Getting a tattoo or piercing in Istanbul isn’t just about finding a studio. It’s about timing, trust, and choosing an artist whose work still makes sense years later. The city has a deep, varied scene. Some places feel underground. Others are polished and calm. Both can be excellent if you know what to look for.
Our guide is here to help you slow down, spot quality, and avoid rushed decisions. From studios locals return to, to styles that age well, to aftercare that actually works. Think of it as local context before the needle ever comes out.
Some Important Things to Know
* You should not only say “Let’s get a tattoo!” and act! There are certain preparations required before you take action.
* You should learn about what you should and shouldn’t do, critical points to be considered, and aftercare before getting a tattoo.
* You should decide on the tattoo style first. Many find a style on the internet, but it is better to created your own model as you may get bored with a model that everyone has.
* Tattoo removal is more difficult than getting a tattoo. Therefore, it is very critical issue to decide on the tattoo style well from the very beginning.
* Hygiene of the tattoo studio and work done, the ink used, the knowledge and the experience of the tattoo artist is very important. We recommend you to review the instagram accounts of the tattoo studios and artists, check out their works on their own websites, and read the comments.
* If you have time, you can go to the tattoo studio and check the above important issues on location and face to face. You can also ask about price information, the most suitable area regarding the shape and size of the tattoo.
* If you have an outstanding problem with your tattoo, you should contact the tattoo artist immediately.
Before Getting a Tattoo
* If you planned a holiday in less than a month, then you should get your tattoo done when you get back home. This is because exposure of the new tattoo to the sun can affect it badly, as well as you can get infection while swimming in the sea or pool.
No Regrets Booking Advice
* You should not drink alcohol before getting a tattoo as alcohol thins the blood and can increase bleeding.
* It is recommended that you should not sunbathe or not go to the solarium two months before getting a tattoo. This is because ultraviolet rays expand the pores in the skin, and can increase bleeding during tattooing.
* Medication and drugs taken a week before the tattooing can also increase bleeding.
* You should inform the tattoo studio and artist if you have diabetes, hemophilia or infection.
* You may have allergic reactions to tattoos. You can predict this with your past interaction with any make-up materials. So it is recommended to have a test on what kind of ink is used.
After Getting a Tattoo
* The area will be covered and care cream is applied on the bandage after tattooing procedure. The bandage should be kept for at least 1 to 3 hours. You can wash the tattooed area afterwards, and should not apply bandage back.
* You should apply care cream during the 2 weeks healing period of the tattoo. After that thin crusts formed on the tattoo shed on their own.
* You should not scratch your tattoo during the healing period.
* It is also very useful to apply sunscreen when you go out into the sun after the healing period, so that the colors of the tattoo do not fade.
Some Practical Things to Know about Piercing
Piercing is a type of jewelry used by puncturing different parts of the human body and placing it on. It is the process of modifying the body by puncturing the area determined in the skin or cartilage.
The choice of using the right piercing in the right place is very important. It requires a very delicate choice in terms of creating an impression with the outer appearance of the person who has the piercing.
Piercing is mostly preferred in the nose and mouth areas. It is mostly produced from precious metals such as gold, diamond or silver.
Piercings attached to sensitive areas of the skin such as Nipple, Genital and Microdermal Piercings are inserted using local anesthesia. In this way, the piercing is inserted without feeling any pain during the procedure.
The most important stage of piercing is the care stage. You should carefully protect the piercing and perform daily care. You should not keep the piercing area moist, creamy or wet. It is useful to be cautious in this respect, in case you get any infection.
You should apply the antibiotic-based cream to the area of the piercing 1-2 times a day, which can be easily obtained from any pharmacy. You should carefully dry the area with a sterile napkin or a sterile cloth by gently moving the piercing up and down 1-2 times a day.
How Much a New Tattoo Cost in Istanbul?
When it comes to tattooing, prices may vary with the style you will choose but we can say that getting a new tattoo can be very cheap in Istanbul and Turkey, when compared with the tattoo prices in UK, EU or USA.
About pricing, while tattoo prices abroad are usually per hour, no studio or artist in Turkey charges hourly.
Tattoo price in Istanbul and Turkey is determined by the size, the detail of the design, the area where the tattoo will be made, and finally which artist you choose.
Average cost of a medium size tattoo in Istanbul starts from €30 and goes up to €500.
In addition, about all the tattoo studios in Istanbul and Turkey offer free new tattoo design consultation. You should also keep in mind that you are usually paying for the quality of service and artists’ reputation.
Top Tattoo & Piercing Studios in Istanbul
Istanbul’s tattoo scene isn’t concentrated in one street or one look. It’s spread across neighborhoods that already carry creative energy. Think Bakırköy, Taksim, Galata, Karaköy, Nişantaşı, Besiktas, and Kadikoy. These areas attract artists who stay because clients come informed, not impulsive.
What matters most here isn’t flash. It’s consistency. Clean studios. Artists who say no when an idea needs work. And portfolios that show healed tattoos, not just fresh ink.
Shadow Tattoo & Piercing (Taksim)
Shadow is known for restraint. Minimalist tattoos. Fine lines. Black and grey work that ages well. Nothing rushed. The studio sits right in Taksim, but once you’re inside, the noise drops away.
Multiple artists work here, each with a distinct hand. That variety helps if you want something personal rather than copied.
Istanbeautiful Team note:
Shadow is a good place if you want to talk through the idea before touching the needle.
Red Cat Tattoo Factory (Bebek)
Founded by Emrah Çakın, Red Cat is where people go for custom work. Detailed pieces. Larger concepts. Full sleeves planned over time. The studio has a reputation for structure. Ideas are refined. Placement is discussed carefully. This isn’t a walk-in kind of place. That’s the point.
Getink Tattoo Studio (Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu)
If watercolor tattoos speak to you, Getink is where to look. Founded by fine arts graduates, Getink treats skin like canvas. Color transitions matter. Balance matters. These tattoos feel painted rather than stamped.
Cleopatra Ink (Various Locations)
For piercings, Cleopatra Ink stands out for hygiene and consistency. Microdermal, traditional, sensitive placements. Several branches across the city, all following the same standards. That reliability matters when you’re not familiar with the local scene.
Popular Tattoo Artists in Istanbul
Studios matter. Artists matter more.
Biçem Şinik
One of Turkey’s best-known tattoo artists, Biçem Şinik is celebrated for her mastery in vector and minimal designs. Biçem’s work often features dotwork and intricate line art, offering a blend of elegance and precision.
She runs her own studio in Istanbul, where she continues to create stunning custom tattoos for her clients.
Çağrı Durmaz
Known for his minimalist designs, Çağrı Durmaz is one of Istanbul’s standout tattoo artists. His delicate line work and subtle details have garnered attention, making him a go-to artist for those who prefer clean, minimalistic tattoos.
You can check out his portfolio on Instagram to see his exquisite thin-line tattoos that exude sophistication.
Yeliz Özcan
Specializing in watercolor tattoos, Yeliz Özcan is recognized as one of the top tattoo artists in Istanbul. Based at Get Ink Tattoo Studio in Galata, Yeliz uses her artistic talents to create vibrant, fluid designs that look like paintings on the skin.
Her use of colors and unique blending techniques make her a favorite for clients seeking a creative and artistic tattoo experience.
Erdoğan Çavdar
With a background in painting, Erdoğan Çavdar brings an artistic approach to tattooing at Anatolia Tattoo, one of Istanbul’s most reputable tattoo shops. He is known for his ability to handle both black-and-white and colorful tattoos, delivering pieces that look like true works of art.
His studio is particularly renowned for tattoos that stand the test of time, maintaining their vibrancy and detail over the years.
Tattoo styles to explore in Istanbul
Istanbul doesn’t push one dominant tattoo style. That’s part of the appeal. Artists here tend to specialize deeply rather than dabble, which means you’ll find strong hands if you know what you’re looking for.
Black and grey realism is one of the most common strengths. Portraits, animals, symbolic imagery. Depth comes from shading, not heavy outlines. This style ages well when done patiently, which is why many experienced artists stick with it.
Watercolor tattoos have also found a real home in Istanbul. The best examples don’t look splashed on. They feel intentional. Color gradients blend softly, almost like brushstrokes on skin. When done right, they stay readable over time instead of blurring into noise.
Some studios also work with traditional Turkish and Islamic art influences. Calligraphy-inspired lines, geometric patterns, and subtle motifs drawn from tiles or manuscripts. These tattoos feel rooted rather than decorative. The strongest versions balance respect for tradition with modern placement and scale.
How to choose the right studio and artist
Start with portfolios. Not the best photo. The last twenty. Look for consistency. Healed work matters more than fresh ink.
Hygiene is non-negotiable. Clean stations. Sealed needles. Fresh gloves. No shortcuts. If something feels unclear, ask. A good studio welcomes questions.
Consultations matter. Use them. Talk through placement, size, price, and healing. This isn’t commitment. It’s alignment.
Istanbeautiful Team note:
The right artist asks you questions too. If they don’t, slow things down.
If you feel rushed, step back. Tattoos don’t improve under pressure.
Aftercare for tattoos and piercings
The session ends. The responsibility starts.
For tattoos, keep the area clean and use the recommended healing ointment. Avoid sun and swimming during healing, usually around two weeks. Let scabs fall naturally. Scratching undoes good work fast.
For piercings, clean gently with saline solution twice a day. Keep hands off. Dry the area carefully. Healing takes time and varies by placement. Rushing it leads to irritation.
Good tattoos and piercings age well when you give them space to settle. That patience shows years later.