FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF ISTANBUL 🇹🇷 Solo Backpacker Arriving in Turkey

[@hollypar]

In general, Turkish people love foreigners and are extremely hospitable and friendly and LOVE to chat. That said (and I'm sure I'll get some hate for this) I would not stop to talk to any man as a solo female traveler. Especially in a city like Istanbul. It's very different if YOU approach THEM to talk, perhaps as a patron at a restaurant or while visiting their shops. But Istanbul is full of aggressive salesmen and obnoxious guys who think the slightest bit of attention from a female is an invitation to follow/harass her. I'd say "hi, thank you" and move along, even if they keep trying to talk to you. Keep in mind that friendly chatting with strange men is NOT expected in Turkish culture. I don't mean to offend anyone by saying this - in general I adore Turkish people and Turkish culture, and even married a Turkish guy (so obviously I don't hate them 😂) - just please do not feel like you have to talk to random men in the streets so as not to be "rude."

[@TCtravel91]

Great content check out my travel VLOGs ❤

[@BANGTEEZ_IN_YOUR_AREA]

This is literally so perfect as I’m looking to travel to Turkey again next summer. Turkey has been my FAVOURITE country that I’ve travelled to!

[@selot2223]

Hi, are you still planning to travel there?

[@ssarahbennett]

Nah I'm with you, when I'm travelling alone I am super carful at what I say to someone... even if I'm in my own city... better to be safe I always say! Also, I've been watching you for years.... I found your videos when I did my first backpacking trip to Thailand back in 2014!

[@saif__abi]

There is no cities in the world is as attractive as Istanbul 🌍😍😍😍💯☝️🇹🇷

[@holdinourown]

When you packed the hat in your last video, I was like - "she'll ditch that hat quick!" hahah

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hahahaa you were very correct

[@holdinourown]

@@BackpackingBananas it reminded me of the hat you lost somewhere in S. America and a follower found it- you said you always lost hats or something along those lines. 😁 can't wait to hear what happens next with said hat!

[@thewanderingmeghan4818]

Wow, the timing of this video is great! I'm heading to Istanbul in January. Looking forward to watching your upcoming vlogs!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hope you have a wonderful time! 😊

[@_NadiaT]

Wow can’t wait for more! I’ve always wanted to visit Turkey:) definitely high on the bucket list! And thanks for including the prices, super useful!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure 😊

[@wanderbirdx]

Your videos are always so well put together and informative. You're one of my biggest inspirations and every time you put out a video I want to book a plane ticket and pack my bags! Thank you for being you :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🥰🥰 I work really hard on my vids so this means a lot ❤️❤️

[@joeboyce4412]

I went to Istanbul earlier this year and stayed in cheers hostel. By far the best hostel I’ve stayed in seeing all the same workers makes me want to go back so bad ☹️

[@Indoor-Cyling-Revolution]

Bravo on your attitude towards speaking the native language. Glad I found your channel.

[@ASH-was-my-handle]

Have a blast of a time (started with you back in the Philippines vlogs). Went through Turkey back in July (it was so hot), will be looking forward to seeing how traveling through it in the winter is. Enjoy yourself and as always, cheers.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks!! It’s deffo a lot chillier now than I imagine it would’ve been in July!

[@WhenAdventureKnox]

I adore Turkey and am so excited to watch your videos that will be coming our way!! Very jealous of the Pide... despite scoffing down my tea whilst watching this video! 🤣 Love the first impressions vid and also your honesty with the walking tour 'well... I was hungover' 🤣

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hope you enjoyed your tea 😊🙌🏼 hahaha honesty is the best policy 😅 there was no way I was getting outta bed that day

[@ellas.50]

Oh my! Your videos make me miss Turkey even more! Will definitely go there again next year. Hello from Singapore 🇸🇬!

[@RCodyWanner]

haha love the bargain game! our tour guide told us if we didn’t try to bargain, the store owners would be upset with us. i LOVED that, the game of it. LOVED THIS VID SO HYPED FOR MORE!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks mate! Hahaha I wish I liked bargaining but it stresses me out I’m like god damn it plz just give me the cheapest price 😅

[@RCodyWanner]

@@BackpackingBananas haha you ALWAYS wonder if you could have got them lower as you walk away

[@talatguneyli2124]

Offering something is a part of our culture there is nothing wrong with that. Even if i go to a shop as a Turk they would offer me too, its not a scam but at the end of the day ofcourse they are trying to sell you their stuff. Turkey has one of the lovest crime rates in the world.

[@travisjackson9207]

I am going to Istanbul on Jan 5th as a solo Traveler. I am very excited about it.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Wooo 🥳 that’s exciting! Though be prepared - it won’t be warm 😅

[@amitkumarmaandla4520]

Your entry in the hotel room was amazing... You were looking very excited to see the Istanbul..... I hope u had great time in Istanbul I'm also coming to Istanbul on 26 December

[@MillaExplores]

Yey so exciting to see some Turkey content! 😍😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥳🥳🥳

[@jasonbarney5587]

Loved the food in Istanbul so much. So delicious, fresh, and CHEAP.

[@elodiemauvage2128]

I just discovered your channel. I love your videos. Crazy that I stayed in the same hostel in Istanbul last December. Sinan and Amer are awesome !

[@stankormy5717]

There is lots of unique things to see there! That pita bread looks so delicious! Balenciagos are some expensive kicks!

[@lesterian8366]

Just the right person to follow and subscribe as I travel Solo most of this days now

[@RCodyWanner]

men were like that with the offering tea to us too! i think it mostly has to do with them wanting to bring you in to their shops to sell you stuff. oh i just got to that part of the video haha.

[@stangster94]

I admire your lifestyle so incredibly much. I am hoping to do something similar this next year. Thank you for sharing your story with us!! I am curious, what do you use for cell phone service when traveling? Local sim? Google fi?

[@joiab11]

Creepy! Never tell someone where you're staying, you were very smart. Great video, thank you!

[@tayl1119]

watching this after just being in Istanbul a few weeks ago is so nostalgic! loving every second of it!🙌🏼🤍

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥰🥰🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@EnginAtik]

Strangers asking where you stay is a ‘no no’ in Turkish culture. You handled it very well: don’t insult someone who could very well be a psycho, acknowledge their existence but move on in a few seconds.

[@Nsuxx]

Absolutely, as a Turkish woman, those men would never ever ask me where I am staying. So i feel like that's a mal-intent.

[@BANGTEEZ_IN_YOUR_AREA]

When I was in Bodrum, the luxury shops there were heaven! They sold so many fake luxury bags that were so CHEAP 😆

[@altanaltay6106]

Bosphorus is not a river sweetheart; enjoy your time in Istanbul and make sure you taste seasonal seafood which is anchovies (Hamsi) and bluefish (Lüfer)

[@b.a.5985]

One thing about the grand bazaar is that the dupes are almost identical to the originals, the only difference is there is no identification number and also, usually the further down you go into the bazaar further down do the prices go

[@MattNav]

So awesome watching you explore IST 😊 One of my favourite cities and it's always full of interesting things to see. Also I absolutely love Turkish kebabs. So delicious 🤤

[@jodytoupin1225]

I loved Istanbul. Turkish men love western women and there are a lot of guys trying to get you into their business to buy. Turkish people are quite friendly which is nice! Just keep your wits about you and go with your gut. Your Jeremy is cute!! Good find! :) Enjoyed all your vids in Turkey. I can't wait to go back. Just waiting for Covid to get better.

[@seandesmond5560]

Great vlog wonderful Christie!!! 💖 Istanbul looks great, hope you have an amazing time!!! ❤

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Sean!

[@Eyewart1190]

Jeremy was the perfect french bulldog to go for a walk into the Grand Bazar

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

Btw...was that a quick kiss on the cheek (editted out) from the chap in the coffee shop?

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Istanbul is one of the places that I am planning to go to, love your video! What bag did you use for this travel? Have you tried using a duffle bag for your travel? I recommend using the Bento Bag from Nomad Lane. I've been using this bag for months now and it is such a hack. It has a trolley sleeve feature and it fits under the seat too! makes your travel more convenient and effortless and it packs like a suitcase too!

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’ve never considered travelling with a duffel bag - mostly because if I found myself having to walk for a long time with it in uneven surfaces and up and down floors or hills. Are you able to wear it comfortably on your back? 😊

[@bethmeredith]

Great video! Will be looking forward to learning more about this place.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Beth! Got lots more to come 😊

[@Juscallme_meli]

Yayy! So happy to see you traveling again!

[@Miguelito441]

Love your videos! Keep them coming! Btw you can buy esim plans beforehand. There‘s no need to waste time and money to buy them locally. Cheers

[@dustyroads204]

Awesome footage from Istanbul 🇹🇷Christina…… you should have told those guys who were asking where you were staying that you were staying with your “boyfriend “ Great hat 👒 btw!!

[@berzeg1234]

The bank fees depend on your bank at home, for example I have Deutsche Bank account and for me TEB has no fee to withdraw money in Turkey so check if your bank has an agreement with a bank in Turkey before going there.

[@Lisa-om2yq]

I have a genuin question, do you feel generally safe as a woman travelling in Istanbull? It looks like a beautifull place that I would like to travel to, but I don't know if I would be comfortable doing solo.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Yeh absolutely! Getting asked for tea every 20 seconds gets frustrating but I found that only happened in the most touristy parts of town (near the Hagia Sofia). But in general I feel very safe. I just wouldn’t walk around by myself at night but I wouldn’t do that anywhere 😊

[@MD-zi6uv]

The guy who chatted with you or offering tea were just trying to sell you stuff, when i am there with my foreign bf i experienced it all, as a local their act is not acceptable, they would get beaten by locals btw

[@k00parks]

I would definitely neverrrrr share where I was staying on a solo trip. And would never "go back to theirs", public places only, for safety! ❤

[@BackpackersCompass]

I'm considering moving to Turkey too temporarily amazing introduction video to the city

[@annalang5687]

Istanbul looks amazing, it's top of my list now

[@BackpackingBananas]

Deffo one of the coolest cities in Europe!

[@tamarisrael2026]

@@BackpackingBananas constantinople is not europe

[@sinfulhoradrim]

@@tamarisrael2026 and you don't belong to the civilised human race

[@kyliedavie]

could you do a video of basic backpacker etiquette/safety/practices because I TOTALLY would have told that guy where I was staying without even thinking about it! you’ve been at this for so long you definitely have some tricks up your sleeve

[@muratturan6951]

Bosphorus is not a river, it's a strait.

[@billmccaleb7481]

Glad to see videos again. I didn’t get the notification though…

[@ashpehlvanoglu7012]

İn the streets of istanbul or anywhere in Turkiye is the most safe st friendly st place for a woman to be than anywhere in the world by far.

[@liahatz]

Thanks lady x

[@lucyssolotravels8187]

Wow that market looked like heaven to me I would browse for days 🤣

[@BackpackingBananas]

So easy to get lost in there! 😍

[@alteredillusions100]

Good Video. I was wondering how covid would affect hostels. How was the hostel experience?

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

Brilliant! We're planning for Istanbul later in 2022.

[@tannsamuels11]

The pomegranate tea sounded so sketchy but I’m happy to see more!

[@BackpackingBananas]

It really did didn’t it 😩 glad I know to avoid them straight away now!

[@AdatheTraveler]

I don't talk to random guy when I travel alone. Clearly they are not just being nice.

[@TuAFFalcon]

Bosphours is a strait, not a river :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Cool

[@freyagrayden9851]

Go to the Fatih market on Wednesday for your shoes

[@SamJFury]

Do you port your UK number while traveling( like to google voice) or do you just deactivate it?

[@RandomVideosFirst]

Going today , your video was a nice prep!

[@passport_light]

If you're still around i would love to show you many places i do walking videos in Istanbul

[@tree_hugger6921]

Woah, the tea thing was something I wasn't expecting. Wondering how much was the hostel?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Me neither! It was about 150TL per night in a dorm bed which is about £10

[@sandraagungagung9356]

What Hotel is that? I plan to trip this coming fall or late August 2023. Please imfom me. thanks

[@mykabalendez3247]

Which airline did you fly with? Im planning to go to Turkey for my solo travel in February.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Gosh I can’t remember 😅 probably whatever the cheapest one was haha.

[@Fredymartinezzz]

How do I get in contact with the walking guide dude? Thank you

[@auliazuz3947]

Hai, how to grab uber from airport ? I will go to turkey soon but still confuse which transportation will I take. I dont want get a taxi bcs I read so many scam happen. And bus isnt best option too in this pandemic time

[@BackpackingBananas]

Just download the Uber app and follow instructions ☺️

[@mahmutlevent4297]

Hello, if you're flying into the Istanbul airport, after clearing the customs go to the floor(-2) by taking elevator or escalator. Here you'll find the transportations to the center of the city. Although there are several options, the best one is taking the 'shuttles'. There are shuttles go to almost every major part of the city and they work 24/7. You can find which shuttle you need to take written on the walls. They will take you to the neighborhoods as well as to the major metro stations ( first you should check with your hotel to ask how to go there from the airport by taking a shuttle). The cost is very affordable ( you can also check from internet under 'havaist'. For the bus fare, you need Turkish money you can get it from the ATM at the concourse level at the airport. Do NOT take a taxi or Uber. Shuttles are the best way to go to the city. By the way, it is also pretty much same with the other airport. Enjoy the travel.

[@auliazuz3947]

mahmut Levent thank u so much, so helpfull

[@mahmutlevent4297]

@@auliazuz3947 it is a pleasure to help. Best.

[@serkan0332]

Welcome to İstanbul 🇹🇷

[@gozuciziklevend6089]

Great you are in İstanbul, lets meet before i leave to Mersin this weekend !

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’m sorry I have no idea who you are 😅

[@hudaatik7468]

Hello,I just wanted to ask, what are the mask rules and restrictions in Turkey (Btw I'm fully vaccinated). I would really appreciate it if you inform us on the restrictions in the country you are traveling to because I'm not really sure where to find that info. Safe Travels!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Everything is open in Turkey, no restrictions ☺️ you just have to wear a mask in busy indoor areas like the supermarket and public transport

[@hudaatik7468]

@@BackpackingBananas Thanks for the answer! (Btw I am new to the channel and have been loving your videos)

[@brandonallen4873]

Hey did you feel unsafe at any point for your trip ?

[@yido1355]

I am really surprised, as she does not show any signals of she feels threatened. I am an 18-years-old guy from the Netherlands, and to be honest I feel me very often threatened. I think this happens, because my brain miss home. However, the media has also an effect on me. But I have also a trauma: I was lost at midnight in a dark city where nobody lived. My battery was 1 percent , so I thought I call the police and ask them help. The lady on the phone said help was coming, but I waited 1 hours and they did not come. I was really in shock, but I always travel alone, Also, some metro stations are scary. You have to go up 3 floors, and at some metro stations there is nobody. However, when I booked my hotel in Eminonu, which has a crowded city. SO I feel me better there. I am btw Turkish. But still Istanbul is fk scarryyy, and do not start about the dogs

[@orhancelik1]

fun fact. it is cacik. not Tzatziki. actually the word Tzatziki comes from the turkish word cacik. also greek yoghurt is a copy of turkish strained yoghurt. ...yoghurt is a turkish invention. also the word yoghurt comes from Turkey. but it is a silent g. so the whole world is saying it wrong. beacause of the racist world aginst Turkey. they promote it as greek yoghurt or Tzatziki. so please do not call it Tzatziki. you are doing a dishonour to Turkey

[@i.k.8868]

So what if the Greeks copied it... They improved it. ;) It has nothing to do with racism. My family is from Turkey, but we live in Europe and buy Greek yoghurt (it just tastes better, and has a better structure). Of course all the yoghurt we buy is just made by the same German companies and sold under different names. :)

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Have been here many times and a quirk of fate brought me here at end of July. So easy in a hostel.. will go back to Uk when have managed to see some other countries. Am long covid so just live day to day unbelievably reasonable here for everything...Any suggestions for Jan 2022...wanted to go to Philippines. Have bern to Turkey since 1997 and can say never had 1 safety issue ..not ever..on contrary even from Fethiye a server at restaurant cafe insisted on taking me right to bus opposite ..for nothing not even a tip..

[@susie2251]

Wait, so you asked the guy about the tea offers and whether it was a scam and then you never gave the answer!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Sorry I had to cut out that part of the video after it being published. But yes, it is a scam!

[@freelancekate8919]

@@BackpackingBananas oh no do they ask for money? thanks for sharing that information. thats very good to know thanks.

[@freelancekate8919]

thanks for asking

[@sergen3744]

Welcome to Turkey .. 1 Dollar = 13,40 Turkish Lira . Turkish lira melted very fast in last years , for example 2 years ago ,an avarage salary , 3500 Turkish lira was equal to 1000 usd ( 1 dollar = 3.5 Turkish Lira) and today the same 3500 Turkish lira is equal to 250 usd ..

[@BackpackingBananas]

That’s wild!! So sad for the Turkish people 😢

[@iloyaa6760]

@@BackpackingBananas yes, we are normally very hospitable people, but if you experience bad things, our people are angry right now and for aggressive economic reasons, I hope you will have a good time, most importantly, you should visit the Balat, Taksim, nişantaşı besiktas and Istanbul islands.

[@nataliexlau]

Will you upload a Tenerife vlog? ☺️

[@chetbal]

Bosphorus is not a river :)

[@carltonthesponge]

which Cheers Hostel location did you stay in?

[@BackpackingBananas]

The one near the Hagia Sofia 😊

[@JohnnieV]

You realize 130 euros is alot more than 1700 lira right?? When he said he'd go down to 130 euros he actually went up

[@BackpackingBananas]

At the time, that currency conversion was correct! But the conversion has changed drastically since filming this video ☺️ hope that helps!

[@JohnnieV]

@@BackpackingBananas wow. What happened to the Lira. Down 22% in a few weeks??

[@alexramsay4114]

Maybe the camera helps avoid the hassle, you could see the shopkeepers reaction when he realised he was in shot!

[@BackpackingBananas]

That’s a good point! Funny how they switch things up when they realise potentially lots of people are gonna know about it 😅

[@narluna5497]

The audio is out of sync on the second half for me, anyone have ideas on whats up

[@calummackenzie7565]

You should use halk bank as they don't charge any fees :)

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Oh the tea scam. It's so prevalent, but goodness we love this city and its beautiful people

[@kayacenk4164]

if they say 125 euro u should say 75 euro then they gonna say 100 euro. pls Don't forget to bargain. this is our culture.

[@wannasa16]

2200tl for a fake balenciaga :O This is not expensive this is scam. Also 110€ is scam. You could buy it for 11€ somewhere not touristic.

[@BackpackingBananas]

The difference would be the materials used. There is a difference between genuine fakes and fake fakes 😅

[@shadyshady8523]

U did 100% right by not telling him especially when your alone there. I love Istanbul and i am Turkish as well but when it comes to Turkish men be careful. Turkish people are very friendly but Istanbul is a huge city with a 20 mil. population and due to the economic problems people try to emigrate from turkey to other countries like USA, Germany, .... so they try to marry with foreign woman or try to scam tourists. Of course not everybody is like that, but i am telling u that just to be on the safe side. Right now a lot of people are desperate over there as poverty continuous to rise there. But i am in luv with Istanbul so enjoy it.

[@aha1764]

You could have bought it for less than €50 i believe. You have to be determined and should walk away if they dont concede and lower the price. Tell them that you will enquire in other shops as well. If the price is fair they would let you go / if not they will try to convince you. In grand scheme of things it is better than being ripped of by a hyped up original designer.

[@hiMadelynne]

😂😂😂 “I forgot to bring my twins” 👯

[@cankatpaksoy7745]

Bağlensiagaas

[@philobetto5106]

That! ...👒 is /was, perfect on you. we need you to try on different 👒in future videos😘

[@kanilbasumatary8411]

Awesome

[@TuAFFalcon]

Yeah you like our Lira? LOL it was 1.5 Lira for 1 USD now 13.50... Erdogan keeps dropping rates.

[@tytraulich4987]

Turkey tops the list most beauty women I stretch my hips too! Your intro~

[@cp6uh88]

No offense to IST, but we want more of Puerto Escondido 😄😄

[@Joycelyn]

I usually lie about where I’m staying 😂

[@walkietalkietraveller2932]

i would say that is a smart strategy - personal safety first every time :)

[@chefevilee9566]

Good Lord for $34 a night if they upgrade me every night I would move in that place

[@aimeemckay4330]

About the guy that chatted to you and asked where you were staying - Please please listen to Gavin De Becker's talk with Oprah Winfrey on the "Gift of Fear" In short, you could have saved your gravy by listening to your gut. I encourage you, any solo female backpacker, and any person in fact to give it a listen. Your instinct can be your greatest line of self defence, and our fear of being impolite can expose us to harm x

[@aimeemckay4330]

Also sorry if that seems super intense but it has genuinely saved me from sticky situations! :) ❤❤❤

[@aytacdenizacar7703]

Yeah your instincts will always tell you which guy is the rich guy, and they will also tell you that you are safe around them. So listen your instincts and only answer to rich guys. You know, i am a man and i am also very good at spotting rich guys myself.

[@mariadeluzsaldivar5345]

Beautiful country. You so beautiful girl. Love your video. Always see your video have nice day 💓💓💕💕

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🥰 you too!

[@lacrimosa6335]

200 Lira is litterally 13 Euro

[@gillowens24]

That is so cheap looks nice a hotel

[@rogermichaelwillis6425]

To get away from the scams, go to the Asian side.

[@matthewgaler6544]

If you don’t know the person , don’t follow them…. Meanwhile…. Follow me… 🙄😂 Have a great , safe trip in Turkey. A tip top country off of your bucket list!. Have fun 💥

[@BackpackingBananas]

It’s good life advice isn’t it 😅 thank you! What a wonderful country it isn