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I initially deliberate to spend three days in Istanbul however on account of time constraints I wanted to chop my journey brief to 2 days.
Most folks appear to say you want three days or extra to see Istanbul however if you happen to’re keen to rise up early within the morning then you may completely see the most well-liked elements of Istanbul in two days. I’ve accomplished this actual itinerary myself so I do know it’s totally potential.
The following 2 day Istanbul itinerary is split into two primary areas: in your first day you’ll discover Sultanahmet and all of the touristy sights, just like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. On your second day you’ll discover ‘modern’ Istanbul together with Galata, Karakoy and Taksim Square, that are situated on the opposite facet of the Golden Horn (main waterway and inlet of the Bosphorus).
Istanbul straddles each Asia and Europe and also you’ve in all probability heard that there’s an ‘Asian side’ and a ‘Western side’. With 2 days in Istanbul you gained’t have time to discover the Asian facet, however you’ll cowl quite a lot of the vital vacationer spots and get a really feel for the town.
Where to Stay on Your 2 Days in Istanbul
If you’re solely spending 2 days in Istanbul I’d recommend staying in both Sultanahmet or Karakoy. Personally I discovered Sultanahmet to be very intense and crowded with vacationers.
I stayed throughout the water in Karakoy/Galata space, which is the ‘trendy’ a part of Istanbul with a number of cafes, boutiques and eating places. I a lot most popular staying on this space and there are many very fashionable, trendy accommodations right here. It was very straightforward to achieve Sultanahmet on the tram inside about quarter-hour. Here are some nice lodge choices on your keep in Istanbul:
10 Karakoy
10 Karakoy is a stylish boutique lodge is situated within the Karakoy neighborhood of Istanbul, near the Karakoy tram. Housed in a historic, neoclassical constructing, the lodge gives 71 distinctive guestrooms, together with spacious Loft & Terrace Suites. The lodge’s sky terrace gives stunning views of the Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet, so it’s the right place to take pleasure in sundowners after a busy day of sightseeing.
Azzap Hotel Galata
I stayed on the Azzap Hotel Galata, which was completely located in Galata, very near the Galata Tower and only a stone’s throw from the Karakoy tram cease. Some of the only rooms are very small, so I’d recommend getting a double room, even if you happen to’re touring alone. The lodge is fashionable and has a ravishing breakfast restaurant with views throughout Istanbul. The Turkish breakfast was scrumptious and was a good way to start out my day!
Mest Hotel
If you’d choose to remain in ‘old Istanbul’, among the best boutique lodge choices on this facet of the water is Mest Hotel. The lodge is situated near the Spice Bazaar and is constituted of magnesite bricks introduced from numerous international locations in Europe in 1880, Some of the bigger rooms have their very own terraces with views over Istanbul.
Hotel Momento Golden Horn
Hotel Momento Golden Horn is situated near Istanbul’s Golden Horn, proper by the Karakoy tram cease . The lodge’s 35 rooms are comfy and spacious, with both sea views or metropolis views. The lodge additionally has a Turkish rooftop restaurant the place you may take pleasure in breakfast or dinner with views over Istanbul.
Need extra lodging inspiration? Check out my record of the greatest boutique accommodations in Istanbul.
Istanbul Itinerary: 2 Days
Day 1: Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet
Wakey wakey! On day 1 of your 2 days in Istanbul I’d advocate getting up good and early so you may head over to the Blue Mosque shortly after it opens at 08.30am. Start your day with breakfast at your lodge. Most accommodations in Istanbul supply superb Turkish breakfasts that embrace issues like cured meats, cheeses, salads, olives and nuts. With such a great unfold at your lodge, there’s no have to enterprise out for breakfast.
Remember to put on cozy strolling sneakers since you’ll be doing tons of strolling!
Blue Mosque
Start by visiting the Blue Mosque, which is also called Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1616, the mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its blue tiles, which adorn the inside.
To enter the mosque males ought to have their shoulders and legs lined, whereas girls have to have their hair, shoulders, legs and arms lined. If you don’t have the suitable clothes, you may borrow a skirt and head protecting totally free from the sales space exterior the mosque. When leaving by way of the exit, there’s a bin the place you may return any used clothes.
The Blue Mosque has 5 primary domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The decrease ranges are lined with greater than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in numerous tulip designs, whereas the higher ranges function greater than 200 stained glass home windows that allow in loads of pure mild. At evening, the outside of the mosque is illuminated with blue lights, in line with the ‘blue’ theme.
The mosque is a working mosque, so it closes for prayer 5 occasions per day between dawn and sundown. It’s often open from 08:30am to 11.30, 13:00 to 14.30 , and 15.30 to 16.45. On Fridays the mosque is closed all morning and doesn’t open till after about 14:30.
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is probably the most iconic landmark in Istanbul and the most well-liked attraction for guests. After visiting the Blue Mosque, stroll by way of the Sultan Ahmet Park and snap photographs of the fountain and the Hagia Sophia within the background.
This well-known place of worship was first constructed as a cathedral for the state church of the Roman Empire between 532 and 537 AD. Called the Church of the Holy Wisdom, it was the world’s largest cathedral for practically a thousand years and is taken into account one of many world’s best examples of Byzantine structure.
In 1453 the Hagia Sophia was transformed to a mosque after the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire. It served as Istanbul’s primary mosque till the development of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in 1616. The constructing’s architectural type was so iconic that it grew to become the inspiration for a lot of mosques all through the Ottoman empire.
In 1931 the mosque was closed for 4 years and was finally re-opened as a museum. However, in July 2020 this determination was annulled and it was redesignated as a mosque as soon as once more.
Since the Hagia Sophia is now a spot of worship, girls should put on head coverings and guests should take away their sneakers earlier than getting into.
Topkapi Palace
This sprawling museum was as soon as an Ottoman imperial palace, serving as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. It’s huge, so you possibly can simply spend a couple of hours right here if you happen to wished to see all of the totally different rooms and exhibitions.
Topkapi consists of a collection of 4 courtyards surrounded by buildings that modified features all through the centuries. Since you solely have two days in Istanbul, I’d recommend strolling across the palace gardens and simply visiting one or two of the rooms and exhibitions.
The palace housed round 1,000–4,000 inhabitants, together with as much as 300 within the harem.
If you wish to keep away from ready in line to enter Topkapi Palace, you should purchase a skip the road ticket. It’s dearer than a typical ticket however price it if you happen to’re brief on time.
Topkapi Palace is closed Tuesdays, so don’t attempt to go to on this present day! Opening hours are from 09:00 to 18:00 however the field workplace closes at 17:30 so ensure you arrive earlier than then. The Topkapi Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene ticket prices 420 Lira, whereas the Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene ticket prices 320 Lira.
Lunch at House of Medusa Restaurant
House of Medusa is called after the goddess Medusa and has actually colourful, quirky decor with a pleasant out of doors patio. It’s situated not removed from the Hagia Sophia, proper subsequent to the Basilica Cistern, and makes for the right lunch cease in your option to the Grand Bazaar.
On the menu you’ll discover basic Turkish dishes corresponding to hummus with lamb, lamb shish kebabs, seafood stew and baked rice pudding.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is presently closed for renovations so I didn’t get the possibility to go to however do go there if you happen to can.
This underground water reservoir was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532 and took 38 years to construct. Around 7,000 slaves have been concerned with the development of the cistern, which is the most important of a number of hundred cisterns that lie beneath the town of Istanbul. It measures round 9,800 sq. meters (105,000 sq ft) and is able to holding 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cu ft) of water.
The ceiling of the Basilica Cistern is supported by 336 marble columns, a lot of which have been salvaged from the ruins of older buildings. The water got here from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Center within the Belgrade Forest, touring by way of the Valens (Bozdoğan) Aqueduct, and the Mağlova Aqueduct. Over the years it has undergone a number of restorations and was opened to the general public in 1987.
The Basilica Cistern museum is open every day between 09:00 and 19:00 and tickets value 190 Lira to enter.
Optional: Cagaloglu Hammam
Cagaloglu Hamami is a well-known Hammam that dates again over 300 years and was the final tub to be constructed through the Ottoman empire. The least expensive Hammam bundle right here prices €50 and consists of quarter-hour of scorching room relaxation, adopted by 10 minutes of rubbing with a shower glove and 20 minutes of bubble tub. After the ritual you’ll be served Turkish tea, home-made sherbet, and Turkish delight.
If you have got time you possibly can expertise the Hammam, or if you happen to’re brief on time it’s nonetheless price taking a peek by way of the doorway. Photos of all of the celebrities which have visited the Hammam adorn the hallway; these embrace Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Cameron Diaz amongst others.
Address: Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is without doubt one of the world’s largest and oldest lined markets, that includes a labyrinth of 61 alleyways and over 4,000 outlets.
Construction of the Grand Bazaar started within the fifteenth century after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople and by the seventeenth century it had achieved its last form. Due to its strategic location on the crossroads between Asia and Europe, the bazaar grew to become a significant hub for Mediterranean commerce, with a big number of items on sale. Over the centuries it has been broken by quite a few fires and earthquakes, that means it has undergone restoration many occasions, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a very fashionable market to this present day.
You can simply attain the Grand Bazaar on foot from Sultanahmet so no have to take public transportation. It’s very straightforward to get misplaced in right here so if you happen to’re visiting in a gaggle, stick shut collectively.
If you wish to take residence souvenirs, that is the right place to purchase them; simply keep in mind to haggle on the value. Popular issues to purchase within the Grand Bazaar embrace espresso units, lanterns, rugs, shisha pipes, gold jewellery, Turkish towels, ceramics and scarves.
There are bogs contained in the bazaar however they’re not that straightforward to search out and also you’ll want Lira cash to get in by way of the turnstile, so I’d advocate going to the lavatory in a restaurant earlier than you head inside.
Spice Bazaar
Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, known as Mısır Çarşısı. I truly most popular this market over the Grand Bazaar, in all probability as a result of I’m extra motivated by meals! The Spize Bazaar is full of – you guessed it – spices. But that’s not all, you may also purchase all kinds of teas, Turkish delight, nuts, baklava, dried chilis and dried fruits.
You’ll discover the Spice Bazaar within the Eminonu quarter of Istanbul, subsequent to the Galata Bridge and the New Mosque. The bazaar is definitely a part of the mosque advanced and the rents from the stalls are used for the maintenance of the mosque.
Catch Views of Hagia Sophia from Seven Hills
One of the very best occasions to snap photographs of the Hagia Sophia is earlier than sundown, when the sky begins turning shades of orange, pink and purple.
Seven Hills Restaurant is without doubt one of the hottest rooftops with a view of the Hagia Sophia and Istanbul. You can dine within the restaurant, or simply go as much as their rooftop to snap some photographs. It has a superb view of the Hagia Sophia with the seagulls flying round in entrance of it.
Another common rooftop is Grace Rooftop Restaurant, which gives 360-degree views of Istanbul and the Hagia Sophia.
Dinner at Lokanta 1741
Lokanta 1741 is housed throughout the identical constructing because the 300-year-old Cagaloglu Hammam and has an intimate courtyard terrace with a romantic ambiance. The menu gives a up to date spin on Turkish and Mediterranean delicacies, with a wide range of fish and meat dishes.
I ordered the Cyprus ravioli and the watermelon, feta cheese, wild purslane salad, which have been each superbly introduced and really yummy. The cocktails are additionally revolutionary and really Instagram-worthy; I cherished the Külhanbeyi, which options cardamom infused tequila, Otto’s, Bodrum satsuma, recent orange mix, citrus mix and pink flowers.
Day 2: Karakoy, Galata Tower and Taksim Square
Optional: Hammam at Kılıc Ali Pasa Hamam
If you didn’t have time to benefit from the Hamam in Sultanahmet on day 1, you possibly can make a reservation to go to Kılıc Ali Pasa Hamam in Karakoy in your second day. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı was constructed between 1578-1583 to serve the Ottoman marine forces and is thought for its stunning dome.
This restored Hamam has women-only hours from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and men-only hours 4:30 pm – 11:30 pm.
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Wander round Karakoy
Located on the northern a part of the Golden Horn, Karakoy is a stylish neighborhood with a number of boutiques, eating places and low outlets. Start your day by having fun with the views from the Galata Bridge then spend your morning wandering round Karakoy’s slim lanes. Stop by the well-known Karaköy Güllüoğlu, which serves arguably the very best baklava in Istanbul. They promote the baklava individually, or you should purchase them by field.
Coffee at Karabatak
This cute espresso store is a superb place to take a seat exterior and watch the world go by. Housed in what was as soon as an deserted metallic workshop, Karabatak has quirky decor and quick WiFi. The inside is spacious and divided into totally different sections, together with a quiet part, group part and common part. Order a espresso and sit on one of many little tables dealing with the road so you may folks watch whereas getting your morning caffeine repair.
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Karaali Kaptan Sk. No:7, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Lunch at Mürver Restaurant
For lunch with a view, head to Mürver Restaurant, which is situated on the roof of the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel. The restaurant’s terrace gives stunning views of the Bosphorus and over to Sultanahmet.
At the center of the restaurant is an open kitchen with a blue-tiled brick oven and open-flame wood-fired grill. The flames are used to cook dinner fish and seafood from the fish market in addition to cuts of meat which were aged and smoked in-house.
I ordered the lamb chops with bulgur pilaf, dried eggplant and pistachio paste, together with the grilled peaches with obruk cheese, rocket, quince molasses and inexperienced beans. Both dishes have been distinctive and the lamb was very tender.
Address: Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus teras katı, Caddesi No:57-59, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Taksim Square
After lunching in Karakoy, head to Taksim Square, which is a significant sq. and assembly place flanked by The Marmara Hotel to the south, Atatürk Cultural Centre to the east, Gezi Park to the north and to Taksim Mosque to the east.
At the middle of Taksim Square is the Republic Monument, which commemorates the fifth anniversary of the muse of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
From right here, take a stroll alongside İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), which is a pedestrian road lined with high-street shops, bars and eating places. If you observe this street, it’s going to take you all the best way right down to Galata.
There’s a nostalgic tram that trundles alongside the street and terminates at Tunel Square, so in case your toes are getting drained, you possibly can hop on and revel in a fast experience.
Galata Tower
Located amongst the hilly streets of the Galata quarter, Galata Tower is a former watchtower that has been transformed right into a museum and exhibition house. The Romanesque tower was in-built 1348, when the medieval citadel of Galata was a colony of the Republic of Genoa. At the time it was the tallest constructing in Constantinople, measuring 219.5 ft (66.9 m) excessive.
After the Genoese colony was dismantled in 1453, the tower was became a jail through the sixteenth century. From the 18th century it was used to be careful for fires and was named Galata Fire Tower.
Over the next centuries it was broken by fires and earthquakes and needed to bear reconstruction. Since 2020 the Tower has been open as a museum and gives 360-views of Istanbul from its remark deck.
It’s price paying the doorway charge to climb up the tower and absorb the panoramic views of Istanbul and past. The traces can get very lengthy round sundown, so if you wish to catch the solar happening, it’s greatest to indicate up no less than an hour or so beforehand.
Galata Tower prices 175 Lira to enter and is open from 08:30 to round 23:00 or midnight relying on the time of yr.
Bosphorus Cruise or Sunset at Mikla
To end off your 2 days in Istanbul you have got two choices; you possibly can take a cruise on the Bosphorus, or you possibly can head to Mikla rooftop bar for sundown.
Since I used to be fairly exhausted I skipped the Bosphorus Cruise but it surely’s an excellent possibility if you wish to see Istanbul’s landmarks from the water. There are a number of totally different cruises – some with dinner and reveals – but when I’d advocate doing a Bosphorus Cruise on board a luxurious yacht.
The yacht departs from Kabatas and takes you alongside the Bosphorus to see each the Asian facet and the European facet of Istanbul. You’ll glide previous mosques, palaces, and seafront villas, whereas consuming conventional Turkish drinks and nibbling on canapés. In complete the cruise takes round 2.5 hours and ends at Karakoy pier. Prices fluctuate, however count on to pay round $50-$60 per individual.
Alternatively, if you happen to don’t fancy doing the cruise you possibly can head over to Mikla on the Marmara Pera lodge, which is what I did. This beautiful rooftop is extremely stylish and boasts panoramic views over Istanbul. The cocktails are on the costly facet for Turkey but it surely’s completely price it.
Getting Around on Your 2 Days in Istanbul
The Sultanahmet space of Istanbul is well walkable, as are the Galata/Karakoy areas. The solely time you’ll really want to make use of public transportation in your 2 days in Istanbul is to get throughout the water (the Golden Horn). The tram is the simplest approach to do that.
You can purchase a ticket for the tram on the tram cease in money, however ensure you have smaller notes because the machines wouldn’t appear to take bigger notes. The Bagcilar-Kabatas (T1) Tram is the tram you’ll most certainly be utilizing, because it makes stops at sights such because the Galata Tower and the Hagia Sophia Museum.
You may also get round Istanbul by taxi and many of the taxis take card (though the cardboard machines didn’t appear to work once I tried) or money. Taxis are often yellow, though there are additionally turquoise and black colours, that are extra luxurious. Make certain you get your driver to make use of the meter.
Uber works in Istanbul, though technically it simply pairs you with a daily yellow or turquoise taxi. The greatest app for ordering taxis in Istanbul is BiTaksi and it really works just like Uber, solely it’s way more common and simple to get a taxi. With BiTaksi you may pay by money or card, and you may see the placement of your taxi on a map throughout the app.
FAQs About Visiting Istanbul
I managed to see quite a lot of Istanbul in two days however I additionally received up at 8am on each days and I’m fairly speedy with regards to visiting vacationer points of interest. I felt like I used to be in a position to cowl quite a lot of floor, so I’d say sure, you may see Istanbul in two full days. One day undoubtedly wouldn’t be sufficient although.
Most folks say you want three days to see Istanbul correctly. I’d say this can be a good quantity. You might spend as much as 5 days there if you wish to be extra leisurely and go to the seashore. Any greater than that might in all probability be an excessive amount of for my part.
High season in Istanbul is round Europe summer time, between the months of June to August. If you wish to benefit from decrease costs and fewer crowds, you’re greatest off visiting through the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. Low season runs from December to February and may get fairly chilly, dropping to a median of 6.2 °C (43 °F) in January. If you go to throughout this time, you’ll wish to wrap up heat.
