Istanbul is an incredible city that is so rich in history and monuments. The city once stood as the capital of the Ottoman Empire over a century ago. A unique feature of Istanbul is that it spans across two continents, Asia and Europe. Both parts of the city offer different perspectives on the diversity and cultural shift in Türkiye.
The European side of the city shows the modernisation and attractions of the country whilst the Asian side showcases its rich history. The city has a documented past that is over 1300 years old, and it was established in 657 B.C. Originally the city was named Byzantium. There are so many hidden gems and untold stories in this fabulous city. This 2-day Istanbul itinerary will help you make the most of your trip and leave no major attractions unexplored.
Recommendations For before Arriving in Istanbul
Arriving in Istanbul
Right now, there are two major airports in Istanbul. These are the Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and the Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. I would recommend flying into the Sabiha Gocken Airport due to the airline tickets being a lot cheaper. Also, you should pre-book a taxi in advance to take you to the hotel. This will help you avoid paying premiums on your taxi fare. Arranging a taxi can be done by various methods including Klook and Viator.
Google Maps
Istanbul is the largest city in Europe, so it is easy to get lost. Therefore, I recommend all tourists download the Istanbul map on Google Maps before arriving. This will reassure you that you can always make it back to your hotel with ease.
Adding Sim Package Before Travelling
Before leaving for Istanbul, you should add a roaming package to your mobile plan. This is always cheaper than buying a local SIM card in Istanbul. The roaming package will ensure you always have access to calls and data ensuring your safety.
Istanbul Public Transportation
There are so many different modes of transport in Istanbul, they range from ferries to trams. Navigating these transport methods is incredibly easy via using the Istanbulkart card. The card can be picked up from any train station. Typically, the card will cost around 100TL, and it functions exactly as an oyster card in England. Essentially you pre-pay money into the card and tap as you travel.
Book a Central City Hotel
A hotel that is in the centre of Istanbul would be ideal for tourists as it would allow them to maximise their limited time. Booking a hotel in the European side of Istanbul would ensure the major attractions are no more than a short walk away. Some hotels also offer amenities like booking Istanbul city tours for you. I personally stayed at pell palace in the Fatih district and I’d recommend it highly.
Currency Exchange
The Turkish lira has been incredibly volatile this past year, making it difficult to get the best rate back home. I would recommend you guys exchange currency one you arrive in Istanbul. There are many currency exchanges in the grand bazaar, shop around and find the best rate.
Day 1 In Istanbul
9 AM – Turkish Breakfast – 30 Minutes (400TL per person)
Türkiye is famous for its mouth-watering breakfasts. I would recommend that you guys start your first day off by trying all the traditional Turkish foods. Below are some restaurant recommendations which do incredible breakfasts. These restaurants have the most incredible spread of food. You should definitely fuel up for the busy day ahead.
Visit Attractions
Many of Istanbul’s historic sites are in close proximity to one another. You can find the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, all within the same neighbourhood. This is amazing as several attractions can be ticked off collectively. I recommend you do some prior research and choose where you spend the majority of your time. Below are some tips and information for each of the main sites:
10 AM – Blue Mosque – 30 Minutes (Free)
The first stop on this itinerary is the blue mosque. It is in the city centre therefore it is an extremely popular attraction and on everyone’s bucket list. Normally there is around a 20-30-minute wait time to enter sometimes even longer, especially during the summer months. I would recommend visiting the mosque when no prayers are occurring to limit the wait time. The Mosque’s opening hours change every day but typically it’ll be open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Modest clothing must be worn inside the mosque; women are required to wear a head scarf whilst visiting. Scarves are given at the entrance; however, I recommend always carrying one with you as you travel.
11 AM – Hagia Sofia – 30 Minutes (Free)
Previously you had to pay to enter Hagia Sofia due to it being a museum. However, in 2020, the Hagia Sofia was converted into a working mosque and now it’s free to visit. The beauty and history of Hagia Sofia mosque is unmatched and I can guarantee you have never seen anything like it. Hagia Sofia was built between the years 532 to 537 as a church until the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople. The best time to go visit would be at 11:00 AM to avoid queues. I would also avoid Fridays because there are Jummah prayers, and it is closed to tourists until after 3:30 PM.
12PM – Topkapi Palace – 2 Hour (1500TL per person)
Topkapi Palace was the court of the Ottoman Empire and now it has been converted into a museum. It holds many precious artefacts and relics from multiple dynasties. The palace is open from 10 AM to 4 PM every day excluding Tuesdays. I would recommend allocating a minimum of 2 hours here to ensure you have the full experience.
2PM – Basilica Cistern – 1h (800TL per person)
The Basilica Cistern is an attraction you should check out whilst you’re visiting Istanbul. It has only just opened back up to the public after seven years of restoration. Bascilla Cistern was built in the 6th century and is Istanbul’s largest underground cistern. It was formerly used to store and supply water for the palace but today it’s used as a museum. You can walk through the museum for around 800 Turkish lira.
Shopping at Bazaars
Now that you’ve checked off the main tourist attractions on this itinerary, it’s time to visit the bazaars in which you can find anything and everything. There are many bazaars in Istanbul where you can do your gift shopping for family back home. However, most items in the bazaars are extremely overpriced, so come prepared to bargain. I also recommend paying in cash as bartering becomes much easier.
3 pm – Grand Bazaar – 2 hours
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. It was established in the 15th century; it now includes over 4,000 stores selling everything from spices to jewellery and pottery.
5 pm – Spice Bazaar – 1 hour
Istanbul’s spice bazaar has hundreds of different spices and teas for you to sample. The bazaar was built in 1664 as an extension of the new mosque complex. Many of the herbs there help with digestion and hut health according to the shop vendors. So, it might be worthwhile to stock up before you come home.
6pm – Dinner – 2h (1000TL per person)
For an unforgettable meal, I recommend dining at the Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Kapalıçarşı. This is Salt Bae’s world-famous restaurant. it is famous for its delicious steaks and flashy presentation. However, make sure you make reservations in advance, as it can get extremely busy.
8 pm – Desert – 1h (400TL per person)
For dessert, I suggest going to Hafız Mustafa to enjoy delicious traditional baklava with Turkish tea or coffee. The fresh cream cake from here is incredibly popular as well because it is so fresh and refreshing. Hafiz Mustafa is a very popular dessert chain in Türkiye and it’s one of my favourites.
Day 2 itinerary
9 AM – Turkish breakfast – 30 Minutes (400TL per person)
On the second day of this itinerary, you should again take advantage of the incredible food the country has to offer. In my opinion, Turkish breakfasts are the best in the world with the variety and selection you get. Make sure you take advantage and sample the fresh juices they serve alongside their spread. Who knows when you’ll have the chance to have such authentic Turkish cuisine again?
10 AM – Taskim square – 3 hours
I recommend strolling through Taksim Square and immersing yourself in the local culture and architecture. You’ll soak up the true essence of Istanbul by just stopping and talking to locals who are proud to show off their incredible city. Taksim Square is full of coffee shops where you can pause and take in the vibrant surroundings. But an absolute must-do is to try the iconic local dish Istanbul is renowned for the doner kebab. You’ll find numerous shops in the square serving up mouth-watering kebabs made with beef, chicken, or a mix of both.
1PM- Galata Tower & San Sebastian Cheesecake – 2 hours (400TL per person)
After a delicious Turkish breakfast, I recommend taking a relaxing walk to the Galata Tower. The walk is around 30-40 minutes from Taksim Square. In order to optimise time, I’d recommend buying Galata Tower tickets online to avoid the queues. Once you reach the top of the tower, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views of the city. After climbing the Galata Tower, I highly recommend visiting Viyana Kahvesi restaurant. It is located just opposite the tower. Here, you must try the San Sebastián cheesecake. It is one of the best deserts I’ve ever had. It is so rich and delicious. I still have dreams about this cheesecake!
3 PM – Hammam – 90 Minutes (1000TL per person)
Experiencing a Hammam should rank high as one of the things you absolutely must do when coming to Istanbul. A hammam is a Turkish bath where you are washed from top to bottom and all dead skin is removed. I recommend Hurrem Sultan Hammam due to its privacy and cleanliness. The Hammam is located in the main area of Sultan Hamad. You are given disposable underwear and a towel upon arrival.
I booked a 45-minute experience and felt brand new afterwards. The Hammam is clean and feels incredibly exclusive. The experience ends with a luxurious assortment of Turkish tea and Turkish delight.
6PM – Bosphorus cruise – 3 Hours (500TL per person)
Istanbul sits on both Europe and Asia and the Bosphorus strait divides the two sides. This tour allows you to see the wonders of both sides from the water. Simultaneously a multilingual guide will tell great stories of this mesmerising city. You’ll be served light refreshments including delicious Turkish tea while passing by sites on both continents like Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Leander Tower. The cruise will make a 20-minute stop on the Asian side of Istanbul which isn’t enough time to do something of substance but one thing you’ll notice is that this side of Istanbul is so much quieter than the European side.
9 PM – Traditional Turkish dinner – 1 Hour (800TL per person)
To finish off this itinerary I suggest having a traditional Turkish dinner. The traditional Turkish cuisine differs so much from the local donner kebabs Istanbul is famous for. I know you’re probably stuffed from that delicious kebab you had for lunch, but you can’t miss out on trying the mezes! They are an absolute must-have during a traditional Turkish dinner. The variety of flavours and textures will elevate your dining experience and have you wishing for a bigger stomach. So, even if you’re feeling full leave a little room for these incredible mezes. You won’t regret it! Some incredible local restaurant I recommend are
Additional Tips I Recommend When Travelling Istanbul
- Bring walking shoes. Istanbul’s terrain is extremely hilly, you’ll be doing around 10 -15 thousand steps a day. SO BE PREPARED.
- Download Uber. Lots of the taxis try to overcharge foreigners. So I would advise you be cautious.
- Haggle, Haggle and Haggle please make sure you don’t buy items in the Bazaar at face value. The majority of the time the shop keeper is willing to compromise somewhat and give you a discount.
All in all, I would definitely recommend a trip to Istanbul. It is a perfect weekend getaway. Make sure you check out my article on how to maximise your annual leave. Please leave comments below on how you found Istanbul and what you would change to the itinerary.
