After arriving in Istanbul, start with a relaxing wellness experience by visiting a traditional Turkish bath, Hamam, to freshen up from the trip. In the evening, experience the bustling nightlife in the area of Taksim, where you can bar-hop or dance the night away in the clubs.
Take a morning Bosphorus Strait cruise to admire the scenic views of the city's skyline, which is dotted with historic landmarks. In the afternoon, indulge in a shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar, which is home to over 4,000 shops that sell traditional clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and spices.
Visit the two most beautiful Ottoman palaces, Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. Topkapi Palace is the largest and oldest palace of Istanbul, with beautiful gardens and exquisite architecture. Afterward, experience a spa day with a traditional Turkish massage at one of Istanbul's well-renowned spas, such as the Çemberlitaş Hamam.
Take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. After the ride, enjoy a delicious brunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, dine in luxury at the upscale restaurant, Mikla, which is known for its outstanding Turkish cuisine and beautiful views of the city.
Start the day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, which was once a cathedral, then a mosque and now a museum. It is a perfect representation of Istanbul's multicultural history. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Bazaar and nearby bazaars to buy souvenirs and gifts made by local artisans.
Transportation in Istanbul can be budget-friendly but time-consuming, with the city's notorious heavy traffic. The city has buses, trams, and taxis, but the best way to get around is by metro, which is fast, affordable, and covers all tourist destinations. The metro card costs 6 Turkish Liras, and one trip is roughly 3-4 Liras.
If you have more time, add a visit to the Prince Islands and take in the scenic views. If you are short on time, skip Dolmabahçe Palace, which can be time-consuming, and replace it with the Basilica Cistern, an underground ancient water system that is known for its breathtaking architecture.
Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). IST is closer to the city center, approximately 10 miles, and SAW is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 30 miles from the city center. Both airports offer public transportation to and from the city.