Start your day in Istanbul's Old City by visiting the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) with its stunning architecture and the Hagia Sophia Museum, a former church, and mosque with beautiful Byzantine architecture. Next, visit the ancient Topkapi Palace where you can see the traditional Ottoman architecture and the beautiful ceramic tile works. Finally, stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world for some shopping experience.
Board a ferry to the Princes’ Islands and enjoy a romantic day trip with stunning views of the sea. While there, rent a horse-drawn carriage and take a tour around the island, then relax on the beach and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Take a scenic boat trip through the Bosphorus Strait, a waterway that separates Europe and Asia, and captures some of the best views of Istanbul's stunning architecture. Then, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans, and enjoy its beautiful gardens next to Bosphorus waters.
Complete your Istanbul honeymoon by indulging in a traditional Turkish bath experience at the Cagaloglu Hamami. Enjoy your complimentary tea or Turkish coffee while relaxing in the hot steam room, getting a body scrub, and a massage. End your day in Eminonu Square, a lively area by the port, where you can enjoy your last dinner together and some street food before bidding farewell to Istanbul.
Transportation in Istanbul includes trams, buses, taxis, and ferries. Istanbulkart is a rechargeable smart card for public transportation that can be used on all transportation systems. A 3-day tourist pass is also available at 135 ₺. Taxis are relatively cheap but make sure to use a metered taxi or agree on a fixed price before starting your journey.
If you have more time, consider a balloon ride in Cappadocia, visiting Basilica Cistern, or taking a food tour to taste the delightful Turkish cuisine. If you have less time, visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in the same day, and also avoid rush hour traffic when commuting via taxi. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes as Istanbul is a hilly city.
Istanbul has two international airports; Istanbul Airport (IST) located 35 km northwest of Istanbul, and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) located 42 km southeast of Istanbul. Both airports offer various transportation facilities such as metro lines, shuttles, taxis, and car rental services to reach the city.