Begin your trip in Istanbul by exploring the historic sites of Sultanahmet, which has been the center of the city's social and cultural life for centuries. Visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul, and the Blue Mosque, known for its elegant blue tiles. End your day by taking a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Continue your exploration of the old city by visiting the Topkapi Palace Museum, which was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Afterward, head over to the Basilica Cistern, an impressive underground water storage system built during the Byzantine empire. Finish your day with a relaxing cup of tea in one of the rooftop cafes in Cemberlitas, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Along the way, you'll see several notable sites such as the Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, and the Maiden's Tower. After completing the tour, you can end your day at the Istanbul Modern Museum, which features an impressive collection of contemporary art from Turkish and international artists.
Head over to Beyoglu, which is known for its lively atmosphere and cultural diversity. Visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, which contains one of the world's most extensive collections of Turkish artwork. In the evening, explore the street art in Karakoy and grab some food at one of the trendy restaurants in Asmalimescit.
Escape the city and spend the day at Suma Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul. Participate in various beach activities like volleyball, surfing, and jet skiing before enjoying a relaxing afternoon with a cocktail in a beach club.
Experience the past of Istanbul by visiting the Chora Church, which is known for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Afterward, visit the Rumeli Fortress, a historical castle situated on the European side of the city. End your day by taking a walk on the Golden Horn, which is a natural harbor that divides the European and Asian sides of the city.
Take a break from the city's hustle and bustle and spend the day in the charming district of Moda. Explore its winding streets, lined with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and charming houses. Relax with a coffee or a cup of tea while enjoying a marvelous view of the Marmara Sea from one of the local cafes. Visit the Baris Manco House Museum, which is dedicated to one of the most famous Turkish musicians and songwriters.
Spend the day on one of the four Princes' Islands, which are located just an hour ferry ride away from Istanbul's city center. Take a stroll through the island's lush greenery, rent a bike, and enjoy the panoramic sea view. Indulge in the fresh seafood from one of the restaurants located on the island before returning to the city.
Take a culinary tour of Istanbul by visiting the Spice Bazaar, which is known for its colorful spices and delicious Turkish delights. Taste a traditional Turkish breakfast with simit, menemen, sucuk, and cheese at Cigkofteci Sahin Usta before heading to Kosebasi Restaurant for a classic Turkish meat dish. End your day with a sweet treat at Baklavaci Gulluoglu, which is said to provide the best baklava in Istanbul.
For your final day, explore the modern side of Istanbul by visiting the Zorlu Center, which is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in the city. Enjoy a stylish meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in Istanbul, Mikla, which provides a modern take on Turkish cuisine. End your day by watching a performance at the Istanbul Opera House, which offers an extraordinary cultural experience in a modern venue.
Travelers can use Istanbul's vast and efficient public transportation system that covers almost all parts of the city. The Istanbulkart public transportation card offers an economical way to travel. Taxis and ridesharing services, such as Uber and Careem, are also readily available. Travelers with valid EU driving licenses can rent cars at major car rental agencies. A round-trip ferry ride to the Princes' Islands will cost around 40 TRY, and an hour-long Bosphorus cruise costs around 25 TRY per person. Travelers who wish to make use of the public transport throughout their trip can buy an unlimited pass for five days, which costs around 130 Turkish Lira.
If you have additional days to spend in Istanbul, you can visit several more places of interest, such as the Galata Bridge, Taksim Square, Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, and the Istanbul Aquarium. For travelers with fewer days, we suggest skipping the Princes' Islands, the Istanbul Opera House, and Kakikoy.
Istanbul has two international airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is located on the European side, approximately 25 miles northwest of the city center. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is situated on the Anatolian side, about 22 miles southeast of the city center. Travelers can use public transportation or taxi services to reach their destinations.