Start your foodie adventure with a guided tour of Kadikoy, a neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, known for its vibrant culinary scene. Sample various street food, such as simit, a sesame-covered bread, lahmacun, a crispy flatbread, and Turkish delight at the colourful bazaar. End your tour with an authentic lunch of meze, a variety of small bites, and a fish dish at one of the many seafood restaurants by the sea.
Start your day at the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market selling an array of colourful spices, exotic teas, and Turkish sweets. Fuel up with a Turkish breakfast of menemen, a scrambled egg dish spiced with traditional herbs and served with bread. After browsing the market, head to the trendy Taksim Square and Istiklal Street to discover a variety of local street food stops and traditional cafes. Sip on a cup of Turkish Coffee while enjoying a slice of baklava, a rich and sweet pastry made with layers of filo and honey-soaked nuts.
Take a stroll through the bustling neighbourhood of Beyoglu and its famous pedestrian street, the Nevizade Sokak. Stop by one of its numerous meyhanes, traditional Turkish taverns, to enjoy an assortment of mezes and raki, the national Turkish spirit. Head to the hip district of Karakoy and cross the Galata Bridge to reach Galata; grab a traditional Turkish lunch of lamb kebab sandwich and have Turkish tea or Turkish Delight at a local café. End your day by admiring breathtaking views from the top of the Galata Tower.
Take a boat tour along the Bosphorus strait, the scenic waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Enjoy a breakfast of borek, a savoury pastry filled with cheese, spinach or meat while enjoying the panoramic views. Stroll through the Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning Ottoman summer palace on the Asian side. Then head to Kadikoy to visit some of its famous ice-cream shops and try its unique flavours, such as mulberry, rose or baklava.
Consider using public transportation, such as trams, metros or buses, which are the most convenient, eco-friendly and affordable way to get around Istanbul. The Istanbulkart, an electronic ticketing system, allows you to access all modes of public transport without paying extra fees for transfers. A one-way ride costs around €1 to €2, and the average taxi ride starts at €2.5 and adds €0.5 per kilometre. Expect some traffic during peak hours, especially in the Old City area.
If you're a coffee lover, don't miss the chance to taste traditional Turkish coffee in one of the many authentic coffee shops. To fully experience the local culture, visit one of the historic hammams, traditional Turkish baths. If you have more time, indulge in a wine tasting session at the vineyards of Tekirdag or visit the charming Prince Islands, a group of nine small islands off the city coast.
Istanbul has two airports, the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side and thirty-five kilometres from the city center, and the Istanbul Airport (IST), located on the European side and forty-one kilometres from the city center. SAW airport serves most low-cost airlines, while IST airport serves most full-service airlines.