The Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was one of the primary residences of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. This is your chance to experience the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The Hagia Sophia, also on the itinerary, tells the story of the Byzantine Empire, along with the amazing Ottoman-era architecture.
The Galata Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul. One of the reasons for that is the panoramic view of the city that it offers. The Taksim Square is an important transportation and shopping hub. You can taste local food, try some shopping adventures and most importantly, feeling the pulse of Istanbul's urban life in Taksim.
The Bosphorus Cruise offers amazing views of Istanbul's shores and the famous Maiden tower. Many historical mansions and palaces can be observed from the boat. Maiden's Tower (also known as The Leander's Tower) is a small tower built on a small island off the coast of Istanbul. There is no better way to enjoy the Istanbul landscape.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and biggest markets in the world. You can taste traditional Turkish food, tea and coffee, and buy traditional gifts, textiles and handicrafts. The Spice Bazaar (also called the Egyptian Bazaar) is also among the oldest markets, where you can find all sorts of spices and Turkish delights.
The Dolmabahce Palace has a perfect view of the Bosphorus and a unique architecture mixed with European influences. Istiklal Street is known for its boutiques, cafes, cinemas and street performers. Day or night, there's always something new to discover on this street.
Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most stunning and largest mosques in Istanbul. It's known for its beautiful green gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Grand Mosque (also called the Blue Mosque) is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture using 20,000 ceramic tiles on its walls. Don't miss the chance to hear the traditional calls to prayer, which happen five times a day.
The Princes' Islands are situated in the Sea of Marmara and are a group of nine islands. The most celebrated and famous one is Buyukada. This will be your chance to ride a buggy car or take a horse-drawn carriage to enjoy the nature, beaches and old-world architecture of the Greek and Ottoman-era Ottoman mansions.
The Basilica Cistern is one of the most remarkable and historic buildings in Istanbul. It's an underground cistern from the Byzantine period, with mysterious columns, fish, and bird-shaped sculptures. Turkish Bath is a traditional place to relax and unwind your body and mind. It's been serving Istanbul since the Ottoman era, and locals still go there for relaxation and health purposes.
During your stay in Istanbul, you can use public transportation such as metro, funicular, tramway, ferry, and bus as a low-cost and easy-to-use transportation option. Estimated single-journey costs are 2.75 TL. If you're planning to use public transportation several times, we suggest buying an 'Istanbulkart' smart card, which will save you a lot of money. It can be purchased from many shops near transportation line entrances. As for the best navigation app to use, we recommend Google Maps as it covers most of the public transport options.
If you have more days, consider adding the following sites: Chora Museum, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Little Hagia Sophia, Nisantasi District, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ortaköy District, Camlica Hill, and Emirgan Park. If you have fewer days, you can consider reducing your time spent at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Taksim Square, or the Spice Market.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main airport in the city, which provides easy access to Istanbul from other parts of the world. Istanbul Airport is located on the European side, 35 km northwest of Istanbul city center. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side, 40 km southeast of Istanbul city center. Both airports are well-connected through various transportation options.