1. Visit Indoor Historical Sites (Cool, Shaded, No Sun Exposure)
- Hagia Sophia (interior visit only)
- Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Chora Church (restoration-dependent)
These locations are temperature-controlled, slow-paced, and don’t require strenuous walking.
2. Enjoy Bosphorus Views from Indoors
Perfect after surgery — no sun, no wind, no risk to grafts.
Options:
- Bosphorus-view cafés
- Hotel lounges
- Indoor rooftop restaurants
Avoid outdoor decks in the first 3–5 days to prevent wind and sun irritation.
3. Relax in Modern Malls (Air-Conditioned & Comfortable)
Ideal because AC reduces sweating, and wide spaces prevent accidental bumps.
Best malls:
- Zorlu Center
- Istinye Park
- Kanyon
- Emaar Square Mall
Great for dining, strolling, or buying essentials without sun exposure.
4. Take Easy Bosphorus Cruises (Choose Shaded or Indoor Boats)
Pick a closed, air-conditioned cabin to avoid wind and sunlight. Short 60–90 min cruises are perfect — relaxing, seated, and low-impact.
5. Explore Museums (Quiet, Indoor, No Physical Stress)
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
- Sakıp Sabancı Museum
- Pera Museum
- Modern Istanbul
Museums provide calm, controlled environments — ideal during the sensitive recovery phase.
6. Taste Istanbul’s Food Indoors
Food experiences are among the best activities for transplant patients.
Good indoor spots:
- Nusr-Et (Etiler & Nişantaşı)
- Sunset Grill & Bar
- Nevizade’s indoor meyhanes
- Karafırın for pastries
- Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy) — choose indoor seating
Avoid terraces/outdoor seating under direct sunlight for the first week.
7. Walk Short Distances in Shaded Neighborhoods
Light walking is fine — sweating is not. Best areas:
- Nişantaşı (short streets, lots of cafés)
- Beşiktaş side streets
- Galataport interior zone
Avoid steep hills (like those around Galata, Cihangir) during early healing.
While moving around Istanbul during your hair transplant trip, you will quickly notice something unique about the city: cats are everywhere. From quiet side streets to parks, cafés, and even hospital surroundings, Istanbul’s street cats are a familiar part of daily life.
If you feel comfortable and it does not require bending or physical strain, gently petting a cat is one of the simplest ways to experience the city. It is a calm, low-effort moment that fits well within early recovery guidelines, as long as you avoid touching your scalp and wash your hands afterward.
It is a small reminder that enjoying Istanbul does not always mean sightseeing. Sometimes, it is just about slowing down and sharing a quiet moment with the city.
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8. Relax in Your Hotel With Comfort Amenities
If you’re staying 3–4 days:
- Room service
- Netflix/YouTube
- Work remotely
- Gentle scalp care per doctor’s instructions
This helps avoid sweating and swelling — particularly important during the first 48–72 hours¹²³.
Things to Avoid
Based on medical guidelines and postoperative risk factors¹²³:
- Turkish baths (hammam) — heat + humidity can worsen swelling
- Sauna/steam room — increases sweating
- Heavy walking or hiking
- Open-air boat decks — wind + sun exposure
- Outdoor markets on hot days (e.g., Grand Bazaar interior is fine, but can get warm during peak season)
- Any activity causing sweating or scalp irritation
You can enjoy Istanbul comfortably by choosing indoor, shaded, and low-impact activities while avoiding heat and physical strain. This ensures you protect your grafts, minimize irritation, and follow medically recommended postoperative care based on well-documented risks like itching, swelling, and infection in the early days¹²³.
