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Preparing your trip to Istanbul: advices & hints - things to do and to obey
1. Before photographing local people, you should definitely ask them for permission. Remember you cannot make shots of women dressed in black capes.
2. When you enter a home or a mosque, you should definitely take your shoes off. You should be very careful while selecting clothes before visiting religious sites of Istanbul. Short skirts, shorts and open tops are not suitable for observations of the city.
3. You can drink alcohol in specially designated areas only.
4. Tips in local cafes and restaurants make up about 10% of the total amount of the order. Leaving tips in taxi is not common.
6. Do not drink tap water. It is not dangerous to health, but contains a lot of chlorine.
7. Buses are the best way to move on the city. This is also the most economical form of transport. As a rule, the fare is increased at night.
Eurostars Hotel Old City remains one of the leading hotels in Istanbul. The hotel is full of national charm and hospitality. Eurostars Hotel Old City has won love and dedication of thousands … 
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9. Shopping malls are the best place to acquire expensive products. Not all products you see on open markets are of a high quality. It should be noted that the prices for clothing and jewelry in malls and markets do not differ significantly.
10. During some religious holidays restaurants and cafes of the city can stop selling alcoholic beverages. Going to a dinner at some restaurant, you should definitely ask about the availability of a wine list. 
Preparing your trip to Istanbul: advices & hints - things to do and to obey You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
What to visit being in Istanbul - unique sights
Sirkeci Gari Station
From the series “Top 14 Most Astonishing Railway Stations in the World”
Check on the map: 
Distance from Istanbul center - 1.1 km.
Earlier at this place were placed marvellous Ottoman villas and ancient fortress walls. All this was demolished before the building of the railway station. The scientists found this district very significant from the archaeological point. Under the station may be placed ancient ruins of the Constantinople. Sirkeci Gari Station is attractive not only for admirers of ancient architecture but also for gourmands. In the clock tower, the luxurious restaurant "Orient express" has been adoring people with its marvellous dishes and atmosphere for a number of years. …
Read further Distance from Istanbul center - 1.1 km.
Dolmabahce Palace
From the series “The Most Elegant Buildings of Baroque Architecture”
Check on the map: Distance from Istanbul center - 1.1 km.
Nowadays the wonderful Baroque palace is used as a museum. Visitors can see there a lot of marvellous elements of decoration and old pieces of art. Dolmabahce Palace is a very popular sightseeing in Istanbul. Tourists like to take a lot of pictures of it, not only from the ground but also from the water during a boat trip. Since 2007, this palace is an official residence of the Turkish prime minister. That’s why a great part of rooms is closed for tourists. Near the Dolmabahce Palace, you can find the so-named mosque, which is also very interesting to visit. …
Read further Distance from Istanbul center - 1.1 km.
Hagia Sophia
From the series “Monuments of Byzantium: the most famous buildings”
Check on the map: Distance from Istanbul center - 1.5 km.
The solemn consecration of the cathedral took place in 537. It continues to be one of the main symbols of the city for almost fifteen hundred years from this moment. Hagia Sophia is located in the heart of the historic district today. It is surrounded by spectacular buildings of various periods. The religious monument attracts travelers with its unique interior design. A unique painting has been preserved on the walls and ceiling in it. Tall columns and other stone features are also preserved in the cathedral. Beautiful chandeliers in the medieval style illuminate the huge hall of the cathedral. Natural light penetrates through 40 windows on a sunny day. …
Read further Distance from Istanbul center - 1.5 km.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Istanbul and surroundings
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Thailand Relaxes Its COVID-19 Policy
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide.
Read this
21.03.2023
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide.
Read this
21.03.2023
Photos of Istanbul
Services search (pharmacy, police, parking, banks) on Istanbul map
Travelling to Istanbul - advices and tips. What should be provisioned in advance, the rules you might want to follow, and the things you better avoid doing in Istanbul. We help you to make your trip smooth and easy, with no unexpected surprises.
