The Tarihi Peninsula, located at the heart of Istanbul, is the perfect place to start your adventure. Explore the Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hagia Sophia Museum, and the Blue Mosque, the three most iconic landmarks of Istanbul.
For day two of your adventure, head to the vibrant neighborhoods of Beyoglu and Galata. Visit Istiklal Avenue, the liveliest shopping street in Istanbul, and the Pera Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Istanbul. End your day by climbing the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Take a break from the city and hop on a Bosphorus Cruise, a scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy the view of the city skyline, ancient fortresses, and picturesque villages along the way.
Escape the city life and visit the Princes' Islands, a chain of nine small islands off the coast of Istanbul. Explore the charming Victorian-style houses, rent a bike, or just relax on the beach.
Take a day trip to Cappadocia, a unique region in Turkey known for its distinctive fairy chimneys, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides.
Shop like a local at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. These historical markets offer a wide variety of souvenirs, textiles, spices, and more.
End your adventure at the Taksim Square, the modern center of Istanbul. Visit the iconic Istanbul Modern Museum, the largest contemporary art museum in Turkey.
Most of the locations on this itinerary are connected by Istanbul's public transportation system, including buses, trams, and ferries. A Istanbulkart, a refillable transport card, is the most convenient way to pay for public transportation. It costs 6 Turkish Lira to purchase and can be refilled at vending machines or kiosks. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also available, but they can be more expensive.
The estimated travel time and cost of public transportation between each location are included in the itinerary above.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Chora Church Museum, a medieval church decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Ephesus, an ancient Greek city located 604 km away from Istanbul.
If you have less time, consider skipping the day trip to Cappadocia and spending more time exploring Istanbul. You can also reduce your costs by visiting the free attractions or shopping at local markets instead of the touristy Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is located 40 km northwest of the city center, while Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located 45 km southeast of the city center.