Is Istanbul overwhelming for first-time visitors?
Istanbul is rewarding, but it is not a soft landing if you cram it. The city works better with ferry breaks, fewer museum sprints and a base that does not turn every meal into a commute.
Answer
The first Istanbul mistake is trying to win the city. It has noise, hills, traffic, queues, touts in predictable areas and layers of history that do not unfold on command. That does not make it joyless; it means the itinerary needs air. Pair one major sight with a ferry ride, a proper meal or an evening neighbourhood rather than stacking monuments until the day becomes a blur. Build in pauses: tea, waterfront time, markets, a slow breakfast, a bridge crossing you are not rushing. Istanbul becomes easier when you stop asking it to be efficient.