Visiting Istanbul
Don't just visit Istanbul. Know someone here.
Smileys brings together local recommendations, real events and a community of people who live here — so you can find the parts of Istanbul you'll love, see what's on during your stay, and meet a few people before you land.
Real people Local connections No awkward cold introductions
Before you go
Visitor essentials
The guides worth reading before you fly.
Entry rules and visasEntering Türkiye: Visa-Free Stays, e-Visas and the 90/180 Rule
From the airportArriving in Istanbul: Getting from IST and Sabiha Gökçen into the City
SIM and internetGetting a SIM Card and Home Internet in Türkiye
- Getting aroundIstanbulkart Mastery: The only ticket that matters
- Scams and tourist trapsScams & Tourist Traps in Türkiye: How to stay safe without becoming paranoid
- Emergency numbersEmergency Numbers in Türkiye: Call 112 and Other Numbers Worth Saving
Practical guidance, not legal, visa, medical or transport-operator advice. Fares, rules and requirements change — where a guide links official sources, check them before you rely on it.
Read before your trip
Visiting Istanbul: what to know, what to skip and what most visitors miss.
Istanbul Is Rebuilding: What You Should Know About Urban Transformation
From Kadıköy to Beşiktaş, older apartment buildings are being replaced across Istanbul. Here’s what urban transformation means for residents, renters, and anyone planning to make the city their home.
Read
Where to Stay in Istanbul for a Short Visit
Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Karaköy, Galata, Taksim or Kadıköy? How to choose a hotel area for a short Istanbul visit — what each is good for, the slopes and ferry rides to check, and what to compare in the room itself.
Read
✈️ Your First Istanbul Trip: What to Know Before You Arrive
Entry requirements, which airport you’re flying into, where to stay, how the Istanbulkart works and a sightseeing plan that leaves room to enjoy it — the practical details to sort before your first Istanbul trip.
Read
Kadıköy, Istanbul: What to Do, Where to Eat, and How to Get There
Kadıköy is Istanbul’s Asian-side hub — a busy ferry port surrounded by one of the city’s best food markets, historic neighborhoods, independent shops, cafés, bars and a long waterfront stretching toward Moda. Come for the market, wander through Yeldeğirmeni, explore Bahariye, walk to Moda and stay until sunset. This is where you experience a different side of Istanbul.
Read
Yeldeğirmeni: Istanbul’s Brooklyn?
Yeldeğirmeni has always had a character of its own. Creative, lively and full of independent cafés, street art and local energy, this Kadıköy neighborhood has recently gained a new title: Istanbul’s Brooklyn, after being selected by Brooklyn Of as the city’s standout neighborhood.
Read
Know where you're staying?
Discover your neighborhood before you arrive.
Kadıköy
345 Smileys nearby
Artsy & vibrant
Explore Kadıköy →Şişli
101 Smileys nearby
Business & fashion
Explore Şişli →Beşiktaş
91 Smileys nearby
Lively & social
Explore Beşiktaş →Üsküdar
79 Smileys nearby
Traditional & scenic
Explore Üsküdar →When you’re here
Your first 48 hours
Four things to do once you land, in roughly this order.
Arrive and get connected
A local SIM or eSIM, so maps, messages and ride apps work from the start.
SIM and internet guideLearn the transport basics
How to pay for buses, metro and ferries, and what to buy on day one.
Transport guidePick a first local experience
Start with one of the Istanbul Guide’s first-timer picks: Take the Ferry at Sunset or Eat a Real Turkish Breakfast.
First-time picksJoin a friendly event or coffee
12 first-timer-friendly events coming up — easy ones to come to on your own.
See events
Worth seeing first in Istanbul
Start with these — everything else can wait.
What kind of trip is it?
Experiences from the Istanbul Guide, by what you're in the mood for.
A day at a time — or two for a weekend
Meet people
Tell the community you're coming
Post your dates and a short intro, and members in Istanbul can see you're on your way.
Meet a Local
Grab a coffee, drink or meal with someone already living in Istanbul.
Get Local Tips
Ask real people about neighborhoods, transport, restaurants and everyday life.
Make Connections
Start meeting people before your flight even lands.
Find Plans
Discover Smileys events and activities happening while you're here.
How it works
- You need a Smileys account
- Posting your dates, messaging members and joining events are for approved members. Applying is free and every application is reviewed by a person.
- Who sees your visit
- Only signed-in members, unless you choose to list it publicly. Even then, people who aren’t signed in see only your first name and the month — never your exact dates, neighborhood or contact details.
- What to expect
- A member who’d like to meet sends you a connection request with a note — a coffee, a tip, an event they’re going to — and can only message you once you accept. (Smileys staff and club hosts can message members directly.) Some visitors hear from several people and some from nobody; it depends on your dates and who’s around, so events are the surest way to meet people.
- Staying safe
- Never post where you’re staying or anything you wouldn’t tell a stranger — a neighborhood is plenty. Meet in public places. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, block or report them from their profile or your message thread, and our team will review it.
Who's coming to Istanbul?
Meet people arriving soon and help them feel at home.
No upcoming visitors yet
Be the first to post. Tell members when you're in town and they'll reach out.
Arriving soon? Read the Handbook.
Residence permits, banking, transport — practical guides from the Smileys team.
What’s on during your stay
Coming up in Istanbul
Add your dates above to see only what falls during your stay.
TODAY · 21:00
Erasmus Welcome Party! 🇪🇺
Kadıköy
32 goingFreeLanguage: English
First-timer friendly
TODAY · 13:00
Coworking in Beyoglu 💼
Beyoğlu
1 goingFreeLanguage: English
SUN 18 OCT · 17:00
Sunday Autumn Bike Ride
Kadıköy
5 goingFreeLanguage: English
What a first Smileys event is like
- Events marked First-timer friendly are picked by the team as easy ones to come to on your own.
- Every event names its host and shows how many people are going before you RSVP.
- Many are free; when there is a price, it is shown up front.
- Plans change? Cancel as early as you can, so someone on the waitlist gets your spot.
Already in Istanbul?
Someone is about to experience your city for the first time. Help make their arrival a little easier.
Invite someone for coffee
Share a local tip
Make an introduction
Arrive knowing someone.
Tell the community you're coming and start making connections before you arrive.