Start your Istanbul foodie adventure with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, a cozy café known for its fresh ingredients and variety of dishes. Then, visit the stunning Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque turned museum that features centuries-old artifacts and beautiful mosaics. End the morning with lunch at Hafiz Mustafa 1864, a popular sweets shop and café that serves delicious baklava and other Turkish sweets.
Experience the flavors of Istanbul at the Spice Market, a bustling bazaar that sells colorful spices, teas, and sweets. Then, take a Turkish cooking class to learn how to make your own authentic dishes such as meze, kebab, and Turkish delight. End the day with dinner at Mikla, a famous restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Turkish cuisine with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
Start the day with breakfast at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a local bakery that serves the best Turkish pastry, baklava. Then, visit the stunning Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and admire its intricate interior design. After, have lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic dishes from various regions of Turkey, made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world that offers everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. Then, try some of Istanbul's best street food such as simit, a sesame-covered bread, or midye dolma, stuffed mussels. End your trip with dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, a famous restaurant chain that's known for its premium quality meat dishes, and even more famous founder, Salt Bae.
Most attractions can be reached on foot or by using public transportation such as the metro, tram, or bus. Istanbul has a very efficient transportation system, and the Istanbulkart is a great option for tourists as it provides discounted fares and can be topped up at any station. Taxis can also be used, but make sure to agree on a price before getting in, as they may not always use the meter. Expect to pay around $7-10 for a one-way trip.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Topkapi Palace, a stunning palace-turned-museum that offers a glimpse into Ottoman history and features impressive collections of artifacts and treasures. For a day trip, take a ferry to the Prince Islands, a group of nine small islands that are car-free and offer a peaceful escape from the busy city. If you have less time, consider skipping the cooking class and spending more time exploring the marketplaces and trying different street foods.
Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). IST is located on the European side, about 31 km from the city center, while SAW is located on the Asian side, about 45 km from the city center. Both airports are easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.