Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city that has been capital of three empires. You can see Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman layers within a short walk, then take a ferry to Asia.
Best time
April to June and September to October. Expect crowds and heat in July to August; winter is atmospheric but wet.
Province
İstanbul
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Historic peninsula
- Morning: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. Dress modestly; carry a scarf for mosque visits.
- Midday: Topkapı Palace and the Harem (allow 2 to 3 hours). The treasury and the view over the Bosphorus are highlights.
- Afternoon: Istanbul Archaeological Museums or the Basilica Cistern.
- Evening: dinner in Sultanahmet or a meyhane in Kumkapı; try meze, grilled fish and rakı.
Day 2: Bazaar, Beyoğlu and the Bosphorus
- Morning: Grand Bazaar for ceramics, textiles and spices; walk to the Spice Bazaar.
- Midday: cross the Galata Bridge, ride the Tünel funicular and walk İstiklal Avenue.
- Afternoon: Galata Tower, then a Bosphorus ferry (short public ferry or a longer tour).
- Evening: dinner in Karaköy or Cihangir; try a modern Turkish restaurant or street food.
Day 3: Asian side, Balat and Princes' Islands
- Option A: ferry to Kadıköy, walk the market, have breakfast, then visit Moda and Haydarpaşa.
- Option B: Balat and Fener for colourful houses, churches and cafés.
- Option C (full day): ferry to Büyükada, rent a bike or walk, and have a seafood lunch.
- Evening: sunset at a Bosphorus viewpoint or a hammam experience.
Imperial monuments
Hagia Sophia
A sixth-century Byzantine church, later a mosque and now a monument, famous for its dome and mosaics. Visit early to avoid the longest queues.
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, with six minarets and blue İznik tiles. It is an active mosque, so dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Topkapı Palace
The Ottoman sultans' palace for centuries, with courtyards, the Harem, the treasury and views over the Bosphorus. Allow at least half a day.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Mimar Sinan's great mosque above the Golden Horn, with a calm courtyard and one of the best city views.
Basilica Cistern
An underground Roman cistern with hundreds of columns, moody lighting and the Medusa heads. It is a cool break in summer.
Chora Church
A small Byzantine church in Edirnekapı with exceptional mosaics and frescoes. It is often quieter than the big monuments.
Dolmabahçe Palace
A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus, with grand halls, crystal chandeliers and a waterfront setting.
Neighbourhoods and markets
Grand Bazaar
A vast covered market with thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and leather. Bargaining is normal; go with a plan.
Spice Bazaar
A smaller, fragrant market near Eminönü, good for spices, sweets, tea and Turkish delight.
İstiklal Avenue and Beyoğlu
The city's busiest pedestrian street, with historic passages, churches, cafes and nightlife. The nostalgic tram runs to Taksim.
Galata Tower
A medieval stone tower with a panoramic balcony over the Golden Horn and the old city. Sunset is popular, so book or queue early.
Balat and Fener
Colourful historic streets, churches, synagogues and cafes on the Golden Horn. It is a good area for a slow walk and photography.
Kadıköy
The lively Asian-side centre, with the market, Moda seaside, cafes and ferries to the European side. It feels more local than Sultanahmet.
Bosphorus and green escapes
Bosphorus ferry
The best-value boat trip in Istanbul: public ferries run between Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar and the villages up the strait.
Princes' Islands
Car-free islands reached by ferry, with wooden houses, quiet streets and bicycles. Büyükada is the largest and easiest to visit.
Maiden's Tower
A small tower on an islet off Üsküdar, with a short boat crossing and views back to the old city.
Emirgan Park
A hillside park on the Bosphorus known for its tulip festival in spring and tea gardens.
Belgrade Forest
A large forest north of the city with walking trails, reservoirs and picnic areas. It is a full escape from the traffic.
More places to see
Hippodrome
The ceremonial square of Byzantine Constantinople, with obelisks, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
A complex of three museums with the Alexander Sarcophagus, ancient Near Eastern finds and Ottoman archaeology.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Carpets, calligraphy, ceramics and everyday objects in the historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace.
Gülhane Park
A historic park beside Topkapı, with plane trees, tulips in spring and a quiet walking path.
Ortaköy
A waterfront neighbourhood with a baroque mosque, kumpir stalls and Bosphorus views.
Üsküdar
The Asian-side historic centre with Mihrimah Mosque, tea gardens and ferries to the old city.
Fener and the Patriarchate
Colourful streets and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an important surviving Byzantine institution.
Historic hammam
A traditional Turkish bath such as Çemberlitaş or Kılıç Ali Paşa, with marble domes and steam.
Istanbul Modern
A contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus, with Turkish and international exhibitions and a waterfront cafe.
Pera Museum
Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and temporary exhibitions in a historic Beyoğlu building.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
A transport and industry museum on the Golden Horn, with trains, boats, cars and hands-on exhibits.
Pierre Loti Hill
A hilltop cafe with a classic view over the Golden Horn, reached by a short cable car or a walk through Eyüp cemetery.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
An important pilgrimage mosque with a courtyard, tombs and a lively surrounding district.
Çamlıca Hill
One of the highest points in Istanbul, with panoramic views over the Bosphorus and the city.
Sources: GoTürkiye İstanbul
Food to try
simit, balık ekmek, lahmacun, pide, İskender kebab, künefe, Turkish coffee, baklava.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet for sightseeing; Beyoğlu/Karaköy for nightlife and food; Kadıköy for a local vibe.
Practical notes: Istanbulkart works on metro, tram, ferry and bus. IST and SAW airports are far apart; allow 60 to 90 minutes for transfers. Taxis can be stressful; use licensed apps where available.
What to eat in Istanbul
Istanbul packs the country into a few days: simit and tea for breakfast, balık ekmek by the water, meze and grilled fish in Kumkapı, lahmacun and kebab in Beyoğlu, and baklava in Karaköy. For vegetarian food, look for zeytinyağlı dishes, meze and vegan cafés in Kadıköy, Beyoğlu and Cihangir.
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