Start your day at the world-famous Blue Mosque. Admire its stunning architecture and intricate tile work. Next, head to the Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most visited landmarks in Istanbul. Its history spans over a thousand years, and it's an impressive example of early Byzantine architecture. Afterward, visit the underground Basilica Cistern, which is a unique experience in itself. Finally, end your day by strolling through the bustling streets of the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Start your day with a Bosphorus Cruise to see Istanbul's stunning skyline and the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait. After enjoying the scenic views, head towards Galata Tower, a historic landmark that was once used for defense purposes but now provides panoramic views of Istanbul. Next, visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the home of Ottoman Sultans and is now a museum. End the day in the Taksim Square, full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Start your day by visiting the stunning Dolmabahce Palace, which is an impressive example of modern Ottoman architecture. Afterward, head towards the Chora Museum, one of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine art in the world. Finally, end your day by heading towards the Istinye Park Shopping Mall, which offers a mix of high-end and local stores, along with a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Given Istanbul's vast size and the number of sites to visit, you may want to consider a combination of taxis, public transportation, and walking. Istanbul's public transportation system includes buses, ferries, trams, and the metro. A single ride on the public transport system costs around 3-4₺, and a taxi may cost 20-30₺ depending on distance.
If you have more than three days to spend in Istanbul, consider allocating an extra day to visit the Spice Bazaar and the Ortaköy Mosque. Similarly, if you have less than three days, consider combining some of the sites above. Don't forget to carry cash with you, as many street vendors and markets do not accept cards.
Istanbul is served by two airports: The Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and the Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Atatürk Airport is located approximately 24 km northwest of Istanbul's city center and is the primary hub for Turkish Airlines. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located 35 km southeast of Istanbul's city center and is a hub for Pegasus Airlines. Both airports offer various transportation options into the city center.