1-Day Itinerary for Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia Museum (9:00am - 5:00pm) - Start your day at one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Experience the beauty of Hagia Sophia, an ancient Basilica turned Mosque turned Museum. Admire the stunning architecture, beautiful mosaics and learn about the fascinating history of this historical site.
• Blue Mosque (8:30am - 5:00pm) - Head over to the Blue Mosque, another famous landmark in Istanbul. Marvel at the beautiful blue-tiled interiors of this stunning mosque, learn about its history and admire the intricate details of its architecture.
• Topkapi Palace (9:00am - 5:00pm) - Just a short walk from the Blue Mosque is the Topkapi Palace. Visit the palace and gardens, explore the ornate chambers and hear the stories of sultans who lived there centuries ago.
• Grand Bazaar (9:00am - 7:00pm) - End your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Shop for souvenirs, carpets, jewellery and more in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Bargain with the vendors to get the best deals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hagia Sophia Museum (60-90 minutes, 100 TL)
• Blue Mosque (30-60 minutes, Free)
• Topkapi Palace (120-180 minutes, 100 TL)
• Grand Bazaar (60-90 minutes, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: (200 TL)

Transportation

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system with buses, metro, trams, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is the most convenient way to travel and can be used on all types of transportation. Taxis are also widely available but can be expensive. Travel time between locations can vary due to traffic conditions.

Useful Tips

For a more leisurely trip, consider visiting only two to three sites in a day. You can also extend your visit to the Grand Bazaar to include a traditional Turkish dinner with live entertainment in one of the many restaurants. For more suggestions on what to add or subtract, consult a travel guide or speak with a local travel agent.

Airports

The main airport in Istanbul is the Istanbul Airport (IST), located 30 km from the city center. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is another international airport located 45 km from the center of Istanbul. Taxis and shuttles are available for transportation to and from both airports.