Why Istanbul?
Istanbul is one of the most extraordinary cities on earth, the only city that straddles two continents, and for over a millennium the capital of empires that shaped world history. The skyline of minarets and domes is unlike anywhere else, the food is world-class, and the people are genuinely welcoming.
The city is split between the European and Asian sides by the Bosphorus strait. Most tourist sights are in two European neighbourhoods: Sultanahmet (the old city with the great Byzantine and Ottoman monuments) and Beyoğlu (the 19th-century European quarter with Galata Tower and Istiklal Avenue). Two different cities within walking distance of each other.
Istanbul at a Glance
3-Day Istanbul Itinerary
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi
- Hagia Sophia, Now an active mosque but open to non-Muslim visitors. One of the great buildings in history, built in 537 AD and the largest building in the world for nearly a thousand years. Arrive early. Free entry during non-prayer times.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii), Directly opposite Hagia Sophia. Famous for its 20,000 hand-painted blue İznik tiles. Free entry; closed during prayer times (5 per day).
- Topkapi Palace, The heart of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. The Harem and the Treasury (with the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond) require separate tickets. Allow 3-4 hours total.
- Basilica Cistern, A 6th-century underground water reservoir with 336 marble columns. Atmospheric and cool, a relief on a hot afternoon.
Markets & the Strait
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), Over 4,000 shops in 61 covered streets, the world's oldest and largest covered market (built 1461). Arrive at 9 am to browse without crowds. Carpets, ceramics, jewellery, spices, leather.
- Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), A 17th-century market filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and nuts. More atmospheric than the Grand Bazaar in many ways.
- Bosphorus Cruise, Take the public ferry (Şehir Hatları) from Eminönü for a 2-hour strait cruise past wooden yalis (waterfront mansions), fortresses, and two continents. Under ₺100 each.
- Sunset from Galata Tower, 14th-century Genoese tower with 360-degree views over Istanbul. Queue early or book online.
Istiklal Avenue to Kadıköy
- Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul's famous pedestrian street. The antique red tram runs through it. Bookshops, cafés, old apartment buildings, and the fish market entrance at Galatasaray.
- Pera Museum, Ottoman-era European art and the famous "Tortoise Trainer" painting. Underrated and rarely crowded.
- Ferry to Kadıköy (Asian Side), Cross the Bosphorus to Istanbul's most characterful neighbourhood. Excellent street food, local cafés, and the Kadıköy market.
- Midye dolma (stuffed mussels) and balik ekmek (fish sandwich), Street food you must try before leaving Istanbul.
Istanbul Travel Tips
- Get an Istanbulkart (₺100 deposit), works on all trams, metros, buses, and ferries. Much cheaper than single tickets.
- Most mosques are free but closed during the 5 daily prayer times (15-30 minutes). Check the prayer schedule.
- Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) is extraordinary, eat it at least once at a proper place, not your hotel buffet.
- Negotiate at the Grand Bazaar, initial prices are always higher than the seller will accept.
- The T1 tram connects Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Karaköy perfectly. Use it constantly.
- Be cautious of carpet shop "invitations", friendly men who engage you in conversation and lead you to a high-pressure sales environment.
- Turkish tea (çay) is offered everywhere and always free. Accept it, it's delicious and a genuine cultural gesture.
Istanbul Budget Guide
Hostels, street food, Istanbulkart transport
3-star hotel, restaurants, paid sites
5-star Bosphorus hotel, fine dining
Build Your Personal Istanbul Itinerary
Get a fully optimised, day-by-day Istanbul itinerary with real travel times and cost estimates, free.
Plan My Istanbul Trip, Free