Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul: where empires meet and continents embrace.

Local time: UTC+3
Population: 15.5M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Moderate

Food$$$$$About $45 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $78 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $3.5 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇹🇷 TRY =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

ISTIstanbul AirportMain international hub, 35 km northwest of centre.

How	Cost	Time
Metro M11City centre (with transfer)	₺30-40	60-90 min
Buy Istanbulkart at station.
Havaist busAksaray Metro	₺200-250	90 min
Every 25-30 min; buy ticket online.
TaxiSultanahmet	₺1000-1200	50-70 min
Use official stands; agree on fare.
Uber/BoltCity centre	₺900-1100	50-70 min
App-based, cash or card.

SAWSabiha Gökcen International AirportAsia-side airport, 30 km east of centre.

How	Cost	Time
Metro M4Kadıköy	₺30-40	60 min
Transfer to Marmaray for Europe.
HavabüsTaksim	₺150-200	60-90 min
Every 30 min; Istanbulkart valid.
City bus E-10Kadıköy	₺20-30	60-90 min
Cheapest; 24h.
TaxiTaksim	₺800-1000	60-90 min
Around €20.
Uber/BoltCity centre	₺700-900	60-90 min
App-based.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Istanbul

Getting around

Tram and metro with an Istanbulkart for the old city; ferries for the Bosphorus.

Metro ★M11 connects IST airport to the city; trams serve the old city. Use an Istanbulkart.
BusExtensive but crowded. Havaist and Havabüs run airport transfers.
Taxi / ride apps ★Yellow, blue and black taxis. Use Uber or Bolt to avoid scams.
Rental carNot recommended: heavy traffic and scarce parking.
WalkingBest in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. Ferries cross the Bosphorus for views.
FerryFerries cross the Bosphorus and reach the Asian side; good for views and daily trips.

Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights covers the old city, a Bosphorus ferry and a food day in Kadıköy without rushing.

Best for

HistoryHagia Sophia, Topkapı and the old city walls.
FoodBalık ekmek, meze and baklava across two continents.
CultureMosques, bazaars, hammams and Bosphorus ferries.

Weather by month

9°4°Jan🌧 14d

11°4°Feb🌧 11d

12°5°Mar🌧 11d

17°8°Apr🌧 9d

21°13°May🌧 9d

26°18°Jun🌧 9d

29°21°Jul🌧 5d

29°22°Aug🌧 3d

26°18°Sep🌧 8d

20°14°Oct🌧 8d

16°10°Nov🌧 9d

11°6°Dec🌧 13d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Istanbul has a mild, wet climate: cool wet winters and warm, drier summers.

Best time: May to SeptemberWarm days from 21°C to 29°C and fewer rain days. Ideal for ferries and walking.
Wettest in winterDecember and January have about 13–14 rain days. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes.
Hot summer afternoonsJuly and August reach 29°C. Sightsee in the morning and rest in the shade at midday.
Cold winter nightsJanuary and February lows near 4°C. Pack warm layers for evenings.
Rain any monthEven summer has a few wet days. A small umbrella is always useful.
What to packLight clothes and a hat for summer; a warm coat and waterproof shoes for winter; modest clothing for mosques.

Landmarks 33

Must-see · 10

1
Hagia Sophia
The defining monument of Istanbul, a vast former cathedral turned mosque whose dome and mosaics have awed visitors for nearly 1,500 years. It is the one sight no first-time visitor should skip. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, and dress modestly since it is an active mosque.
2
Topkapi Palace
The opulent seat of the Ottoman sultans, with courtyards, harem rooms and treasury collections overlooking the water. Allow at least half a day to explore it properly. Buy tickets in advance and arrive at opening time to avoid queues.
3
Blue Mosque
A working mosque famous for its cascading domes and blue Iznik tiles, standing right across from Hagia Sophia. Visit outside prayer times, cover shoulders and knees, and carry a scarf for women.
4
Basilica Cistern
An eerie underground reservoir of hundreds of columns and dim reflected light, with the famous Medusa heads. It is a cool, quick stop on hot days. Tickets are timed, so book ahead and go early or late.
5
Galata Tower
A medieval stone tower giving the classic panorama over the Golden Horn and old city rooftops. The viewing balcony is small, so go at opening or near sunset. It sits at the end of Istiklal Avenue, easily reached on foot.
6
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
One of the world's oldest covered markets, a maze of thousands of shops selling carpets, jewellery and spices. It is an experience as much as a shopping stop. Go on a weekday morning, and bargain politely.
7
Dolmabahce Palace
A lavish 19th-century waterfront palace blending European and Ottoman styles, with a spectacular ceremonial hall. Entry is by guided timed tour, so reserve a slot. It is a short walk or tram ride from the Bosphorus waterfront.
8
Suleymaniye Mosque
Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, perched on a hill with sweeping views over the Golden Horn. It is calmer than the Blue Mosque and free to enter. Visit outside prayer times and dress modestly.
9
Maiden's Tower
A tiny tower on an islet in the Bosphorus, one of the city's most photographed symbols. Boats shuttle to it from the Asian shore. Go in the late afternoon for soft light and shorter queues.
10
Rumeli Fortress
A massive 15th-century fortress on the Bosphorus built before the Ottoman conquest, with towers and walls to climb. The walkways are steep, so wear sturdy shoes. It is best reached by boat or bus along the European shore.

Cultural

Islamic 7

Old Town 1

Ancient Site 2

Palace 3

Bridge 2

Tower 2

Market 2

Park 1

Museum 1

Urban Hub 2

Castle 2

Natural

Sea 1

Activities

Football Stadium 4

Cruise Tour 1

Aquarium 1

Amusement Park 1

Day trips from Istanbul

Bursa · 3 h 06 by bus

★★★★☆ · Full day · 156 km from Istanbul

Best way: Direct intercity buses reach Bursa in about 3 hours, and the ferry-plus-bus option also works well.

Fast ferries cross the Sea of Marmara to Mudanya/Yalova, then a local bus or minibus continues to Bursa; alternatively direct intercity buses run from Istanbul.

Bus ★3 h 06 · from $12-$29
Car1 h 51 · taxi ≈ 3,150 TRY

What to see

Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)
Koza Han
Green Mosque and Green Tomb
Cumalıkızık village

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Allow a full day for Ulu Cami, the bazaar and Cumalıkızık village
The ferry across the Marmara is a scenic alternative to the bus
Book return seats in advance on weekends

Edirne · 2 h 41 by bus

★★★☆☆ · Full day · 240 km from Istanbul

Best way: The direct bus takes under 3 hours and drops you in the city center, far faster than the 7-hour train.

Take a direct regional bus or a bus/train combination west toward the Bulgarian border; buses run direct from Istanbul's main otogars in about 2.5-3 hours.

Train7 h 08 · from $7-$12
Bus ★2 h 41 · from $17-$33
Car2 h 33 · taxi ≈ 4,830 TRY

What to see

Selimiye Mosque
Old Mosque (Eski Cami)
Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai
Meriç riverbank walk

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Selimiye Mosque is the star sight; allow a full day
Buses leave from Esenler otogar on the western edge of the city
Very hot in midsummer; spring and autumn are best

Sapanca · 1 h 32 by road

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 136 km from Istanbul

Best way: Public transport is impractical here: the train takes over 3 hours and the bus over 5, so an organized tour is the sensible choice.

High-speed trains from Istanbul to Sapanca take about 1.5-2 hours, with the station a short minibus or taxi ride from the lake.

Train3 h 21 · from $4-$6
Bus5 h 01 · from $21-$31
Car1 h 32 · taxi ≈ 2,750 TRY

What to see

Lake Sapanca shoreline
Sapanca town center
Maşukiye waterfalls area
Local lakeside cafés

Good to know

The lake and forest walks are the main attractions
Weekends are crowded with Istanbul day-trippers
Spring and autumn offer the best weather

Yalova · 1 h 39 by bus

★★☆☆☆ · Half day · 99 km from Istanbul

Best way: A fast, frequent bus gets you there in about 1.5 hours, and local minibuses reach Termal and the coast.

Take a fast ferry from Yenikapı or Kabataş directly across the Marmara to Yalova, then local minibuses reach Termal and the coast.

Bus ★1 h 39 · from $10-$15
Car1 h 18 · taxi ≈ 2,010 TRY

What to see

Termal hot springs
Yürüyen Köşk
Yalova coastal promenade
Karaca Arboretum

Good to know

Termal's hot springs are the main draw
Ferries from Yenikapı or Kabataş are a pleasant alternative
Best in spring and autumn; the coast is busy in summer

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Istanbul rewards visitors with layers of history, vibrant markets, and stunning waterfronts. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · History

One packed day in the old city: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and the cistern on foot.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 600

Day 1

Sultanahmet on foot

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 600

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

08:30–09:45 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Go at opening. Closed to visitors during prayer times; dress modestly.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 593 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:15–11:00 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Open outside the five prayer times.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 450 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

11:30–12:15 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Cool and dim inside — good before lunch.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 740 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

13:00–16:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Lunch first, then the palace. Closed one weekday — check on the day.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
5

16:45–17:30 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Uphill walk. Late afternoon light over the Golden Horn.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day trip · Food

Eat your way from the bazaar to the ferry and across to Asia.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 857

Day 1

Bazaar, bridge and two continents

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 857

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1176 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:30–11:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Weekday morning is calmest.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

11:30–12:00 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Walk down to Eminönü. Balık ekmek stalls under the bridge.

Open Always open
Taxi · 317 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

13:00–15:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Short hop boats leave from Eminönü; times vary — check on the day.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ TRY 170
4

16:00–17:30 · Free to browse; pay for what you eat

Kadıköy Market streets

Ferry to Kadıköy. Graze the market streets for meze and baklava.

Open Daily, busiest late morning to evening
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 195
5

19:30–20:30 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Optional: ferry back and finish with kumpir by the water at sunset.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 193

Day trip · Culture

Mosques, a hamam and a Bosphorus sunset — the classic first day.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 600

Day 1

Old city to the water

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 600

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

08:30–09:45 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Start early before the queues build.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 735 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:15–11:00 · Free

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Short walk downhill. Spring tulips are the highlight.

Open Daily, daytime to early evening
Taxi · 932 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

12:00–13:30 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead. Late morning slots are quieter.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening
Taxi · 1397 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

15:00–17:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Boats from Eminönü; late afternoon light is best.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 317 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
5

18:00–18:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Sunset over the water, then dinner nearby.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

1 night · History

One packed day: the old city's headline sights on foot, then a palace morning before you fly.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 900
Hotel: TRY 2,500–7,000

Day 1

Sultanahmet on foot

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 600

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

08:30–09:45 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Go at opening on a weekday. Closed to visitors during prayer times.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 593 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:15–11:00 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Open outside the five prayer times; dress modestly.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 450 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

11:30–12:15 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Cool and dry inside — good at midday. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 1111 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

13:00–14:30 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Lunch nearby first. Closed Sunday.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
5

15:30–16:15 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Uphill walk. Late afternoon light over the Golden Horn.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Palace morning, then go

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 300

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1120 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Arrive at opening. Closed one weekday — check on the day. Leave bags at the hotel.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 368 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

12:15–13:00 · Free

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Exit downhill from the palace. Good spot for a quick lunch.

Open Daily, daytime to early evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 1274 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100

1 night · Food

Eat your way from the bazaar streets to the Asian side, with a ferry ride in between.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 605

Day 1

Old city tastes and the bridge

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 304

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Weekday morning is calmest. Closed Sunday.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TRY 104
2

11:30–13:00 · Free to walk

Balat Landmark quest

Cafés and small bakeries. Walk downhill to the water.

Open Always open; cafés and shops daytime
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

15:00–15:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Balık ekmek stalls and restaurants under the bridge.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

17:00–18:00 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Walk up from the bridge. Meze and baklava spots all along the avenue.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening

Day 2

Ferry to Asia, market lunch

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 301

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:30 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Short hop from Eminönü. Check boat times on the day.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ TRY 170
2

12:00–13:30 · Free to browse; pay for what you eat

Kadıköy Market streets

Busiest late morning to evening. Graze as you go.

Open Daily, busiest late morning to evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 132
3

15:00–16:00 · Small boat fare plus tower entry; check on the day

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest

Boats from the Üsküdar shore. Check times on the day.

Open Daily; boats run from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day

1 night · Culture

Our pick for most visitors: mosques and bazaars on day one, a hamam and the Bosphorus on day two.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,148
Hotel: TRY 2,500–7,000

Day 1

Mosques, bazaar and a hamam

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

08:30–09:45 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Early morning on a weekday is quietest.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 593 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:15–11:00 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Short walk. Open outside prayer times.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 1184 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

11:30–13:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Lunch in the surrounding streets.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 903 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

16:00–17:30 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead if you can. Bring a swimsuit or spare underwear.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Bosphorus and Beyoğlu

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 648

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

10:00–12:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Boats from Eminönü. Times vary — check on the day.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ TRY 172
2

13:00–14:00 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Lunch by the water; kumpir stalls are the local classic.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ TRY 162
3

15:30–16:15 · Paid entry; check on the day

Galata Tower Landmark quest

Expect a queue. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily, usually until evening — check on the day
Taxi · 1330 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

16:45–17:45 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Walk down from the tower. Liveliest in the evening.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ TRY 114

2 nights · History

First-timers who want the big imperial sights done calmly, all in the old city.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,499
Hotel: TRY 5,000–14,000

Day 1

Arrive and the old city core

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

14:00–15:15 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Closed to visitors during prayer times. Weekday afternoons are quieter than mornings in high season.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

15:45–16:30 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Cool and dry if it rains.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 843 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:45–17:30 · Free

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Easy stroll downhill toward the water.

Open Daily, daytime to early evening
Taxi · 1300 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:30–19:00 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Walk over for sunset; fish restaurants sit under the deck.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Palace morning, mosques and bazaar afternoon

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 400

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1120 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Usually closed one weekday — check on the day. Go straight to the Harem ticket queue.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

13:00–13:45 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Lunch nearby first, then the courtyard view over the Golden Horn.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

14:30–16:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Weekday afternoons are busy but fine.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 1184 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

16:30–17:15 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Open outside the five prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times

Day 3

Bosphorus and the walls

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 599

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 141
1

09:00–09:45 · Free or small entry fee — check on the day

Chora Mosque Landmark quest

Open outside prayer times. A taxi from Sultanahmet is easiest.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:30–11:15 · Free

Eyüp Sultan Mosque Landmark quest

Quiet morning atmosphere; modest dress.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 487 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

11:45–12:45 · Free; cable car costs a small fare

Pierre Loti viewpoint

Cable car or a short walk up. Coffee with the Golden Horn view.

Open Daily, daytime to evening
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ TRY 158
4

14:00–16:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Boats leave from Eminönü; times vary, so check on the day.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100

2 nights · Food

Eaters who want markets, street snacks and a ferry across to Asia.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,001

Day 1

Arrive, spice streets and the bridge

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 303

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

13:00–13:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Start with balık ekmek from the boats at Eminönü.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

14:00–15:30 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Good for Turkish delight and tea glasses.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TRY 103
3

17:00–18:00 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Walk up from Galata; snack stalls all along the avenue.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening
Taxi · 1330 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:30–19:15 · Paid entry; check on the day

Galata Tower Landmark quest

Usually open until evening — check on the day. Sunset slot is popular.

Open Daily, usually until evening — check on the day

Day 2

Asia side market day

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 353

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:30–12:00 · Free to browse; pay for what you eat

Kadıköy Market streets

Ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy. Busiest late morning; go hungry.

Open Daily, busiest late morning to evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 132
2

13:30–14:30 · Small boat fare plus tower entry; check on the day

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest

Short boat from the Üsküdar shore; check times on the day.

Open Daily; boats run from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ TRY 121
3

17:30–18:30 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Ferry back and along the water. Kumpir stalls and the bridge view.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi · 705 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:45–19:05 · Free to see; no pedestrian crossing

Bosphorus Bridge Landmark quest

Best at sunset or lit up after dark.

Open Always visible

Day 3

Old city tastes and a hammam

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 346

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–10:15 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Outside prayer times. Then breakfast or simit nearby.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 127
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk

Balat Landmark quest

Cafés and small bakeries; weekday morning is calmest.

Open Always open; cafés and shops daytime
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ TRY 119
3

15:00–16:30 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead. Late afternoon is a good slot before dinner.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

17:30–18:15 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Outside prayer times. Rooftop tea gardens nearby for the view.

Open Open daily outside prayer times

2 nights · Culture

A balanced first trip: mosques, bazaar, hammam and a Bosphorus ferry.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,029

Day 1

Arrive and Sultanahmet icons

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 300

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

13:30–14:45 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Closed during prayer times. Early afternoon on a weekday is calmer.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 593 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

15:15–16:00 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Outside the five prayer times. Modest dress; scarves are lent at the door.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 450 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:15–17:00 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Check hours on the day. Cool and dry if it rains.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 209 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:00–19:30 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead; historic hamams fill up in the evening.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening

Day 2

Palace, bazaar and the water

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 300

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Usually closed one weekday — check on the day. Arrive at opening.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

13:00–14:30 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Weekday afternoons are busy but fine.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 1356 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

15:30–17:30 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

From Eminönü; times vary, so check on the day. Late afternoon light is best.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 317 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:00–18:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Sunset over the Golden Horn; dinner under the bridge.

Open Always open

Day 3

Towers, avenue and Asia

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 429

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–09:45 · Paid entry; check on the day

Galata Tower Landmark quest

Usually open until evening — check on the day. Go early to skip the queue.

Open Daily, usually until evening — check on the day
Taxi · 1330 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:15–11:15 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Walk down from the tower; liveliest in the evening but fine now.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 197
3

13:00–14:30 · Free to browse; pay for what you eat

Kadıköy Market streets

Ferry across, then lunch in the market streets.

Open Daily, busiest late morning to evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 132
4

15:30–16:30 · Small boat fare plus tower entry; check on the day

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest

Boat from the Üsküdar shore; check times on the day.

Open Daily; boats run from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day

3 nights · History ★ Recommended length

First-time visitors who want the big imperial sights done calmly, area by area.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,819
Hotel: TRY 7,500–21,000

Day 1

Arrive and the old city core

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

14:00–15:15 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Go early afternoon; it closes to visitors during prayer times.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

15:45–16:30 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Cool and dry if it rains.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 843 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

17:00–17:45 · Free

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Easy stroll downhill toward the water.

Open Daily, daytime to early evening
Taxi · 1300 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

19:00–20:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Dinner near the bridge; fish restaurants sit under the deck.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Topkapı and the bazaar

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 558

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1120 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Arrive at opening. Closed one weekday — check on the day.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

13:00–13:45 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Lunch nearby first, then the courtyard view over the Golden Horn.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

15:00–16:30 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Weekday afternoons are busy but fine.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ TRY 117
4

17:00–17:45 · Free or small entry fee — check on the day

Chora Mosque Landmark quest

Short taxi ride. Open outside prayer times.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 141

Day 3

Palaces on the Bosphorus, then fly

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 761

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 140
1

09:00–11:00 · Paid entry; separate tickets for the Selamlik and Harem sections

Dolmabahce Palace Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Bring your passport for security.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ TRY 116
2

12:30–13:45 · Paid entry; check on the day

Beylerbeyi Palace Landmark quest

Cross by ferry or taxi. Also closed Monday.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ TRY 154
3

15:00–16:15 · Paid entry; check on the day

Rumeli Fortress Landmark quest

Outdoor and hilly. Closed one weekday — check on the day.

Open Usually Tue–Sun; closed one weekday — check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TRY 150
4

17:00–17:20 · Free to see; no pedestrian crossing

Bosphorus Bridge Landmark quest

Viewpoint stop on the way back to town.

Open Always visible
Taxi back to your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 201

3 nights · Food ★ Recommended length

Eaters who want markets, ferries and street food on both sides of the water.

Stay: Beyoğlu. İstiklal Avenue, cafés and nightlife. Central for the new city and the Galata area.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,652
Hotel: TRY 9,000–27,000

Day 1

Arrive, spice streets and the bridge

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

13:30–15:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Skip the hard sell and head for the food lanes.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

16:00–16:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Walk the lower deck; balık ekmek boats are nearby.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

18:00–19:00 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Ride the old tram uphill, then walk down.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening
Taxi · 1330 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

19:30–20:15 · Paid entry; check on the day

Galata Tower Landmark quest

Sunset slot; expect a queue. Check closing time on the day.

Open Daily, usually until evening — check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1191 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Kadıköy market day

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 594

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 195
1

10:30–12:00 · Free to browse; pay for what you eat

Kadıköy Market streets

Ferry from Eminönü. Busiest late morning; go hungry.

Open Daily, busiest late morning to evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 132
2

14:00–15:00 · Small boat fare plus tower entry; check on the day

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest

Boat from the Üsküdar shore. Check times on the day.

Open Daily; boats run from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ TRY 121
3

18:00–19:00 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Kumpir and waffle stalls; sunset over the bridge.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TRY 146

Day 3

Old city tastes, then fly

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 558

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:30–11:00 · Free to walk

Balat Landmark quest

Café breakfast in the back streets. Shops open daytime.

Open Always open; cafés and shops daytime
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

12:00–12:45 · Free

Eyüp Sultan Mosque Landmark quest

Open outside prayer times. Good lunch spots around the square.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 487 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

14:00–15:00 · Free; cable car costs a small fare

Pierre Loti viewpoint

Cable car up, tea with the view.

Open Daily, daytime to evening
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ TRY 158
4

16:00–18:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Late-afternoon boat from Eminönü. Times vary — check on the day.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

3 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

Our pick for most visitors: mosques, bazaars, a hammam and a Bosphorus ferry.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 1,493
Hotel: TRY 7,500–21,000

Day 1

Arrive, Sultanahmet icons

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 400

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

14:00–14:45 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Open outside the five prayer times. Cover shoulders and hair.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 593 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

15:15–16:30 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Two minutes on foot. Closed to visitors during prayer times.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

17:00–17:45 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Check closing time on the day.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 209 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

19:00–20:30 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead for late afternoon or evening.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Palace, bazaar and the water

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1120 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

At opening. Closed one weekday — check on the day.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

13:30–15:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 1356 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:30–18:30 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

From Eminönü, a short tram ride away. Times vary.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 317 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

19:00–20:00 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Dinner with the ferry traffic going by.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 3

Beyoğlu and Beşiktaş, then fly

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 593

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–09:45 · Paid entry; check on the day

Galata Tower Landmark quest

Early beats the queue. Check opening time on the day.

Open Daily, usually until evening — check on the day
Taxi · 1330 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

10:15–11:15 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Quiet in the morning, good for photos.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

12:30–14:30 · Paid entry; separate tickets for the Selamlik and Harem sections

Dolmabahce Palace Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Bring your passport.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

15:00–16:00 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Last stop before the airport run.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 193

4 nights · History

First-time visitors who want the big imperial sights without rushing.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 2,229
Hotel: TRY 10,000–28,000

Day 1

Arrive and the old city core

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 582 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

14:00–15:15 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Go early if you can; it closes to visitors during prayer times.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

15:45–16:30 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Cool and dry — good after a flight.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 843 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

17:00–17:45 · Free

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Easy stroll downhill toward the water.

Open Daily, daytime to early evening
Taxi · 1300 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:30–19:00 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Sunset over the Golden Horn, then dinner nearby.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Topkapı and the bazaar

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 400

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1120 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Closed one weekday — check on the day. Bring your passport for the Harem ticket.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

13:30–14:15 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Lunch in the streets below, then the mosque courtyard.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

15:00–16:30 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Weekday afternoons are calmer.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi back to your hotel · 1176 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 3

Churches, mosques and the city walls

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 568

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 141
1

09:30–10:15 · Free or small entry fee — check on the day

Chora Mosque Landmark quest

Outside prayer times. A taxi from Sultanahmet is easiest.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

11:30–12:15 · Free

Eyüp Sultan Mosque Landmark quest

A short ride further up the Golden Horn.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 487 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

13:00–14:00 · Free; cable car costs a small fare

Pierre Loti viewpoint

Lunch and the view over the water.

Open Daily, daytime to evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 126
4

15:30–16:10 · Free

Fatih Mosque Landmark quest

Quiet, local and rarely crowded.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TRY 102

Day 4

Palaces and the Bosphorus

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 761

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 140
1

09:00–11:00 · Paid entry; separate tickets for the Selamlik and Harem sections

Dolmabahce Palace Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Check on the day.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ TRY 116
2

12:30–13:45 · Paid entry; check on the day

Beylerbeyi Palace Landmark quest

Cross by ferry or taxi; closed Monday.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ TRY 154
3

15:00–16:15 · Paid entry; check on the day

Rumeli Fortress Landmark quest

Outdoor and steep in places. Closed one weekday — check on the day.

Open Usually Tue–Sun; closed one weekday — check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TRY 150
4

17:00–17:20 · Free to see; no pedestrian crossing

Bosphorus Bridge Landmark quest

View from the Beşiktaş shore at sunset.

Open Always visible
Taxi back to your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 201

4 nights · Food

Eaters who want markets, ferries and two continents in four days.

Stay: Beyoğlu. İstiklal Avenue, cafés and nightlife. Central for the new city and the Galata area.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 2,240
Hotel: TRY 12,000–36,000

Day 1

Arrive, bridge snacks and the old city

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 405

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

13:00–13:30 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Balık ekmek from the boats below the bridge.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

14:30–15:15 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Cool break between meals.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:00–17:15 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Outside prayer times.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TRY 105
4

19:00–20:00 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Evening stroll; meze and baklava along the way.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening

Day 2

Bazaar and the spice streets

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

10:00–11:30 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday. Weekday mornings are best.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

12:30–13:15 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Lunch nearby, then the courtyard view.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:00–17:30 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead; late afternoon is a good slot.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:30–19:00 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Sunset and grilled fish downstairs.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 3

Ferry to Asia

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 745

Taxi from your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TRY 195
1

10:30–12:00 · Free to browse; pay for what you eat

Kadıköy Market streets

Busiest late morning. Graze as you go.

Open Daily, busiest late morning to evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ TRY 132
2

13:30–14:30 · Small boat fare plus tower entry; check on the day

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest

Boats from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day.

Open Daily; boats run from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:00–18:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Late afternoon light; times vary by pier.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ TRY 172
4

19:00–20:00 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Kumpir and waffles by the water.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TRY 146

Day 4

Palaces and a last long lunch

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 589

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–11:00 · Paid entry; separate tickets for the Selamlik and Harem sections

Dolmabahce Palace Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Check on the day.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TRY 147
2

12:30–14:00 · Free to walk

Balat Landmark quest

Cafés and bakeries in the old streets.

Open Always open; cafés and shops daytime
Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ TRY 203
3

16:00–17:00 · Free to view; boat trips cost extra

Bosporus Landmark quest

Sunset from the Beşiktaş side.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 140

4 nights · Culture

Our pick for most visitors: mosques, bazaars, a hammam and a ferry ride.

Stay: Sultanahmet. Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TRY 0
Taxis: ≈ TRY 2,058
Hotel: TRY 10,000–28,000

Day 1

Arrive and Sultanahmet

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 400

1

14:00–14:45 · Free; donations welcome

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Outside the five prayer times. Dress modestly.

Open Open daily outside the five prayer times
Taxi · 593 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

15:30–16:45 · Entry fee for visitors; price changes often — check on the day

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Closed to visitors during prayer times.

Open Open daily; closed to visitors during prayer times · Source
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

17:00–17:45 · Paid entry; check the current ticket price on the day

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Check closing time on the day.

Open Daily, roughly 09:00–19:00 — check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

18:30–19:00 · Free to walk

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Sunset, then dinner.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 2

Palace and bazaar

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 500

Taxi from your hotel · 1120 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–12:00 · Ticket plus separate Harem ticket; check current prices on the day

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Closed one weekday — check on the day.

Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–17:00; closed one weekday — check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

13:30–15:00 · Free to enter; you pay for what you buy

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Closed Sunday.

Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:00–19:00; closed Sunday
Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

16:00–16:45 · Free

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Late afternoon for the view.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

17:30–19:00 · Entry plus scrub varies widely; check on the day

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Book ahead.

Open Daily, usually morning to late evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TRY 100

Day 3

Beyoğlu and the tower

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 541

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TRY 100
1

09:00–09:45 · Paid entry; check on the day

Galata Tower Landmark quest

Early to beat the queue. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily, usually until evening — check on the day
Taxi · 1330 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

11:00–12:00 · Free

İstiklal Avenue walk

Lunch off the avenue.

Open Always open; liveliest in the evening
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
3

14:00–15:30 · Free to walk

Balat Landmark quest

Colourful streets and cafés.

Open Always open; cafés and shops daytime
Taxi · 992 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

16:30–17:15 · Free or small entry fee — check on the day

Chora Mosque Landmark quest

Outside prayer times.

Open Open daily outside prayer times
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 141

Day 4

Bosphorus and Asia

Tickets ≈ TRY 0 pp · taxis ≈ TRY 617

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TRY 140
1

09:00–11:00 · Paid entry; separate tickets for the Selamlik and Harem sections

Dolmabahce Palace Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Check on the day.

Open Tue–Sun, roughly 09:00–16:00; closed Monday — check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TRY 100
2

11:30–12:30 · Free; snacks cost extra

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Lunch by the water.

Open Always open; stalls daytime to evening
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ TRY 172
3

14:00–16:00 · Short trips from a few hundred TRY; long tours cost more — check on the day

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Times vary by pier — check on the day.

Open Boats run daily from Eminönü and other piers; times vary
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TRY 100
4

17:00–18:00 · Small boat fare plus tower entry; check on the day

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest

Sunset; boats from the Üsküdar shore.

Open Daily; boats run from the Üsküdar shore — check times on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TRY 105

Swap in instead

Swap a day for a Bosphorus ferry ride to the villages near the Black Sea; check the timetable on the day.
Add a hammam visit: historic baths in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu; prices vary, book ahead.
Take a day trip to the Princes' Islands by ferry for car-free streets and seafood.

Getting around

Metro and tram: M11 connects IST airport to city; trams serve old city; use Istanbulkart.
Buses: extensive but crowded; Havaist and Havabüs for airport transfers.
Taxis: yellow, blue, black; use apps like Uber and Bolt to avoid scams.
Ride apps: Uber and Bolt operate in Istanbul.
Driving: not recommended due to heavy traffic; parking is scarce.
Walking: best in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu; ferries cross the Bosphorus for views.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet · ≈ TRY 2,500–7,000 a night
Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı. Quiet at night; tram nearby.
Beyoğlu · ≈ TRY 3,000–9,000 a night
İstiklal Avenue, cafés and nightlife. Central for the new city and the Galata area.
Kadıköy · ≈ TRY 2,000–6,000 a night
Asian side: food markets, bars and a local feel. Ferries to the old city.
Beşiktaş · ≈ TRY 2,800–8,000 a night
Ferry and bus hub on the European shore; close to Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy.

Food & drink

Try Turkish classics: balık ekmek (fish sandwich) by the water, meze plates, and baklava with pistachio.
Kadıköy market streets are great for cheap eats: simit, döner and fresh produce. Expect roughly 50–200 TRY a snack.
Breakfast (kahvaltı) is a big spread of cheese, olives, eggs and tea. Many cafés serve it all morning.
Street food: simit rings, roasted corn and chestnuts in season. Check prices first in tourist areas.
Alcohol is widely sold in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy bars; it is limited near mosques in Sultanahmet.

Tips

Get an Istanbulkart — it is essential for metros, trams, buses, and ferries
Taking a public ferry across the Bosphorus at sunset is the best cheap experience in the city
Haggling is expected in the Grand Bazaar but not in standard shops or restaurants
Dress modestly when visiting mosques (headscarves for women, covered knees for all)
Street cats are beloved and protected by locals — treat them kindly

Sources for prices and hours

Topkapi Palace

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Bosphorus Cruise

Cruise along the Bosphorus with dinner and live shows
See illuminated palaces and bridges at night
75,738 reviews · 4.8 rating

Dinner includedHotel pickup

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (75,738)

$38View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Basilica Cistern

Skip the line to the underground cistern
Learn its history with an audio guide
10,267 reviews · 4.5 rating

Fast-track entryAudio guide

Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (10,267)

$51View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Topkapi Palace

Explore the palace courtyards and treasury
Avoid long ticket queues
4,169 reviews · 4.2 rating

Skip-the-lineAudio guide

Topkapi Palace Fast-Track Skip-the-Line Access & Audio Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.2 (4,169)

$90View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Hagia Sophia

Enter Hagia Sophia with a pre-booked ticket
Discover its Byzantine and Ottoman layers
3,410 reviews · 4.1 rating

Entry ticketAudio guide

Hagia Sophia Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.1 (3,410)

$35View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Dolmabahce Palace

Visit the palace and Harem sections
Skip the ticket line
2,631 reviews · 4.6 rating

Fast-track entryAudio guide

Dolmabahce Palace and Harem Fast-Track & Audio

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (2,631)

$50View tour

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

See three top sights in one tour
Learn from a professional guide
2,257 reviews · 4.8 rating

Guided tourSmall group

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (2,257)

$55View tour

Souvenirs

Turkish delight (lokum)

TRY 350–900250–500 g · estimate

A soft, chewy sweet dusted with powdered sugar, long made in Istanbul. Hacı Bekir is one of the city's oldest shops for it.

Where: Hacı Bekir, Eminönü

Check the pistachio content and the weight on the box before you pay.

İznik ceramic

TRY 700–20001 small piece · estimate

Hand-painted tilework and pottery with classic Turkish patterns. İznik was a major ceramic center, and its style is closely tied to Istanbul's mosques and palaces.

Where: İznik Classics, Arasta Bazaar

Hand-made pieces cost much more than machine-made ones, so ask how each piece was made.

Turkish towel

TRY 500–12001 cotton towel · estimate

A lightweight cotton towel woven in Turkey, known for being quick to dry. Turkish towels are a classic Istanbul bath and hammam item.

Where: Abdulla Natural Products, Grand Bazaar

Check the label for synthetic blends, since mixed-fiber towels feel and dry differently.

Flights

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Luggage storage

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Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 33

Must-see · 10

Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

Blue Mosque

Basilica Cistern

Galata Tower

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

Dolmabahce Palace

Suleymaniye Mosque

Maiden's Tower

Rumeli Fortress

Cultural

Islamic 7

Old Town 1

Ancient Site 2

Palace 3

Bridge 2

Tower 2

Market 2

Park 1

Museum 1

Urban Hub 2

Castle 2

Natural

Sea 1

Activities

Football Stadium 4

Cruise Tour 1

Aquarium 1

Amusement Park 1

Day trips from Istanbul

Bursa · 3 h 06 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Edirne · 2 h 41 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Sapanca · 1 h 32 by road

What to see

Good to know

Yalova · 1 h 39 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Kadıköy Market streets

Ortaköy waterfront walk

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Historic Turkish bath (hamam)

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

Hagia Sophia Landmark quest

Blue Mosque Landmark quest

Basilica Cistern Landmark quest

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Suleymaniye Mosque Landmark quest

Topkapi Palace Landmark quest

Gulhane Park Landmark quest

Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Landmark quest

Balat Landmark quest

Galata Bridge Landmark quest

İstiklal Avenue walk

Bosphorus Cruise Landmark quest

Kadıköy Market streets

Maiden's Tower Landmark quest