Budget — Istanbul

Istanbul is noticeably more accessible than Western European capitals, with prices 30-40% below Paris or London for equivalent comfort. The reference budget of €90/day/person covers a comfortable stay: night in a 4-star hotel in Sultanahmet or Karaköy (€60-130/night for 2), breakfast included, lunch in a family lokanta (€5-12/person), dinner in a good restaurant (€15-30/person), entries to major sites and public transport.

Accommodation covers all levels. Dorm hostel in Sultanahmet or Galata: €12-25/night. Boutique 3-4 star hotel in Sultanahmet or Karaköy: €60-130/night for 2 (Sirkeci Mansion, Mest Hotel Istanbul, Vault Karaköy The House Hotel). High-end boutique hotel: €150-300/night (Tomtom Suites, Pera Palace). Palaces: Çırağan Palace Kempinski (€500-1500/night), Four Seasons Bosphorus, Pera Palace Hotel.

Food is one of Istanbul's best value propositions. Counter çay: 5-15 TRY (€0.15-0.40). Turkish coffee: 30-60 TRY (€1-2). Simit (Turkish bagel): 10-15 TRY. Balık ekmek at Galata Bridge: 100-150 TRY (€3-5). Lunch family lokanta: 200-400 TRY (€6-12) with soup, main, dessert, drink. Dinner meyhane (mezze + raki): 600-1200 TRY (€18-36). Gastronomic restaurant (Mikla, Neolokal, Türk Fatih Tutak): 1500-3000 TRY (€45-90) before drinks. Avoid restaurants directly facing Hagia Sophia or Topkapi (tourist prices without quality).

Paid sites represent a significant cost. Topkapi 1700 TRY (€52) with harem, Hagia Sophia museum gallery 700 TRY (€25), Basilica Cistern 1000 TRY (€30), Archaeological Museum 700 TRY (€21), Galata Tower 1000 TRY (€30). For travellers planning 4-5 major sites, the Museum Pass Istanbul (1900 TRY / €58, valid 5 days) is amortised from 3 sites.

Local transport is very cheap. İstanbulkart: 15 TRY (€0.45) empty card + recharge. Metro/tram/bus/ferry trip: 17 TRY (€0.50). BiTaksi taxi airport IST → Sultanahmet: 600-900 TRY (€18-27). Public Bosphorus cruise: 150-300 TRY (€5-9). Expect €5-10/day for transport.