Key Takeaways
- When visiting Istanbul, a city full of history and culture, there are 10 important things that every traveller should bring in their backpack. First, a portable charger to keep your devices powered up while you explore the city.
- A good pair of walking shoes is very important for the city’s bumpy streets. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle to drink enough water. A light scarf or shawl is useful when going to mosques.
- Bring a universal adapter for your devices and a map or offline navigation app to help you find your way. A small first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and a safe money belt are important for staying safe and making things easier. With these basics, you’ll be ready to enjoy Istanbul easily and comfortably.
Istanbul is a city with a lot of history, lively culture, and a mix of Eastern and Western influences. Many travellers come to visit it every year. Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey. It has a great mix of old buildings, new places to see, and busy neighbourhoods.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to have fun, learn about history, and enjoy delicious food. To have a great and easy time in this amazing city, it’s important to pack the right things. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or visiting for the first time, here are 10 important things you should have in your backpack when exploring Istanbul.
Cozy Shoes
Istanbul is a city that is best to see by walking. It has narrow paths, streets made of cobblestones, and famous places all around. From the old Sultanahmet area to the busy Istiklal Avenue, you will be walking a lot. Good, strong shoes are important for long days of walking and exploring.
Choose sneakers or walking shoes that are supportive to keep you comfortable while walking around the city. If you want to see the beautiful mosques and other cultural places, make sure to wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, because you often need to take them off before going inside.
If you want to combine fashion and usefulness, think about getting a good executive backpack. Executive backpacks are made for everyday use and travel, providing comfort and easy access.
Battery Backup Charger
Istanbul is a city with beautiful sights, old buildings, and busy markets that you’ll want to take pictures of. But you really don’t want your phone to run out of battery while you’re out exploring. A portable power bank is important to have when you travel. It keeps your devices charged all day, so you can use maps, take pictures, and stay in touch with family and friends.
Choose a power bank with a strong battery that can charge your phone several times. Choose a small and light version that won’t take up much space in your backpack.
Travel Plug Converter
Turkey uses a two-prong plug (type C and F) that is common in Europe. If you’re coming from a country with a different plug, you will need a travel adapter to charge your devices. Istanbul has lots of modern facilities, and whether you stay in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, you can usually find plenty of places to plug in your devices. It’s a good idea to keep an adapter nearby so you can charge your devices when you need to.
A multi-purpose adapter that works in different countries is a good buy for people who travel often. Some travel adapters have USB ports so you can charge several devices simultaneously.
Sunblock and Lip Moisturizer
Istanbul is famous for its historical places, but many travellers often forget to appreciate the city’s sunny weather. The sun can be really strong, especially in summer, and you don’t want to get a sunburn after spending a lot of time outside in the city.
Bring a small bottle of sunscreen that protects against all types of sun rays and has an SPF of 30 or more. You should bring a lip balm that keeps your lips moist and has sunscreen to protect them from the sun. Make sure your sunscreen can work in water, especially if you’re going to places near water like the Bosphorus or any of the city’s beaches.
Water Bottle
Visiting Istanbul can make you thirsty, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Using a reusable water bottle is good for the environment and saves you money. You can find water fountains in lots of public places, and many restaurants and cafes will fill your bottle if you ask them to. If you have your own bottle, you don’t need to keep buying bottled water.
A good insulated water bottle will keep your drinks cold in the summer and will be useful when you walk around the busy streets of Istanbul or visit its many sights.
Money Belt or Safe Wallet
Istanbul is mostly safe for tourists, but be careful of pickpockets in crowded places like markets or busy streets. It’s smart to keep your money, credit cards, and passport in a safe place. A money belt or neck pouch that you wear under your clothes helps keep your things safe while you explore the city.
Instead, think about buying a backpack that helps prevent theft. It should have hidden zippers and locks. These backpacks are made to keep your stuff safe and stop people from getting in without permission.
A light jacket or a scarf
The weather in Istanbul can change a lot, especially in spring and fall. The city might be warm and sunny during the day, but it can be cooler in the evening, especially by the water or in places that are higher up. Bringing a light jacket or scarf is a good idea for chilly evenings or sudden weather shifts.
A scarf can be used to cover up when going to religious places, like mosques, where everyone needs to dress modestly. A scarf is a useful item that can be used as a shawl, a head cover, or even a blanket when travelling long distances by bus or ferry.
A good backpack (ideally, a professional one)
The most important thing you need while exploring Istanbul is a good, comfy backpack to hold all your necessary items. Istanbul has a blend of city areas and old landmarks, so you need a useful but trendy bag. There are many options to choose from, but one of the best choices for today’s travellers is an executive backpack.
Executive backpacks are made to be practical, stylish, and strong, making them great for work and travel. Many executive backpacks have several pockets to help you keep your things organized. Some also have soft spaces for laptops or tablets, which is handy if you want to work or keep your gadgets safe.
When picking a backpack for your trip to Istanbul, choose one that fits your important items well but isn’t too big. A good executive backpack will spread the weight evenly on your back, making it comfortable for long days of walking and exploring. Also, choose one made of water-resistant materials to keep your stuff safe from sudden rain or spills.
Wrap Up
Exploring Istanbul is fun and rewarding, but it’s good to be ready for the different places and things you will see and do. Istanbul has a lot of old places to visit and busy markets to explore, giving you many chances for fun experiences. If you pack these 10 important things in your backpack, you’ll be ready to explore the city easily and comfortably.
A good pair of shoes, a strong power bank, sunscreen, and a durable backpack (ideally a work bag) are some important things to have to enjoy your time in this amazing city. Whether you’re visiting the famous Blue Mosque, taking a boat ride on the Bosphorus, or walking around the narrow streets of the Grand Bazaar, having these important things with you will help make your trip to Istanbul relaxing and fun. Safe travels