Whether your interest lies in shopping, street food, architecture, history, or a mix of everything, Istanbul got you covered. Walk into the bazaars to feel the poetic chaos, admire the spectacular mosques, towers, and palaces that are as old as time, try Turkish coffee along with the rich cuisine of both savoury foods and sweet treats, or check out museums that tell stories of the Ottoman empire. It is the famous Bosphorus Strait, however, that makes continent-straddling Istanbul a fascinating city. So while you're there, get on a boat tour, let it cruise you along the stretch between the continents of Asia and Europe, and experience the wonder of being in the presence of everything.

Tipping is not required for transport services in Turkey. The same applies to Istanbul. It is, however, quite common to tip for hospitality services, including but not limited to dining in a restaurant, staying at a hotel, or going on a guided tour. For restaurants and cafes, if you find a service charge mentioned on the menu as well as included in your bill, it is not necessary to tip on top of the final payment. If a service charge is not mentioned, generally you are encouraged to tip 10 to 15% of your bill, depending on what you think is most fair. For tours, gratuities for guides and drivers are greatly appreciated.

Generally, it is safe and fun for solo travelers to visit Istanbul. Just like anywhere else, there are still precautions to be taken, such as the clothes that you should wear or proper maps and directions of the places that you want to see. In Turkey, female travelers should pack conservative clothing to wear during the stay to attract little attention. Get a data SIM card so that you can navigate around more easily and book tours, in advance or otherwise, if you're not feeling 100% sure to explore on your own.

There are free walking tours in Istanbul, especially in the old town area, which vary in length and the number of participants. You are, however, strongly encouraged to tip the tour guide depending on the level of enjoyment and satisfaction you get after the tour. Therefore these tours aren't technically "free", but you will certainly be paying a lot less compared to other private tours with similar itineraries.

All popular attractions at Sultanahmet Square, along with other major spots, including Topkapi Palace, are always busy during the daytime, especially during the peak season months from April to June and from September to October. To best avoid larger crowds, it is always a good idea to start the day early and visit 1 to 2 biggest attractions first thing in the morning and do that again the next day so you will have the rest of the day visiting smaller and less crowded venues.