Your Ultimate Istanbul Packing List!
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The Ultimate Istanbul Packing List
Packing for a trip can sometimes be daunting. Especially if you are travelling to a far-off land that you have never been to before! Lucky enough to be heading to beautiful Istanbul? We have created your ultimate Istanbul packing list to make the process a whole lot easier!
How to Decide What to Pack for Istanbul?
When creating our Istanbul packing list, we considered the following factors –
- Weather
- Culture
- Practicalities
- Any specific activities
Let’s start by Considering the Weather when Making an Istanbul Packing List
Türkiye is a vast country and therefore has different weather in different regions. In Istanbul, there are hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The weather is a very important factor when creating an Istanbul packing list. For convenience, we have broken our list down into 4 seasons and provided a summary of what to pack for Istanbul for each season.
What to Pack for Istanbul in the Spring
Istanbul in the spring is beautiful. March, April and May show the city in a fresh light as it emerges from a long, cold winter. Early spring can still be chilly so it’s best to bring layers and something warm for the evening. The temperature can start heating up in May and there are plenty of hours of sunshine. We recommend packing the following for your spring Istanbul packing list –
1. Light Jacket or Sweater: For cooler mornings and evenings.
2. T-shirts and Long-sleeve Shirts: For layering and changing temperatures.
3. Jeans or Trousers: Comfortable for walking around the city.
4. Lightweight Scarf: Useful for layering and can add style.
5. Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring the cities and surrounding areas.
6. Packable Raincoat: Spring can bring occasional rain showers.
7. Sunglasses and Hat: For sunny days.
8. Casual Dress or Skirt: If you prefer a different style for warmer days.
9. Layering Pieces: Like cardigans or light sweaters for fluctuating temperatures.
With these items, you should be well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Istanbul in the spring! We love these trousers from amazon because they are lightweight, smart and don’t crease. You could also try a smart stiped shirt with some jeans if it’s a bit cooler.
What to Pack for Istanbul in the Summer
In Istanbul during the summer, the weather is typically hot, with temperatures often reaching 30-40°C (86-104°F) during the day. Here are some suggestions for what to pack for your summer Istanbul packing list:
1. Lightweight Clothing: Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool. Linen shirts and trousers are ideal as are sundresses. Türkiye is an Islamic country so we feel it is more respectful to keep a little more covered.
2. Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable sandals or sneakers, especially if you plan on walking around the city or visiting historical sites.
3. Sun Protection: Bring a hat or a cap to shield yourself from the sun, and don’t forget sunglasses. Applying sunscreen is essential.
4. Evening Layers: While it’s generally warm, evenings can sometimes be cooler. A light jacket or a cardigan can be useful.
5. Swimwear: If you plan to visit any pools or nearby lakes, pack a swimsuit and maybe water shoes/flipflops
6. Accessories: A lightweight scarf can be handy for both sun protection and as a cover-up when visiting religious sites where modest dress is required.
By dressing appropriately, you can enjoy the city’s attractions comfortably despite the summer heat. We love this linen dress because it’s light and cool and covers the shoulders.
What to Pack for Istanbul in the Fall
In Istanbul during the fall, temperatures can vary widely, typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) in September and cooling down to 0-10°C (32-50°F) by November. Here are some suggestions for what to include in your autumn Istanbul packing list:
1. Layered Clothing: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Start with a base layer like a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt and add a sweater or light jacket.
2. Warm Outerwear: As temperatures drop later in the season, a heavier jacket or coat becomes necessary.
3. Comfortable Pants: Jeans, trousers, or leggings are suitable. You might also consider bringing a pair of thicker pants for the cooler days.
4. Footwear: Comfortable shoes are essential, especially if you plan on walking around. Sneakers, ankle boots, or other closed-toe shoes are ideal.
5. Accessories: Bring a scarf, gloves and a hat for the cooler mornings and evenings. These can easily be added or removed as needed.
6. Rain Gear: Fall can bring some rain, so packing a small, portable umbrella or a rain jacket is a good idea.
By preparing for a range of temperatures and potential weather changes, you can stay comfortable while exploring Istanbul in the fall. For us, both a smart blazer and a thin waterproof jacket is a must for our Istanbul packing list after August. This waterproof jacket is great as you can pack it in a tiny bag and it is really portable.
What to Pack for Istanbul in the Winter
Winter in Istanbul can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. To stay warm and comfortable, here’s a guide on what to include on your winter Istanbul packing list:
1. Heavy Winter Coat: A warm, insulated coat is essential.
2. Thermal Underwear: Provides a base layer of warmth.
3. Sweaters and Hoodies: For layering under your coat.
4. Long-Sleeve Shirts: For layering and added warmth.
5. Jeans or Thermal-lined Pants: To keep your legs warm.
6. Waterproof Boots: To keep your feet dry and warm in snow or slush.
7. Warm Socks: Wool or thermal socks are best for keeping feet warm.
8. Hat: A beanie or other warm hat to protect your head and ears from the cold.
9. Gloves: Insulated gloves to keep your hands warm.
10. Scarf: To protect your neck and face from the cold.
We often go hiking when exploring a new country, so a warm waterproof jacket is definitely more practical that a smart coat in this situation. Make sure you pack a jacket that is both warm and water resistant for the cold Istanbul winter! Don’t forget your sunglasses, even in the winter! I’m very attached to my beloved Ray Bans.
Cultural Considerations for your Istanbul Packing List
Istanbul is a city the straddles two continents – both Europe and Asia. Most of the population is Muslim so when visiting religious sites, it is important to dress a bit more modestly by covering your shoulders and knees and ladies, we must cover our hair when entering mosques. If you are entering any religious building during the hot summer months, it’s best to bring a shawl to cover up if you are wearing shorts or small tops.
Consider packing some smarter outfits for evenings out or when visiting Istanbul’s visiting historical sites.
Practical Considerations for your Istanbul Packing List
When Packing for Istanbul, it is important to consider practical factors as well. There is no point in packing a trolly suitcase if you are staying in an old part town with cobbled streets, for example.
We would also not recommend packing expensive designer items when visiting Istanbul. It is not a dangerous city but it is not a good idea to attract unwanted attention. Also, you can buy fake designer items everywhere so people might assume that your beloved Chanel is actually a fake!
We often take a handy little day pack for essentials when were out for a long time. It’s especially useful for shorter hikes!
Consider the Limitations of your Airline Ticket
If you are flying from within Europe, the chances are you’ll be on a budget airline. This means, if you want to avoid extra fees, you need to pack light. We bought a great rucksack on Amazon that fits on Ryanair as a “personal item” so there are no baggage fees to add to the cost of our ticket. Usually, we can fit a week’s worth in it if we pack carefully. We recommend this super handy rucksack. It is large enough to fit loads in but small enough to carry around, and it’s less than €30!
Below we have provided a breakdown of some extra items you might want to include on your Istanbul packing list.
Packing List for Istanbul Bus and Train Travel
Buses and trains are the easiest way to get around Istanbul. Here are some extra items you might need if you plan to travel by public transport.
- Tickets
- Snacks
- Book (an e-reader or audio book is better to save space)
- Headphones (and something good to listen to!)
- Power Bank
- Travel pillow
- Fan (it’s hot in the summer!)
- Wet wipes (same reason)
- Hand Sanitizer
Toiletries to Pack for Istanbul
We like to pack solid toiletries, where possible, to save room in our liquids bags. They also tend to be a lot more eco friendly as there is far less packaging. Don’t worry if you forget something, there are plenty of great stores in Istanbul.
- Any prescription medications, plus a small first aid kit
- Hard shampoo/conditioner/soap
- Solid deodorant
- Hair brush
- Tooth brush
- Tooth paste tabs
- Solid perfume
- Moisturiser bar
- Sun cream
- Hair oil (humidity can cause all the frizz!)
- Face cloth
What Electricals to Pack
- Smartphone and Charger and maybe a local SIM card
- Portable Charger/Power Bank
- Camera
- Laptop or Tablet – If you need to stay connected for work or leisure.
- Travel Adapters – Bosnia Herzegovina uses the standard European plug (Type C or F)
Travel Documents and Money
- Passport
- Visas
- Currency
- Credit cards – Revolut is great because there are no foreign currency transaction fees. You can find out more HERE.
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Hotel Reservations and Itinerary
- Emergency Contacts – Written down in case your phone dies
- Driving licence – if you plan on renting a car
Miscellaneous Items for your Istanbul Packing List
- Language Guide or Phrasebook
- Travel guide and map
- Travel Umbrella
- Daypack, Small Backpack or Bum bag (fanny pack for our cousins across the pond). We love a bum bag because its hands free, secure and versatile
What Not to Pack for Istanbul
We have gone into a bit of detail about what to include on your Istanbul packing list. But is there anything we should leave at home? To save space, we would recommend leaving the following items at home –
- Valuables, expensive jewellery, bags etc
- High heels or new, unbroken shoes. You’ll most likely be walking a lot and there’s nothing worse than sore feet!
- Formal attire – unless you have a special event to attend
- Restricted items – check Türkiye’s customs regulations for things like certain medications, drones, etc
The Turkish Language
Many Turks in the cities speak a bit of English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Turkish. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
| English | Turkish | Sounds Like |
| Hello | Merhaba | mer-ha-ba |
| Goodbye | Allaha ısmarladık | ah-LAHS-mahr-lah-duhk |
| Please | Lütfen | LEWT-fehn |
| Thank you | Teşekkür ederim | tesh-ek-ur, ed-er-im |
| Yes | Evet | eh-VEHT |
| No | Hayır | HAH-yuhr |
The Turkish Currency
The local currency is the Turkish Lira and it is quite a volatile currency and definitely worth checking the rates before you head off. Most larger shops and restaurants in the cities will accept cards and there are ATMs around. However, it is still mainly a cash based society and you will certainly need cash if you go out of the city.
Where to go next
Looking for more information for your Istanbul trip? Check out these Unusual and Unique Things to do in Istanbul!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have we forgotten anything? Let us know if there was an item you couldn’t do without on your Istanbul packing list!
Have you visited Istanbul or anywhere else in Türkiye? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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