Previously a cathedral before being converted into a mosque, the Hagia Sophia Mosque is Istanbul's most famous attraction, featuring Islamic and Christian art and architecture in one building.
Home to the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years, the Topkapi Palace houses multiple mini-museums, including a wealth of Ottoman Empire artifacts and a display of the Prophet Mohammed's belongings.
The Grand Bazaar is the largest shopping center in the world, featuring over 4,000 shops. It's the best place to buy spices, ceramics, carpets, and jewelry in Istanbul.
The center of the new city, Taksim Square & Istiklal Street is a vibrant location with shops, cafes, and bars. It's a perfect place to enjoy the nightlife of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of Istanbul's prominent tourist spots, named after its intricate blue tile designs. It's a working mosque, so visitors must dress modestly to enter.
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower with an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Istanbul. It's one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and a favorite for a romantic sunset.
The Bosphorus Strait Cruise is a relaxing way to experience Istanbul's beauty of the Bosporus strait. The strait itself plays a significant role in the city's history and shares glimpses of the Asian and European sides of Turkey.
Istanbul has many traffic jams and is well-connected through public transportation. The best mode of transport is either by tram, metro, or bus. One can consider planning their day accordingly to avoid rush hour traffic. The cost for public transportation is around 7 TRY (~1 USD) for each journey.
If you have some extra time, you can add the following places to your itinerary: Basilica Cistern, Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, and Archaeological Museum. If your stay is further extended, you can visit Prince's Islands or explore Asian Istanbul. For those in a hurry or with less time, covering the essentials will take no more than 3 to 4 days.
Istanbul has a total of two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is situated 35 km from the city center and Sabiha Gökçen Airport is 41 km away. Both airports offer efficient public transportation options and taxi services.