Start your day visiting the Hagia Sophia which was first built as a church and later turned into a mosque.
Next up is the Topkapi Palace where you can learn about Ottoman history and see the collection of historic artifacts.
Finally, pay a visit to the Blue Mosque with its iconic blue tiles and intricate architecture. Be sure to time your visit as it is closed during prayer times.
Get ready to explore Istanbul’s bustling markets. Start with the Grand Bazaar, known for its traditional Turkish goods such as carpets, ceramics, and handmade leather goods. Bargaining is expected so be prepared!
Next up is the Spice Bazaar, which has a variety of spices and aromatic herbs. The market stalls also sell various sweets and souvenirs.
Take a lunchtime or sunset Bosphorus Cruise and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Bosphorus Strait. You will see famous landmarks like the Maiden's Tower, Bosphorus Bridge, and Rumeli Fortress.
After the cruise, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the largest palace in Turkey. The palace has opulent decor and fantastic views of the Bosphorus.
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums showcases artifacts from Turkey's rich history, such as ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, sarcophagi, and mosaics. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Last on this itinerary is the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul. The mosque was built by the legendary Ottoman architect Sinan and has stunning views over Istanbul.
Getting around Istanbul can be complicated due to traffic and its huge size. Fortunately, there are various transportation options available, such as trams, buses, and taxis. The Istanbulkart is a prepaid transportation card that can be used on all public transportation. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. The approximate cost from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet is $20 (45-minute drive) while travel time from place to place can take up to 30 minutes.
If you have more time, consider visiting the following places: The Basilica Cistern, Chora Church, and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. For food lovers, venture out to Kadikoy, a neighborhood located across the Bosphorus offering delicious traditional Turkish food for reasonable prices. Try staying at a boutique hotel or Airbnb in Sultanahmet for easy access to the main attractions. If you have less time, consider taking a private tour for a quick overview of the city's history and its famous landmarks.
Istanbul has two airports: Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Ataturk Airport is located on the European side and is closer to the city center, approximately 7km. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, on the other hand, is located on the Asian side and farther from the city center, approximately 50km. Both airports offer various transportation options to the city center, such as taxis, Shuttles, and HAVABUS.