Send a surprise in Istanbul
To send a surprise to someone in Istanbul, post it on Surprise World, such as a cake, flowers or sweets, and a local Helper can offer to deliver it. The city spans Europe and Asia on both sides of the Bosphorus, so say which side the recipient lives on and name the district and neighbourhood.
Country
Türkiye
Time zone
Europe/Istanbul
Currency
TRY
Official languages
Turkish
Weekend
Saturday & Sunday
Right now in Istanbul
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Gifting occasions in Istanbul
Ramazan Bayramı
Varies (Islamic calendar)
Families traditionally exchange visits and sweets such as baklava and lokum, so a gift box is a familiar gesture.
Kurban Bayramı
Varies (Islamic calendar)
Many people share food and visit relatives, and a thoughtful parcel can brighten the holiday.
Mother's Day
Second Sunday of May
Flowers, cards and a family meal are common ways to mark the day.
Tulip season
Varies with the weather, usually April
Tulips are a symbol of the city, and spring blooms are a popular gift for friends and relatives.
New Year's Eve
31 December
Many people exchange small presents and cards to welcome the new year with loved ones.
Surprise ideas
Baklava
Layered pastry with nuts is a celebration staple and travels well.
Turkish delight (lokum)
A boxed assortment is traditionally served with tea or coffee.
A bouquet of tulips
The flower is closely linked with Istanbul and looks bright in spring.
Turkish coffee with a sweet treat
The pairing is a familiar ritual of hospitality.
A handwritten card with a small keepsake
A short personal message is often what people remember most.
Delivery tips for Istanbul
- 1
Say whether the recipient lives on the European or Asian side, because crossing the Bosphorus at rush hour can take a long time.
- 2
Many streets climb steeply and some old lanes are narrow, so give the neighbourhood, street, building number and flat number.
- 3
Many apartment buildings have a caretaker or an intercom with names, so tell the recipient to expect a call.
- 4
Heavy traffic is common on weekdays and weekends alike, so agree a generous delivery window.
- 5
Before Bayram, pastry shops and roads are very busy, so post your request well in advance.
Gift etiquette
Turkish hospitality traditionally revolves around tea, so a sweet treat to share is rarely out of place.
During Bayram, many people greet each other with 'Bayramınız kutlu olsun', and a line like that on a card is a thoughtful touch.
Keep gifts non-alcoholic and respectful, in line with local custom.
Success stories in Istanbul
No stories yet. The first completed surprise in Istanbul can be the first one.
Questions about sending a surprise to Istanbul
›Can I send baklava to someone in Istanbul from abroad?
Yes. Post the request with the district, whether it is the European or Asian side, and a delivery window, and a local Helper can offer to bring a box. Agree how the item is paid for in chat.
›Which side of Istanbul should I tell a Helper about?
Say whether the recipient lives on the European or the Asian side, plus the district. A Helper based on the other side may face a long trip across the Bosphorus.
›Can I arrange a delivery during Bayram in Istanbul?
You can, but roads and shops are busy, so post early. Bayram dates move each year with the Islamic calendar, so confirm the date first.
›How does a Helper reach a flat on a steep Istanbul street?
Share the neighbourhood, street name, building number and flat, and the name on the intercom. If the street is narrow or has steps, say so in the request so the Helper can plan a meeting point.
Send a surprise in Istanbul
Watch this city to be emailed when a helper joins or a request appears, or invite someone you know in Istanbul.