Topkapi Palace is a large museum that was once home to the Ottoman sultans. The palace is filled with artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can explore the palace's courtyards, rooms, and gardens. The views of the Bosphorus from the palace are also spectacular.
Hagia Sophia is a historic museum that served as a church, mosque, and now museum. It is world-renowned for its massive dome and impressive architecture. Next, visitors can visit the nearby Blue Mosque, an iconic building with six minarets and beautiful blue tiles. Make sure to check the visiting times for prayers.
A Bosphorus Cruise is one of the must-do activities in Istanbul, where you can see both sides of Istanbul. You can choose the half-day or full-day options. Next, visitors can head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets globally, with over 4000 shops, selling everything from spices to clothing, ceramics, lanterns, and Turkish carpets.
Dolmabahce Palace is a former Ottoman palace and now a museum located in the Besiktas district. It is famous for its European-style architecture and beautiful interiors. Afterward, you can head to Taksim Square, one of the most important squares of Istanbul. It is an entertainment and shopping hub with lots of options for eating and drinking.
For this itinerary, travelers can walk to many of the destinations as they are situated close together. For others, such as the Bosphorus Cruise, visitors can choose to get there by taxi or using the Istanbulkart public transportation smart card. The cost of a taxi ride is approximately ₺20, and the cost of an Istanbulkart is ₺5, with fares dependent on distance traveled.
If visitors have more time, they can explore the nearby islands of the Princes' Islands, take a trip to the Asian side, or visit more museums such as the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. If visitors have less time, they can opt to choose only the top attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul has two international airports - Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is located 31 km north of the city center, while Sabiha Gokcen is 35 km southeast of the city center. Visitors can travel to the city center via taxi, bus, or metro.