbul prices in 2026, including Hagia Sophia ticket price, Galata Tower ticket price, museum costs in Turkey, food prices and hotel value.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering is Istanbul expensive now?, this video will help you budget realistically.

We start the morning in the Old City before crossing the Golden Horn into Sultanahmet, home to Hagia Sophia (now €25+ to enter), the Blue Mosque (still free), and Topkapı Palace. I talk through the history of Constantinople, the Ottoman conquest in 1453, and how Istanbul’s layers of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage shape the city today.

You’ll also see:

What a full Turkish breakfast in Istanbul costs

How to use the Istanbulkart (and whether old cards still work)

Whether Sultanahmet or Taksim is better for where to stay in Istanbul

Grand Bazaar vs Spice Bazaar – which is worth your time

Honest thoughts on fish sandwiches by the Galata Bridge

Whether Galata Tower is worth €30

How Istanbul feels for solo female travellers

Turkey has experienced major inflation in recent years, and many Istanbul cost guides are outdated. I break down what has changed, what still feels good value, and where prices have risen sharply for tourists.

📍 Areas featured: Sultanahmet, Karaköy, Galata, Taksim, İstiklal Street
🚋 Transport: Tram, Tünel (world’s second oldest underground railway), Istanbulkart
🏨 Hotel review: Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Pera (honest impressions)

If you’re planning 1 day in Istanbul, a weekend in Istanbul, or building a longer Turkey itinerary, this will give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

⏱️ Chapters
0:00 Istanbul in winter
0:47 Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi
3:06 Tram over the Golden Horn + Istanbulkart tips
6:25 Galata/Constantinople history in 60 seconds
8:00 Istanbul prices now (museums, food, hotels)
10:25 Hagia Sophia and the €25 ticket question
13:41 Blue Mosque (still free)
15:55 Grand Bazaar
16:53 Spice Bazaar
18:05 Fish sandwich by the bridge (Rich reviews)
20:39 Tünel funicular + İstiklal Street
23:35 Hotel review reality check
24:26 Galata Tower at night + whether it’s worth €30
26:10 Georgian dinner in Istanbul (Galaction)
27:04 Final thoughts + Turkey series coming

More videos from my Turkey series coming soon.

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