travel blogger istanbul

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in…

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Istanbul travel blog — the fullest istanbul travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Ancient, mysterious but full of surprises will be your first impressions when visiting Istanbul, Turkey. The city of Istanbul is considered the heart of Turkey with more than 2,600 years of history, Istanbul has many churches, mosques and many attractive tourist attractions. Especially, The Historical Area of Istanbul has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Thanks to these historic architectural works, Istanbul has attracted millions of visitors each year. So, what to do and how to plan a budget perfect trip to Istanbul for the first-time? Let’s check out our Istanbul travel blog (Istanbul blog, Istanbul trip blog) with the fullest Istanbul travel guide (Istanbul guide, Istanbul tourist guide, Istanbul visitor guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• My trip to Istanbul — Explore the bridge city of Asia and Europe
• Istanbul travel tips — 9 things & what to know before going to Istanbul
• What to eat in Istanbul? — 19+ Famous, must try food in Istanbul & best food in Istanbul
• Where to go in Istanbul? — 10 must & best places to visit in Istanbul
• How to spend 12 hour layover in Istanbul perfectly?

Napoleon once said: “If the world were a country, Istanbul would be the capital!”. So, what prompted Napoleon to say that, this can be easily is explained by Istanbul’s unique location lying on the two continents of Asia and Europe. But that’s just the shell on the outside. Deep inside Istanbul also contains a rich culture and timeless historical values.

Istanbul travel blog: Overview of Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with an area of 5,343 km² and a population of more than 15 million people, located on two continents of Asia and Europe, stretching on the both sides of the Bosphorus Strait – an important waterway connecting the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea. Istanbul is also the center of economic, cultural and commercial of Turkey and the capital of the province of Istanbul.

Because of such strategic location, in the past Istanbul was once the capital of many powerful empires such as the Roman Empire (330-395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453) and the the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). Today, imprints of these empires still exist in Istanbul.

Istanbul travel blog: Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?

Once the capital of many powerful empires in the past but today Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, the capital of Turkey is Ankara. However, many people still mistake that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey (like mistaking Sydney as the capital of Australia).

Some fun facts about Istanbul

• The Istanbul’s population is more than 13 million people, more than the population of Belgium. And only a third of the population living in the Asia part of the city.
• Istanbul’s metro system is the 3rd oldest metro system in the world after London and New York.
• Istanbul is the city with the most mosques in Turkey with the number up to 3,113.

Istanbul travel blog: Which season should I travel to Istanbul?

You can go to Istanbul at anytime of year. But it is advisable to travel in spring and autumn. Because these two seasons have a cool climate, it is very pleasant to visit. Spring in Turkey starts from April to June while autumn lasts from September to November.

Note: In particular, if you travel to Istanbul in October, you need to pay special attention. Because October is Ramadan month of Muslim. The people of Istanbul in particular and Turkey in general will live in a completely different time compare with normal days. All banks and ATMs will stop working.

Istanbul travel guide: How to get to Istanbul?

Currently from Hanoi or Saigon (HCMC) has a direct flight to Istanbul with a flight time of 10-12 hours, which is very convenient operated by Turkish Airlines. This is Turkey’s airline with the widest flight network around the world. From Vietnam, the airline operating routes to Turkey and all European countries.

Turkish Airlines will land at Istanbul new airport – the world’s largest airport which has just come into operation since April 2019. Due to its massive scale, it takes time to move to the departure gates of the aircraft, so you also need to find out some information about this airport in advance to avoid missing flights.

Fares vary from time to time, ranging from 900 – 1,000 USD for round trip. Depending on the time of promotion or some agents have their own policy with the airline, you can hunt for cheap round-trip tickets from 650-700 USD. With a total flight time of ~ 10 hours from Hanoi and 12 hours from Saigon, you will be served 2 meals and free drinks. In-flight dishes are generally quite delicious, nutritious, often with bread, butter and a kind of thick sauce come together. Drinks including free tea, coffee and fruit juices are served with meals. Economy Class passengers have 8kg of carry-on baggage and 30kg of checked baggage. The airline does not limit the number of packages to bring. Its online booking website: https://www.turkishairlines.com .

There are also several airlines fly to Istanbul such as Emirate Airlines and Qatar Airways, but fly with these airlines you have to transit via Dubai or Doha airports.

Getting from the airport to the city center

There are 2 main airports in Istanbul: Istanbul (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). Both of these airports are international airports, however Sabiha Gokcen mainly serving low-cost airlines.

You should choose fly to Istanbul Airport because it is located on the Europe part of the city and there are more types of public transport to travel to the city center. Specifically, how to get from the airports to the city center as follows:

From the new Istanbul Airport to city center (and vice versa)

Currently, this Istanbul new airport has just come into operation in April 2019 and is about 40km from the city center.

Bus: The most economical way to travel from Istanbul airport to the city center – Taksim district and vice versa is to take a bus of Havaist company .

The advantage of this type is convenient, cheap (only 30 lira / person / way), straight to Taksim square, but not directly to the Sultanahmet area (only to the nearby stop Beyazıt Meydan). Please visit this website to see its route, schedules and book tickets. ($1=7.46 Turkish lira (TL)).

Shared Istanbul Airport (IST) Transfer for City Center

Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage and have just traveled through a long journey, you should take a taxi. Taxi price from IST airport to city center is around 150 lira.

However, the price is not always fixed at 150 lira. For the trip from city center to the airport, the driver will prefer to bargain with customer than turn on the meter. If you ask them turn on the meter, they will take a detour to charge you more.

Metro: Metro is also an affordable option, but you will have have to carry your luggage, a bit tired. Specifically, you will have to change trains at Gayrettepe station to the Taksim line. And another downside is that you could not go straight to the Sultanahmet area (only to Veznecilar station nearby).

From Sabiha Gokcen Airport to city center (and vice versa)

There are fewer transport options available from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city center than from Istanbul Airport. The easiest way is to book airport transfer service . This service you can book directly with the hotel or travel agencies. The price for this trip is about €10 (90 lira).

Istanbul trip blog: Getting around Istanbul

In Istanbul city we mainly walk, because we stayed a hotel which close to some famous attractions. For a long distance, we use tram or taxi.

There is also a popular public transport, that’s ferry. However, the ferry is only needed when you want to go to the Asia coast of the city and it is not convenient way to access any tourist destinations at all.

NOTE: If you traveling a lot around the city, you should buy an Istanbul Kart card ( iOS , Android ). You will have to spend 10 TL for the card and 20 TL deposit to use all public transport with an unlimited number of people (as long as there is enough money in the card). However, after buying the card, it cannot be returned or withdrawn. One advantage is that the card can be used for many people. You can buy it at some major transit stops such as airports, Sultanahmet, and Eminönü. See more here .

• Istanbul Welcome Card

Istanbul travel blog: What to do and where to go?

Hagia sophia (aya sofya).

Used to be the largest Orthodox church in the world for 1000 years. After being invaded by the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Visiting this place, you can easily find remnants of Orthodox on the walls. The main highlights of Hagia Sophia are its majestic domes and magnificent mosaics that amaze even the greatest architects. In just 6 years (532 to 537), the Turkish people built a remarkable architectural work of mankind in Byzantine style.

• Hagia Sophia Introduction Tour with Audio Guide

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Height: 56 m Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (winter) & 9am – 7pm (summer) Admission: TL 30

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Sultanahmet Camii was built in the early 17th century, it owns the largest scale and most beautiful among the mosques and is also a symbol of Istanbul. The reason for its name Blue Mosque is because the mosque is paved with 20,000 blue glazed tiles with more than 50 different tulip designs decorated throughout the mosque. Like many other mosques, inside the Blue Mosque there is also the tomb of Sultan (King) Ahmed I.

• Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Small Group Tour

Free opening to visitors but the mosque still remains a sacred place of worshipping. So, before going inside the mosque, you will have to remove your shoes and women will have to wear a headscarf. For Muslims, they will clearly wash their hands, feet and face as a show of respect to their (God) Allah.

• Istanbul Classics Tour

It also free offer bags for visitors store their shoes and lend a headscarf to female guests (but this headscarf is not nice).

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 9AM–7PM Admission: Free

Topkapi Palace Museum

Located in the Sultanahmet District, Topkapi Palace is a witness to the historic ups and downs of the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because of its historical stature as well as its unique beauty. This palace was built in the 15th century and served as the residence of the sultans for more than 400 years during the most prosperous period of the Ottoman Empire (1465-1856). Because of that, this palace complex is extremely large.

Istanbul Topkapi Palace Tour with Skip-the-Line and Audio Guide

By the early 20th century, the Turkish government used it as an office before turning Topkapi into a museum. Tourists will not only be impressed by the scale of the palace, but also have the opportunity to witness first-hand historical artifacts such as the sultans’ weapons, the watch collections or precious jewelry from the Ottoman period.

Before it became an open museum to visitors, the palace used to be the residence of the Sultan and the queen, imperial concubines with hundreds of houses, mosques, entertainment areas and harem. In addition to keeping historical artifacts of the Ottoman Empire, this Istanbul tourist spot is also a beautiful place to enjoy a view of the Bosporus Strait.

• Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul

Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 10AM–4PM/Tuesday: Closed Construction started: 1465 Admission: Museum 40 TL + harem 25 TL

• The 3 tourist attractions of Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are always crowded with tourists, so you take advantage of going from the early morning at around 8:30am.
• If possible, hire a guide to learn more about each place because the information inside each spot are not enough.

Dolmabahce Palace

Considered as “The Versailles of Istanbul” because of its extremely magnificent architecture. Dolmabahce will impress you from the moment you set foot in the Bosphorus where separates Istanbul into two parts in Europe and Asia.

If Topkapi Palace looks ancient, Dolmabahce Palace has a bit of modernity and elegance. Located right next to the Bosporus, the palace is like a shining jewel that adorns the city of Istanbul.

Because the palace only allows 5000 guests to visit a day, you should take advantage of early visiting. Visitors can freely visit the garden while wanting to go inside the palace will have to take a tour guide. Visitors are not allow to take pictures inside but when the guide and security do not pay attention you can still “take some photos”. When detected, the guide will remind guests but they will not be too strict.

Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 9AM–4PM/Monday, Thursday: Closed Construction started: 1843 Admission: 40 TL (visit the outside palace)

Galata Bridge

A historic bridge crossing Golden Horn Bay connects the old town of Sultanahmet with the modern northern part of Istanbul.

Galata Bridge does not have a monumental architecture like the Chain Bridge in Budapest or the Tower Bridge in London. But it has a more special meaning of all, the connection between the past and the present, the connection between cultures. If this side is a bustling street scene with modern buildings, then the Sultanahmet side has a ancient look. Therefore, it has a very special meaning, standing here to see the world of two separate cultures.

Strolling along the bridge you can easily encounter the idyllic life of the people of Istanbul. In particular, you will see many fishermen, they fish during the day and resell to the restaurants below or fish sandwiches boats.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower was completed in 1348, once the tallest tower in Istanbul that many visitors want to come. Galata Tower is one of the prominent tourist spots in Istanbul. In the past, the tower was destroyed by two major fires in the 18th and 19th centuries and was restored to welcome visitors. Today, visitors can admire the 360-degree panoramic beauty of the city when reaching the top floor of the tower.

With a height of up to 67 m, Galata Tower is the ideal spot for visitors to admire the panoramic beauty of the whole city under shimmering lights at night. Guests can also enjoy a cozy and romantic evening at the top of the tower as there is a restaurant and cafe to serve visitors.

Address: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Opening hours: 9am – 8:30pm Admission: 25 TL

Bosphorus Strait

It is the most beautiful sunset spot in the world. This narrowest strait in the world is the natural boundary separating the two parts of the Eurasian continent of Istanbul. In addition, this is also a political hot spot, which get countless papers and ink of the international media.

But contrary to the information in the newspaper, the Bosporus is a very poetic place. Visitors can take a cruise tour to enjoy scenery along the Bosporus, admiring the two continents of Asia – Europe of the city.

To catch the yacht you have to go to the Eminonu Pier to buy tours from the “hot boys” here. Before buying the tour you should go along the pier to aks tour prices but most of the prices that the “boys” offer are the same, 15 TL. After gathering enough guests, all will be invited to get on the bus to get to the pier, whoever gets on first will get a nice spot on the 2nd floor of the boat. As for my team who came up late, we had to sit in a decorated wedding cabin.

Honesty, this is one of my memorable experiences in Turkey. I was also quite surprised because I have never seen such a beautiful sunset, even much more beautiful than the sunset in Santorini.

Basilica Cistern

Known by various names such as the Underground Palace or the Sunken Palace. But in fact, this was once an underground water storage and a water filtration system providing drinking water for the people of Istanbul. Visiting this place you will be lost in a different world with columns created by the ancient Romans.

The Basilica Cistern is a famous underground structure in Turkey that has appeared in many TV series. Previously, it was a underground water lake for the people of Istanbul then forgotten for a few centuries and now becomes a tourist attraction in Istanbul.

Take the space of darkness as the main theme, it is lit by spaced lamps and 336 pillars built by the ancient Romans. This work will make visitors can not help admire by the talent of the ancient people. In particular, there is a stone pillar with an upside down Medusa head statue (which historians have yet to explain why the head of the statue was placed upside down).

Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Opening hours: 9am – 5:30pm Admission: 20 TL

Maiden’s Tower (The Virgin’s Tower)

If you have ever seen pictures of Turkey, you will see a nearly 30 meter high tower alone in the middle of the Bosporus sea.

There are many legends surrounding this tower, but the most famous is the story of a rich father who wants to protect his beloved daughter from the dangers and he built this tower in the middle of the sea. It has also been used as an ancient watchtower and worshiped the god of fire since ancient Baku. From this tower, you will admire the peaceful sea scenery with the hillsides and surrounding nature.

Today the tower has become a restaurant. If you have an opportunity to travel to Istanbul, you should try to have a meal here to be able to see Istanbul scenery and hear more thrilling stories.

The most bustling neighborhood in Istanbul. Contrary to the timeless beauty of Sultanahmet neighborhood, the Taksim district brings the breath of modern life. When night falls, Taksim will become very crowded with shops and bars.

In the Istiklal pedestrian street, there is also an ancient system of tram that has existed for nearly a hundred years, creating something very unique for this neighborhood.

NOTE: The security of this Taksim area is a bit complicated, you should be a little bit more careful, especially at night. Because there are many restaurants and bars in this area, there are many risks.

Ortakoy Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque, also known by another name is Buyuk Mecidiye Camii. The mosque is both a symbol of the Ortaköy district and is known as the “jewel” of the Bosphorus. Buyuk Mecidiye Camii is built right next by the Bosphorus, located at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge.

Among over 3000 mosques, Ortaköy is still one of the most beautiful structures in Istanbul. This mosque was built from 1854 to 1856 by order of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid. Ortaköy was designed by great architects Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigoğayos Balyan.

Address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Köprüsü Sk. No:1 D:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey Opened: 1856 Hours: 4AM–10PM

Istanbul travel blog: What and where to eat?

Due to a city located on two continents, that is why Istanbul there are many unique culinary features that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. Among them are doner kebab, fish sandwich, stewed lamb, baklava… Below are famous dishes you should try.

Doner Kebab

Referring to Turkey can not help but to mention Doner Kebab – a famous traditional dish in Turkey. Previously, Turkey was a country of nomadic tribes, so they often roast meat to keep for a long time, sandwiches with bread and vegetables, quite similar to today’s doner kebab. In Turkey, Doner often sandwiches with lamb, beef and chicken … absolutely no pork because the Muslim Turks do not eat pork. The marinated chicken is delicious, soft, juicy. Beef is okay, while lamb is a bit too strong taste, maybe because I am not used to the taste of Turkey.

Turkish Ice Cream Tricks (Battered ice cream)

The reason for the name ice cream trick is because the sellers will use all kinds of tricks to fool you, not allowing you to get the ice cream. Note that this cream is only for virtual living, but it is boring to eat, a bit flexible so that the seller can playing with you.

Fish sandwich (balık ekmek) at Galata bridge

For a long time, I have read an article on a travel forum that this fish sandwich is so delicious, but the truth is it is not as delicious as I hoped. A fish sandwich only has a few lettuce and fried fish without any sauce, so it is bland. Only the fried fish show on the boats is attractive. You can come to Galata bridge and try it on boats.

Stewed lamb

Lamb is a familiar ingredient in Turkish meals, there are many dishes prepared from it, in which this attractive stewed lamb cannot be ignored. Lamb after being thoroughly stewed with spices will put in a ceramic jar. After that, the waiter will light the fire around and create a unique fire dance before you can enjoy it.

Tea and raki

These are the two most used drinks in Turkey. When entering someone’s home, you will definitely be invited to a cup of tea, showing the hospitality of the people here. Raki a alcoholic drink made of twice-distilled grapes and anise with a fairly high alcohol content (up to 48%). Therefore, if you cannot drink alcohol, you should consider before drink it!

Turkey is a country with high annual honey production in the world, honey prices are not cheap either. This is a commonly used ingredient in cuisine to make cakes, sweets, yogurt,…

Turkish Baklava

Baklava in Turkey is a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, and filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. This is must-try food in Istanbul in particular and Turkey in general. It also was one of the most famous and popular sweet pastries of Ottoman cuisine.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

This is also one of the indispensable dishes in the daily life of the people of this country that you should try. The dish is attractive and eye-catching with the main ingredient is lentil stewed with tomatoes, peppers, onions and a little cream to create fat.

Lahmacun cake

Turkish style pizza is known as signature street food but it is everywhere so you can buy to try it. Place on top of the cake is minced lamb stir-fried with spices, chopped chili, coriander and squeezed on a little lemon juice to enhence flavor. Then roll it up, wrap it in paper and cut it in half to eat, not bring it to bake, fast, neat, and quick.

Midye Dolma

This is a famous dealcoholized wine dish consisting of clams stuffed with a mixture of spicy rice. At restaurants in this country, they will not stop bringing this dish until you say stop and the shop owner will charge by counting clam shells.

Cig kofte (raw meat balls)

Cig kofte is one of the best raw meat dishes in the world with a very spicy taste. This raw meat dish is often served with flat bread, salad, pomegranate seed oil and spicy sauce.

Simit (Turkish sesame bagel)

This is a traditional Turkish cake and is often used for breakfast. A kind of soft and spongy bread is formed in a ring shape, sprinkled with white sesame seeds on top and then bake. You can buy them in street food vendors or pastry shops. Enjoying a hot cake with a cup of tea or served with cheese, salad brings delicious flavors.

Türk Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee)

Turkish coffee not to be mixed with boiling water as usual. They are incubated in a stove at a low temperature and served in large cups. Turkish coffee has a slightly sour taste, very strong and especially when you drink to the bottom of the cup you will see a layer of coffee paste due to coffee powder will settle down.

This is a famous Turkish ice cream and pastry chain of stores in Turkey. The desserts, ice cream, and juices were delicious. In addition, it also serves savory dishes, pizzas in large plates, a quite full for a meal of about 70 TL. Nice view, cozy, very nice service staff, nice dress.

Address: Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 8AM–12AM

Turkish Delight Chain

Here is a collection of famous Turkish brands, Turkish traditional sweets, pastries, cakes, baklava… My favorite is Turkish Chocolate, which is very cheap and delicious. This is must-visit place in Istanbul.

Istanbul travel blog: What and where to buy?

When traveling to Istanbul, you can buy many interesting things as gifts such as apple tea, lokum (Turkish Delight candy) or hand-woven rugs, Nazars (charms against the evil eye), olive oil, traditional pottery handmade, leather products, refrigerator stickers with pictures of famous places, …

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has more than 3,000 stalls, it can take many days to explore. The Turks are known for their skillful, careful and meticulous skills, so at Grand Bazaar you can find unique Hand-made items. Even basic items such as water bottles, pots, but under the talented hands of the Turks they turn into extremely beautiful home decorations. In addition, the Grand Bazaar is famous for the areas selling condiments, spices or chocolates. A note for visitors is to bargain when shopping here. The merchants in Turkey, especially in the Grand Bazzar always say overcharge. You have to bargain, usually 1/3 of the value of the item.

Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Opened: 1461 Hours: 10AM–6PM

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)

Located next to the Bosphorus on the European coast of the city, this market sells many Turkish specialties: Nuts, apricots, tea, confectionery, cheese and unique handmade decorations. The experience of buying nuts is to buy at shops outside the market, I see the list price of these shops 10-20% lower than shops in the market.

Shopping Malls

Forum istanbul shopping center.

This is the largest shopping mall in Istanbul and is also one of the Metro stops, so travel is very convenient. This place can meet most of the shopping needs of customers, including all famous domestic as well as global clothing brands, cosmetic brands, supermarkets, fruit stalls and food courts. What I like the most is the food court here, the price is cheap and the taste is very easy to eat. If you cannot eat Turkish food, coming here will feel like being saved with delicious fried chicken, nutritious and cheap salmon.

Address: Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 10AM–8PM/Saturday, Sunday: Closed

Marmara Forum

This mall is located next to the Media Mart and the large mall of Decathlon Mall Of İstanbul and about 800m from Metro station. In addition to household items, clothes, food, and fruit, I really like the shops selling crockery, ceramics here: Fancy designs with very affordable prices.

Address: Osmaniye, Çobançeşme Koşuyolu Cd. No:3, 34100 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 10AM–8PM/Sunday: Closed

Aqua Florya Shopping and Life Center

This is also a pretty big shopping mall in Istanbul, but what I like most here is its location. This mall is close to the old airport, next to the beach road and a park where you can relax, entertain, cycle, sunbathe or watch the sea. You can also enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee at the outdoor restaurant overlooking the sea, or lie on the large rocks to sunbathe and watching seagulls.

Address: Şenlikköy, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. 93-93/1, 34153 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 10AM–8PM

Istanbul travel blog: Where to stay?

According to my Istanbul travel experience, you should stay in the Sultanahmet and Taksim neighbourhoods:

Sultanahmet

Old Quarter where famous tourist attractions of the city gather such as Sultanahmet Camii, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace …

If you want to feel the timeless beauty of Istanbul, you should book a room here. Get up early and walk around so you can feel the quaint beauty of each street.

Some hotels in the Sultanahmet area:

• Sirkeci Park Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Istiklal Terrace Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Sunlife Oldcity ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Megaron ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Aldem Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

It is considered the heart of Istanbul with the square and bustling pedestrian street. Moreover, this is also the main hub of all traffic routes in the city.

You can easily find cheap buses to get to the airport from here. However, the security of this area is not very good, as I saw here.

Some hotels in Taksim area:

• Santa Ottoman Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• The Legend Platine Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Mirrors Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Jakaranda Boutique Hotel Istanbul ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Gravis Suites Taksim ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Istanbul travel blog: Some useful travel tips before you go

• Buying Istanbul Museum Pass to save money on entrance tickets to attractions. See more infornation and prices via the following link .
• Using Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour in case there is only a few hours of transit to visit the city. See more here.
• Preparing in advance the pocket WiFi device or buy a sim card in advance at home (or if it’s convenient to buy at the airport). Because if you buy at stores, the staff knows that you are a foreign tourist, so they will recommend very expensive sim packages.
• Turks speak English quite poorly, not as well as I imagined. The hotel staff who read number 4 as “five”, should I sad or happy?!
• For girls, you should choose beautiful headscarf in advance when entering the mosque, because the headscarfs that are borrowed at the tourist sites are not beautiful.
• Do not point your camera at people who are praying.
• Muslims do not eat pork, so when entering a restaurant, you should not order dishes with pork.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Istanbul you can refer to

• Istanbul Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
• 4G SIM Card (MY Delivery) for Turkey from joytel2u
• Istanbul Museum Pass
• [Sale] Sea Life Aquarium Ticket in Istanbul
• Round Trip Ferry Tickets between Prince’s Islands and Istanbul
• Princes’ Island Full Day Tour from Istanbul
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
• Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
• Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
• Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip The Line
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
• Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And My trip to Istanbul — Explore the bridge city of Asia and Europe. And Turkey travel guide here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Explore fenqihu old street — what to do in fenqihu in a day trip, where to go in kunming — 15+ top kunming attractions & best places to visit in kunming, must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka, what to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

Editor picks.

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in...

What to eat in Chongqing? — 14+ most famous, best food...

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1454
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 207
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Middle East » Turkey » Istanbul

The BEST Istanbul Itinerary in Existence (2024 • UPDATED)

Whilst Templars are no longer charging around decapitating non-believers, and other people have stopped invading too…

…Istanbul remains VERY LARGE.

Attempting to take on these bustling streets, cut-throughs and markets is a noble task (or one for google), and it is highly likely you end up like a secondary character from a racist French ’50s comic ( Ed : lost and inappropriately dressed? Terrible writing, terrible…).

Which is of course why you need my brilliant 3-day Istanbul Itinerary ! Not only will it provide you with the best that this city has to offer, but it is stuffed with inside knowledge and top tips. So while you chow down Turkish delight like Brucey from Mathilda, I will make sure the next attraction is just a fingers length away…

…Let’s jump in!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

A Little bit About this 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary

Where to stay in istanbul, istanbul itinerary, istanbul itinerary day 1, istanbul itinerary day 2, istanbul itinerary day 3, what to do with more than 3 days in istanbul, best time to visit istanbul, how to get around istanbul, planning a trip to istanbul – what to prepare, faqs on an istanbul itinerary, final thoughts.

Heading for a little Backpack through Turkey ? Want to take down the immensely historic ex-capital of Istanbul?

Then you are exactly where you should be! This guide is packed with the best places to visit in Istanbul , as well as a ton of tips to make sure your trip goes super smoothly. And it’s much less expensive than booking onto a guided tour…

My 3-day Istanbul Itinerary is going to shoot you through the Turkish almost-capital ( damn you Ankara), taking you on a journey that is more full-on than the city life here. Don’t worry if you fancy changing my itinerary, it’s down to you to have a great time after all.

Travelling through Istanbul is a must-do in Turkey, and I’m gonna lay out times, costs, and tips to help you get through this incredible couple of days happier than Donald Trump in a bubble bath.

3-Day Istanbul Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Sultanahmet Square | The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum | The Blue Mosque | The Basilica Cistern | The Hagia Sophia | Topkapi Palace | Istanbul Archaeological Museum
• Day 2: Grand Bazaar | Beyazit Square | Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent | Egyptian Bazaar | Rüstem Pasa Mosque | Bosphorus Cruise
• Day 3: Taksim Square | Dolmabahçe Palace | Galata Tower | Istanbul Evening Food Tour

Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia and, with a population of around 15 million, is one of the largest cities in the world! Most Turkish itineraries involve a stop at Istanbul and the city has a large hospitality industry to cater to your every need! That said, Engish is not very widely spoken outside of the main tourist hubs.

The 39 districts all have their own unique selling points but one of the best places to stay in Istanbul  is Sultanahmet , the tourist HQ. If you want something more alternative, you’ll probably find it in trendy Karaköy .

Sultanahmet is the oldest part of Istanbul and remains the city’s heart and soul. You’ll find some of the most iconic attractions on any Turkey itinerary in this area, such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia! It’s an incredibly atmospheric area, with cobbled alleyways and proximity to the waters running through the city. A few of the best hostels in Istanbul can be found here.

Karaköy, on the other hand, is more hipster than historical. It is hands-down the coolest district in Istanbul, a place where traditional bakeries coexist with sophisticated cafes! It’s near enough to Old Town but it also has its own fair share of attractions: from hamams to ornate mosques, Karaköy will keep you busy!

Best Hostel in Istanbul – Agora Guesthouse & Hostel

With a central location, stunning sea views and stylish dorms, it’s hard to find fault with Agora Guesthouse & Hostel! Dorms have lockers and impeccable cleanliness, while still managing to feel cozy. The hostel also offers homemade Turkish breakfasts which are served by helpful staff. Defintely one of the best hostels in Turkey .

Best Istanbul Airbnb: Masterpiece above Marmara Sea

Do you ever wish to escape the constant disappointment of existence? Well this is the closest you’re going to get, with unreal seaside views and outdoor terrace, and room for 6 guests. Spacious and comfortable beds, a great living room, and access to massages and the mall make this a veritable heaven for the modern man/woman. Discounts are available for longer stays too! Other Istanbul Airbnbs don’t even come close…

Best Budget Hotel in Istanbul – Istanbul Kaya Royal Hotel

This budget pick just pips out some of the other cheap options in Istanbul. With breakfast included out on the terrace, the hotel features both an onsite restaurant and bar. If the staff were demons from the seventh circle, this would still be a good hotel, but they’re not, so it’s even better! Comfortable rooms equipped with flat screen TVs, free toiletries and private bathrooms. It has an awesome location too!

Best Luxury Hotel in Istanbul – Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet

Just 10 minutes from the Blue Mosque, you’ll find another architectural masterpiece: the Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet! The interior is just as breathtaking, with furnishings that fuse the best of modern comfort and Ottoman luxury. The rooms are spacious, with marble bathrooms and mosaic paneling. There’s also an in-house restaurant and gym. What more could you want?

Let’s churn up the Bosphorus straight as we plough through this day-by-day Istanbul Itinerary. There is a lot to see, so get ready!

Sultanahmet Square | The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum | The Blue Mosque | The Basilica Cistern | The Hagia Sophia | Topkapi Palace | Istanbul Archaeological Museum

We’re starting your Istanbul itinerary with some of the most iconic places to visit in Istanbul! All of these places are located roughly in the same area, and you should be able to walk between them. It is a looong day though, so take as many breaks as you need!

8:30 am – Sultanahmet Square

Time to grab some breakfast around the beautiful Sultanahmet Square!

With the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia bookending it, Sultanahmet Square may seem like just a means to a glorious end but it’s actually so much more than that!

The square is named after the builder of the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet I, but the use of the area for public gatherings dates back to the Byzantine Empire when it was a hippodrome , or a sports arena. The section of the Obelisk of Thutmose III  that you see today originates in this era, while the towering Walled Obelisk dates from the 10th century!

Much of the square is beautiful parkland, where you can see tulips blooming during spring, but it remains a lively center of the city. You’ll find plenty of souvenir stores as it’s frequented by tourists looking to start their Istanbul walking tour, just like you!

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? Around 1 hour. Chill out and grab some breakfast. Mentally check-in.
• Getting there – Sultanahmet is your closest tram stop, and then it’s a short walk through Mehmet Akif Ersoy Park!

9:30 am – The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

Located in a spectacular palace, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is home to an even more magnificent collection of artefacts! Not everyone gets around to it on their vacation in Istanbul but the museum really is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul!

The crown jewel in the museum’s collection is the Carpet Section. You’ll find hand-woven Usak Anatolian carpets hanging alongside rare Seljuk carpets. There are also Iranian and Caucasian carpets on display.

Another standout collection is that of calligraphy. The Korans and books are beautifully written, some with pictures, in styles from across the Ottoman Empire and through the ages! You’ll also get up close with the sultans’ signatures.

In the section of Wooden Works, you’ll find valuable Anatolian woodwork from the 9th and 10th centuries! Artifacts from the Ottoman period pay tribute to the skilled techniques used to inlay wood with precious metals and stones.

The large Stone Art Collection boasts an array of dazzling, yet simple items. Gravestones stand beside ceramics, while there’s a detailed exhibition on tilework. The selection of glasswork on display dates from the 9th century!

In the glittering Metal Section, be prepared for samples from the Great Seljuk Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Gilded doorknockers, candelabra decorated with constellations, dirhams, and ewers are some of the splendid items on show!

• Cost – $4, or free (and guided tour) with the Istanbul tourist pass
• How long should I stay here? 1 to 2 hours. There is a lot to see, but don’t get bogged down!
• Getting there – Just a quick stroll from Sultanahmet square/ the Sultanahmet tram stop.

11:30 am – The Blue Mosque

Almost all Turkey travel itineraries include a visit to the Blue Mosque and for very good reason! Your first sight of the mosque’s domes and minarets (and the resulting feeling of awe) is a travel experience that you can never forget!

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque due to the use of blue tiling throughout, was commissioned by the eponymous Ottoman sultan to boost national morale after the empire suffered defeat by the Persians. Work started in 1609 and the mosque was opened in 1616 to wow worshippers (and tourists) ever since!

The man behind the mosque’s stunning design was Sedefkâr Mehmed Aga. He incorporated elements of Byzantine Christian design with traditional Islamic architecture. This can be seen in the use of five main domes (much like the Byzantine Hagia Sophia) and six minarets.

Inside, you’ll see all 20,000 of the famed blue tiles lining the walls. Adding still more atmosphere to this awe-inspiring attraction is the natural light that streams in from the 200 stained glass windows!

• Cost – Free (donations appreciated), free tour with the Istanbul tourist pass
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour or less (worth a look and a photo, but it’s quite busy)
• Getting there – Within walking distance! 10 minutes maximum (less).

Insider Tip: The Blue Mosque is still a functioning mosque and tourists should behave accordingly. Both men and women should dress modestly (with shoulders and knees covered), and women should wear a headscarf (these are provided free of charge at the mosque). During prayer times, the mosque is closed to visitors (non-Muslims can still enter and respectfully watch the service). There’s a handy website that gives you all the prayer times for the day so check that before you head out!

12:30 pm – The Basilica Cistern

Time for some lunch! Before entering the Basilica Cistern, take an hour or two to scout a restaurant nearby and enjoy some delicious local cuisine. Alternatively, tackle the cistern first, and luncheon later!

The Underground Cistern (also known as the Basilica Cistern) was built by Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century to hold the water aqueducts brought from the Belgrade Forest. It’s a large and mysterious place that really is worth putting on your Istanbul itinerary!

Most of the 336 marble columns were recycled from older buildings and are in the Doric or Ionian style but look out for the unusual Hen’s Eye Column. The eponymous hen’s eye also resembles a tear that ancient texts suggest was in tribute to the hundreds of slaves who died during the construction of the basilica under which the cistern was built.

You’ll also find that two columns are supported by gigantic plinths that depict Medusa, the legendary monster who turned people to stone when they gazed on her face.

You may recognize the cistern from its starring role on the big screen! It was used as a location in the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love and in Inferno , amongst others.

• Cost – $4 USD or free with the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
• How long should I stay here? Around 2 hours (1 for lunch and 1 for the tour)
• Getting there – Again, it is a strolling distance (5 minutes walk) from the Blue Mosque.

2:30 pm – The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia was built three times in the same spot during the time of the Byzantine Empire. The final version, opened in 537, is the one that’s lasted all the way to the present day — the third time really was the charm! It was built to rival Solomon’s temple and was the largest church for over 1000 years! Today, it’s an absolute must-see on any itinerary for Istanbul!

During the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque and the mix of Christian and Islamic elements are fascinating to see. To become a mosque, the church’s magnificent dome was joined by the four minarets we see today.

The Hagia Sophia used to be a museum until everybody’s favourite Turkmen nationalist Recep Erdogan had it re-instated as a mosque in 2018. The mosaics are particularly impressive. The glittering Virgin Mary Mosaic above the altar is one of the most stunning!

• Cost – $11 USD or free with the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour or less
• Getting there – It’s literally just next to the basilica cistern!

3:30 pm – Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a legendary place to visit in Istanbul! It was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and was home of the sultans until the late 19th century.

Don’t miss the Outer Treasury, one of the most impressive sites on this Istanbul itinerary! It contains a stunning collection of jewels and armor.

The Harem is certainly worth the extra dollars you pay to enter it! Harems have a reputation for debauchery but they were truthfully the imperial family’s quarters. The harem was ruled by the sultan’s mother (the valide sultan) who had significant power, as well as influence, over the family and the state. The Salon of the Valide Sultan is a stunning highlight of the palace, featuring sublime murals.

Off the Courtyard of the Valide Sultan is a magnificent reception room where members of the harem waited for an audience with the sultan. Close by is the Privy Chamber of Murat III with its splendid three-tiered marble fountain.

In the Apartments of the Crown Prince, one of the loveliest rooms you’ll see while touring Istanbul, look out for the painted dome and the fireplace decorated with blue tiles!

Off the Third Court, The Sacred Safekeeping Rooms house a number of holy relics of the Prophet, while the Imperial Treasury contains spectacular ornate items!

• Cost – $15 USD (an additional $6 USD for entry to the harem and another $5 USD for admission to Hagia Irene) or free with the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
• How long should I stay here? 1 to 2 hours. There’s lots to see, and you can take your time/ stop for a break.
• Getting there – It’s a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.

5:30 pm – Istanbul Archaeological Museum

An underrated stop on our Istanbul itinerary, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is an impressive home for fascinating archaeological finds! It’s actually comprised of three museums, all with interesting exhibits!

The Ancient Orient Museum houses artefacts from the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Anatolia. Seeing the world’s oldest known peace treaty (The Treaty of Kadesh signed in 1274 BCE) and its oldest known love poem from Babylon are some of the most humbling and awesome experiences on our 3-day itinerary in Istanbul!

The Archaeology Museum contains some truly epic finds from the classical and later periods. The highlight is undoubtedly the Alexander Sarcophagus which depicts scenes from Alexander the Great’s brilliant reign. Although the original theory that it was his final resting place has since been disproved, it was that of one of his contemporaries and remains an iconic Hellenistic find!

The Lycian Sarcophagus is another standout artefact. It’s covered in scenes from Greek mythology. There are also some impressive finds from the historical site of the legendary city of Troy.

Also, pay attention to the Istanbul Through the Ages exhibition which has a fabulous remnant of the Byzantine chain used to block access to the Golden Horn!

At the Islamic Art Museum, there are also some breathtaking exhibits. The Fountain of Youth, dating from 1590, is one of the most famed items in the collection.

Afterwards, you will be needing a rest. Go back to the hotel, shower, chill, and then go out for an amazing meal later! A top finish to a top day!

• Cost – $4 entrance free
• How long should I stay here? Maximum 1.5 hours. Closes at 7 pm
• Getting there – Again, you’re going to want to use those feet!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Grand Bazaar | Beyazit Square | Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent | Egyptian Bazaar | Rüstem Pasa Mosque | Bosphorus Cruise

The second day is all about Eminönü. The Grand Bazaar, a treasure trove of beautiful mosques, and a sunset cruise down the bosphorus strait. Again it’s a lot of walking, so take the time to grab regular breaks at cafe’s and juice bars!

8:30 am – Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar started with an indoor arcade with shops in 1461 and has since grown to include 60 alleys and around 4000 shops! With a plethora of traditional goods and techniques, it’s an inspiring start to the last of 2 days in Istanbul!

The Grand Bazaar has gotten so big that it’s like its own city: beside the shops are workshops, a mosque, a hamam , a police station, a post office and much more! It can feel overwhelming but just remember that getting a bit lost or distracted is part of the experience!

Jewelry is a popular must-have souvenir when you travel to Istanbul. Try Topkapi Özavar and Timuçin Jewelry for a quality selection.

For reputable stockists of antiques, head to Salabi Antiques for a wide variety of jewelry, mirrors and snuff boxes. Eski Fine Arts and Antiques has a great collection of Ottoman-era items.

Everyone loves a Turkish carpet and there are vendors galore in the Grand Bazaar! Sisko Osman is the long-time favorite, while Ethicon offers pieces that combine both the traditional and the contemporary.

When it comes to textiles, Egin Tekstil gets five stars for its quality products which have featured in Hollywood films like The Hobbit and Troy ! Head over to Ottoamano for silk and cashmere textiles!

• How long should I stay here? Under 2 hours. Stop for a break if you get tired!
• Getting there – The tram stop Beyazit – kapalicarsi is where you want to get to. The beyazit bus stop is also very nearby!

Insider Tip: Bargaining is part of the shopping experience at the Grand Bazaar. Take your time to find your perfect purchase; because they’re grouped with merchants of similar stock, vendors understand customer service. If you’re not up to energetic bargaining, remember that some say that the best products are sold by the most relaxed salespeople! Find more tips to negotiating on our helpful Ultimate Haggling Guide !

10:30 am – Beyazit Square

Beyazit Square is yet another beautiful part of Istanbul. Slightly less hectic than the grand bazaar, this is the perfect place to relax and grab a coffee, juice or quick bite to eat.

There are several landmarks worth taking a gander at here, including some lush gardens. The square itself was built by Emperor Theodosius, almost 400 years before the birth of Christ. If that’s not impressive enough for you, then I don’t know what is!

Beyazit Square is a transport hub, so it is very easy to get to, and is super close to loads of brilliant Istanbul attractions. Definitely not one to miss off your Istanbul itinerary!

• How long should I stay here? Around 1.5 hours. There is great garden here too!
• Getting there – It’s super walkable straight from the Grand Bazaar! 5 or 10 minutes.

12 pm – Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent

On the peak of a hillside on the Golden Horn sits the largest mosque in Istanbul, a must-see on your Istanbul trip itinerary! It was built by architect Mimar Siman for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent from 1550 to 1557.

The mosque itself is an atmospheric space. It’s covered in carpets and has beautiful low-hanging chandeliers. The great dome has a diameter of 27 meters and is 53 meters high! Lifting this architectural statement are gigantic arches and four large columns.

Koranic calligraphy, blue Iznik tiles, stained glass windows, and mother-of-pearl window shutters decorate the mosque. However, unlike other great mosques, the Süleymaniye is most noted for its simplicity. Most of the walls remain undecorated and the sense of space and light makes it a tranquil place.

Süleyman the Magnificent was the longest-ruling sultan in the Ottoman Empire and reputed for his wisdom and justice. Consistently, he ordered that the mosque provide numerous public services, such as a hamam , hospital, soup kitchen and medrese . You can still visit the hamam today and take coffee in the renovated soup kitchen!

Süleyman and his wife Haseki Hürrem Sultan are both buried in the mosque. Their mausoleums boast amazing tile work and ivory panelling! Mimar Sinan’s tomb is also located in the complex, near the walled garden.

• Getting there – It’s a ten-minute walk from Beyazit Square.

Insider Tip: Remember to plan this stop on your Istanbul itinerary around prayer times!

1:30 pm – Egyptian Bazaar (or Spice Market)

You may not be looking to add spice to tonight’s dinner but whether you’re a cook or not, the Spice Market is always worth visiting when on vacation in Istanbul! It was established all the way back in 1664 and has gathered a reputation ever since! Spices make great souvenirs but you can always just taste the variety of local spices.

Look out for sumac, a derivative of wild berries. It’s used in salads and steamed veggies! You should also definitely taste pul biber, dried red pepper flakes! You’ll probably find it beside the salt at most Turkish restaurants while on a weekend in Istanbul!

This is where it’s a great idea to stop off for lunch. There are loads of places to eat either on rote, or around the spice market.

• How long should I stay here? About 1.5 hours (with lunch)
• Getting there – You can easily walk from the mosque. It’s about ten minutes away.

3:15 pm – Rüstem Pasa Mosque

The last sightseeing of the day, this mosque is an extraordinary addition to any great Itinerary.

Often called the mini Blue Mosque, Rüstem Pasa Mosque is actually considered to house even more exquisite tiles than the Blue Mosque itself!  Like many other Istanbul landmarks, it was designed by the famed architect Mimar Siman in the 16th century.

It may be small but the Rüstem Pasa Mosque packs a punch with its kaleidoscope of color and pattern! Each of the around 2300 Iznik tiles is decorated with floral or geometric designs.

Rüstem Pasa Mosque is even more of a hidden gem as it’s not at street level. You need to ascend the spiral stairs to reach it where it sits above a handful of worn shops.

• How long should I stay here? Less than one hour
• Getting there – It’s only a few minutes walk from the Egyptian Bazaar.

4:30 pm – Bosphorus Straight Cruise

The narrow, natural strait of the Bosphorus forms a natural boundary between Europe and Asial and divides Turkey into Anatolia and Thrace. Together with the Dardanelles, it connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean and has played a crucial part in international trade for centuries! It’s also a phenomenal way of seeing Istanbul from afar and is an unmissable attraction on any Istanbul trip itinerary!

Cruises on the Bosphorus come in various forms: dinner, lunch or a straight-up ferry ride, you can have your pick! The simplest way is with a ferry ride by Sehir Hatlari, the city’s official carrier. Departures depend on the season and daily weather but you can choose between the short and the long cruise.

The short cruise lasts two hours and is a return trip between Eminönü to Istinye. The long cruise, meanwhile, goes between Eminönü and Rumeli and Anadolu Kavagi, allowing those aboard to view the two coastal peaks that guard the entrance to the Black Sea.

It’s a full-day event that will probably only leave time for two other items on today’s Istanbul itinerary. There are a ton of private operators offering more varied choices. Zoe Yacht is a firm favourite when it comes to luxury.

• Cost – $2, or free with the Istanbul tourist pass (more options are available)
• How long should I stay here? between 2 hours and a whole day. We’d advise going for a sunset dinner cruise. Sounds good right?
• Getting there – You can walk over to the the ferry port, it’s not far from the Rüstem Pasa Mosque!

Agora Guesthouse & Hostel

With a central location, stunning sea views and stylish dorms, it’s hard to find fault with Agora Guesthouse & Hostel!

• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Reception

Taksim Square | Dolmabahçe Palace | Galata Tower | Istanbul Evening Food Tour

Day 3 is a more chilled day. We’ll get out and see a new part of the city and a few attractions, before heading out on an Istanbul food tour ! The only way to truly experience the city…

8:30 am – Taksim Square

Taksim Square is a top place for breakfast. Surrounded by boutiques, shops and restaurants, this transport hub is worth taking the time to get out to.

Chill out, grab a coffee, and then ready yourself for the final day of your 3-day Istanbul Itinerary. Taksim Gezi park is just a few minutes away and makes a great place to sit while you consider the day.

The domed church of Aya Triada presides over it, and it is the most popular square in Istanbul. Heading onto Istiklal Street is a great way to see a little more local Turkish life, and will take you to a range of great places to have a morning coffee or snack.

• How long should I stay here? Around 2 hours
• Getting there – Taksim has a metro, multiple bus stations… very easy to find!

11:00 am – Dolmabahçe Palace

It was Sultan Abdülmecid who, after deciding that the lavish Topkapi Palace was not European enough, commissioned the splendid Dolmabahçe Palace. After 13 years of painstaking work by Armenian architects Karabet and Nikoos Balian, the palace became the new centre of the Ottoman Empire in 1856!

The blend of architectural styles on display only enhances the sumptuous atmosphere that the palace gives off! You’ll find a mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Ottoman elements all on show.

The handmade parquet floors are a unique landmark in the palace. They were carved from rosewood, ebony, and mahogany, and although almost hidden by furniture, they are truly stunning! The world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier can also be found in the palace, courtesy of British Queen Victoria!

You can also one of the more unusual Istanbul attractions at the palace: the room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, lived and died.

It’s also worth visiting the National Palaces Painting Museum which holds around 200 pieces of fine art. Finish off this wonderful Istanbul itinerary attraction with a snack at the waterside cafe!

• Cost – $4 USD will get you into this magnificent temple to architecture and exuberance!
• How long should I stay here? Between 1 and 2 hours
• Getting there – You can walk from Taksim Square, but it is a little far, so don’t feel bad about taking a taxi.

1 pm – Galata Tower

Fortress, prison, observatory…Galata Tower has been a multifunctional attraction in its centuries-old history and is the ideal place to celebrate one day in Istanbul!

The current structure took root in 1348 and has been renovated by the Genoese and the Ottomans. It was once the tallest building in the city and it still occupies an eminent spot on the Golden Horn.

The balcony on the top of the tower offers wonderful panoramic views of the city and fortunately, there’s only one flight of stairs to climb to enjoy them!

• Cost – $4 USD will get you in, and it’s not included with the tourist pass.
• How long should I stay here? Under an hour (just a little climb really)
• Getting there – Taxi, or bus to Kemeralti. This will take around 30 minutes.

6:30 pm – Istanbul Evening Food Tour

After an afternoon to yourself, it’s time for evening entertainment. One of the best things about Istanbul is the delicate mixture of Asian and European foods, and taking advantage of this is a veritable must for your time in Istanbul!

Sample street food, meze, kebabs, bizarre liquors and more while your guide takes you through some of the most interesting and tasty areas of Istanbul. A city is only ever as good as its culinary scene, and Istanbul is not let down. Delicious dishes coming right up! This is a priceless addition to any time spent in Istanbul.

• Cost – Starting at $100
• How long should I stay here? 3.5 hours
• Getting there – The Karakoy bus stop is nearby, otherwise grab a taxi!

Eyup Sultan Mosque

Another massive Turkish mosque, if you found the blue mosque fascinating, then this one will surely impress too!

Built on the tomb of Abu Eyup el-Ensari, this Mosque has an impressive history dating back to the first Arab siege. With two great towers, and a large dome, it’s an impressive building, and visitors are able to head inside to inspect the lavish interior.

As with any mosque you visit in Turkey, check that your visit doesn’t clash with prayer times.

• How long should I stay here? Around an hour
• Getting there – Grab a taxi or take a bus to Eyupsultan bus station!

Chora Church – (Temporarily closed, but you might have some luck now!)

When you have 3 days in Istanbul, pop into Chora Church for an inspiring experience! The church was built during the time of the Eastern Roman Empire but it was during the Byzantine Empire that it acquired its most gorgeous features!

Unusually, Chora’s frescoes are in chronological order and tell Biblical stories. The Cycle of the Life of the Virgin is one of the most beautiful you’ll see while on vacation in Istanbul! It depicts the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in 17 vivid mosaics.

The Cycle of the Infancy of Christ and the Cycle of Christ’s Ministry present Jesus’ life and miracles, such as the turning of water into wine!

Chora Church also boasts some beautifully painted domes with a rich quality of image, despite the damage it underwent through the ages! For sheer beauty alone, Chora Church is worth a stop on your Istanbul itinerary!

• Getting there – Edirnekapi is the closest bus stop. Take a taxi if you’re not sure!

Turkish baths traditionally entailed a sauna and steam, followed by a full-body wash and finishing with a massage. Today, the practice has been adapted to include the best of modern spa treatments, making a hamam the perfect treat for your body after 3 days in Istanbul!

Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamam is our favorite hamam that blends the traditional with the modern. It was built in the 1580s by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Siman (who was also behind the Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent). It was extensively renovated and is a lovely space with exposed brickwork and a stunning domed ceiling!

Guests are given homemade serbet before being led into the bath for exfoliation and a wash. Feel free to add on a massage.

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam , also built by Mimar Siman (this time for the sultan’s wife), is another good option. It’s located right between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and is appropriately elegant. The interior is a mix of dark woods and marbled fountains.

There are four hamam packages to choose from, ranging from the basic wash and scrub to clay masks, aromatherapy and skin peels!

• Cost – costs vary, but you should be expecting a minimum of $25 really
• How long should I stay here? A few hours. You can get a massage, drinks, the experience is kind of endless and very relaxed.
• Getting there – There are several baths in the city. Check up on your nearest!

Insider Tip:  There are separate baths for men and women who must enter separately or come at different times of the day. Men generally are completely naked beneath a bath-wrap which should be worn at all times. Women tend to keep on their bottom underwear under the bath-wrap but not always. Finally, tipping is expected.

Well, apart from rather frosty winters, Istanbul enjoys a generally mild Mediterranean climate, meaning you can visit Istanbul year-round!

Most tourists tend to head to Mediterranean destinations like Istanbul during the summer, but it gets hot! You may well be tempted to pick a milder season.

Spring, particularly May, is a great time for visiting Istanbul! The moderate weather encourages sightseeing and the parks are blooming with tulips. For similar reasons, September is another great month to vacation in Istanbul.

Although we do caution you against the extreme summer heat, there are pluses to planning a Turkish itinerary in summer — particularly for culture lovers! The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival brings the arts to the country’s magnificent ancient theatres, bringing these ancient ruins to life once more!

Getting around Istanbul can be a bit tricky as traffic is truly hectic so make sure you know where you’re going and how before you end up in a traffic jam! Fortunately, many Istanbul landmarks are in close proximity so you can walk between them quite a lot of the time.

The metro bus is one of the best ways of getting around. Although it’s cheap and the buses have their own lanes to speed up the journeys, there are also numerous stops which mean that the buses are uncomfortably packed!

The metro/tram is generally a better alternative. Istanbul has invested increasingly in the service recently and it’s quite efficient.

Taxis abound in Istanbul but be sure to choose taxis with an official logo and get ready to be ripped off. Uber operates in a scaled-down manner in the city but you can also use the BiTaksi app to hail the nearest reliable taxi.

Istanbul actually gets a range of weather. If it’s summer though, I’d suggest not packing a ski jacket. It gets haaawt . The winter is pretty chilly here, however, so even though it’s the med it’s worth packing for cold.

Istanbul was targeted by terrorists on a number of occasions over the last few years and Turkey’s latest incursions into Syria will probably make it a target again. However, the odds of being killed by terrorism are extremely low and the fact is that Istanbul is as fact safe for tourists.

To keep an eye on political tensions or external threats, read your country’s travel advisory to stay updated. Bear in mind that some parts of Turkey, such as the Syrian border, are far more dangerous than Istanbul.

Theft and muggings are quite rare for a big city but exercise caution in crowded areas, like the Grand Bazaar. The biggest danger is theft of unattended possessions or pickpockets.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Istanbul

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask when planning their Istanbul itinerary.

How many days do you need for Istanbul?

Spending 4-5 full days in Istanbul will give you plenty of time to see all the best sights.

What should you include on a 3 day Istanbul itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these epic Istanbul highlights: – Sultanahmet Square – The Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar – The Spice Market

Where is the best place to stay for one week in Istanbul?

Sultanahment’s central location makes it ideal for travellers with a full Istanbul itinerary.

Are there any good day trips from Istanbul?

Some of the best Istanbul day trips include a Princes’ Island Tour, a Gallipoli full day tour, a trip to Troy, and a visit to Bursa & Mt. Uludag .

From the time it was called Byzantium to its Roman Era as Constantinople to its modern era as Istanbul, Istanbul has undergone many transformations that have left their splendid marks on the city’s landscape! A stately city with many spectacular monuments, it’s easy to see why so many empires have called it home. You, too, can feel as at ease on a trip to Istanbul with our insider’s Istanbul itinerary!

Istanbul may be a labyrinth of imperial palaces and divine spaces but it’s also an earthy place of hearty meals and heaped carpets. It would take a lifetime to get close to discovering all of the city’s secrets but our Istanbul itinerary will get you as close as possible in a few days!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

No worries, Basilica Cistern is open right now and better than the old version.

How can you miss the street food info of Istanbul… Their food is a paradise, specially for Vegetarians

It’ s a pity everyone nowadays dares write whatever they please and publish it. Hagia Sophia is a mosque and no longer a museum, Topkapi palace price is double, Cistern is closed for restoration, Blue mosque is open but also under restoration. What is the use of copy-pasting stuff you have no idea about? I am shocked.

Yes, sometimes we also long for the good old days of mass illiteracy too.

Anyway, let us assure that you we do not copy and paste our content. Perhaps some of the information in our Istanbul Itinerary is out of date though so thank you for your bringing it to our attention. We shall get it fixed and updated ASAP.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Wander-Lush

42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

Istanbul Itinerary: 3, 4, 5, or 7 Day Options

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Istanbul is a buzzing city with so much to see and do. As the once ancient capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, and the border between two continents, Europe and Asia, it’s a melting pot of history and diverse culture that cannot be found anywhere else on this planet.

While Istanbul is often visited as a stopover destination, being the largest transit hub in the world, anyone who just passes through this energetic city is really missing out.

From ancient landmarks to relaxing Turkish baths, serene nature, and world-class museums, there are tons of exciting attractions you could add to your Istanbul itinerary.

Whether you plan to stay for 3, 4, 5, or 7 days, these Istanbul itineraries will take you around some of the best sites in the city and tell you the best order in which to see them.

Planning a trip to Istanbul last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Istanbul:

• Airport Shuttle From Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gocken International Airport (SAW) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Istanbul:

• Luxury Bosphorus Cruise At Sunset (A must-do In Istanbul)
• Whirling Dervishes Show (Unique experience!)
• Historical Turkish Bath Experience
• Istanbul Food And Culture Tour

Here are our recommended places to stay in Istanbul:

• Magnuara Palace Hotel (Gorgeous hotel in the historic centre!)
• Pera Palace Hotel
• Cheers Hostel (Budget hostel near the Blue Mosque!)

How many days is sufficient in Istanbul?

This is the age-old question we get asked the most. The amount of time you spend in Istanbul is usually dictated by how much time you have to spare. 

You could easily spend a week here and not get bored. We even spent two weeks there and didn’t run out of things to do.

We would say the optimal amount of time to spend in Istanbul is between three and five days. You could see all the highlights in three days, but if you have more time on your side, allow an extra couple of days for relaxation and to soak in the culture of the city.

After all, you don’t want to spend your time rushing from place to place and not take in the atmosphere. If you have time on your side, take it slow, don’t rush, and spend some time wandering the streets and take it all in.

📚 Read More: A Complete Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 3 Days

Most people visiting Istanbul only have a few days before they embark on a greater Turkey itinerary. After all, 3 days is the optimal amount of time to spend in the city.

Below is an Istanbul itinerary for 3 days, which takes you to all the top attractions and iconic landmarks in the city.

Day 1: Sultanahmet

Our itinerary begins in the enchanting city of Istanbul. This once capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, named then as Constantinople, is brimming with history and culture. It’s also the only city in the world to span two continents; Europe and Asia.

On the first day of your visit to Istanbul, you’re going to want to explore the neighborhood of Sultanahmet . This is where you’ll find the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.

This day will do a lot of walking but it’s all within the same area, so you won’t need to travel far today, you’re going to see exactly why Istanbul is a city worth visiting .

Stop 1: The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is the most beautiful work of architecture in Istanbul, so it makes sense to visit this attraction first. It was built between 1609- 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. It became famous for its hand-painted blue tiles that you can see inside.

The mosque features more than 200 stained glass windows, as well as a stunning carved marble mihrab that’s worth checking out. It’s also the resting place of Sultan Ahmed I.

The Blue Mosque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is one of Turkey’s most famous sites.

Stop 2: Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is just across the park from the Blue Mosque and is another one of the most important mosques in Turkey. It was built in 537 by the Roman Emperor Justinian. It was originally used as a cathedral for Constantinople, where it remained the largest Christian church in the Eastern Roman Empire for over 1000 years ago.

After Constantinople was seized by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. It was a museum for a short time between 1935-2000 but was converted back into a mosque. It has some of the most stunning architecture, mosaics, and artistic coverings of all the mosques in the city.

Stop 3: Topkapi Palace

Around the corner from the Hagia Sophie is the Topkapi Palace. The palace was the former home of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Today, it is a large museum, showcasing artifacts from the Ottoman era. Not all rooms are open to the public, but the most beautiful ones are. The Ottoman Imperial Harem and the treasury are the main reasons to visit this palace in Istanbul .

The Topkapi Palace was also declared a UNESCO site in 1985 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Stop 4: Basilica Cistern

During the Roman Empire, the Romans built several cisterns under the city as a water filtration system for the city’s palaces. The largest and best-preserved cistern in the city is the Basilica Cistern.

It is just 150 meters away from the Hagia Sophia, so it makes sense to see this historical landmark on the same day.

Stop 5: Istanbul Archeological Museums

The Istanbul Archeological Museums is a collection of three museums in the Sultanahmet district. They are made up of the Archeology Museum, The Ancient Orient Artifacts Museum, and the Tile Museum (Tile Kiosk).

They contain historic relics dating back to the early Ottoman period after it captured Constantinople from the Roman Empire.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alexander Sarcophagus, which is the tomb of Alexander the Great, found in the Archeology Museum, and the Egyptian Grave with two coffins in the Ancient Orient Artifacts museum and the geometric tiles of the Tile Kiosk, one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Stop 6: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Another one of the major landmarks in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. It is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It began operating in 1455 after the Ottomans captured Constantinople.

The vibrant Grand Bazaar is the best place to pick up Turkish souvenirs , from Turkish delights, Turkish lamps, rugs, towels, and clothes.

Around the corner from Grand Bazaar is the Spice Bazaar. This is another souk market where you can shop for various teas and spices. The spices are said to help with certain medical conditions, from diabetes control to weight loss, and mood enhancers.

Stop 6: Evening Turkish Hamam

After all this walking around, you’re going to want to relax a little. We recommend finishing off the day in a Turkish Hamam, which is similar to a Roman Bath. It’s not just a public bathing space, but a spa where you can get massages and beauty treatments.

Located next to the Hagia Sophia is the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which was built in the 16th century. It’s a little pricey, but if you’re going to enjoy a Turkish bath , you might as well go to an authentic one!

Day 2: Istanbul: Taksim

On the second day, we’re going to cross the Galata Bridge and explore the Kabataş neighborhood. This is still part of Europe, but also features many iconic attractions that should not be missed.

Stop 1: Galata Bridge

We’ll begin at Galata Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that crosses Istanbul’s Golden Horn channel. The bridge is famous because of the fishermen who cast their lines here, attracting hundreds of seagulls.

The bridge has two parts, the top part is where the cars cross the bridge and also where you’ll find the fishermen, and along the bottom part you’ll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood meals.

Stop 2: Galata Tower

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Galata Tower. By now you have probably noticed the tower in the skyline, given that it is the city’s watch tower.

It was built as a part of the Walls of Galata in 1348 by Roman Empire. The Galata Tower has had a tumultuous past, having caught fire in 1794 and 1831. It was also badly damaged in a storm in 1875.

The tower was renovated in the 1960s to look like the original but using concrete instead of wood. You can climb to the top of the tower and witness 360-degree panoramic views of the city. There is also a museum and exhibition hall in the tower.

Stop 3: Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the most famous street in Istanbul and is where you’ll find a blend of historic and modern. It was historically known as Grand Avenue of Pera, and is a pedestrian street made famous for its red tram that rides from one end to the other.

There are many high-street brands setting up shops here in the old buildings that were once apartments for the Romans. It’s a great place to pick up some street food or find a traditional Turkish restaurant down one of the side streets.

If you’re into nightlife, you’ll find vibrant bars in this area. There are also many things to do on Istiklal Street , including visiting some of the top museums in the city.

Stop 4: Pera Museum

The Pera Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It was established in 2005 and is home to a large selection of iconic works from renowned Turkish artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, Cihat Burak, and Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, as well as European artists such as Jean-Léon Gérôme and Jean-Baptiste van Mour.

The museum is a cutting-edge cultural space spanning over 5 floors and provides a fantastic space where history and art collide.

Pera has served as a hub for creative expression since it first opened its doors. Amongst its many fascinating collections, there is an art gallery hosting diverse works from across Turkey’s dynamic cultural heritage. Notable pieces include Orientalist paintings and rare photography pieces that explore the late 18th century through to modern-day times.

Stop 5: Bosphorus Cruise

If your legs are a little tired from all this walking, then a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to enjoy an afternoon or early evening.

The cruise takes you through Istanbul’s Golden Horn and out into the Bosphorus. It gives you a unique perspective of the city from the water, and it’s also the best way to see the palaces in Istanbul. Many of the palaces were built next to the water, and their beautiful decoration and architecture are best seen from the water.

You will see boats lined up on the waterfront in Eminönü, and there are plenty of cruises to choose from. They are all pretty much the same, but you do need to book your ticket in advance.

You can either head to the harbor early in the morning and book your ticket, or you can book your ticket online.

Day 3: The Asian Side

On the third day in Istanbul, you’re going to explore the Asian side. We’ll be visiting the largest mosque in Istanbul, the hip and vibrant area of Moda, and tasting delicious Istanbul street food .

Stop 1: Çamlıca Mosque

The first stop is Çamlıca Mosque, located at the top of Çamlıca Hill. To get here, you must first take the metro to Üsküdar and then change to the metro to Kısıklı. From here, you simply walk up the hill.

The Camlica Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and measures at 72 m (236 ft). The six minarets measure even higher to 107.1 m (351 ft). This stunning mosque is a sprawling complex large enough to house 63,000 worshipers at one time.

There’s also an art gallery, library, and conference hall. It was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, and was said to have cost $110 million USD to make.

Stop 2: Kadikoy

After spending time admiring the mosque, head over to the area of Kadikoy, one of the biggest attractions in Istanbul’s Anatolian side . Here you’ll find bustling markets and fishermen on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to sample some street food. We highly recommend the balık ekmek (fish sandwich).

Stop 3: Moda

After wandering the neighborhood of Kadikoy, head further south to Moda. This is a hipster neighborhood with street art, boutique stores, cool coffee shops, and a relaxing park.

Stop 4: Whirling Dervishes Show

If you went for an afternoon Bosphorus cruise, then you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy a whirling dervishes show in the evening. This is a traditional Turkish dance where dancers look as though they are floating across the floor.

As well as being a dance, it’s an active meditation exercise, which originated from the Sufi tribes in the 13th century. This is one of our favorite things to do in Istanbul at night .

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 4 Days

If you have an extra day to spend, you might want to spend it doing something more relaxing. Not many people know this, but Istanbul is surrounded by serene nature, and you don’t have to go far to find it.

In our Istanbul 4 day itinerary, we would suggest following the itinerary for 3 days, and on the fourth day, visit the Princes Islands…

Day 4: Princes Islands

On the fourth day, you’ll need to allow a full day to explore the Princes Islands , or Adalar as they are referred to in Turkish. There are nine islands in total, but only four are inhabited. Each island was once used as an exile home for the rich, famous and powerful, including members of the royal family (hence the name, Princes Islands).

There are no cars on the islands and they can only be explored on foot or by bike. You will notice several examples of luxurious, stunning architecture and 19th-century mansions as you explore each of the islands.

To get to these unique islands in Turkey , you must take a ferry from Kabatas or Kadikoy. The ferry stops at Kınalıada, Burgazadası, Heybeliada, and finally Büyükada, or “Big Island” as it’s often referred to.

It takes 75 minutes to reach the last island, Buyukada, and ferries operate every hour – this gives you an hour to explore each island, so you need to plan your trip accordingly.

You may wish to pick two out of the four islands we mention below if you want a more leisurely day.

Be sure to check out the ferry times here .

Stop 1: Kınalıada, Princes Islands

The first stop is Kınalıada, the smallest island in the Princes Island archipelago. It’s the nearest island to mainland Istanbul and its history dates back to the ancient Greeks.

The name Kinaliada means “Henna Island” in Turkish, and it is so named because of the red-color land you see here. This is made by iron and copper deposits which were once mined here.

The first settlers on the island were the Greeks, who used the island as a place of exile from the Byzantine rulers. The most famous exile to live here was Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, who lived at the Monastery of the Transfiguration on Hristo Peak.

It won’t take you long to explore the small village on the island. Make sure to check out the former Greek Orthodox monastery, the Monastery of Christ, and wander along the small streets to check out the unique architecture. The old fire station and school are particularly beautiful.

After an hour, make your way back to the ferry pier to go on to the next island.

Stop 2: Burgazadası, Princes Islands

Burgazada, or Burgaz Adası, is the third largest in the group and was also an exile settlement for the Greeks. It was once called Antigoni, after Antigonus I Monophthalmus, father of one of the successors of Alexander the Great.

Antigoni built a fort on the island, which you can still see today. The island is small and has one single hill, so you can easily see all the main attractions in an hour.

Be sure to check out the Spanudis Mansion, which was the home to the famous Turkish short-story writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık. Then there is The Church of Iohannes Prodromos which was built in 1899. It was built on the site that was once a prison for St Methodius the Confessor, who was exiled here.

There are also a few monasteries to see, the Monastery of Hagios Georgios Garipi which was a refuge for White Russians fleeing the Russian Revolution, and the Monastery of the Transfiguration, which dates back to the Byzantine era.

Stop 3: Heybeliada, Princes Islands

The second largest island is Heybeliada, which was once used by the Turkish Navy. Each year, the island holds a few small open-air concerts in the summer, which attracts many visitors to the island.

Make sure to check out the Naval High School, which was founded in 1773 and has stunning architecture. It’s also the home of the only remaining Byzantine church on the island,  Kamariotissa , as well as the last church to be built before the conquest of Constantinople.

The grounds are where you’ll find the grave of Edward Barton, who was the second English Ambassador for Elizabeth I of England, who was sent to Constantinople and spent his last days on Heybeliada trying to escape the plague.

As with all the other islands, Heybeliada also has a monastery, named Hagios Georgios tou Kremnou, which was built in the 16th century. There are also the ruins of the Hagios Spyridon monastery which was built in the 19th century.

You can also visit the house of the second President of Turkey, Mavromatakis Köşkü, which is a museum, as well as several other beautiful 19th century mansions.

Stop 4: Büyükada, Princes Islands

The last island is the biggest island, Buyukada. If you only have time for one, make sure this is it. You can see many of the island’s notable landmarks, including the Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy from 1870, and the ruins of a villa where Trotsky lived during 1929-1933 on Hamlaci Street 4.

Since this island is much bigger than the rest, we recommend you rent a bike and cycle around the island, taking in the quietness and beauty of the island. See the Greek Orthodox Church, St. George Church, which sits on the highest point of the island with amazing views of the city.

Other notable landmarks on the island are the former Greek Orphanage, which was the largest wooden house in Europe.

You can also find a beach for swimming and relaxing on, as well as a huge green park. You could easily spend more than an hour here. Be sure to stay for sunset and try one of the top-rated restaurants on the waterfront.

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 5 Days

For those blessed with five full days in the city, you might be wanting to see more off-the-beaten-path places in Istanbul. On our fifth day, we are going to explore the Fener district.

This is home to Balat, the Jewish district of Istanbul. Here you get to see the diverse cultures of Istanbul and see a unique side of the city in its architecture, history, and general way of life.

If you’re looking for a 5 day Istanbul itinerary, we suggest following the itinerary above and adding the following stops on your fifth day…

Day 5: Fener District

The Fener District is where you’ll find the remnants of Istanbul’s Jewish Population. In the late 15th century, Sultan Bayezid II offered citizenship to the Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Africa, and most of the immigrants ended up here.

The Fener District is part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic Areas of Istanbul . Fener has become a melting pot of culture, with ethnic minorities from places like Armenia, Bulgaria, and more.

The neighborhood also has a number of charming coffee shops and restaurants, as well as art galleries and boutique stores.

Stop 1: Balat District

Balat is the most famous neighborhood in Fener. It’s known for its colorful, narrow wooden houses and cobbled streets. Kiremit Caddesi (Kiremit Street), is the most famous place to find these buildings.

These pastel-colored buildings are some of the  most beautiful buildings in Istanbul . But this is not the only reason to visit Balat .

Nestled among the historic buildings and winding streets, are unique, cozy cafes, some of which are an artist’s playground, such as İncir Ağacı Kahvesi which is known for its umbrella installation and colorful huts where you can sip your coffee in.

You can also find many antique shops and vintage shops, if you enjoy thrift shopping. Be sure to check out the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, which you won’t miss as it’s a striking red building ontop of the hill.

Stop 2: Kariye Mosque

The Kariye Mosque, or The Chora Church as it’s also known, is one of the most historically significant mosques in Istanbul. It was built as a Greek Orthodox Church in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great, at the time when the walls of Constantinople were being built.

It was part of a monastery complex outside the walls of the city and served as an Orthodox church until it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century by Ottoman Turks.

What makes this church unique is that it still has stunning mosaics depicting biblical stories and figures, some of which date back to the 14th century. It also hosts a number of incredible frescoes that showcase Ottoman artistry and engineering prowess.

The Kariye Mosque has been under renovation since 2005 and there has been no end date announced at present. We will update this guide as soon as we know of a re-opening date, and this is one site in Istanbul not to be missed.

Stop 3: The Walls of Constantinople

Have you ever wondered if the walls of Constantinople still stand? The answer is yes, but only in some areas. You can see the remains of the walls of Constantinople on Hoca Çakır Cd, this is where they are the most well-preserved.

The walls were built in the 4th century and were used as a defense against oncoming invasions, and they were withheld for many centuries before the great Mahmet II finally seized the city in 1453.

You can walk along the walls in some areas as well, which offer an incredible view of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn.

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 7 Days

For those who have a full week at their disposal, you have time to truly experience the diversity and uniqueness of the city, but now you might be after a bit of adventure.

So on our sixth and seventh day, we plan to take you to the theme parks and on a day trip outside the city.

If you’re looking for a 7 day Istanbul itinerary, follow the itineraries above and add the following stops to day 6 and 7…

Day 6: Theme Park Day

Istanbul is also home to several exciting theme parks. If you are travelling with kids, you might want to have a theme park day!

Stop 1: Vialand Theme Park

If you only have time for one park, it should be Vialand. There is so much to see and do here, you should spend a full day here.

Vialand Theme Park has something for everyone – from its rollercoaster rides and other thrilling attractions such as Parkour land, mall, and Disney-inspired palace, to its interactive theaters and kid-friendly carnival games.

It opened in 2013 and was the first shopping, entertainment, and living complex in the world that combines a Theme Park and a shopping mall.

The park is spread over a huge 600,000 meters squared and features the world’s 4th biggest rollercoaster, the Nefeskesen, which accelerates to 110 kilometers in just 3 seconds. Don’t miss the “Justice Tower”, which descends from 50 meters, as well as the 7-D movie theatre.

If you’re looking for thrills and entertainment, Vialand has something for even the pickiest traveler!

Stop 2: LEGOLAND

If you have time for another theme park, then we recommend LEGOLAND. You can get a taxi here from Vialand and be here within less than 15 minutes.

Legoland is the perfect place for both grown-ups and children looking for an unforgettable day out. There’s so much to explore – from massive models, three incredible rides, and interactive activities, to 10 LEgo-build areas and Lego workshops.

Open since 2015, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey within a few years. It not only offers lots of fun to kids but adults can also enjoy themselves playing with large building sets made from genuine Lego bricks.

No matter how old you are, you’ll be sure to find the perfect way to have some incredible fun at Legoland.

Day 7: Day Trip to the City of Troy (Çanakkale)

By now you must be feeling you’ve seen a lot of Istanbul and would like to explore some other parts of Turkey. Located four hours away by car is the ancient city of Canakkale, which is most famous for being where the ancient city of Troy once was.

Stop 1: Troy National Park

Perhaps the most famous thing about Çanakkale is the nearby ancient ruins of Troy, located in the Historic Troy National Park, which can be visited by guided tours or independently.

This legendary city served as an important historical battleground between Greeks and Trojans in the 8th century BC. Visitors can explore the remains of Troy or take a tour through its open-air museum featuring archaeological finds from Hellenistic and Roman eras. 

According to archaeologists, the City of Troy is only one of nine cities that was built on top of each other, so the findings you see here are that of several civilizations. The oldest city is said to have dated back to 3000 BC.

As well as being historical, it’s also an area of outstanding natural beauty, so take a moment to look out for several species of bird and wildlife that make this park their home.

Stop 2: Cimenlik Castle

The city of Çanakkale is also worth stopping off at, since it has some notable historical attractions, such as the Cimenlik Castle.

It was built in 1462 by Mehmet the Conqueror to protect the Ottoman Empire in the Dardanelles. Just right across the Dardanelles, visitors will also find Kilitbahir Castle, another fortress built around the same time.

Both of these castles are now museums and offer spectacular sea views.

Stop 3: Troy Horse

Many have heard the legend of the Fall of Troy , which has been passed down through Greek mythology for centuries. The story was also featured in Homer’s  Iliad .

If you don’t know the story, the Trojan War  went on for years, in which the Greeks tried to break through the walls of the City of Troy but were unable to breach them.

To trick the Romans on the other side, they built a wooden trojan horse and gave it to them as a gift. Little did the Romans know, the Greeks had waited inside the horse until nightfall, and then attacked the Romans as they slept. And thus the war was won.

To remember the story, head to the waterfront of Canakkale, where you can see the huge steel and fiberglass statue of the horse that was used in the 2004 movie “Troy.”

Extend to 10 Days Istanbul Itinerary

If you have fallen in love with the city and want to spend more time here, you could easily extend it to 10 or more days. 

If you’re looking for some ideas for how to spend 10 days, we recommend you fill your time taking some day trips to the cities near Istanbul . 

Bursa, Kumköy, or Şile are three cities we would recommend adding to your Istanbul itinerary. If you plan your visit right, you could even spend time at the beach in Şile if beaches are your thing.

There are also some beaches closer to Istanbul, which would be the perfect place to spend your days in the summer. 

Aside from that, I would spend time wandering the city, shopping for souvenirs, stopping off at traditional cafes , and gorging on street food. 

Explore some of the parks in Istanbul or check out the museums . There is so much to see and do, we know you’ll find something fun to fill in your time on a 10 day Istanbul trip.

Getting Around The City

Istanbul is a very walkable city, as long as you have some comfortable shoes on. We have purposely organized the stops in our itineraries to allow you to be able to walk from place to place, without the need for public transportation.

However, sometimes taking public transportation is necessary, especially if you plan to visit the theme parks or head over to the Fener district.

We have written a complete guide on public transportation in Istanbul for those who are visiting for the first time. Read about how to get around Istanbul here .

Tips for Visiting Istanbul

To help you have the best trip to Istanbul, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every museum and mosque. Take time to just wander the streets and soak in the atmosphere as well.
• Get the Istanbul E-Pass, this is a tourist pass that gives you free entrance to many of the city’s top attractions. You can save up to 70% by using this card.
• Download Offline Google Maps or MapsMe, so you don’t need to rely on data.
• Pick up a Turkish sim card, but not from the airport. Turkcell is our preferred operator, but you can read more about it here.
• Dress modestly . This is a Muslim country and even though it’s hot, respectful attire should be worn at all time. Leave the hot pants at home, and bring light clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
• Bring a headscarf if you’re a woman. You will need to wear one when entering the mosques.
• Take out cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts on Istanbul Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Istanbul, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Istanbul, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. TheTurkeyTraveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our full affiliate disclosure .

© 2024 The Turkey Traveler

36 BEST Things To Do In Istanbul in 2024 With Insider Tips!

Categories Europe , Middle East , Türkiye , Türkiye

Looking for the best things to do in Istanbul to fill your trip? The best neighbourhoods to check out, the best mosques to see, how to see Asia and Europe in one day in Istanbul and some really cool cafes!? I’ve got you covered in this complete list of Istanbul attractions and some more local places to go!

I’ve visited Istanbul for a few long weekends, and I’ve spent 3 months living in Istanbul.

I love this city! It offers so much history and culture but it’s also more modern than many people think. I also love that it’s a city which is based completely around water and radiates an energetic but calming vibe.

Istanbul is a city that can take a while to get used to and I know you are probably limited on time. I want you to see the best of Istanbul straight away ! That’s why I’ve given lots of my Istanbul travel tips and my Istanbul insider tips in this post!

Below you’ll find a long list of the best things to do in Istanbul (based on allll my trips there!) and I have included a range of places to visit in Istanbul , where to eat in Istanbul , different Istanbul neighbourhoods , activities and more, to keep your Istanbul itinerary full and diverse!

Things to do in Istanbul

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Map of Istanbul Attractions

This map includes points for all of the places below I have mentioned to help you plan your days out in Istanbul.

Like any city, I recommend splitting Istanbul into areas and seeing a different part each day rather than trying to cross the city multiple times in one day, because you will be tired after that!

To help your plan your itinerary with the below top things to do in Istanbul, also be sure to check out my 3 day Istanbul itinerary and 4 day Istanbul itinerary .

• Here are more of my Istanbul travel blog posts to help you plan your trip!
• Where to Stay in Istanbul! 10 Best Neighbourhoods in Istanbul to Stay in!
• Where To Stay in Istanbul Taksim Or Sultanahmet?
• What To Wear In Istanbul As a Woman To Feel Comfortable Exploring!
• 10 Istanbul Hidden Gems To Visit For Unique Things To Do in Istanbul!
• How to Travel From Istanbul to Cappadocia Easily! A Detailed Guide!

Introducing the Istanbul E-Pass!

If you are in Istanbul to visit all of the top tourist sights and are looking for guided tours around parts of the city, please look into the great value Istanbul Pass !

You can choose the pass length – 2 days, 4 days, 5 days and 7 days are on offer here and there is a HUGE amount of attractions included , as well as shows , activities , guided tours AND day trips from Istanbul. See the full list here!

This is a really great value pass if you see yourself wanting to visit many of the paid attractions in Istanbul like Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, but also do activities like the Bosphorus Boat Cruise, Whirling Dervishes Show, Day trip to Bursa or the Princes Island and get a guided tour around the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Taksim.

What I also love about passes like this is that they encourage you to see and do more because everything is already paid for. You will be provided with a list of all the attractions included so why not take the list and do as many as you can!

View and buy the Istanbul E-Pass here for a discounted price!

Istanbul Attractions

Here are 36 best things to do in Istanbul which you shouldn’t miss out on:

1. Hagia Sophia

Without a doubt, the first of the Istanbul attractions you need to visit is Hagia Sophia!

Hagia Sophia located in Sultanahmet Square is iconic from the outside and inside ! It used to be a museum and now it is a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is open to everyone to enter and best of all it’s free making this also one of the top free things to do in Istanbul!

Because this is a mosque now, women will need to cover their hair, shoulders and most of their legs. When packing for Istanbul , it’s good for women to pack a scarf and always carry it in their bag whenever they want to pop into a mosque and cover their hair. But, if you have nothing with you, as you enter you can borrow a dress provided by the mosque.

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Queues can be quite long to enter the Hagia Sophia and unlike when it was a museum because it is free and there are no tickets, you can no longer skip the line at Hagia Sophia so try to go at a quieter time . It’s open 24 hours so evening time is a great and often peaceful time to go!

2. Blue Mosque

Opposite the Hagia Sophia is Sultan Ahmed Mosque but it’s most commonly known as The Blue Mosque of Istanbul.

In my opinion, this isn’t the most impressive mosque inside, mainly because they have been renovating it for years and much of the impressive ceiling is covered, BUT, it is so easy to access from Sultanahmet Square which is the main touristy part of Istanbul and iconic place, and therefore it’s probably where you will gravitate to first!

If you don’t go inside, at least take an iconic photo from outside and enjoy all the seating outside too! Although if you go inside, this is another one of the free things to do in Istanbul !

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP – Talking of Sultanahmet Square , although the major Istanbul attractions are in this area, please do not only stay here in Istanbul or judge Istanbul for this area. It can be a bit salesy, overpriced and annoying and this is not a representation of other places in Istanbul!

GETTING TO ISTANBUL CITY CENTRE

If you’re flying into Sabia Airport, read how to get from Sabia Airport to the city here !

WHERE TO STAY IN ISTANBUL?

Still not booked accommodation? Here are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Istanbul !

WHAT TO DO IN ISTANBUL?

Read my guide to all the things to do in Istanbul and follow my 4 day and 3 day Istanbul itinerary !

UNIQUE IDEAS FOR ISTANBUL

Been to Istanbul before? Want to get off the tourist trail? Here are my suggested Hidden Gems in Istanbul and the Best cafes in Istanbul that locals go to too!

3. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern became one of the top Istanbul sightseeing attractions after Dan Brown’s book ‘ Inferno ‘ which is exactly why I visited it many years ago too!

If you’ve read Inferno you have to go! And even if you haven’t, it’s a really interesting and unique place to visit! After walking down 52 steps under the city, you’ll see a football pitch-sized cistern with 336 marble pillars . This cistern used to provide water to the grand palace, now it’s a piece of history and a bit of a unique place to visit in Istanbul, despite it being a top attraction!

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP – It’s nice and cool down here, so if you’re visiting Istanbul in the summer and worried about the heat, book tickets to come here and cool down underground!

Buy your skip the line ticket for the Basilica Cistern here!

4. Topkapi Palace Museum

Istanbul is full of royal places to visit with over-the-top decoration and intricate design, and Topkapi Palace is the best and easiest place to see this which is why it’s high on my list of places to see in Istanbul!

Topkapi Palace is a huge complex and it’s conveniently located next to Hagia Sophia so this is a great place to visit on your first day in Istanbul after or before, Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque.

Topkapi Palace served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and was the main residence of its sultans until the 17th century. There are many rooms and gardens you can walk through where you’ll see pure grandeur and get an understanding of what the city was like at this time.

Buy your skip the line and guided tour ticket here for a great price!

5. Süleymaniye Mosque

This is my favourite mosque in Istanbul , and a favourite of everyone I’ve met who has been to Istanbul, so don’t miss it!

Süleymaniye Mosque is a huge mosque complex because it’s big inside but also has a large courtyard and large gardens which feature one of the top views over Istanbul , so don’t miss this either.

For 462 years Süleymaniye Mosque was actually the biggest mosque in Istanbul and it was only overtaken by the newly built Camlica Mosque in 2019 which is now the biggest mosque in Türkiye! (More on that below as this is also one of the great things to do in Istanbul!)

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Süleymaniye Mosque is open and welcoming to tourists of all faiths . The tourist entrance is well signposted and on arrival, women can pick up a cover-up. When inside there is usually a few members of staff who you can ask questions to. The mosque closes to tourists during prayer time but you’ll see a sign to advise you. Prayer time doesn’t last long so take in the view and go in when it opens back up. There are also free toilet facilities!

6. Galata Tower

Galata Tower can’t be missed, quite literary, because it is prominently located on a hill and can be seen from all around.

Galata Tower offers the best views of Istanbul because of its 360 viewing platform . It’s a great idea to come here on your first day in Istanbul to help get your bearings of the city.

Even if you don’t want to go up Galata Tower, still make sure this is on your list of things to do in Istanbul because seeing it from the ground is pretty cool and so is the neighbourhood of Galata with lots of cool Istanbul cafes and places to eat.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: If you are on a budget in Istanbul , instead of buying a ticket for the Galata Tower, you can go to one of the rooftop cafes in Galata and see a very similar view over the Golden Horn and Bosphorus for just the price of a tea. I recommend going to Galata Konak Cafe .

The Galata Tower is one of the many attractions included in the Istanbul E-Pass, check it out here !

7. Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge runs over a section of water called the Golden Horn and connects two sides of the city together, to get from Süleymaniye Mosque or Sultanahmet Square to Galata, you will need to cross this bridge.

Although there is a tram that runs over it and for getting around Istanbul, the tram is well worth trying. The best way to see the Galata Bridge is by walking over it.. and under it !

Walking over it you’ll see amazing views of the water, and mosques peaking out in the iconic Istanbul skyline. You’ll also see lots of men fishing from the bridge.

You can walk along the lower part of the bridge too which is full of fish restaurants ! I’m not sure how good these fish restaurants on Galata Bridge actually are, and the men can be a bit pushy trying to get you in but it’s a cool way to see the bridge and get a different look at Istanbul.

In the summer, look out for kids jumping off the bridge into the water!

8. Camlica Mosque

Not all tourists to Istanbul will make it to Camlica Mosque but if you can, it’s well worth the extra effort, especially if you have more than a few days in Istanbul.

Camilla Mosque is not only the biggest mosque in Istanbul but the biggest mosque in Türkiye. There are approximately 82,700 mosques in Türkiye so this is a big deal!

This mosque sits up on the hill on the Asian side of Istanbul and is in full view from the European side across the Bosphorus. It is huge inside but also has a huge courtyard and park surrounding it. Many locals will sit in this park in the warmer months for a picnic so this is a good idea for tourists to do too.

Again, as a female, you will need to cover your head, shoulders, and legs to enter so bring a scarf to cover yourself.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Here’s my full post on how to get to Camlica Mosque so you can add it to your Istanbul itinerary.

9. Dolmabahce Palace

This is another one of the Istanbul attractions that aren’t really central like the Hagia Sophia and does require a bit more getting to. However, it’s well worth it and a great way to see more of Istanbul by going to this neighbourhood – Beşiktaş.

Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th-Century, was the biggest royal residence of the sultans and the imperial family of the Ottoman Empire and is one of the most glamorous Palaces’ in the world .

You could get a taxi here from elsewhere in Istanbul but there is a tram stop nearby and a ferry port so why not get a ferry here and enjoy a boat trip as part of this activity?!

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Before or after your Palace visit, visit the cafe at the Palace – Dolmabahce Kafetarya for tea and cake. I love this cafe location because you are right on the water, which you can’t get in many other cafes in Istanbul!

Buy your Dolmabahce Palace entry and guided tour ticket here!

10. Istanbul Aquarium

If you’re looking for things to do in Istanbul with kids, it’s good to know that the attractions in Istanbul are not all historic and aimed at tourists. If you want an easy activity in Istanbul and something familiar for them, check out Istanbul Aquarium .

11. Istanbul Museum of Illusions

Another one of the cool things to do in Istanbul that works well if you are travelling with children or you just want some fun in between more historical sightseeing is the Museum of Illusions in Istanbul located on Istiklal Street.

Istiklal Street is the main commercial shopping street in Istanbul so you’ll probably find yourself there at some point anyway and the Istanbul Museum of Illusions offers you mind-teasing rooms and rooms to get a great photo in all whilst having a laugh!

Travelling to Istanbul with kids and want to keep them busy? The aquarium, museum of illusions and lots of other family-friendly activities are included within the Istanbul E-Pass . Once you’ve paid for it once, you can enter as many places in Istanbul as you can!

12. Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Ideally located next to Topkapi Palace and close to Hagia Sophia, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a complex of 3 archaeological museums :

• The Archaeology Museum
• The Ancient Orient Museum
• The Islamic Art Museum

These are said to be really underrated museums in Istanbul and are definitely good things to do in Istanbul when it rains as they are all inside so keep these in mind if you’re looking for indoor activities in Istanbul!

13. Sapphire Observation Deck

Most of us look for an observation deck in a new city as they are a great experience, especially if they are really high, and a great way to get our bearings in a new place.

The Galata Tower is a great observation deck in Istanbul because it’s so historic and central, but it’s not that high at just 63m! Whereas the Sapphire building is 260m and the observation deck is 231m high !

Up here you can get an incredible 360 view all over the European and Asian sides of Istanbul!

One of the really cool things about the Sapphire Observation Deck is that it has a Skyride 4D Simulat or at the top where you can fly over the Bosphorus, and below is the Sapphire Shopping Mall with plenty of places to eat and shop!

Places to Visit in Istanbul

If you are looking for places to visit in Istanbul, I made the following list so you can enjoy your Istanbul to the fullest.

14. Sultanahmet Square

A visit to Sultanahmet Square will just happen so you don’t have to worry about this too much. By going to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque you will end up in Sultanahmet Square.

It is such a buzzing point of the city so be sure you spend some time sitting on one of the benches around the fountains taking it all in. Ideally with a Turkish Simit or Corn on the Cob from a nearby street vendor.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Things are more expensive in this area , even a simit or orange juice from the local vendors and cafe prices are definitely much higher so keep this in mind if you are on a budget.

15. Grand Bazaar

If there’s one place people know of in Istanbul, it’s usually the Grand Bazaar! This is a world-famous market and has to be on your list of places to go in Istanbul.

Whether you want to actually shop or you just want to window shop, you do need to have your wits about you . The men working in the shops can be very pushy and often say things to get your attention, they might say you look like Beyonce or something! This place is definitely not dangerous by any means though and even as a solo female you shouldn’t be worried to visit here, it can just be overwhelming and annoying for some people.

And make sure you have your bartering hat on for shopping in the Grand Bazaar !

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: You may think the Grand Bazaar will be open late as my Spanish friends did recently, however, and quite surprisingly it’s only open until 6:00 pm and opens at 10:00 am so don’t go thinking you can do late night shopping here. But it is open all week!

16. Spice Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is not somewhere I went to regularly when living in Istanbul, probably because it’s further out than most people think, but the Spice Bazaar which is conveniently located not far from Galata Bridge is a market in Istanbul I enjoyed going to.

The Spice Bazaar is on a much smaller scale than the Grand Bazaar and although the items on sale are mainly food items, I enjoy walking through here a lot. It has incredibly high colourful ceilings and I find the vendors less pushy.

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: The inside of the Spice Bazaar is lovely to see but don’t miss the outside stalls either. A visit to the Spice Market combines well with going to Süleymaniye Mosque because it’s just a few streets away. Streets which are also full of interesting shops!

I really love the Galata neighbourhood of Istanbul. As mentioned, the Galata Tower is one of the top Istanbul tourist attractions but even if you don’t fancy going to the top, you should still head towards it as you’ll find yourself at the top of the hill in Galata.

Galata has lots of little shops , many of which are tourist souvenir shops but they sell a lot of nice things and for souvenir shopping and shopping in general, I prefer shopping here to the likes of the Grand Bazaar as the shop owners are much more relaxed.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Cafes I love in Galata are Galata Konak Cafe for an amazing rooftop view of the city, and Cafe Privato for the best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul with a view of the Galata Tower.

On my last visit to Istanbul, I stayed in Galata and I really liked it as a location for my hotel. For help on accommodation in Istanbul, check out my post on – Where to stay in Istanbul !

18. Balat & Balat Colourful Houses

If you have seen photos of colourful houses in Istanbul and want to visit them, they are probably these colourful houses in Balat.

Balat is an old neighbourhood in Istanbul. Instagram photos may have you thinking that these houses are close to other top best places to visit in Istanbul, but they are actually not that central and will require a taxi or bus to get to the neighbourhood and therefore the houses, but again, it’s worth it and good to do if you have 1 week in Istanbul for more than a few days.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Be sure to save my full guide to Balat and the Balat colourful houses for when you visit including how to get there, cafes and things to do.

19. Uskudar

Without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Istanbul is to experience that this city covers 2 continents which is really unique!

It’s likely you’ll stay on the European side of Istanbul (if you are still planning your trip, check out my post on where to stay in Istanbul to help you out!), so you should definitely plan at least half a day in your Istanbul itinerary the Asian side of Istanbul which you can get to by taking the metro or a public ferry.

Uskudar and Kadikoy are two of the main places to visit on the Asian side of Istanbul and different ferries go from the European side directly to these neighbourhoods.

I love Uskudar because it feels less commercial and more authentically Turkish . It’s richer in Muslim culture and tradition too which is interesting to see.

I have a whole post on things to do in Uskudar which also includes how to get to Uskudar. Some places I’d recommend going and adding to your list of things to do in Istanbul are:

• Yeni Valide Mosque – a really beautiful 18th-century ottoman mosque. Probably smaller than other mosques you’ll see on the European side but still so stunning inside.
• Nevmekan Sahil – a cafe inside a library which is really unique and so lovely inside.
• Uskudar Fishermans Market – to see real daily life here in this part of Istanbul!

Also Read: 32 BEST Cafes in Istanbul! Cool, Quirky, Great Coffee in Istanbul Cafes 2023!

20. Kadikoy

For one of the other places to visit on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy is probably the most popular place and it’s the place I went to first on my first trip to Istanbul.

Kadikoy is quite commercial with lots of shops but they aren’t high-street shops you see all over the world, they are all quite small independent shops which makes this area really interesting. At nighttime, Kadikoy comes alive, especially along its famous Bar Street .

For things to do in Kadikoy be sure to head to Bahariye Street which is a lively pedestrian street, you’ll know you’re here when you see lots of colourful stones on the road and the Bull statue at the end.

Whilst walking around Kadikoy you’ll probably cross into the neighbouring area of Moda which I actually prefer more than Kadikoy, mainly because I love the shoreline here, there’s quite a big corniche type area to walk along or you can sit in the park or on the rocks that line the water.

21. Princes Islands

For the ultimate day trip from Istanbul without going too far, go to Princes Islands !

A 1-hour ferry journey from the city will take you to these incredible islands which seem to have stood still in time . 4 of the islands are inhabited and open to tourists and all of them do not allow cars or mopeds which makes them a haven from the busy city.

Büyükada is the biggest island and if you have to choose just one to visit on your Istanbul trip, this is the best one to choose.

So how do you get around the Princes Islands then? Well, you walk, hire a bike or get a horse drawn carriage! The easiest way to see the island is on a tour like this !

Explore the impressive Victorian Villas here and in the summer take swimwear as there are plenty of places to swim!

For a super easy way to visit Princes Island with a guide and tour, check out these options:

22. Istiklal Avenue

Between seeing all of these Istanbul attractions and Istanbul tourist activities, you might want to do some shopping or see a more local area of Istanbul .

Istiklal Avenue is Istanbul’s main shopping street filled with many international high-street brands and Turkish brands.

Despite being commercialised and seeing shops you can see anywhere in the world, I do l ove the buzz of Istiklal Street , especially at night when the street is lit up.

I’d recommend getting to Taksim Square by public transport. Taksim Square is quite famous in Istanbul but I don’t think it’s worth going to alone, hence why it doesn’t have its own point on my Istanbul thing to do guide, but going to Taksim Square and walking all the way down Istiklal Street into Galata is a great way to see more of Istanbul by foot and see varying areas and neighbourhoods.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: There are lots of dessert shops down Istiklal Avenue where you can stop for a Baklava and Tea. In Taksim Square, there is Hafız Mustafa 1864 which is one of the most popular Baklava and Dessert shops in Istanbul!

23. Galataport Istanbul

This is one of the exciting new things to do in Istanbul ! Galataport is a really new part of Istanbul only opening at the end of 2021. It’s a cruise port but much more than that. It’s full of different shops, cafes and restaurants which seem to be more upmarket than others that you see in the city of Istanbul.

What I love most about this place though and why I really recommend you go, is the boardwalk along the Bosporus .

When I lived in Istanbul I said Istanbul was hugely missing an area you could walk directly along the water because although this city is surrounded by water, the road often goes alongside the water, but now Galataport offers this!

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Plan to go here before or after visiting the neighbourhood of Galata because it’s close by, or combine it with the neighbourhood of Cihangir which I mention next!

24. Karakoy

Well located right next to the Galata Bridge, at the bottom of the Galata neighbourhood and close to Galataport is the area of Karakoy.

Karakoy is filled to the brim with cafes, restaurants and bars , this area gets really lively at night!

It’s worth a visit as you’re passing by the area after Galata, especially for some food or a drink and it’s a good place to get a ferry from over to Kadikoy on the Asian side.

25. Cihangir

I lived in Cihangir for 3 months and I love this neighbourhood so much! It’s got a bit of an ex-pat vibe with so many cool cafes and coffee shops and during the week you’ll mostly see these full of digital nomads with their laptops out.

In terms of things to do in Cihangir, there’s not that much to do, it’s more about walking the streets, visiting a cafe or two and seeing a cool, hip and local part of the city.

Cihangir does have a lot of vintage shops though which are really impressive to see and lots of nice cafes for Turkish breakfasts.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: Here are my favourite cafes in Cihangir , if you head to these, even if you don’t go inside, you’ll get to see some really cool parts of the neighbourhood:

• Van Kahvalti Evi – for a Turkish Breakfast specifically
• Chado Tea Cihangir

26. Ortaköy

Ortaköy is another one of the many Istanbul neighbourhoods to visit! I love this area because it’s further up the Bosphorus than many of the main Istanbul attractions and feels more local, despite being a popular place for tourists to go.

Ortaköy has an incredible backdrop of the Bosphorus and a huge bridge that connects the European and Asian parts of the city. Ortaköy Mosque is also part of the backdrop, in fact, this scene of the mosque, water and bridge is a popular spot for advertising Istanbul around the world.

One quite random thing about Ortaköy is that it’s famous for its Jacket Potato’s known as Kumpir ! You’ll see stall after stall and restaurant after restaurant selling Kumpir with a buffet of fillings so visit ready for lunch!

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: To save time on your Istanbul itinerary, combine a trip to Ortaköy with Dolmabahce Palace if you want to visit here, and then take a boat over to the Asian side from Ortaköy before returning back to where you’re staying in Istanbul later in the day so you do a bit of a circle around the city.

Activities in Istanbul

27. bosphorus boat tour.

Easily the top Istanbul activity is to take a Bosphorus Boat Tour! Now, if you end up travelling around Istanbul using public ferries you might want to miss this as the ferries are a great way to take in the views, and they are much cheaper.

But, a super relaxed and easy way to see the city from a boat and up the famous Bosphorus is on an organised boat tour.

There are many tours on offer, you can go in the daytime with an audio tour for a cheap price like this , do a dinner and evening show experience like this or book a sunset luxury yacht trip like this !

Get one of these Bosphorus tours booked so you know you have it all booked and planned into your things to do in Istanbul itinerary!

28. Day Tour With a Guide

You might be able to tell by now that Istanbul is a huge city and if you want to see a lot in one day , you will be quite tired afterwards and will need to ensure you plan properly.

If you are short on time , perhaps on a layover in Istanbul , or not confident in a big city , joining a day tour and getting a guide for a day is one of the great ways to see Istanbul and great Istanbul activities.

There are plenty of Istanbul day tours on offer which will vary depending on the length and what you visit, here are a few great options:

29. Free Istanbul walking tour

Want a guide and want to be told about the history of Istanbul but you’re on a budget ?

Check out the free walking tours in Istanbul! I remember doing one on my first trip which I loved!

Free Istanbul Tours is one of the main companies that offer a variety of tours at different times.

Do bear in mind that you should tip on a free walking tour as that’s how the business runs but you can decide your tip and they are still considerably cheaper than paying for a guided tour.

30. Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Bus

Istanbul is a huge city and although there is good public transport in the form of the metro, buses and public ferries, plus, Istanbul is pretty walkable which I love, getting from one tourist attraction to another takes time .

If you are short on time , not keen on working out public transport or have trouble walking long distances , look into the Istanbul hop on, hop off bus here to make seeing the city much easier!

31. Whirling Dervishes Show

For a truly unique and cultural experience, you have to plan one of your evenings in Istanbul to see a Whirling Dervishes show!

You’ll be a guest at an extraordinary dance show that dates back 800 years , and is set in a restored 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath.

You’ll learn about this spiritual dance and journey of the Dervishes followed by the dance which becomes mesmerising with the whirling, chants and drums!

Click here for the most highly rated Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul with over 1400 positive reviews!

Here are some more Whirling Dervishes Shows in Istanbul to book!

Istanbul Things to do

Apart from the must-visit places in Istanbul, there are some best things to do in Istanbul and are worthy enough to add them in the list of Istanbul things to do.

32. Hamam in Istanbul

When in Türkiye, a Turkish Hamam should be experienced and when in Istanbul, a Hammam should be booked and enjoyed!

If you go for the full Hamam experience you will be scrubbed to an inch of your life by a Turkish woman if you are female and a man if you are male! You’ll feel so relaxed after though with super soft skin!

I know of 2 really good Hamams in Istanbul, one is Hammamhane in Cihangir , this one seems hard to book online, you might need to email them or message them on Whatsapp via their website.

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP : Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam in Karakoy is the Hamam I went to recently and I really loved it, you can easily pair this with breakfast in Karakoy or to one of the great cafes there. Here is my full review of the Hamam including, what to expect as you do have to be comfortable being basically naked during the experience!

33. Turkish Breakfast

Now, if you’re new to Türkiye you might not know just how amazing and a big thing Turkish Breakfasts are . I didn’t realise this on my first 2 trips to Türkiye and Istanbul and I definitely missed out!

Without a doubt, you have to schedule in a Turkish breakfast at a cafe into your Istanbul itinerary . If you want a chilled-out morning to relax from all the travel and are wondering what to do in Istanbul, a Turkish Breakfast is cultural but relaxed!

Go for the traditional Turkish Breakfast and you’ll be served a huge selection of different plates of food until your table can’t fit anymore on it. And don’t worry, most Turkish breakfasts in cafes are served per person so even if you are solo you can order it for 1 person only.

Some cafes I recommend for the best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul are:

• Van Kahvalti Evi in Cihangir
• DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET in Cihangir
• Cafe Privato Restaurant in Galata

Breakfast is Kahvalti in Turkish so look out for this word as you walk around Istanbul looking for breakfast cafes. And here are more places to find the best breakfast in Istanbul!

ISTANBUL INSIDERS TIP: The residents of Istanbul love their breakfasts too so you’ll find cafes are much busier on Saturdays and Sundays , therefore, as a visitor if you can go during the week then you’ll find it easier to find a table and have a more relaxed experience.

34. Rooftop Restaurant and Cafe

You may have seen lots of rooftop images of Istanbul and there are many rooftop restaurants where you can get photos like this. They are a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below and take in the views of the city and water.

Generally, most of the rooftop restaurants and cafes in Istanbul are around Suleymaniye Mosque so if you head towards here within the streets nearby you’ll see lots of signs for rooftop restaurants and probably men standing outside trying to get you in their restaurants.

There are also many rooftop restaurants around the Hagia Sophia and the Hagia Sophia is a lovely backdrop to have.

One of my favourite rooftop cafes is Galata Konak Cafe .

ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIP: Here is a list of the best rooftops in Istanbul . What’s great but what you also need to be careful of is that they do vary. Some are ultra fancy for a fancy dressed-up evening dinner , others are really relaxed for a daytime drink or lunch, and others are all about the views and Instagram photo opportunity , you might have to pay a fee to enter these and they might not offer the best service or food.

35. Nevmekân Sahil cafe

Nevmekân Sahil Cafe is included on my things to do in Uskudar list but I’m adding it as a special point on my things to do in the Istanbul list because it’s so unique and cool!

Nevmekân Sahil, located here in Uskudar is a cafe librar y and it has a really unique interior where you can sit which almost reflects a lotus shape and design. Alternatively, you can sit with a window view overlooking the water.

This is one of the places to go in Istanbul if you want some time feeling like a local and getting away from the busy tourist trail in Istanbul as here, you’ll find students studying and people meeting friends for lunch.

36. Watch the Sunset

Sunsets in Istanbul just hit differently and they are always so pretty. I love watching the sunset in Istanbul with a view of the water below, the city above and the mosque minarets even further above. And then as soon as the sun sets, the city becomes alive with the sound of all the mosques performing the call to prayer. It really is so special.

In summer , you’ll find lots of locals sitting along the Bosphorus, particularly on the Asian side around Uskudar ready to watch the sunset over the city in front of them.

You can also get a great sunset view from Galata . In January I went to Konak Galata Cafe for a cold but magical late afternoon sunset.

I hope this huge list of things to do in Istanbul has helped you plan your trip!! Remember, for even more Istanbul things to do, but some unique things to do in Istanbul, check out my hidden gems post here !

• Here are more of my Istanbul posts to help you plan your trip:
• Istanbul 4 Day Itinerary! What To See in Istanbul in 4 Days!
• Where To Stay in Istanbul Taksim Or Sultanahmet? Which is BEST?
• Sabiha Airport to Taksim! 3 Ways To Do The Journey Easily!

If you liked this please share it! 🙂

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Istanbul Travel Blogs

These are all of my travel blogs about istanbul. .

From taking a food tour of the city, to visiting the mosques and the market, find out the best places to travel to in my Istanbul travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

How To Get From Istanbul To Cappadocia

Want to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia – one of the most unique places in Turkey? Find out how to travel to the region by car, bus and plane.

If you’re planning a holiday to Turkey, I’d recommend starting in Istanbul, then travelling to Cappadocia for a few days, and finishing with a little bit of beach time in somewhere like Alanya or Antalya.

The Perfect 24 Hours In Istanbul, Turkey

Eating fish sandwiches on Galata Bridge and haggling in the Grand Bazaar… most guide books will describe these as unmissable experiences. But there’s plenty more to Istanbul. Here is my guide to the perfect 24 hours in an incredible city!

The colourful revolution of istanbul’s rainbow steps.

There’s a beautiful story behind Istanbul’s Rainbow Steps, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Some pre-trip research on Istanbul in Turkey, brought up some very colourful photos on Instagram. They were of the so-called ‘Rainbow Steps’ linking the arty districts of Findikli and Cihangir.

They reminded me of the Lapa Steps in Rio… another magical set of stairs that brought tourists to an otherwise overlooked area.

So, what’s the story? Are they highlighting LGBT issues? Something political? Or are they just a bit of fun?

In 2013, retired forestry engineer Huseyin Cetinel spent four days and around £500 transforming the huge staircase, from concrete grey, to beautiful rainbow colours. It was a kind of guerrilla street art project. No one expected it, but everyone fell in love with it.

A Food Tour of Istanbul, Turkey

From tasty kebabs and mint tea, to honey, fish sandwiches and pickles, a food tour of Istanbul is a perfect way to get to know this special Turkish city. Find out what to expect, what delicious Turkish foods you might get to sample, plus some useful info to plan your visit. 

Review: point hotel taksim, istanbul, turkey.

Time to check out the Point Hotel Taksim in Istanbul, Turkey.

With only a few days in Istanbul, the dilemma is whether to stay in the old town close to landmarks such as The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, or stay in the modern town, in the heart of the shopping, dining and nightlife district. I opted for the latter, and enjoyed 4 nights at the Point Hotel Taksim

It prides itself on being an affordable 4 star hotel, within walking distance of Taksim Square – one of the best areas to stay in Istanbul . The name? Well it’s a triangular building, with the entrance being at a point. It boasts a 9 th floor restaurant (where breakfast is served) with panoramic views of the city. There is a spa, gym and swimming pool in the basement, and a Japanese sushi restaurant and bar on the ground floor. It provided the perfect base for a city break.

While there, I stayed in three different rooms, on different floors (I’ll get into why in a moment!) They were all clean, modern, with nice touches such as the gift of an evil eye bead (evil eye is a symbol of protection in Turkey), a pillow menu, a book with 101 Ways To Sleep Happily, a CD of lullabies to encourage better rest, and an arrival gift of a fruit bowl and a bottle of Turkish red wine.

All About Cyprus And Exotic Destinations

Istanbul travel blog – a greek bloggers tips to visiting istanbul.

Last Updated on February 13, 2022 by Tia

In this Istanbul Travel Blog, we will cover all the facts and tips you need to know before you visit Istanbul.

The highlights of the city, along with its history, climate, budget, and customs await!

The blue waters of the Bosporus, the glistening rooftops, the call to prayer echoing across the Golden Horn, the smells, sounds, and energy…Welcome to Istanbul!

Keep reading to explore Istanbul, the only city in the world that belongs to two continents; Asia, and Europe

Table of Contents

Where is Istanbul ?

Istanbul is in Turkey. It is one of the most special cities in the world, as its position belongs to Europe and Asia at the same time.

In the south of Istanbul you find the Marmara Sea, and to the north, the Black Sea.

On the European side, you will find all the historical sights, and on the Asian side, all the glorious food markets, and what I like to call, the real essence of the city.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Why you should visit

This city is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in Europe or Asia.

The reasons are many, but in a single city, you will find a plethora of Greek and Eastern influences.

Additionally, your eyes will marvel at monuments like Ayia Sofia church, mosques, tombs, palaces, and food markets.

At the same time, you can explore cosmopolitan shopping, street art, beautiful rooftop restaurants, and a lively night scene to top it all off!

This Istanbul travel blog will take you through this enigmatic city filled with wonders, culture, and a perfect combination of ancient and modern!

A brief History – Why Istanbul is really, Costantinoupoli

Until 1453, Istanbul was in fact called Constantinople (Kostantinoupoli) and was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 324.

The city was set on the site of an already-existing city, called Byzantium, which was settled in the early days of Greek colonial expansion, in around 657 BC, by colonists of the city-state of Megara.

In 1453 it was captured by the Ottoman Empire and made the Ottoman capital. Later in 1923, the Republic of Turkey was founded and so the capital became Ankara. 

Constantinople was officially renamed Istanbul in 1930 and Hagia Sofia was turned into a mosque.

The dwindling Byzantine Empire came to an end when the Ottomans invaded the city by breaching Constantinople’s ancient land wall after besieging the city for 55 days.

The war was bloody, brutal, and cruel, with over 4.000 deaths.

The Fall of Costantinoupoli called outrage, and Pope Nicholas immediately sought help to recover the city, although he received no help from any Western Monarch.

The fall of the legendary Constantinople was a turning point in Western History and is seen as the end of the Middle Ages.

What is it like visiting Istanbul as a Greek or Cypriot citizen?

I’m going to be brutally honest here.

Istanbul is a safe country to visit- sure – but my experience as a Greek Cypriot traveling there was somewhat… different.

And I will be the first to admit, that perhaps I am also to blame, as I am prejudiced because of all the bad history between the Turks and Greeks/Cypriots.

After all, Cyprus was invaded by Turkey in 1974, and still wrongfully inhabits 1/3 of my country.

But I have to say, the minute we spoke Greek, we were met with a certain hostility that made me uncomfortable.

Taxis didn’t seem eager to take us to the Saint George’s church for Greek Easter, and Ayia Sofia (A Greek Wonder) was filled with Islamic inscriptions everywhere.

All these details made me feel kind of unwanted, so I feel compelled to share them here.

Do let me know if you have a different experience, especially as a Greek.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Language and Religion

The official language in Istanbul is Turkish, although English is also spoken due to tourism.

The religion is mostly Muslim, although some small proportions of Christians and Jewish people still live in the city.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Dress Code

As stated above, Istanbul is a Muslim city, although it is also modern and westernized!

As a result, the dress code is relaxed, but also modest.

A headscarf is not mandatory for women but you will need to cover up when you visit a mosque. Men should also wear t-shirts and have their knees covered to visit mosques.

My Jordan Packing Guide is perfect for this Istanbul travel guide, as it is also a Muslim destination and the same rules apply!

Make sure you pack a pashmina, so you can quickly and easily cover-up. (you will need to do this several times per day!)

Tia’s tip: Feel free to pack something fabulous if you want to hit a nightclub! The dress code there is definitely more relaxed!

Unusual things to do in Istanbul

Below, you will find suggestions for the most historical sights in Istanbul.

But there is more to this fascinating city that meets the eye! All you need is to know the secrets!

And you can enjoy hidden gems like religious ceremonies, authentic cuisine, marble art workshops, food cooking classes, and more!

If that sounds like you, then definitely read the most unusual things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul Travel Blog – The most historical sights

In this Istanbul travel blog, I wish to help you explore Istanbul in its 360-degree glory.

To achieve that, you need to plan an itinerary that includes unusual activities, as well as the highlights and historical sights of Istanbul.

I am certain you have heard of many of these world-renowned locations. The Grand Bazaar, Ayia Sofia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), and Topkapi Palace are only a few!

Keep reading for a full list of Istanbuls Highlights and Sights!

Where to stay in Istanbul

Choosing where to stay, will greatly affect the quality of your holidays and of course your accommodation and transportation budget!

There is nothing worse than being in the wrong area, or overspending on a hotel! Read hotel and area recommendations here

Istanbul Travel Blog – Climate

In this Istanbul travel blog, I find climate information to be of crucial importance! ‘There is nothing worse than freezing in your entire trip and trust me, I say this from bitter experience!

Summer is both warm and humid with very little rain but during winter, it is cold, wet, and sometimes snowy.

The hottest month is August (25-30 degrees) and the coldest is January (6 degrees).

Best time to visit

The summer is pretty great in Istanbul!

It is definitely not as hot as Cyprus , but it is busier and more crowded. Springtime is a good time to visit – less heat and fewer crowds too.

On average, April is 17 degrees and May is even better at 22 degrees!

Alternatively, September and October are also beautiful months to visit, with 25 and 20 degrees respectfully!

What if I visit Istanbul during Ramadan?

I have a whole article about what it is like visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan !

This will help you understand what Ramadan is, and to know how it will affect your holidays.

For example, some sights might be closed as well as many restaurants and bars. Or as a sign of respect, you might like to only eat and drink inside closed doors.

Muslims practicing Ramadan do not eat, smoke, have intercourse, alcohol, or even water from sun up to sundown.

Particularly in Istanbul, you will find many things open during that time.

Such examples are the famous Grand Bazaar, many restaurants, food stalls, and sights. The famous Blue mosque is also open, but with limited opening hours.

Tia’s Tip: During Ifte (the breaking of the fast at sundown) restaurants might be super busy and crowded.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Cuisine

Istanbul is a melting pot of multicultural influences and delicious tastes.

In most of the dishes, you will find southeast European staples and Middle Eastern tastes. These of course, result in a fantastic culinary experience!

The 360 rooftop restaurant is one of my favorites in the city for fine dining and excellent views of the city!

The Istanbul insider has a brilliant article on the 10 top things to eat in Istanbul .

Can I eat street food?

Absolutely! The hygienic standards are quite high in Istanbul, and you’ll find many tempting food stalls in the streets!

As always, I advise being sensible when it comes to choking where to eat in ALL your travels.

Choose establishments that are busy, especially with locals! And of course, make sure it looks clean, and that food is prepared fresh and not left outside for ages!

Should I leave tips?

A 10% tip is customary in restaurants, but not in bars or taxi rides.

Tia’s tips: Before you tip, make sure you check the bill! If it says ”Servis Dahil” it means they gave already added your service charge 🙂

Can I drink the tap water?

No! Bottled water is a better choice for tourists, and is widely available everywhere you go!

In the event of a funny stomach from water, food, or alcohol, make sure you take some activated charcoal tablets . You will need to pack those in your bag beforehand.

I buy mine from Amazon, as it is so much cheaper online than in the pharmacy! Activated Charcoal sucks up all the toxins from the body and will eliminate stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea in no time!

Istanbul Travel Blog – Transportation and Airports

Istanbul is actually a large city, but thankfully, not too hard to get around.

You can choose many transportation options like the bus, metro, tram, ferry, and taxi.

The airports in Istanbul are two, Ataturk airport on the European side, and Sabina Gokcen Airport on the Asian side.

Ataturk is the airport most frequently used by tourists!

Do I need a visa?

Cypriot travelers need to apply for an E-visa online and obtain their visa on arrival or online. The same rules apply to UK citizens too!

Tip: You will need to enter the names and details of babies and children traveling with you.

Additionally, you MUST buy your e-visa before your arrival in Istanbul. The visa is valid for 180 days, but you can only stay for 90 days in the city.

What is the best way to cross between Asia and Europe in Istanbul?

The cheapest and most enjoyable way to cross between the European and Asian sides is to take the ferry .

There are frequent ferries that take this route between Eminomu and Kadikoy. Alternatively, you can take a bus or Metrobus!

Lastly, you can visit the famous bridge, and walk along to cross from Asia to Europe.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Budget

I say this in all my articles, but please remember that you can travel either cheaply or expensively everywhere in the world, including Istanbul!

This depends on the type of accommodation you choose, the amount of shopping you want to do, and the type of food you choose to eat!

On average, I spent around 40- 50 euros daily on food, sightseeing, drinks, transport, and unexpected items here and there.

Below is a daily average budget plan.

Should I exchange money?

The Currency in Istanbul is the Turkish lira. Although large shops and sights might accept Euros, I would advise you to trade in the Lira.

You can use ATMs, which are available everywhere in the city. Better yet, pop into a currency exchange office, where you will get better rates.

Tia’s Tip: You will always save money by exchanging in the country you are visiting. Take out enough money from an ATM at the airport for the first day, and exchange the rest in the city.

For good rates, DO NOT exchange at the airport, or your hotel!

Safety and Tourist Scams in Istanbul

All things considered, Istanbul is a safe city. There are very few violent crimes in the city, although caution should be applied all our travels!

What is not uncommon though, are petty thefts and tourist scams . I was the victim of two of those in the space of a week!

So make sure you get to know the most known tourist scams in Istanbul

Charging your devices in Istanbul

Turkey  operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style  plugs

. I used my international travel adapter . It has got to be my most used travel purchase of all time – and it’s super cheap too!

Thank you for reading through my Istanbul Travel Blog! I hope I have given you the answers to all your questions on this beautiful, historical, and highly multicultural city!

Make sure you subscribe below to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts! And while you are here, go on and follow my Instagram for daily travel inspiration and news!

Save this post for later!

Other Istanbul Articles

Istanbul Travel blog –  All you need to know to plan the perfect trip

The most unusual things to do in Istanbul  – The Things that no one tells you about.

Beautiful Istanbul Photography  – Travel Inspiration

Istanbul Scams to know before you travel  – Avoid getting scammed and robbed

Hi I'm Tia, a Greek Cypriot native that combines a career in professional dance with a profound love for soul searching and traveling around the world. 

Cyprus Dishes – Incredible Food In Cyprus You Must Try

Istanbul scams to know before you travel, you may also like, exploring the 12 most outstanding beaches in spetses, spetses greece: a 2024 guide with 17 memorable..., the 17 most amazing things to do in..., agistri island: 8 amazing ways to explore this..., the 7 top agistri beaches for a blissful..., unveiling the 4 best areas to stay in..., 9 amazing things to do in assos, kefalonia:..., the 11 most breathtaking beaches in kefalonia, traveling with food allergies – 13 helpful tips..., amsterdam solo travel guide – the 14 best..., 10 comments.

I had the chance to visit this stunning city on a one-day layover last year and while I was absolutely blown away by the city’s beauty, I felt like I was freezing to death!

Oh my goodness, me too! I visited during April – and expected spring weather.. my limbs were frozen for a week!

Istanbul is on my bucket list for ages and I can’t wait to travel again and discover all those beautiful places. Really great guide 🙂

thank you so much Alessia! I really hope you make it!

Istanbul is so high on my bucket list right now! As soon as we can travel again I am planning a trip to Turkey and Greece!

perfect combo! You got yourself a beautiful trip ahead!

Very informative post. Istanbul is in my bucket list for sure. Saving this for future reference. Thanks for sharing.

thank you for stopping by! Glad you found it helpful!

I really need to get to Istanbul ASAP!! It looks like such an amazing city! As soon as travel is safe again, I think I will head here!

that is a very good plan! Make it happen!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

The Ultimate Travel Guide For Istanbul, Turkey

• Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

Some may ask, is 48 hours or even 72 hours enough to see the city? Well, when traveling, there ALWAYS could be more time. Like Rome, there is an incredible amount of history to this city and A LOT to see but I managed to see a good amount of the sights in this time. However, one travesty no traveler should commit when visiting Turkey is not to visit this majestic city.

This guide is part of my perfect two week Turkey Travel Itinerary.

Update 2022: Turkey is experiencing rapid currency depreciation in recent years. It’s not quite on the same level as Lebanon but it is the most extreme in generations. The Lira is trading at around 13.5 TL to $1 USD currently, up from 2.1 TL to $1 USD when I first visited in 2014. This means prices for goods have generally become much cheaper for tourists but prohibitively expensive for most locals. You will experience incredible value for money if you visit now.

Upon arrival and getting around

Istanbul is generally a safe city. It is an Islamic city but from my time in Turkey, this Islamic country is likely the most liberal of all the ones in the world. Women in Turkey do not wear any sort of coverings from what I saw and both genders are so westernized. Sometimes I’d forget i was in an Islamic country until I walked by a mosque. In certain instanced, I left my girlfriend to talk to someone and she was quickly approached by guys although I reckon for a blonde American on her own, this would happen in many other countries as well.

English is widely spoken among the younger generation but is mediocre at best for the rest of the population. Don’t expect to start a conversation with anyone off the street. Istanbul has seen a huge surge in its tourism in recent years so the government has made it a priority to make everything as English friendly as possible. As I write this, the Lira is trading around 2.1L per USD which is at all time highs making it amazing vacation value for anyone traveling from first world countries.

Istanbul Airport Transportation

There are the standard options for transportation from Istanbul’s airports, Ataturk (main airport) and Sabiha Gokcen (discount airline airport), to the city center. Istanbul’s public transportation is solid, and with the advent of the trams, it is on par with most of its European counterparts.

Underground Metro

By far the cheapest option, 3 Liras will get you from the airport to the city but will involve transfers if staying in Taksim or Sultanmahnet. Take the M1 (red line) to Zeytinburnu, get off and transfer to the T1. The T1 line might as well be renamed the Tourist1 line because as far as all the main tourist spots go, this line will take you everywhere like Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Sultamanhet, and the Grand Bazaar. From Sabiha airport, there are no metro options.

Havas Bus from SAW (Sabiha Airport) to Taksim Square

This bus takes you straight from the airport to Taksim Square for 30 Liras and takes about 60 minutes. However, traffic in this city is a little crazy so times can vary heavily. You can find these buses outside of the main terminal at the Sabiha airport departing every half hour.

HavaIst bus from IST airport to city

Similar to the Havabus from SAW airport, there is a bus that takes you from IST to the city as well. This bus is about 45 minutes and also runs every half hour. It drops you off in Taksim Square right next to where the Havas Bus station is. Taxis, metros and the like are all waiting for you upon getting off.

Taxi from the airport

This is the best option in my opinion. All taxis are metered in Istanbul so there’s no need to worry about getting ripped off. As of writing this article in 2021, the fare from the new IST airport to Taksim is around 160 TL and takes roughly 40 minutes without traffic.

From SAW Airport, it is about 220 TL from the airport to the city center as this also includes bridge fares. The ride from SAW is about 1 hour without traffic.

Istanbul Traffic is notorious for being terrible. You can spend 20 minutes going 1km in the downtown areas so be prepared for a much longer journey if you’re traveling during the day time.

Getting Around the city

Once we arrived in Istanbul city, it was immediately hectic. With a population of 15 million, this city can be quite overwhelming. There are people and cars everywhere. The streets are small and have absolutely no logic to them as if whomever designed the city ages ago had no idea it would be come the sprawling metropolis it is now. For that reason, I’d actually recommend getting a Turkish SIM card (only in Istanbul) just to use Google Maps. The streets are incredibly complicated to navigate with a paper map.

Walking is the best mode of transportation in this city. Most streets are small and filled with street vendors so cars can’t even enter. The areas of the city that are of interest to tourists short on time can all be reached on foot. From where we stayed in Taksim Square to see the big mosques in Sultamanhet took 45 minutes.

The T1, or Tourist1 line as I like to call it, took us to the Sultamanet area in 10 minutes for only 3 Liras a person. Cabs are quite cheap as the distances traveled are usually short. I never spent more than 15 Liras on cab rides and 15L was at least a 20 minute ride.

Where to eat in Istanbul

Ah, my favorite subject, food. Istanbul is like the NYC of Turkey. With over 10,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor, this place rivals the restaurant count of NYC! I can believe that number as there are literally restaurants EVERYWHERE you walk. Cuisines from all around the world are offered in Instabul.

From the cheap doner kebab hole in the walls (which likely makes up half of the tripadvisor list), to 5* dining on a rooftop overlooking the Bosphorus, this place has it all. With no Turkish cuisine of any sort in South Africa, I made sure to load up on all the good stuff while I was here.

I did find eating out to be more expensive than I thought but this is a major international city. Nevertheless, if you’re visiting in 2018 and beyond, it will be cheaper no matter what as the currency has really taken a beating (unless you’re eating at restaurants specifically catered to tourists and they will just peg everything to the euro). We ate at a variety of restaurants and for the most part, the Turkish food here is just as, if not more expensive than the Turkish food I ate in NYC. All I really knew about Turkish cuisine was meat spinning on a stick, aka kebabs. It is much more than this. Middle Eastern, Asian, and European influences have all shaped Turkish cuisine into what it is today.

Make sure to try everything here even if it looks strange. From stuffed eggplants, to Yogurt and red pepper dips, to Gozleme pancakes, to adana kebabs, there is something anyone and everyone will like. I haven’t even begun to talk about the seemingly endless amounts of Turkish delights and Baklava. Some of the locals told us that food in Turkey is much different when cooked at home than when eating out at a restaurant. What difference this is I will never know, but I did enjoyed the hell out of eating out.

Seven Hills Rooftop Restaurant

Sandwiched between the Blue Mosque and the Ayasofia is the famous Seven Hills rooftop restaurant. This place is the ultimate rooftop bar in the Sultamanhet district to take photos. It’s literally right in the middle of the two most famous structures in Istanbul with unobstructed views. It is truly stunning. However, this is the only reason you should come here.

The restaurant has really gone down hill in recent years and I don’t recommend doing anything except maybe grabbing a glass of wine and taking photos of the Ayasofia or Blue Mosque. People are really obsessed with feeding the seagulls for whatever reason. Whomever started this Instagram trend (I’m assuming it’s Insta) should be publicy shamed. Literally there are seagulls everywhere squacking and flying around your head. It is not relaxing at all anymore unfortunately. Nevertheless, you can expect some amazing photos here.

Doner Bank for Doner Kebab

One of the best inventions that Turkey gave the rest of the world is the doner kebab. Rotating meat on a spit is synonymous with the region and this method of cooking has made it all around the world. You can find schawarma in Lebanon and tacos Al Pastor in Mexico City which all retains its roots from the Ottoman empire.

In Instanbul, you’ll find huge rotating meat spits in every single corner of the city. These rotating spits are normally made with beef/lamb as well as chicken. I’m here to say straight up that  they are not created equally . Because of the huge amount of doner shops, you get A LOT of really terrible kebabs and a few very good ones. Don’t waste your time with sub par doner and go to Doner Bank on the Sultahmannet side. This kebab is absolutely delicious. The tender juicy meat is wrapped in traditional flatbread and served with tomatoes, parsley, spices, onions, and peppers.

Kebabs should not be overly complicated and there should  never be sauce.  The saying in Turkey goes that if you sauce your meat, you’re disrespecting it. I couldn’t agree more. Let the flavors of the meat shine!

Located near Taksim square, this was by far the best kebabs in a wrap we had in Istanbul. They were on Anthony Bourdain’s no reservation, and their adana kebab (make sure to get double) for 10L is the best deal in the city.

We found this grill house (of the kebab variety) on some online articles and it did not disappoint. Located near Taksim Square where we stayed, this place did kebabs right. There’s a old school grill in the middle of the restaurant with the grillmaster cooking up your meats on the spot. If there’s space, be sure to sit right next to the grill to see the man perform his craft and inhale all that deliciousness. This place had a solid mix of foreigners and locals.

From what I observed, it seems Turkish people enjoy a good helping of the Mezes (think Turkish Tapas) with their bread before the main course. Personally, I’m all about the meat so we got one red pepper and yogurt dip for our bread, and proceeded to gorge ourselves on adana and lamb shish.

Bilice Kebab

Kebabs don’t just mean doner kebabs on the rotating spit. A kebab is just any type of meat done on a skewer. I found an amazing place in the Taksim area that serves traditional Turkish lamb kebabs. Yes this restaurant focuses almost entirely on lamb which is heaven.

I ordered Adana kebab, chicken wings, and lamb skewers for my feast. They come out with traditional Turkish Mezes served on a giant circular pan. The mezes are arranged along the outside of the pan with the meat and flatbread in the middle. It doesn’t get more authentic than this place and I loved every bite of it.

Sokak Lezzeti for Fish Durum

Once you’re done with eating meat kebabs, know that Turkish food is also famous for its seafood! I didn’t really get to try much of the seafood but one of the things that I can’t stop thinking about is the fish doner in the Karakoy district of Istanbul.

This area along the water is filled with seafood restaurants and stands. The best place is by far Sokak Lezzeti which is famous for their grilled fish durums. This little stand is incredibly popular with tourist and locals alike. They grill over charcoal local river fish while meticulously taking out the bones. The fish is then placed in traditional flat breads with various spices, and then grilled again. The end result is absolutely insane. One of the most delicious things I’ve had.

The price for one of these wraps was 25 TL (About $2.5).

Karaköy Güllüoğlu for Baklava

No trip to Turkey is complete without eating Baklava. These sweet delicacies are found all over the region but make no mistake that their origins come from Turkey!

No place is more famous than Karakoy Gulluoglu which is one of the first Baklava restaurants in the city. This place is packed from sunrise to sunset and for good reason. You can try all the different Baklavas of your dreams here.

İbrahİm Hakki Uğrak Börek

Another Turkish delicacy you must try when visiting the country is Borek. Also known as Burek throughout the Balkans, it was one of the main things I ate for breakfast when traveling through those former Yugoslavian countries.

Cocktail bars in Istanbul

Istanbul has a very lively nightlife scene. People stay out late and party hard. I didn’t do as much partying as I hoped but I did visit a few cocktail bars.

My favorites are  Moretenders  and  Flekk . These cocktail bars have highly skilled bartenders making delicious drinks. Prices aren’t as cheap as other prats of the Balkans for example but still quite affordable (around $7-10 per drink).

What to do and see in Istanbul

Istanbul is an incredibly fascinating city. Before arrival, I had pictured Istanbul to be a somewhat modernized version of Marrakech , but oh how I was wrong. Istanbul is a city that’s a mix of everything. It is a city that was first Christian during the Byzantines, and later Muslim under the Ottoman Turks. The architecture is a plethora of both.

On one street corner, there are mosques and hamams, and down the street will be Italian style apartments. The juxtaposition of these two styles really makes the city stand out and likely the only city in the world featuring such strong influences from so many different cultures. Nevertheless, there is endless amounts of things to see and do in this city. For the time strapped traveler, this is how we did things.

Sultanmahet District

Sultanmahet is the main historical area of Istanbul; the old part of the city. All the famous mosques and churches are congregated in this area and all walking distance from one another. The main points of interest here are the Blue Mosque, Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. The Ayasofia is closed on Sundays, and Topkapi Palace is closed Tuesdays. When visiting the inside of any mosque in Istanbul, it is required to take off your shoes and women must cover their heads (any scarf will suffice).

Blue Mosque

Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia)

Once a Basilica during the Byzantine era, it was converted into an imperial Mosque during Ottoman Rule and has been a museum since 1935. This is the most visited tourist site in Istanbul and is right across the way from the Blue Mosque. Unlike the Blue mosque, this museum has an entrance fee of 25L but is a no brainer, must pay, fee to see this place. The inside is nothing short of incredible.

Basilica Cistern

Built in the Byzantine times, this underground basilica, yes underground, is one of several of its kind in Istanbul. I wasn’t sure that this was at first but was instructed that we had to go. The entrance is unassuming as it is just a small house but as you descend the steps to the basilica, wow what an amazing sight.

The columns and overall structure of the basilica are still very intact. The basilica was used as a water filtration system in the old days and provided water to the Topkapi palace and even into modern times. The entire sight is covered in water with fish swimming in it but there are plenty of walking paths. Lights have been added in modern times to beautifully illuminate this place allowing for some amazing pictures and views. Entrance is 15L.

Topkapi Palace

Located right next to the Ayasofia, this was once the living quarters of the Ottoman sultans. It’s still very much intact and is a must see when visiting Istanbul. I’d recommend getting here as early as possible and finding a guide (there are plenty outside the entrance) to show you around because there’s so much to see. Entrance is 40L (with the Harem viewing) and is closed on Tuesdays.

Grand Bazaar

Located just a 20 minute walk from the Sultanmanhet area, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with over 3000 shops and hundreds of thousands of visitors daily. As soon as you walk into this place, you are immediately overwhelmed as the endless amounts of shop and people engulf you. Anything souvenir and Turkish related can be bought here. Make sure to always bargain the original price (at least 30%) as the shop owners specifically cater their prices to expect this.

This experience was similar to the Souks in Morroco . Personally, I preferred the experience of the Souk. It had a more old school feeling and I really felt like I was in another world, getting lost at every turn. The Grand Bazaar is grand no doubt, but it just feels so modern and commercialized.

Other Mosques to Visit:

The Suleymaniye Mosque, The New Mosque, and Rustem Pasha mosques are all worth a visit and are all located close to the Grand Bazaar.

Bosphorus Day Cruise

Often overlooked, a cruise around the Bosphorus strait is something everyone should do if time allows. Inevitably, everyone will encounter the individuals throughout the city selling ferry boat tours along the Bosphorus Strait but it’s better to stay away from these as the boats used for these tours are questionable at best. Sehir Hatlari, the official ferry company of Istanbul, operates daily Bosphorus tours starting at the Eminonu dock to Anadolu Kavagi. Round trip tickets cost 25L and the ferry leaves the dock at 10:35am and picks up from Anadolu Kavagi at 3pm. The ferry ride is 1.5 hours both ways, leaving us 3 hours to spend in Anadolu Kavagi.

The main draws for this six hour trip are panoramic views of Istanbul from the sea, and Yoros Castle in Anadolu Kavagi, a sleepy town which sits at the edge of the Black sea offering stunning views of the whole region. It’s a nice reprieve from the chaos of Istanbul.

The ferry ride will make multiple stops before arriving at Anadolu Kavagi, where restaurants with its hecklers await the droves of tourists that come for lunch everyday. There are dozens of seafood restaurants selling overpriced fare. I ended up just grabbing some delicious grilled fish sandwiches for 6L before making the 20 minute hike up to Yoros Castle (taxis are also available). If you must sit down for lunch, eat at one of the restaurants near the Castle as they offer some incredible views of the sea. Three hours was plenty of time to walk up to the top, soak in the views, eat lunch, and return to the ferry with time to spare.

Galata Tower

Come to the Galata Tower if panoramic views high above all other buildings is of interest. Located just south of Taksim Square, this place is a must. The views are beautiful and all the Mosques in the old town are clearly visible allowing for some great pictures. However, similar to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the actual viewing area is incredibly cramped so if it’s crowded, it may be less enjoyable. Nevertheless, try getting here early in the morning or for sunset to avoid the large crowds. Entrance is 15L.

72 Hour / 3 day Instanbul Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1:  Sultanahmet District and all its attractions, Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Market Day 2:  Bosphorus full day Tour, Sundowner at Seven Hills Day 3: Taksim Square, Istikbal Street, Galata Tower, Turkish Baths

Continue Reading:

• The Ultimate Two Week Travel Itinerary For Turkey

Is Turkey Safe To Travel?

• The Ultimate Berlin, Germany Travel Guide

The Ultimate How To Get A Visa Guide For Turkey

• The Perfect One And Two Day Itinerary For Cappadocia, Turkey

Ultimate Oludeniz Travel Guide: Top Things To Do On Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

• 72 Hours in Marrakech, Morocco
• 48 Hours In Vienna, Austria
• 48 Hours in Rome, Italy
• The Ultimate Munich, Germany Travel Guide
• A Perfect Travel Guide For Ephesus and Pamukkale, Turkey
• Guide to Visiting Cape Town
• 48 Hours in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
• My NYC Restaurant List

Related Posts

The Best Wine Bars in Frankfurt, Germany

Ultimate Guide To Frankfurt’s Many Markets And Festivals

The Ultimate Frankfurt Restaurant Guide: Best Restaurants By Cuisine

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Post Comment

Thanks for this great article. It contains very good tips for a beautiful Istanbul tour. If you are planning to visit Istanbul.

Great guide here! Did you feel unsafe at any points during your visit? I’m curious because the political environment has changed a lot in the last few years so interested to get your perspective!

Hi Vince, during my visit I definitely did not feel uncomfortable at any point. Istanbul is just like any other major metropolis in the world that I’ve been to. Mostly amazing and safe parts with potential for sketchy neighborhoods in certain areas. As for recent events, I’ve followed them too but I don’t think anything of it from a tourist perspective. If anything, I would love to go to Istanbul right now as the lira is almost 5 to 1 with the dollar which means the prices will be incredibly cheap!

This is pretty spot on!

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Istanbul Travel Blog

An Insider's Guide to Istanbul

15 Best Things to Do in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

20 December 2023 by Serhat Engul

Visitors to Istanbul may find it difficult to grasp the size of the city at first glance. Especially foreign visitors are amazed by the large number of places to visit in Istanbul. The list of 15 things to do in Istanbul summarizes what a first time visitor to Istanbul can do.

In this mega city with a population of over 15 million, there is a 24-hour life. In some parts of the city, the streets become deserted at night, while in other places the entertainment continues until morning.

In order to feel the energy of Istanbul, you need to spend time in Beyoglu, Besiktas, Ortakoy or Kadikoy districts in the evening. The Sultanahmet area, where the historical monuments are located, becomes silent after 23:00.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Istanbul 2024

As someone who has been a private tour guide in Istanbul for many years, I know well the expectations of foreign tourists about Istanbul. Now I want to share with you my list of the best things to do in Istanbul for 2024 , based on 20 years of observations.

1. Taking a Bosphorus Cruise Ride

One of the most fun things to do in Istanbul is to tour the Bosphorus with a boat . When it comes to taking a boat tour in the Bosphorus , there are three options.

If you are staying around Sultanahmet, you can take the 1.5 hour tour with Turyol, which is the closest option. If you are staying close to Taksim Square, Dentur departing from Kabatas will be useful. The third option is to take a full-day Bosphorus cruise tour with the Sehir Hatlari official Bosphorus ferry.

2. Historical Monuments in Sultanahmet

All local and foreign visitors who come to visit Istanbul start to explore the city from Sultanahmet . When we consider the historical monuments such as Hagia Sophia , Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace , of course they are right.

Istanbul’s Old City (Sultanahmet) was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Sultanahmet offers great opportunities for those who want to take photos in Istanbul with its magnificent historical buildings.

The museums in Sultanahmet, the old city of Istanbul, are very crowded in spring and summer. In order not to get stuck in the long queues, you may want to consider purchasing the Museum Pass Istanbul .

3. Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

After visiting historical monuments in Sultanahmet, it is customary to go to the Grand Bazaar and crown the day with shopping. The Grand Bazaar, with its history dating back to 1461, attracts people like a magnet.

Even people who are tired of visiting museums of Istanbul cannot resist the idea of ​​going to the Grand Bazaar at the end of the day. The Grand Bazaar, which is a huge historical monument with 67 streets and more than 3000 shops, is the last representative of the traditional shopping style in Istanbul.

You can buy leather, jewelry, carpets and tiles from the Grand Bazaar. There are many options for buying Turkish rugs in Istanbul , and most of these options are found in shops in and around the Grand Bazaar.

4. Eminonu Square and Spice Bazaar

Going to Eminonu Square and visiting the Spice Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. The courtyard of the New Mosque, which has become the symbol of Eminonu, is the point of feeding pigeons like the courtyard of St. Mark’s Square in Venice.

Although the neighborhood is famous for its Spice Bazaar , the streets surrounding the bazaar are great for a local shopping experience. The streets between the Spice Bazaar and Sirkeci Tram Station are the ideal places to taste the best street food.

I say don’t go without seeing the small but precious Rustem Pasha Mosque , which is adorned with the most beautiful examples of Iznik Tiles. Rustem Pasha Mosque is only a five-minute walk from the Spice Bazaar.

The Mosque is located at the very beginning of Uzuncarsi Street, where you can go from the Spice Bazaar to the Grand Bazaar. Uzuncarsi Street (Uzunçarşı Caddesi) is a public market where you can find a wide variety of cheap products.

5. Tracing Genoese Colony in Galata

Galata was seen as a remote place as the opposite shore of Constantinople during the Byzantine period. Since there was no Galata Bridge joining the two sides at that time, the Byzantine people called Galata the Pera, which means “the other side”.

One end of the large chain that stretches between the two sides of the Golden Horn and prevents enemy ships from entering, was connected to Galata. The Byzantine Empire made huge incomes with the tax on spice and silk trade between Asia and Europe. Silk fabrics and spices from Asia were exported from Constantinople to Europe by Genoese and Venetian colonies.

The Ottomans continued their trade in the same way with the Venetians and the Genoese. Today, while visiting the streets of Karakoy, it is still possible to see the traces of the ancient port city of the past. Especially the Genoese have left a significant heritage in Karakoy and Galata neighborhoods.

6. Walking in Fener and Balat

Fener and Balat are two districts whose popularity has increased in recent years. These neighboring districts can be easily visited with a few hours walking tour.

These two districts, which reflect the Ottoman period Istanbul in the best way, have great historical importance. Fener and Balat districts represent the mosaic structure of Istanbul with the mosques, churches and synagogues they contain.

Fener, where the Greek Orthodox people lived, and Balat, which was the Jewish quarter, contain a considerable cultural heritage. To fully understand the history of Fener and Balat, it is recommended to visit these neighborhoods with a private guided tour.

As a licensed guide, I organize private guided walking tours to this area. If you would like to join my tour and unveil the interesting history of Fener and Balat, you can review the tour route in this article .

7. Turkish Breakfast with Bosphorus view

Both the Asian and European coasts of the Bosphorus are very popular on weekends. You can experience Turkish breakfast with Bosphorus view which is very popular among Istanbulites.

Breakfast is also enjoyed in trendy neighborhoods such as Galata, Cihangir, Sultanahmet or Kadikoy. However, having Turkish breakfast with the Bosphorus view is definitely a more inspiring experience.

On the European side, Ortakoy, Bebek and Rumeli Hisari are the most popular breakfast areas. On the other hand, the Asian side stands out with its peaceful neighborhoods such as Beylerbeyi, Cengelkoy and Anadolu Hisari.

8. Visiting a Historical Turkish Bath

Istanbul has two historical Turkish baths that have been successfully restored in the recent past. These are Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan and Kilic Ali Pasha Hamams. Both Turkish Baths were built in the 16th century by Sinan, the most important architect of the Ottoman period. In addition to these, Cemberlitas, Cagaloglu, Suleymaniye and Galatasaray Hammams are among the best historical baths in Istanbul.

Going to a Turkish bath is one of the most fun things to do in Istanbul. If you are interested in history and architecture, you can enjoy this traditional atmosphere. If you need a detailed resource for choosing one of the baths in Istanbul, you can read this article on Turkish baths .

9. Walking from Ortakoy to Bebek

In the upper lines, I suggested having breakfast on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. One of the top things to do in Istanbul is to have a Turkish breakfast in Ortakoy and then take a walk along the Bosphorus to Bebek .

The coastal road between Ortakoy and Bebek is the most convenient route for walking and jogging activities along the Bosphorus. You can photograph the Bosphorus bridges, mansions and fishing people on this road.  If you enjoy, you can extend the walk to Rumeli Fortress .

10. Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill

We have already suggested visiting the Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Fener and Balat neighborhoods of the Historic Peninsula. Let’s go deeper and talk about Eyup district.

Pierre Loti Hill , located in Eyup, is one of the best places to photograph in Istanbul. Taking the cable car to the top is among the best activities to be done in Istanbul.

Eyup Mosque, which is considered the most sacred mosque in Istanbul, is also within the borders of this district. After visiting the mosque, Miniaturk Museum can also be visited with a short bus or taxi ride.

11. Going Up to the Galata Tower

Galata Tower , which gives you the chance to see the seven hills of the Historical Peninsula , provides a bird’s-eye view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. If you go up to the tower at an hour when the sun is not so strong, you can take beautiful photos.

The square just below the Galata Tower has become an activity area with wonderful cafes and art galleries opened in recent years. Spending time around the Galata Tower and exploring the side streets are recommended things to do in Istanbul for 2024.

12. Strolling through Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street , a pedestrian road passing through Beyoglu, still bears the traces of the cosmopolitan life of the Ottoman period. You will notice that many different architectural styles are mixed together and create a unique harmony on Istiklal Street.

Istiklal Street, where museums, art galleries, cafes and restaurants are lined up side by side, promises you a wonderful walking experience. You can find the coolest neighborhoods of Beyoglu such as Cihangir, Pera and Galata in the streets branching from Istiklal Avenue.

Istiklal Street is also one of the most important stops of Istanbul food tours . Due to its cosmopolitan structure in the Ottoman period, the cuisine of many cultures was blended with each other. One of the best places to see this in Istanbul is Istiklal Street.

13. Antique Shopping in Cukurcuma

Cukurcuma is the neighborhood where the Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk’s Museum of Innocence is located. The neighborhood is mostly identified with antique shops.

It is quite enjoyable to visit the antique shops lined along Cukurcuma Street and to shop as much as your budget. If you’re keen on taking pictures, there’s no doubt you’ll get great memories here.

Cukurcuma and adjacent Cihangir districts are famous for its boutique cafes and restaurants. Istanbul’s most unique boutique cafes, pizzerias and wine houses are located in this neighborhood. Cihangir is also considered as one of the best area to stay in Istanbul .

14. Byzantine Heritage in Istanbul

The Romans’ history in Istanbul dates back to the reign of Septimus Severus. In 330, Emperor Constantine declared Istanbul the second capital of the Roman Empire . After the division of the Roman Empire into two, Constantinople remained the capital of Eastern Rome (Byzantine Empire) until 1453.

Istanbul, which has been the capital of the Byzantines for 1000 years, still has an important Byzantine heritage . There are cisterns and palace ruins from the Byzantine period, as well as a considerable number of Byzantine churches . Today it is possible to visit some of these churches as museums.

In the old districts of Istanbul such as Sultanahmet, Fener and Balat, Vefa and Zeyrek, Edirnekapi you can visit the Byzantine heritage sites and take great pictures.

15. Visiting the Mosques of Istanbul

We can say that the imperial mosques of Istanbul are divided into two in terms of architecture. The first is the Classical Ottoman Architecture, which peaks with Architect Sinan, and the second is the Modern Ottoman Architecture, bearing the signature of the Balyan Family.

In the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul, we see the architectural works of classical period. For example, the mosques built by the sultans such as the Blue Mosque , Suleymaniye Mosque and Fatih Mosque reflect the classical period of the Ottoman Empire.

From the 18th century onwards, the Ottomans began to use neo-classical and baroque elements with European influence. Ortakoy Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace and its Mosque and Beylerbeyi Mosque, such as mosques in the Bosphorus, you can observe this new period architecture.

Of course, the two styles have no superiority to each other. Together, they describe the evolution of a culture that reigned in Istanbul for 500 years. While Classical Architecture preferred a more simple style; Modern Architecture uses eye-catching decoration techniques.

There are beautiful mosques in Istanbul , such as Rustem Pasha Mosque and Ortakoy Mosque, which have just been restored. Over the past few years, the Blue Mosque has also undergone a major restoration. Visiting these three mosques is among the top things to do in Istanbul in 2024.

About Serhat Engul

Hello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide living in Istanbul. I designed this blog to give general information to visitors to Istanbul. If you want to go on a private guided tour of Istanbul with me, you can check my references from the ABOUT section and write to me via the CONTACT page.

Reader Interactions

12 January 2022 at 17:02

Hello Serhat

Im delighted to find your blog.

Im planning a trip to Istanbul in April with my husband.

I would be interested in taking a guided tour.

Can you please tell me what the current situation is regarding covid restrictions.

Do you need to have a vaccination pass to enter museums, public places, hotels and restaurants?

Or is it possible to have a negative antigen test

14 January 2022 at 16:33

Hi Nessa, thanks for the feedback on the blog. Currently, there is no Covid control at the entrance to mosques and museums in the touristic areas of Istanbul. I have not seen such a practice in restaurants and cafes.

People can prove their Covid status with a digital barcode called the HES code. They ask for this code at the entrance to official buildings and banks, not in places related to tourism.

Despite the high number of Covid cases in Istanbul, there is an environment where a tourist can travel comfortably. The place where the tourist will need the HES code in daily life can be modern shopping centers.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Istanbul Travel Blog is designed to introduce you to the history, museums, restaurants and culture of istanbul.

Private Tour Guide in Istanbul

Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

• ISTANBUL MOSQUES Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
• FENER BALAT Walking Tour (with Private Guide) 2024
• Byzantine Istanbul Tour (with Private Guide) 2024
• İstanbul Müze Giriş Ücretleri ve Saatleri (Güncel 2024)
• Theodosius Cistern Ticket Price & Hours [Updated 2024]

Powered by Reborn Travel

My Little Guide to Istanbul

Home » Europe » Turkey

My 10 days in Istanbul was such a welcomed break from the dusty heat in Goa. It’s not that I don’t love the Indian beach life, but sometimes that fresh cold European air is very welcome! I need more time in Istanbul, but as most backpackers go for only 2-5 days to each city, I think my 10 days could help you plan, so without further intro here is my little guide to Istanbul!

The Basics of Istanbul

There are cats everywhere.

lol that’s the first thing to know. They are super cute, fluffy, and everyone feeds and play with them!

Getting to and from Istanbul

By air, there are two airports in the city and one is quite far out. Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST), on the European side of the city and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side of the city. The Bosphorus strait separates the two and traffic can be tough. Check out my guide on how to get around in Istanbul and which areas are best to stay in Istanbul (complete with a pinned map).

Transportation In Istanbul

I wrote about this pretty heavily in my guide how to get around Istanbul , but as a recap you should download Uber ( iPhone and Android ). It was the bomb. It was way cheaper than taxis off the street. I also used a very reliable service called Blacklane twice for a very reliable service which was a little more pricey but I knew they weren’t going to cancel.

The tram and metro were a breeze to get around and the ferries easily take you from European side to Asian side. Water taxis are expensive though so be careful to avoid them!

SIM cards and WiFi in Istanbul

I picked up a SIM at the airport as I was told that it’s very hard to get a SIM card in the city. It was very expensive compared to what I’ve paid even in London at 95 Lira for 2 GB ($32). I went with Turkcell and although it was overpriced in my opinion, it was great coverage and even for an internet obsessed blogger, 2 GB was enough for my time there.

Another blogger Johnny used Alldaywifi  and I connected to it occasionally while we were at the World Tourism Forum and out around town. It’s 35 dollars for 7 days but the 3g connection is unlimited! Which is why Johnny didn’t mind having every blogger there connect to his device lol! It connects up to 10 devices.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

I listed all my favorite hotels in this article on where to stay in Istanbul . I stayed at two, visited two for the spa, and one for lunch. I researched all of these before my trip and had a hard time deciding which ones to stay at. I ended up at the  W Hotel  and  Hotel Ibrahim Pasha  ( hotel review here coming ). I loved them both although they were complete opposites of one another. I cannot wait to go back and stay at the other hotels on the list.

I would say that my next top 3 on my wishlist would be:  Sumahan on the Water  on the Asian side where I had a fantastic lunch,  The House Hotel Galatasaray  famous for its views and unique rooms, and the  Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah  if you really want to splurge out Sultan style.

Spas in Istanbul

Before I go on with this I want to make a side mention, there is a Toni and Guy Salon  in Istanbul if you need a good hair cut or color and have been traveling for ages! I tried to make time for it, but alas I was too busy.

Turkish Baths

Turkish baths are all the rage in Istanbul, and not just for tourism. They date back to the Victorian era and “hammams” were built next to mosques for a variety of reasons. Before you enter a mosque you should clean yourself and another reason was the money brought in from the hammam would help fund the mosque. Turkish women would go for a gossip session.

I recommend bringing your own comb to brush your hair out in the hammam as once it’s wrapped up in a towel and you get to the dressing room, mine was nearly impossible to brush out.

The price at  Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami is 170 tl ($57 USD) which is a steal considering it’s a luxury hamami. You would be bonkers to not try this while in Istanbul! You cannot take photos inside so I don’t have any to share but you can see them on their website.

Location of Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami:  Kemankes Mahallesi, Hamam Sokak 1, Trophane. +90 212 393 80 10.

Other famous hamams include the oldest, Çemberlitaş Hamamı, and the one near the Hagia Sofia, Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, among others.

Modern Spa in Istanbul

Although trying the traditional services was amazing, I also wanted to try out modern spa services in Turkey so when the most prestigious spa in Istanbul, the Raffles Hotel Spa , invited me to try their Heavenly treatment, I was there in a heartbeat. BONUS: get there early, because it is built right next to a really good mall,  Zorlu .

The Must Do Tours in Istanbul

Walks of turkey.

Walks of Turkey offers two tours that I think would be of interest to you: the “best of Istanbul” tour and the “Istanbul in a day” tour. I went for the best of tour which was 3 hours instead of 9. If I could do it again, I would go for the 9 hour tour because the additional places in that tour I sadly never ended up seeing.

This tour was no different. The guy was spectacular and explained everything you’d want to know while visiting the Hagia Sofia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and underground Basilica Cistern (which are the biggest tourist attractions in Istanbul). I would say this tour is worth every penny. The meeting place was outside the Blue Mosque, which was all of a 30 second walk from my Hotel,  Hotel Ibrahim Pasha .

Istanbul in a Day , 9 hour tour, is $105 USD and includes lunch.

Best of Istanbul , a 3 hour tour, is $52 USD. They both include entrance fees but you should tip.

Istanbulite

I am obsessed with my  Istanbulite  tour! I met Eda, the young hip owner, at the World Tourism Forum and she asked if I wanted to take a tour. She does “bespoke tours” on top of all the options she has on her website. I knew right away what we should do together- a shopping tour. I told her I had already done a tour of the city with Walks of Turkey and really just wanted to see the trendy local designers. I told her I had a list of them already with locations and Instagrams! She thought it was great and already offered a shopping tour of sorts, so added in the ones I wanted to see and wa-la I had a tour guide take me to see all the places I thought would take me days to see (all in about 6 hours).

I have so much to share about the shopping tour, that I’m writing another post about it and will show you the shops we went to.

Authentic Turkey Tours

This is a great option if you’re reading this thinking “eh, I’m not really a tour person”. They will actually just take you out for a day on the town which can go in any direction you like- if you want to take photos, they will take you to the secret local spots (no joke, one was a stairwell of a falling apart old building with an old man taking money to let us pass… we ended up on a rooftop with the most beautiful view in the city).

Top Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Sunken Cistern, Hippodrome, and Topkapı Palace  are all right next to each other in  Sultanahmet.  You get off the tram at Sultanahmet stop and you cannot miss these places. If you want information, I recommend the tour I took but you can alternatively just wander around Them. You need to cover your head and pay entrance fees at most. 

Food in Istanbul

I was pretty bad about remembering the names of places I ate! Turkish food is delicious and unless you are right next to a tourist attraction, you can expect great quality food at really fair prices. I do remember a couple:

• Pano  ( Hamalbasi Caddesi No: 12/B (Ingliliz Konsoloslugu Karsisi), Galatasaray-Beyoglu) which us bloggers went to as a group for a goodbye dinner with the team at  Blogger Casting . It’s in an old Greek house with a wine cellar in the basement. It was very cool and the food was amazing. The meat was served on swords!

• Rumeli Cafe  ( Sultanahmet. +90 212 512 00 08) was recommended by my hotel as the best food in Sultanahmet, which is an area known for terrible food at high prices. It was pricey but everything in this area is pricey.
•   Tapasuma , the restaurant at the famous hotel  Sumahan on the Water , was SO EFFING GOOD!!

• Kempenski Hotel  we ate dinner here for our “Gala night” which I think was fancy Turkish food. I have to say, I prefer street food more!
• Populist  a brand new brewery with the BEST burgers and pub snacks ever… I dream of this food (chicken fingers, sliders, chips and salsa, spinach cheese dip, etc).

Other famous restaurants I meant to check out but never had time are: Changa, Mikla,  Kiyi, Park Samdan, and  Ulus 29 views.  I found these online before I went and they were on my list! 

I sort of skipped dessert, sorry to say! No turkish delight or Baklava for me. I also missed out on  Balık Ekmek which are the famous fish sandwiches you pick up on the street. I get so much fish in Goa, I always went for the juicy lamb instead! I did try their raw fish  Bonito  which like most raw fish, I didn’t like.

You also can’t go there without trying their coffee and tea!

Shopping in Istanbul

If you’ve read this blog for a while, I’m sure you are not surprised that I did a lot of shopping. I researched ahead of time all the brands I wanted to see made my local designers as well as traditional Turkish shops and promptly followed them all on Instagram. I have an entire post coming dedicated to shopping in Istanbul !

Join my email list and get exclusive updates & news straight to your inbox. 

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Share this story, choose your platform, about the author: rachel jones.

12 Comments

Great tips Rachel, so glad you mentioned cats right at the start haha! Also, looking at the food section, maybe I’ll give it a better go next time….though I was always so full from eating Simets!

Hahah that’s the trouble- we can’t eat it all

This post makes me miss Istanbul so much! It is one of my absolute favourite cities, and I will definitely make it back soon. Lovely photos! xx

Thanks! I want to go back too :)

Great post, it definitely made me want to visit Istanbul as soon as possible! :)

What an awesome guide – you’ve covered all the best bits, and the photography is gorgeous! I must return to Istanbul one day…

Thanks! :) I want to return one day too.

Hi Racheal,

Thanks for posting your unforgettable guide to Istanbul. This guide will help me in knowing the place in a much better way before my visit.

You have shared really good pictures. And, I guess pictures have said it all about your Tour.

The Best of Istanbul tour link doesn’t work. Do you have the correct link for it?

I just tried it and it seems like the walks of turkey website is down. I’ll have to check and see if they went out of business!

Thanks for this great post!

I would love to contact ‘Authentic Turkey Tours’ and arrange a tour with them…but I see the link is broken :( . Any chance you know whether they’ve moved their website or have alternative contact details/email addresses?

Hello. I am starting to travel. I would like to travel alone if possible is it safe?

Like the Article? Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

I’ve Been to Istanbul Every Year Since 2014 — This Time I Brought My 1-Year-Old

Turkish tapas, donkey-milk skin care, and vintage caftans..

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating  A Beautiful Mind– style spreadsheets to come up with the best  vacations /itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find those people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

Host of the Naked Beauty podcast and @ nakedbeautyplanet and creator marketing manager at Instagram Brooke DeVard has been traveling back and forth to Turkey since 2014 — first on her own, and then with her now-husband Umut Ozaydinli, who grew up there. “I love going both as a tourist and with someone who lives there,” she says. “It’s not one of those cities where if you don’t know the right people it can be challenging to navigate.” For Ozaydinli, Istanbul matches New York’s energy and pace, but what DeVard sees as its biggest draw is that it otherwise resists comparison to other cities: “If you travel a lot, some cities start to seem very similar. I think Istanbul is so special because it’s a unique combination of old-world and new that really feels distinctly its own.” This summer, she returned to Istanbul with her husband and new permanent plus-one, 13-month-old son Mavi, for whom it was the first trip abroad. Her priorities when she’s traveling (and, frankly, when she’s home in New York) are the same: “I love food, beauty treatments, and shopping, so they are always top of my list to experience wherever I am.”

We often stay in Kanlica, where my husband’s family lives. Their house is right on the Bosphorus, so you wake up to this amazing view of the water. Kanlica is the Asian side — it’s the quieter and more residential side of Istanbul — and it’s connected to the European side by bridge. If you want an area that feels much less busy and low-key, there are some hotels on the Asian side or you can book an Airbnb. But it is farther away from many of the attractions, so just be prepared to spend more time in traffic or on water taxis (which I’m obsessed with, anyway). If we’re staying on the European side, we like to stay at Soho House in Beyoglu or the Four Seasons. At Soho House, you’re really just in the thick of it, with tons of art galleries, restaurants, and shopping walking distance from the hotel, which also has a beautiful pool on their rooftop. If you’re going in the summertime, that’s a nice place to pop up to for a drink. For a luxury experience, I love the Four Seasons, which has gorgeous views of the water.

8 a.m.: Breakfast before anything else

We always start with a traditional Turkish breakfast, which includes simit bread — The best! Like a bagel, but way better — white cheeses, fruits, eggs, jams, and maybe even sucuk (Turkish sausage). Most hotels and restaurants will serve Turkish breakfast in the morning (the Four Seasons has an amazing one), but Migros, a grocery store with locations throughout the city, is a good one-stop shop to get everything if you want to make your own. Or there’s a fancier version of Migros called Macrocenter. I really like visiting grocery stores when I’m traveling abroad.

9 a.m.: Start in Old Town

I believe in doing the tourist attractions first and then relaxing on the back end. We started by going to the old town center and visiting the architectural marvel that is the Hagia Sophia . I like going as early as possible because it’s less crowded and it’s easier to get through it all. It is a Muslim country, so when I’m in the historic areas of Istanbul, I tend to cover up more. But all across Istanbul when you go to tourist places and you’re in a tank top, they usually have little shawls at the entrance that you can just drape over your shoulders.

10 a.m.: Stop at Topkapi Palace

A five-minute walk away is Topkapi Palace , where you can easily spend three or four hours. If you want a guide, you can find English-speaking ones on the grounds. There’s a separate ticketing kiosk to visit the palace’s harem quarters, and I recommend paying a few dollars extra to do that. You’ll see rare artifacts, like the Spoonmaker’s Diamond (the fourth-largest diamond in the world at 86 carats), and it’s an amazing way to learn how the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived. I’m African American and I had no idea that there were Black eunuchs that played this big role in the sultans’ life. There’s a small community of Afro Turks, Black Turkish people, that can trace their lineage back to these people working in the palace with the sultan.

3 p.m.: A late lunch and spice shopping

Topkapi Palace does have a nice outdoor restaurant, but we took a ten-minute taxi or tram ride to the spice market instead. There, you can have a late lunch at the famous Pandeli restaurant (Rüstempaşa Mah), which has been there since the early 1900s and serves incredible Turkish food. Start with piyaz, a dish of beans and onions, and köfta (meatballs); these were the original two dishes on the very first menu of the restaurant. You can also order the hünkar begendi, translated as “sultan’s delight”; a divine slow-cooked lamb served on charred eggplant purée; döner kebab; and, for dessert, the classic kazandibi, a milk pudding with minced chicken … which sounds weird, but is actually delicious. After our meal, we wandered around the spice market before it closed, where I love loading up on fragrant teas and lots of dried jasmine flowers.

7 p.m.: Walk the Galata Bridge at sunset

We were tired after all of the day’s adventuring, so we strolled over the famous Galata Bridge taking in the scenery and watching the fishermen, then took a ferry back to where we were staying in Kanlica, which is the best and most accessible kind of boat tour. It’s under $1 per person, and while people use it to commute, you get the most beautiful views, especially at sunset. If you have any stamina left, you could also visit the Galata Tower, one of the oldest towers in the world with its own showstopping views of Istanbul.

10 a.m.: Get subterranean

The Basilica Cistern is entirely underground, and it’s really one of the most fascinating sites in the world. It’s definitely cooler down there, so plan your outfit accordingly. The Cistern shows how water traveled through the city in the Byzantine era. There’s mood lighting and classical music (they even have concerts there sometimes), so the overall vibe is surprisingly kinda romantic. We never get a guide, just wander around ourselves.

12 pm: Fuel up with kebabs

We stopped at Şeyhmuz Kebap for kebabs, which, if you’re a meat eater or love Anthony Bourdain–style local spots, you have to definitely get. It’s from the city of Mardin, and it’s a combination of lamb or beef that’s put on this spit and roasted and there are different ways it’s served: adana kebab, which is spicy, or sarma beyti kebab. I really like the Şeyhmuz kebap with pistachio; it’s basically almost like a flat meatball with pistachios and is usually served with grilled peppers, tomatoes, onion, and fresh parsley, and sometimes with rice or pita. Or sarma beyti is also amazing; that’s kebab wrapped in pita bread with yogurt and red sauce on top.

1 p.m.: Buy vintage caftans and argan-oil soap at the Grand Bazaar

I never miss a chance to go to the Grand Bazaar; if you like shopping, it’s a must. There are 4,000-plus shops, so you could spend ten hours there and still not see everything. The experience requires focus, planning, and some negotiating skills, but that’s all part of the fun. Over the years, there’s been more and more counterfeit stuff; you walk in and it’s like Off-White and Gucci, Balenciaga, and Bottega, even that Prada headband that Amanda Gorman wore at the inauguration. For shoppers that are impatient, they may enter the Grand Bazaar, see all the counterfeit stuff, and be like, There’s nothing really here for me . I always just veer away from the main area and head to the outskirts. My favorite things to shop for are vintage caftans, Turkish towels, rose water (it’s used in a lot of beauty treatments there), and natural soaps at a specific place called Kash. I got argan-oil soap, goat’s milk soap, and even pistachio. On this trip, I also got really into donkey’s milk, which is a big thing there; it’s very rich and hydrating and great for people with eczema.

6 p.m.: Sunset rooftop drinks and dinner

We showed up early for our dinner reservation at Neolokal to get drinks on the rooftop, which has panoramic views of all of Istanbul and an incredible bar. Neolokal has been voted the best restaurant in Istanbul, and it has a set menu so you don’t have to think about what to order. We had beef cooked in duck juice with various yogurts that I’m still fantasizing about.

9 a.m.: Meander around the waterfront

We took a water taxi to Ortakoy, an area along the water, where we really enjoyed taking Mavi in the stroller for a walk; I think he appreciated the view. The literal translation of Ortakoy is the “middle village,” and it’s a cute area full of shops, restaurants, cafés (we love House Café there), and a gorgeous mosque that creates the quintessential Istanbul photo backdrop. We did a family photo there.

11 a.m.: Get in a little more shopping

We walked to the nearby Nisantasi neighborhood; it’s a very chic area, and if you love shopping, you can spend a day exploring here. I start at Vakko , which is kind of like their Barneys, and then make my way up and down the streets popping into little shops. I discovered a new store there on this visit called Gizia, a great shop with only Turkish designers.

1 p.m.: Wine and people-watch

We paused to grab lunch at Foxy Nisantasi ; order the eggplant with molasses and a glass of local wine, and then just sit outside and people-watch while you eat.

3 p.m.: Sweat it out at the hammam

Turkish bath culture is huge, and I always do one day at the hammam when we’re in Istanbul. We went to the hammam at the Ritz-Carlton this time, which isn’t the most traditional place to do it, but it was wonderful. You’re still on the marble slab with the warm water, and they exfoliate your whole body with that kese mitt and soap you down and follow up with an oil treatment. The marble treatment rooms at the Ritz are beautiful and because they’re used to tourists, they will let you take a photo covered in bubbles before the final massage. You can also book a couples room there if you’re with your boo so you can get scrubbed down and bathed together.

7 p.m.: Have an epic meal

We brought a change of clothes for dinner along with us to the spa, so afterward, we set off to have one of the best meals of our life at Mikla . The tasting menu is phenomenal and is all about traditional Ottoman cuisine in newly imagined ways. We had the most delicious braised lamb and their take on manti, which are traditional spiced-meat dumplings.

9 a.m.: Walk and coffee

We took a long walk (about an hour) from Kanlica to Balat, which is this very cool, creative neighborhood. There are coffee shops everywhere in Istanbul, and they open early and stay open until like 11 p.m., but a lot of people go to Balat just to drink coffee. Turkish coffee is so strong and very thick. I can’t really drink it without having a mild seizure … it’s just too much for me. But if you like strong coffee, then it’s a literal dream. What I love is that you can have a piece of Turkish delight with it, a sweet square of sugary gelatin that offsets the taste if it’s too intense for you.

11 a.m.: Instagram ops and glassmakers

Everything is super-bright in Balat, with all the houses painted different colors (green, yellow, blue), and there are cobblestone streets. It’s fun and vibrant. All the colors means there will be many people taking Instagram pictures; there were literally lines to take pictures! We found some lovely shops specializing in glass objects, like these really pretty delicate straws. We didn’t end up buying any because I was worried they would break in transit. Then we meandered over to nearby Fener to visit a historic school sometimes called the Red Castle, the oldest Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul, and the beautiful Church of St. George.

12 p.m.: A moment for mezes

We stopped for lunch at Agora Meyhanesi , a famous Greek tavern that’s over 100 years old. They don’t have a proper menu, but the best move is to get mezes and share a piece of fish.

3 p.m.: Watch the whirling dervishes

We ended the day in Taksim Square with a whirling dervish show. The dervishes are religious people, but more on the mystical side, who sing and dance and wear these tall hats and outfits that twirl as they move. The skirts they wear as they spin create this amazing illusion, and watching it feels almost meditative. It’s one of the coolest cultural experiences I’ve had, and it’s so specific to this region. I’ve really never seen anything like it.

8 p.m.: Try Turkish tapas

On our way back to Kanlica, we stopped in Bebek for a late dinner. There’s a whole genre of restaurants in Turkey called meyhane , which just means “wine house,” and they all specialize in a version of small plates. It’s almost like tapas, and it’s all meant to be shared with the table. The meyhane place we went to, and loved, was Sisko Perihan , which has a very fun vibe and great food; we had great kokorec (a type of intestines) on toast, all of the small dips with white cheese, and kofte.

Brooke’s Istanbul Packing List

It’s foldable, so it’s easy to roll up in your bag. Mine has little ties so you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing it off. It’s also chic and goes with everything.

[Editor’s note: While this hat doesn’t have ties, it’s similar in style to the one Brooke has.]

The ultimate travel lip gloss. It hydrates and actually lasts, and it looks great for daytime and night.

Prada fanny pack

My No. 1 travel bag so I can roam hands-free and in crowded places. I don’t have to worry about my bag being open or accessible.

[Editor’s note: This bag is a little smaller than the one Brooke has , but it’s currently the only Prada belt bag in stock.]

Hand sanitizer

The scent — it has cedarwood, vetiver, and ylang-ylang — is just divine, but it also thoroughly sanitizes your hands, which is important when you’re scouring through items at someplace like the Grand Bazaar.

[Editor’s note: This hand sanitizer is currently sold out, but we also like Megababe’s hand sanitizer , which, like Ona’s, is made with plant-based alcohol and contains scented oils — in this case, bergamot and orange — to leave your hands smelling fresh.]

I’m never without it. It’s invisible, so it’s so easy to apply it in the back of a car or walking down the street and not worry that I look like Casper the Ghost.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• steal my vacation

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• 9 Things That Delighted Us: DJ Khaled’s Cocoa Butter to Brown Sugar Lip Balm
• My Relentless Journey to Find the Perfect White Tee
• The 16 Very Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin
• All of the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
• The 10 Very Best Shampoos
• The 30 Very Best Mascaras

Shop with Google

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• The United States of America
• New Zealand
• French Polynesia
• Our destination wedding
• Budget tips
• Travel photography
• Packing lists
• Hotel guides
• Travel guides
• Itineraries
• Work with us
• Search for: Search Button

Travel tips Istanbul in Turkey: Our experiences + highlights of Istanbul!

In this blog you can read more about our time in Istanbul, Turkey. I also share some useful tips for Istanbul and I select the best hotels and hostels when you go backpacking and get through Istanbul!

We are in Turkey! After two wonderful weeks in the Netherlands (we could have easily stayed a week longer, it was so nice to be back after four months of travelling in Africa), we packed our backpacks again. They are very heavy this time: we have party clothes for a wedding with us and warm clothes for the Annapurna hike in Nepal. But first: Istanbul!

Four days of sightseeing and eating in Istanbul!

After a long travel day (something with strikes of the Dutch farmers and the Dutch railway system which couldn’t handle this) we arrive exhausted at Sabiha airport in Istanbul.

An hour later we are at our hostel. The coming nights we will sleep in the Jumba Hostel , a nice, quirky hostel in the middle of the central Taksim district. Everywhere around us are trendy restaurants and a few hours later we sit in one of them with our friends Willemijn and Jiri. Willemijn is a friend of mine from Maastricht. As a digital nomad, she and her friend Jiri travel the world full-time. Coincidentally they were now in Istanbul, we have not seen each other for almost two years so when she sent me a message for some drinks, that was quickly arranged. We have a lot to talk about and with four of us, it is a very pleasant evening!

Must read before visiting Cappadocia: highlights Cappadocia blog!

Sleepwalking through the old city of Istanbul

With a lot of effort, we get up the next morning. During our last days in the Netherlands we didn’t sleep much, add to that a tiring travel day + two wines yesterday … we are actually still very tired. But we don’t have much time here in Istanbul so after breakfast we head out. Well… we head our for four times … I forget plasters, Ries forgets his sunglasses, and I forget to take my wedding outfit along to bring it to the dry cleaner. It’s clear: we are not really awake yet.

Sunset in Istanbul

And so we relax in our room during the hottest part of the day while watching The Big Bang Theory. At the end of the day, we have enough energy to go out and so we watch the sunset from a beautiful park and then eat the tastiest fish wraps ever!

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia

After a wonderful night of sleep, we are much more rested! Time for a second attempt to visit the Blue Mosque. We are early and walk around through the beautiful building. Unfortunately, almost the entire inside is under construction, so, to be honest, this is a bit disappointing.

An hour later we arrive at the equally impressive Hagia Sofia. Hagia Sofia was originally a Christian church, was then converted into a mosque and got turned into a museum in the early twentieth century when there was disagreement among Muslims and Christians about its purpose destination. The structure is at least as beautiful on the inside as on the outside, with age-old mosaics, murals and stained glass. Furthermore, it’s so amazing to walk around in a building that is almost 1500 years old!

Tip: we bought our tickets for Hagia Sofia online in advance. This saves a lot of waiting time in line! Click here to also book tickets and a tour.

Hot air balloons in Cappadocia : The best locations to spot them!

Having a fight about Little Hagia Sofia

At noon, outside again on the large square where the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia are located, Ries proposes to take a short walk that is in the Lonely Planet and leads past the small Hagia Sofia. I agree although I notice that it is hot and I am starting to get a bit hungry … And whoever knows me a bit sees the ingredients for a cranky Charlotte in the above sentence.

And yes, there we go: Ries loses his way because the Lonely Planet does not describe the route well (and because looking at the map is not his strongest side). I feel the sweat dripping down my spine, my appetite has turned into hunger and after an hour of wandering around, I grab the phone from Ries’ hands and start walking also in the wrong direction angrily. Ries, in his turn, is insulted and so we wander through Istanbul for another hour while no restaurant is good enough …

Recognizable to someone? Those moments are also part of travelling. However, you hardly ever read about this because hey, who likes to air his dirty laundry outside? However, when I read these kinds of stories in other blogs I appreciate it too. It gives a better perspective of travelling in general. It is not always fun. That is why I share this too.

Read all about our Turkey itinerary in this blog!

The Grand Bazaar

After a baguette with feta and honey, the fight is settled quickly and the hunger satisfied. We do find out, however, that in we have some trouble with a cancelled pin transaction at a Turkish bank called Akbank. Although we cancelled it, the transaction is nevertheless debited and most likely the machined spewed our money out when we already left. Unfortunately, we get zero response from Akbank to our complaint.

One advantage: we literally have no money to be tempted to buy something in the grand bazaar. And believe me, that temptation is great because there are a lot of nice things. The grand bazaar surprises us a lot: it is much less crowded and chaotic than we expected and most sellers leave us alone. We stroll around, look around with big eyes and then go back to our hostel to cool off with a cold shower. In the evening we visit a local yoga school and take part in a very nice but hard yoga session.

Visiting Akbank and buying a new Fujifilm camera filter

Unfortunately, our problem with the Akbank ATM has not been resolved. And, so we have to visit the office. After waiting an hour and a half we are told that they cannot do anything for us. Pretty annoying and we definitly can advise against ever using this bank. Fortunately, at our next stop, Ries finds the perfect polarizing filter for his Fujifilm camera. A polarizing filter is often used in front of the camera lens in order to darken skies, manage reflections, or suppress glare from the surface of lakes of the sea. This allows him to take even better photos, especially in the mountains of Cappadocia and the Himalaya.

The rest of the day we take it easy, we do some shopping on the Kalverstraat of Istanbul: the Istiklal C.D. where the H&M, Zara and Decathlon are located. I need new sport shirts, some jewellery for the wedding of Axel and Gokce where we are going next week and Ries is looking for new slippers. Along the way, we stop for a cold lemonade on the terrace (it’s 30 degrees outside). It’s nice people watching and enjoying the beautiful weather. At the dry cleaner we pick up my wedding outfit and in the evening we eat traditional Turkish with a vegetarian twist.

Drinks with a view of Istanbul: a classic rooftop bar

We celebrate our last evening in Istanbul with a drink in the rooftop bar of hotel Marmara Pera . This hotel has a beautiful roof terrace from where you can see the entire city. Visiting roof terraces for a drink is something that we try to do when we visit big cities every now and then. It’s a way of getting away from the budget hotels and budget meals, dress up nicely and then chat with a glass of wine and cocktail about what the future will bring us. A very nice end to our wonderful time in Istanbul.

The next day we fly on to Cappadocia, a great place that will soon have a travel guide online. And then we enjoy the spectacular wedding of Axel and Gokce in Antalya for four days.

My top tips for Istanbul:

Four days is actually far too little to see this huge city. I have received many tips from readers about what we really should not miss in Istanbul, far too many to do unfortunately but here is a small selection of things that we really should not miss during a trip to Istanbul!

Eat fish wraps at the port

Every day there are dozens of fishermen on the Galata Köprüsü (Istanbul’s most famous bridge). You can eat their catch in the evening at one of the small street barbecues where the fish is grilled and then wrapped in a delicious wrap. Perhaps the tastiest food I ate in all of Istanbul!

See the sunset with a view of the Istanbul skyline

The Asian part of Istanbul is located across the Bosphorus. On day two we went by ferry to the hilly park Buyuksehir Belediyesi Fethipasa . After a steep climb to the top of the hill, we looked out at the Istanbul skyline during sunset. Recommended! Also nice to sail a bit over the Bosphorus by ferry (and a good budget tip, only € 0.60 round trip!)

Travel budget Turkey: What does a trip through Turkey cost?

Havabus: the shuttle bus from the airports to the city

Upon arrival in Istanbul, we took a way too expensive taxi to the city. It turned out that we could have travelled to the centre with Havabus just as quickly and considerably cheaper. So we did for the following flights. Havabus runs from both Istanbul airport and Sabiha for 18 TL per person to the centre.

Roasted corn cobs and Simit on the street

The Turkish version of the pretzel stand: everywhere in Istanbul you will find small stands where corn cobs and Simit, the Turkish pretzel, are sold. Delicious!

Buy an Istanbul Kart for public transportation!

Buy an Istanbul Kart for less than € 1.50, with which you can travel by public transport for much less money. You can buy this card at small kiosks on the street. If you hand in the card, you will also receive the purchase amount back.

Nice hotels in Istanbul

Hereby some good ho(s)tels for Istanbul that we visited ourselves or that we spoke to other travellers about!

Tip: book your ho(s)tels for Istanbul on time. Because booking.com is currently being blocked in Turkey, you cannot book accommodation if you are already in Turkey. So book from another country, then everything will go well!

Jumba hostel  €

We slept in this cozy hostel. Right in the center with a very nice atmosphere, a small roof terrace and both private rooms and dorms. From € 10 per person.

Eternity hotel €€

This modern hotel is located in the old center, within walking distance of all sights. The rooms are sleek and there is a roof terrace. From € 64 per person.

Galata 12 €

This nice apartment is located in the center of Istanbul, close to the metro and the Galata tower. It is in a quiet street and has good facilities. From € 38 for two people.

More blogs about Turkey

Must read before visiting cappadocia turkey: travel guide cappadocia, itinerary turkey: the ultimate itinerary for 2 weeks of traveling around in turkey, travel budget turkey: how expensive is backpacking and a trip in turkey, the best locations to view hot air balloons in cappadocia (turkey).

Istanbul is a really beautiful city, thank you for this article.

Hi Charlotte. Congratulations on the article. But I had a bad experience in Istanbul and I don't recommend a trip to this city. I don’t recommend Istanbul for a trip. I landed on the night of 10/17/2022 at Istanbul Airport (IST). Before the flight, I purchased a transfer service through Booking.com for the transfer from the airport to the hotel, for 32 pounds sterling. Upon arrival at the airport, I did not meet the driver at the agreed location (exit 13) and spoke with a driver who was there. I showed him the name and phone number of the person who was supposed to pick me up. He called then and on the other end of the line someone impersonated the driver who was supposed to pick me up, saying that there was a mistake and that I should make the ride with the one I had found. A price of 3590.00 Turkish Lira was placed and payment would be accepted by credit card. As I was very tired, it was late at night and I didn’t know the rate of the Turkish lira, I accepted it. On leaving the airport, the local called a colleague to accompany the trip. On the way, they stopped at the first ATM and I was forced to withdraw the money. At that moment, I saw that it was a coup and that my life was in danger. Upon arriving at the hotel, I took a photo of the license plate and asked the receptionists for help. I couldn’t sleep that night. The next morning I went to the tourist police station. I told him what had happened and the police officer only said that he would contact the owner of the vehicle and talk to him about returning the money. On the night of 10/19/2022, a representative of the vehicle owner went to the hotel and the hotel manager brokered the contact and negotiation. The two, representative and manager, said it would only fit me 85.00 euros as there would be fees to cover. I paid the equivalent of 225.00 euros for the criminal race and received only 85 euros at the end. No policial report was registered. I was coerced and robbed. This is all completely absurd. Crime and impunity prevail here. I hired a guide for a walking tour of the historic center, but he didn’t show up. I paid for a laundry at the hotel to deliver clean and ironed clothes but they only delivered clean ones. Anyway… a very negative experience. Tourism is done with transparency, honesty and trust. I leave Istanbul sad and very disappointed. I don’t recommend this city to anyone.

Hi Igor, Sorry to hear this but I think you might have just had really bad luck. I don't believe that since you had a lot of bad experiences, all toursim is done with transparency, honesty and trust. Also not in Istanbul. Again, very sorry to hear about your experience but I really don't think is the case for everyone going to Istanbul. Kind regards, Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, Thanks for sharing. I believe that such blog posts are very helpful especially for the first time visitors. Istanbul is very complicated, huge and crowded. Careful planning is needed. Reading Igor's comment, yes, bad experiences might happen but again, they can be avoided with good planning. Best regards,

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > Turkey Travel Blog - Istanbul, Bursa & Beyond

Turkey Travel Blog – Istanbul, Bursa & Beyond

5 Turkey Museum Pass Options: Priced For The Museum Pass In Turkey Updated 2024

11 Weird Turkish Food I Could Not Try! Could You Eat This?

Where To Eat In Cappadocia: 19 Best Restaurants In Cappadocia 

Best Turkish Hookah In Istanbul: 10 Places For Smoking Shisha

We travel to Turkey seeking out local food, wine, the best things to do in Turkey, & the best accommodation for you.

Here are our most popular Turkey travel guides.

5 Turkey Museum Pass Options: Priced For The Museum Pass In Turkey Updated 2024 11 Weird Turkish Food I Could Not Try! Could You Eat This? Where To Eat In Cappadocia: 19 Best Restaurants In Cappadocia  Best Turkish Hookah In Istanbul: 10 Places For Smoking Shisha Get Around Istanbul: 2024 Guide To Istanbul Public Transportation 18 Must-See Landmarks & Historical Places In Turkey When Is The Best Time To Visit Turkey (& What To Wear & Expect) Ancient City Of Hierapolis Guide: UNESCO Archaeological Site Best Vegan Restaurants In Istanbul & What To Eat Your Guide To Scuba Diving In Turkey 17 Things To Do In Dalaman Area (Not The Beach) Honeymoon In Turkey – 17 Top Destinations & Resorts In 2024 Ephesus Tour From Istanbul: Plan A Ephesus Day Trip From Istanbul Guide to Obtaining A Turkish Visa On Arrival For Foreigners 7 Epic Bosphorus Cruise & Istanbul Boat Tours In 2024 Explore The 22 Best Beautiful Islands In Turkey Does It Snow In Istanbul? Yes & Here’s The Complete Lowdown Top 23 Must-Visit Istanbul Festivals In 2024: Ultimate Events Guide Celebrate Christmas In Turkey 2024: How To Enjoy A Turkish Christmas 12 Soups In Turkey: Discover Tasty Traditional Turkish Soups Best Time To Visit Istanbul: Expert Tips For Your Trip To Turkey Visit Turkey In Spring: Best Places To Visit, Weather & Festivals 2024 Ramadan In Istanbul Frequently Asked Questions 2024 Ramadan In Turkey Guide – Türkiye During Ramadan How To Get From Ankara To Istanbul (& Istanbul To Ankara) 20 Istanbul Beaches – Best Beaches In Istanbul & Nearby 3 Best Routes From Istanbul To Fethiye (Fethiye From Istanbul) 15 Best Beaches In Fethiye – Türkiye Beach Holidays 19 Best Beaches In Bodrum: Chill On The Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey Best Nightlife In Izmir: Things To Do On A Night Out In Izmir 29 Best Beach Towns In Turkey: Plus Epic Turkish Coast Beaches How To Spend 2 Days In Istanbul: An Itinerary Of 48 Hours Of Fun The Istanbul Museum Pass: Save Money & Time With This Guide How To From Greece To Turkey By Ferry (& Other Ways) A Day Trip To Camlica Hill In Istanbul (Çamlıca Hill) Summer In Turkey: Weather, What To Expect & Where To Go 4 Places In Konya To See The Sufi Whirling Dervishes In Turkey 16 Food Tours In Istanbul: Turkish Cuisine Tour Of Istanbul Visit The Best Hammam In Istanbul: 13 Turkish Bath Experiences 25 Mosques In Istanbul: Best Istanbul Mosque Guide Is Marmaris Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It’s Worth A Visit  15 Turkish Traditions And Customs You Must Know About Guide To 39 Iconic Turkey Landmarks Not To Miss Is Ankara Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons To Vist The Turkish Capital 4 Ways To Get From Istanbul Airport To City Center: Bus, Taxi, Metro & Transfer Solo Travel In Turkey: Is Turkey Safe For Women & Where To Go How To Get To Pamukkale From Istanbul (& To Istanbul From Pamukkale) 2024 Trip To Cappadocia With Kids: What To Do, Eat & Sleep How To Get From Istanbul To Cappadocia (& Back) In 2024 17 Best Attractions & Things To Do In Kas: Turkey’s Turquoise Coast Guide To Mardin + Best Things To Do In Mardin Province How To Make Turkish Coffee At Home: Step-By-Step Guide | Türk Kahvesi  18 Sandy Beaches In Turkey Everyone Will Love In 2024 Kuşadası Beaches Travel Guide: 12 Best Beaches In Kusadasi 14 Most Beautiful & Best Beaches In Marmaris, Turkey Princes’ Islands Istanbul Guide & 8 Things To Do There Is There Uber In Turkey? Yes. Well, Kind Of… Bodrum Travel Guide – 15 Best Things To Do & See Guide To Pigeon Valley Cappadocia – Ultimate Turkey 15 Best Beaches In Turkey For Holidays – Turkey Seaside Vegan Food In Turkey & Turkish Vegan Dishes & Restaurants 21 Turkish Street Foods In Istanbul Beyond The Kebab Alanya Vs. Antalya: Is It Best To Visit Antalya Or Alanya? Is Cappadocia Expensive – Cappadocia Cost Summary This Is The Best Time To Visit Cappadocia, Türkiye Is Turkey A Safe Country To Travel To Now? Latest Travel Advice For Türkiye 2024 Guide To The Turkish Riviera – Turquoise Coast 11 Best Shopping Malls In Istanbul + A Map Updated In 2024 3 Choices Where See The Whirling Dervishes In Istanbul – 2024 Show Guide Alanya Turkey Guide – Activities & Best Things To Do In Alanya Should You Visit Southeastern Turkey? Here’s Why Anatolia Rocks! Nearest Airport To Cappadocia (Best Airport In Cappadocia) Spend One Day in Istanbul – My One Day In Istanbul Itinerary How To Get From Istanbul To Konya (& Konya To Istanbul) Perfect 5 Days In Turkey Itinerary – Best 2024 Trip Sultanahmet Istanbul 2024: Best Guide To The City 14 Day Turkey Itinerary – Ultimate 2 Weeks In Turkey Driving In Turkey – FAQ Guide On All You Need To Know 31 Turkish Souvenirs: What To Buy In Türkiye In 2024 2024 Winter In Cappadocia Guide & 16 Things To Do 6 Best Water Parks In Istanbul: Türkiye Fun For All Ages Turkey On A Budget In 2024 – Affordable Türkiye Guide 31 Epic Activities & Things To Do In Fethiye, Turkey 25 Best Types Of Turkish Kebabs You Have To Try 17 Natural Wonders in Turkey: Natural Attractions To Visit In Turkey Guide To Bursa: Unmissable Attractions & Things To Do In Bursa  15 Things To Do On The Asian Side Of Istanbul In 2024 17 Best & Most Beautiful Beaches In Izmir, Turkey 10 Gardens & Parks In Istanbul To Escape The Noise Best Restaurants In Marmaris: 17 Marmaris Restaurants I Love In 2024 29 Turkish Desserts I Love The Most & You Can’t Miss 15 Unmissable Antalya Attractions: Things To Do In Antalya 17 Best Antalya Day Trips & Excursions From Antalya 32 Hidden Gems In Türkiye You Should Not Miss In 2024 11 Ways To Enjoy Winter In Antalya & Why Antalya In Winter Is Epic 11 Reasons Gaziantep Is Worth Visiting & Things To Do In Gaziantep Antalya To Cappadocia – 5 Ways On How To Get There Istanbul In January 2024: Winter Weather & Visiting Guide Where To Get The Best Views Of Istanbul, Türkiye How To Get From Ankara To Cappadocia (& Cappadocia to Ankara) How To Celebrate New Year In Turkey 2025 Guide How To Visit These 11 Greek Islands Close To Turkey In One Day 17 Best Restaurants in Bodrum: Places To Eat On The Turquoise Coast Marmaris Vs. Antalya. Choosing Between Antalya Or Marmaris 18 Epic Beaches In Antalya – Turkey Beach Guide 25 Things To Explore At The Ancient City Of Pergamon Why Visit Turkey In 2024 – 21 Reasons We Love Türkiye 25 Spices From Turkey To Try – Turkish Spice Guide Where To Eat In Istanbul – 15 Best Restaurants In 2024 Is Turkey In December a Good Idea – Pros & Cons 19 Cities Near Istanbul – Best Places Beyond Istanbul Ayvalik Turkey Guide – 12 Best Things To Do In Ayvalık 2024 Guide To The Best Places To Live In Turkey 9 Pesky Istanbul Tourist Scams To Avoid In 2024 30 Hidden Gems In Istanbul – Local Secret Spots Top Hair Transplants In Turkey – Best Transplant Clinics Alacati Travel Guide – 13 Things To Do In Alacati, Türkiye Cappadocia Red Tour Vs Green Tour – How To Choose A Local’s Guide To Scams In Turkey To Avoid In 2024 15 Best Places For Shopping In Istanbul & What To Buy Is Izmir Worth Visiting In Turkey? YES & Here Is Why! 21 Things To Do In Istanbul In Winter & What To Expect The Best Turkish Breakfast In Istanbul (& 13 Must-Try Foods) Is Istanbul Safe To Visit Right Now? – Written By A Local Is Istanbul Worth Visiting In 2024? Why And Why Not Inside Do You Tip In Turkey – 2024 Tipping In Turkey Guide 43 Best Cities In Turkey To Visit – 2024 List & Map 25 Epic Day Trips From Istanbul In 2024 That Will Impress Coworking Istanbul – Cafes & Best Istanbul Coworking Options How Many Days In Istanbul Is Enough? Inc. Itineraries 12 Romantic Places In Istanbul – Romantic Istanbul Ideas Bodrum Or Antalya – 2024 Antalya Vs Bodrum Breakdown 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Türkiye Cappadocia Vs. Istanbul – Choose Between Istanbul Or Cappadocia Why A Visit To Turkey In Winter In 2024 Is A Top Idea 70+ Epic Things To Do In Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul Travel Blog 2024 Turkey Packing List Guide – What To Wear In Turkey The Aegean Coast Of Turkey – Izmir, Bodrum & Beyond 40 Turkish Foods To Try – What To Eat In Turkey Guide Perfect 4 Days In Istanbul Itinerary For The Best Time 19 Beautiful & Famous Mosques In Turkey Not To Miss 10 Things To Do In Oludeniz, Turkey Turkish Massage, Bath & Hammam In Turkey Guide 31 Things To Do In Cappadocia That is Not Ballooning Events & Weather For Turkey In September 53 Top Destinations In Turkey: Best Places To Visit In Turkey For All 5 Days In Istanbul Itinerary – 3 Options For 5 Days In Istanbul Is Marmaris Worth Visiting? 18 Things To Do In Marmaris, Türkiye  How To Get From Pamukkale To Cappadocia (& Cappadocia to Pamukkale) Does It Snow In Türkiye? Yes & Here Is Where Grand Camlica Mosque Istanbul:  How To Get There & What To Know  Is Antalya Worth Visiting? Yes & No, Here Is Why How To Get From Izmir To Denizli (& Denizli To Izmir) A Guide To The Cappadocia Blue Tour Türkiye Istanbul Nightlife: Things To Do In Istanbul At Night 50+ Turkey Bucket List Ideas – Discover The Best Of Turkey 7 Days In Turkey Itinerary: 5 Trip Ideas From Istanbul & Beyond Where To Exchange Money In Istanbul For Turkish Lira How To Choose Between Sultanahmet Or Beyoglu How To Get To Izmir From Istanbul (Istanbul To Izmir) Turkey Bus Travel – A Guide To Buses In Turkey How To Get From SAW Airport To Istanbul City Center 21 Things To Do In Istanbul With Kids (Rated By My Kids) Istanbul To Ankara Train Guide – Includes A Pros & Cons List Best 17 Rooftop Restaurants In Istanbul (& Rooftop Bars) How To Get A Bus From New Istanbul Airport To Sultanahmet Istanbul Vs. Ankara – Which Should You Visit? Epic Guide To Rose Valley In Cappadocia, Turkey Road Trip In Turkey Guide & Driving In Turkey Tips 14 Day Turkey & Greece Itinerary – Best 2 Weeks In 2024 Toll Roads In Turkey: No More Cash Payments Or Stops! 21 Tasty Turkish Drinks To Try While In Türkiye Day Trip To Büyükada Istanbul: Things To Do In Buyukada How To Enjoy A Family Holiday In Turkey Kids Will Love 2024 Guide To Pamukkale Hot Springs – Thermal Pool Turkey Find The Right Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul & Pros & Cons Spend The Day At Belgrad Forest In Istanbul (Belgrade Forest) Costs, Pros And Cons Of Living In Turkey + Digital Nomad Visa Info Your Guide To Beyoglu, Istanbul Cappadocia Balloon Ride Cost & Info You Need To Know 29 Best Things To Do & Tourist Attractions In Trabzon, Turkey What’s Better, Greece Or Turkey? Here We Run Through Turkey Vs Greece Find The Best Turkish Coffee In Istanbul | Türk Kahvesi Coffee Shop How To Get From Izmir To Pamukkale (& Pamukkale To Izmir) Turkey Tourist SIM Card Options  Epic Things To Do In Ankara, Capital City Of Turkey  15 Best Cappadocia Tours In 2024 – Turkey Excursions Why You Need To Visit Akyaka, Turkey (& Things To Do) Turkey 10 Day Itinerary Ideas – 6 Epic Itineraries A Ferry From Kos To Bodrum Day Trip Istanbul New Cruise Port: Galataport – Your 2024 Guide Visiting Ephesus Turkey – Ancient City & Ruins Guide 15 Best Restaurants In Izmir | Best Food In İzmir 8 Ottoman Palaces In Istanbul & How To Get To Each One Turkish Train Travel – Turkey Train Tickets, Options & More How To Get From Istanbul Airport To Taksim How To Get From Izmir To Ephesus (& Ephesus To Izmir) How To Get From Istanbul To Uzungol (& Uzungol To Istanbul) 51 Istanbul Travel Tips – Things To Know Before You Visit Istanbul Guide To Visiting Zelve Open-Air Museum – Cappadocia Türkiye Best Hiking Trails In Turkey: Where To Go Hiking In Turkey 21 Best Things To Do In Izmir – Attraction & Travel Guide Complete Guide To Red Valley Cappadocia – Hike & Explore Türkiye Marmaris Or Bodrum – Weighing Up Bodrum Vs. Marmaris Discovering The 39 Districts In Istanbul, Türkiye Which Airport Is Closest To Pamukkale How To Get To Bodrum From Istanbul (& From Istanbul To Bodrum) 1 Day In The Colourful Neighborhood Of Balat Istanbul 27 Epic Museums In Istanbul, Turkey We Love | Best İstanbul Travel What Currency To Use In Turkey: Turkish Lira Guide What Is A Turkish Breakfast & 31 Traditional Dishes Be Prepared With The Turkish Visa Process Theme Parks In Turkey: 9 Best Amusement Park Choices For Kids 44 Tips & Things To Know Before Visiting Turkey Countries That Border Türkiye – Understanding The Geography Of Turkey Black Sea Turkey Guide – Swimming & Places To Visit 18 Legitimate Reasons Why You Should Study In Turkey How To Get To Troy From Istanbul (And From Istanbul To Troy) Did Turkey Change Its Name To Türkiye? 5 Reasons For Visiting Gallipoli Battlefields Turkey + What To Expect Istanbul Airport Guide: How Many Airports Are In Istanbul? Explore Mugla Province: Top Attractions & Muğla Travel Guide Power Plugs In Turkey: Power Travel Adapter & Voltage In Turkey Which Turkish Underground City –  Derinkuyu Or Kaymakli Guide To Surviving Taksim Square In Istanbul With Your Sanity Intact Medical Tourism In Istanbul- What You Need To Know How To Get From Istanbul To Sofia (& From Sofia To Istanbul) 7 Regions In Turkey: Exploring The Geographical Regions Of Turkey Minimum Legal Drinking Age In Turkey: Turkish Alcohol & Drinking Laws Things You Need to Know About Visiting Turkey Right Now

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Turkish Travel Blog

Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

I Love Istanbul : Here Are 4 Reasons Why

Istanbul has for a long time, been the heart and soul of Turkey. Boasting of more than 14 million official residents, the city is the only one in the world that spans two continents; Europe and Asia. I love Istanbul and admit to a major addiction for this characteristic destination.

Occasionally I meet people who wrongly assume that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey but even though it isn’t, it is still an important business hub and the number-one tourist destination of Turkey. In 2014, it beat the likes of Rome and Milan to become a top city-break destination of the world. Some people return time and time again for a leisurely break while others admire the city so much, they buy homes there, and it now has a large expat community comprised of many nationalities. Whether people fall into the category of tourist, business traveller or expat resident, we all have one thing in common and that is we say with pride, “I love Istanbul.”

Why I love Istanbul

1: food, food, food.

On my last visit to Istanbul, I ran into the KFC restaurant, eager to sample the world-renowned chicken that my taste buds had missed dearly. I also tasted sushi for the first time, and the local recommended street food called the Taksim Wet Burger. The latter did not impress me even though a Trip Advisor reviewer famously labelled it a “ Drunk’s Best Friend ” but my diet for that week proves eating out in Istanbul is all about diversity. From the humble baked potato to the fish restaurants of Ortakoy to the highly overpriced gourmet establishments, you can have what you want! In Istanbul, when thinking about food, there is no need to comprise on taste.

2: Historical and Rich Timeline

I am fascinated by the history of Turkey and since Istanbul was formerly Constantinople, the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it is perfect for history buffs. The old part of the city is a UNESCO World heritage site.There are hundreds of museums and touring Ottoman palaces like Dolmabahce explains perfectly why the Ottoman Empire was disbanded, called the sick man of Europe and left for broke. The Blue Mosque of 1616 portrays the brilliance of architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, who was a pupil of Mimar Sinan , the most respected architect of the Ottoman period, while the Hagia Sophia, previously a church, mosque and now museum, perfectly combines significant artifacts of two of the world’s biggest religions. The list of historical landmarks goes on and on.

3: The Bosphorus

Major wars have been fought and many men have died for control of this strategic strait of water. The Byzantine Empire seriously neglected its importance, therefore helping the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed to take control of Constantinople and ultimately finish their reign. In turn, the Ottoman Empire formed a fashion trend for the rich and fabulously wealthy to own summer houses (yalis) on the shores.These days, life is much quieter and the Bosphorus neighbourhoods can be explored on foot but I prefer cruising.

Whether it is a short 2 hour tour or a day’s trip to the mouth of the Black sea, Bosphorus cruises are normally on every list of the top “Things to Do in Istanbul” The owners and managers of Zoe Yacht, a 55 feet motorboat that is available for private charter cruises report that in recent years, interest in Bosphorus cruises has increased not only with foreign tourists but also Turkish customers.

Has the old Ottoman trend for Bosphorus living seen a revival?

4: The Galata Connection

Downhill from the popular Taksim area, are the small neighbourhoods of Karakoy and Beyoglu. Within these areas, I particularly love the famous Genoese Galata tower , with its stunning panoramic view from the top, but anyone with a fear of heights will be immensely disturbed by the lack of crowd control, dodgy safety bars and the view of a 63 metre drop. The streets are lined with boutique hotels, Jewish synagogues, the Jewish museum, quirky shops, the Istanbul modern art museum and we also found a small wine tasting shop, which delighted my alcoholic friends but head further downhill to reach Galata Bridge, famous for its fishermen and floating fish boats.

In a restaurant underneath the bridge, a 16 year-old waiter offended us with his corny attempts to bait himself a sugar mommy. Our refusal may have resulted in an overpriced bill consisting of dishes that we never consumed but my point is, stay away from underneath the bridge and enjoy the vibes on top of it.

How to say “I love Istanbul” in Turkish?

Istanbul’u seviyorum

Say that and the locals will love you back!

Everything Else

• Blog Sitemap
• GDPR, Privacy and Cookies
• Terms of Use and Disclaimer

Of Interest

• Advertising and PR
• Map of Turkey

Privacy Overview

Turkey 1 - Istanbul - Day 1 A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving / From home to the airport /the Aspire Lounge /Business class

Copyright Notice: All Rights Reserved