Start your day with the Blue Mosque also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque. It's a historic mosque located on the European side and known for its blue-tiled interior. Afterward, visit the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque, now a museum with remarkable architecture and history.
Head to the Grand Bazaar, and shop for souvenirs, décor, jewelry, and more. Stroll through the ancient alleys and haggle with local vendors for the best deals. Cap off your day visiting the Topkapi Palace, a fabulous palace turned museum, exhibiting Ottoman jewelry, costumes and weaponry.
Consider using a taxi, metro, or bus to save time and minimize costs. Taxis are affordable, but traffic can be heavy, and the metro is fast and convenient for the majority of tourist sites. The Istanbulkart is an excellent value for public transport, valid for the metro, bus, tram, and ferry.
Travel costs: Metro single ticket, £0.70. Bus single ticket, £0.70. Taxi per km, £0.40-£0.75
If you have more time, the Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Galata Tower are also popular attractions to visit. For an exotic culinary experience, try the Turkish Delight dessert or the famous Turkish kebab. If you have less time, consider choosing between the Blue Mosque/Hagia Sophia or the Grand Bazaar/Topkapi Palace sites.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary airport in Turkey, located 40 km northwest of Istanbul's city center. It is the largest airport in Turkey, and it serves millions of passengers annually. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second airport located on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 50 km southeast of Istanbul's city center.