Visiting Turkey is an experience like no other, filled with rich culture, delicious food, and unforgettable sights. But as with any place, there are certain things you might do as a tourist that’ll make the locals raise an eyebrow—or two. Now, not all of these things are necessarily bad (though some definitely are), but they’re sure to make you stand out in ways you might not intend. So, here’s your guide to blending in—or at least not sticking out for the wrong reasons.
1. Turkish Coffee Crimes
You walk into your first real Turkish café, with the little stools and tables, and you excitedly order your Türk kahvesi. When it arrives, you realize there’s no milk anywhere in sight. You don’t know how to drink coffee other than with cream and sugar, so you toss in a sugar cube and ask for some milk. The garson obliges by bringing you an opened liter of milk from the shared fridge. You pour in the milk, take a sip —and then start thinking about your exit strategy. Do you leave this milky mess, or hold your nose and shoot it? It’s just not drinkable.
That’s because you only add sugar to Turkish coffee while it’s being made, and you never put milk in Turkish coffee. When you order, specify the sugar level—şekersiz (no sugar), az şekerli (a little sugar), orta (medium sugar), or çok şekerli (a lot of sugar)—and they’ll prepare it for you. Creamier versions exist, like Latife Turkish Coffee in Beşiktaş, but don’t expect milk, and definitely don’t try adding it.
2. Cultural Dress Code Confusion
You’re wandering through Istanbul’s bazaars, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, when you spot a fez or headscarf that you think will make the perfect souvenir—or maybe even a fun outfit for the day. You plop it on, thinking you’re blending in with the locals, or at least adding some cultural flair.
Unless it’s part of your everyday wear, ditch the headscarf or fez. You won’t blend in, and it’s not cute. Leave those items to those who wear them with cultural significance.
3. A Camera Creep
You’re walking around the Blue Mosque and see a local deep in prayer. It’s a beautiful moment, so you snap a picture, ready to share the serenity on Instagram.
Taking pictures of people while they’re praying is a massive no-no. Turning someone’s prayers into a photo-op without permission? Seriously disrespectful.
4. Public Transport Picnics
You’re on the metro, it’s been a long day, and you pull out an egg salad sandwich* and a crispy apple to munch on. After your first bite, you notice everyone is staring.
Eating on public transport isn’t necessarily wrong, but it’s definitely uncommon and will draw attention. Water is fine, but keep the snacks for when you’re off the train.
*Um. This has nothing to do with Turkey or Fish in Water, but never eat eggs in any kind enclosed space unless you’re at home or in a restaurant.
5. Solo Snacking
Similar situation- but you’re sitting on a park bench with a local you met earlier. Hunger strikes, so you head to the büfe across the street, grab a tost and çay, and return to chow down.
If you’re eating or drinking with a local, always offer them some. And for the love of all things decent, if you’re getting food, ask what they want and bring something back for them—even if they say they don’t want anything. Fun fact: Locals often share their food with strangers if they’re sitting next to someone while eating. It’s all part of the hospitality.
6. Language Expectations
You’re at a store and need to ask about the price of something, so you ask in English. When they don’t understand, you switch to Arabic because you studied in Egypt for a semester and know the numbers.
Not everyone speaks English, and no, locals don’t speak Arabic either. Just because prayers are in Arabic doesn’t mean they speak the language. Don’t assume you’ll be understood everywhere. A simple “Do you speak English?” or better yet, “İngilizce biliyor musunuz?” works wonders.
7. Volume Control Failure
Still at the store, and they don’t seem to understand your English. You think maybe they didn’t hear you, so you repeat yourself—this time louder.
Yelling isn’t going to magically make someone understand English. Speak slower, or even better, learn a few basic Turkish phrases to bridge the gap.
8. Haggling in the Wrong Places
You’re at the Grand Bazaar and spot a beautiful scarf priced at 300 lira. You start haggling, even though it’s already affordable. The seller sticks to 300 after you offer 275, but you push for more.
Bargaining is a skill in Turkey, but know where it’s appropriate. Don’t haggle in chain stores, restaurants, or for items with a fixed price. And definitely don’t try to haggle something cheap just for the sake of it. Convert 25 lira and know that it’s a disgrace for a visitor to ask for that kind of discount. Bargaining exists, but it’s not as rampant as in some neighboring countries. Keep haggling for large purchases from local shops, and pushing more than once or twice? Rude.
9. Shoes Indoors
You’re visiting a Turkish friend’s home, and you walk right in without taking off your shoes. Even worse—you see a pile of shoes at the door and still walk past them. And it’s winter, with snow and rain outside. Stop. Just. Stop.
Shoes off before entering a Turkish home, always. Slip them off before stepping inside, and expect to leave them outside. Some might insist you take them off and/or bring indoors, and when they do, take them off outside anyway, step inside, turn around, pick them up, and politely ask where they should go.
Got plans to visit a Turkish home this evening? Don’t forget to mind that foot stench.
10. Large Bill Blunders
You’re at a small shop, buying a bottle of water, but all you have is a 200 lira bank note. You hand it over, thinking it’s no big deal, only to watch the shopkeeper frown and head next door to find change.
Most places don’t keep a lot of cash on hand, so they might have to get change from the neighboring shop. Keep smaller bills on you to avoid the hassle.
11. Smoke Signals
It’s late at night at a restaurant, and you notice the locals next to you light up cigarettes. You hate smoke, so you get up, find the garson or, worse, the manager, and demand the customers go outside because smoking indoors is illegal, you have asthma, and your meal is ruined.
Complaining about cigarette smoke in a bar or restaurant? Smoking is still a huge part of the culture. If it bothers you, find another spot. We’re talking bars and restaurants here, not museums or buses. This isn’t the time to be a stickler for rules. Go with the flow, boomer, or if you’re really bothered by it, check out our guides on dealing with smoke and rule-breaking.
12. The Hospitality Abuser
You’re invited to dinner by a Turkish family, and the food is so delicious that you keep accepting extra servings. You keep drinking tea quickly, and the teyze keeps refilling your glass. After dessert, they offer more, and you say yes. They clean up after you, tell you to relax in the living room, and stay as long as you want.
Turkish hospitality is legendary, but don’t overdo it. Turks will give until they drop—literally. Boundaries aren’t their strong suit, so if they insist, learn to politely refuse. Insist to help with the dishes, pour your own tea, and maybe don’t eat half the tray of the homemade kazandibi.
And while you’re at it, get in on the hospitality game. If you’re out to eat, they’ll insist on paying, then you insist, then they insist… play along, it’s part of the fun.
13. Scam Victims
A shoe shiner drops his brush in front of you, and being the good Samaritan you are, you run over to return it. He’s so grateful, starts chatting, and insists on shining your shoes—then hits you with a 20-euro bill.
Falling for obvious scams isn’t just a bummer—it cements your status as a gullible tourist. Do your research and stay sharp.
14. Feet Faux Pas
You’re resting your feet after a long day of walking and head to a pub for a beer. You prop your feet up on the empty chair next to you, trying to relax.
Someone’s going to think you’re injured. Keep your feet on the floor where they belong. And sitting on the floor? We wish it wasn’t, but that’s also kinda weird.
15. Bubble Boundaries
You’ve spent your entire trip in Sultanahmet, soaking in the historic sites, or you’ve stayed in Cappadocia, marveling at the unique landscape. You’re pretty sure you’ve seen all there is to see in Turkey.
Locals won’t necessarily notice this mistake, but sticking only to Sultanahmet and Cappadocia is like visiting New York and only seeing Times Square. There’s so much more to Turkey. Step outside the tourist bubble and discover the real country. Fish in Water is here to help.
This is Just the Beginning
We’ve trimmed this list but got much more on the way – including a “don’t waste your time here” list. At Fish in Water, we’re all about highlighting what’s underrated and what’s truly local. You won’t hear us say Topkapı is a must-see (we might even suggest skipping it – gasp!). Turkey is stunning, and there’s sooooooo much more to it than the usual tourist traps.
