Immerse yourself in a world of charm and wonder, where East and West merge in a unique fusion of history, culture, and beauty. Istanbul, the jewel of the Bosphorus, is much more than a city; it is a journey through the centuries, where minarets rise alongside churches, the aromas of spices fill the air, and the waters of the Bosphorus connect two continents.
And if this is your next destination but you have limited time in the city because the plan is to visit other Turkish wonders, don’t worry. Exploring Istanbul in just two days is possible, but we advise you to wear good sneakers and be prepared to walk a lot.
In this post, we will share the itinerary that we followed, managing to enjoy all the must-see attractions of Istanbul. We hope it will also be useful for you and that you enjoy it as much as we did.
To start, we advise you to stay in the center of Istanbul. Although it’s far from the airports, you can easily connect on foot to the most representative places of this charming city.
Booking.comAlthough Istanbul has a reputation for tricks and scams, you can rest assured that this city is enchanting. From its imposing mosques to the kindness of the people who will surely want to get to know your place of origin to speak to you in your language and offer you all their handicrafts and sweets, everything will be an invaluable experience. So here we leave you the route, tips, and the best energy for you to enjoy your trip.
1 day Istanbul itinerary
Well, if you followed our advice, you will surely be located in the heart of Istanbul. Get your passport ready, put on your glasses, take out your camera, and let’s start our journey. That’s why our first stop will be Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, a historic and emblematic place. This open space has witnessed countless events over the centuries and is home to several notable structures and monuments. A few steps away, we find the Hagia Sophia Mosque, this ancient building is an architectural marvel that has been a Christian church, a mosque, a museum, and again a mosque. Its impressive dome and rich history make it a must-visit place. In front of this marvel, you will be impressed to find the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), known for its distinctive blue tiles inside, this mosque is a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture and an important place of worship in this beautiful city. When you reach this point, we advise you to go up to the Seven Hills Restaurant rooftop, have a drink to quench your thirst, and enjoy one of the best viewpoints in the city.
We continue our tour to the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), where this ancient underground cistern, with its illuminated columns and mysterious atmosphere, is a unique place that will transport you back to the Byzantine era. It was built with remains of other monuments, so don’t forget to look for the head of Medusa at the base of one of its towers. When you leave this last stop, you will undoubtedly be hungry, so we recommend you enjoy the typical cuisine of Istanbul. In the area, you will find different restaurants with a great variety of exquisite gastronomy.
Now that you have recharged your energy, continue your journey to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. This palace offers a fascinating insight into the history and life of the Ottoman Empire, with its luxurious halls, courtyards, and treasures. Although there is an entrance fee, we assure you it is worth it. You will enjoy its wonderful interior and be amazed by every detail of its corridors.
Now head to the majestic and much-awaited Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s best markets, renowned for being one of the largest and oldest in the world, where you can find everything from spices and carpets to jewelry and leather goods, all wrapped in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, where you will be amazed by the number of people and the lively atmosphere of this place. Take your time to explore it as it is quite large, you can buy some souvenirs there, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy its traditional preparation. To close this demanding day, we advise you to enjoy a Cruise on the Bósforo. This strait separates Europe from Asia and offers panoramic views of the city from the water, with palaces, mosques, and historic houses along its shores. Seeing the city at night creates a totally different atmosphere, it is enchanting, and you can also enjoy a wonderful dinner and live music.
So we end this great day.
Recommendations for this day
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: Enjoy magical views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus on this dinner cruise. Sail on a yacht and watch a show with traditional Turkish folk dancing. Enjoy dinner and drinks while seeing sights like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Book Here
- Visit the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia: Meet your guide in the heart of the Old City and enjoy a stress-free visit with complete flexibility with this combined guided tour of Istanbul. Decide the best time for your visit by choosing from multiple daily departure times, skip the long lines at the Basilica Cistern and learn about the fascinating history of Byzantine heritage, the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Book Here
- Topkapi Palace and Harem Museum Admission Ticket and Audio Guide: Immerse yourself in the ancient Ottoman Empire as you pass through the museum gates and gardens. Walk through centuries of Ottoman Empire history as you get up close to the museum’s centuries-old art and architecture. Venture into the Ottoman Empire through historic works of art and architecture. Discover the wonders inside Topkapi Palace and the Istanbul Harem Museum with skip-the-line tickets and your own personal smartphone audio guide. Book Here
2 day of itinerary through istanbul
To start our second day of exploration, it’s best to enjoy a famous Turkish breakfast that will leave you breathless. Enjoy the variety of cheeses, olives, bread, honey, jams, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and jamsi, the sweet part of breakfast, accompanied by a variety of drinks, so prepare your stomach to enjoy one of the best breakfasts of your life.
Grab your things and start your tour of the Spice Bazaar, known as the kingdom of scents, from cinnamon to cumin, without a doubt, you must take advantage of buying a few here and be able to use them in your kitchen. Here you can also buy souvenirs at much lower prices than in the Grand Bazaar, you can also take advantage and buy football shirts or very good quality bags. Continue your tour to Dolmabahçe Palace, an architectural jewel of the city built in the 19th century during the late Ottoman period. Completed in 1856, it became the main residence of the Ottoman sultans, succeeding the old Topkapi Palace. Continue your way to Taksim Square, recognized as a symbol of Istanbul’s identity and modern life, as well as a historic place where culture, politics, and social activity converge.
Enjoy the tour of the Galata Tower where if you wish to see the city panoramically, this is the right place, near this, stroll and cross the Galata Bridge that crosses the Golden Horn and connects the Karaköy district with the Beyoğlu district, also an extra tip is that it is a bridge famous for its unique design and vibrant social life. Along the bridge, you will find numerous fishermen casting their lines into the Golden Horn and a large number of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood and views of the urban landscape.
Going to Istanbul and not passing through its Asian part is not possible, that’s why to finish this afternoon, we advise you to cross and visit Üsküdar, which offers a unique combination of history, culture, and panoramic views, where our biggest advice will be to enjoy the sunset at the Carpet Café where you can enjoy views of the Maiden’s Tower, Istanbul’s sky, never fails, enjoy your last afternoon in this area and end your two-day journey enjoying a delicious Turkish dinner.
We hope you enjoy this itinerary as much as we did!
Recommendations for this Second day
- Dolmabahce Palace Skip-the-Line Entry and Audio Guide: Embark on a captivating journey through Dolmabahce Palace with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide. Step into the world of the former Ottoman Empire as you explore the palace gates and gardens. Walk through centuries of Ottoman history, marveling at centuries-old art and architecture. Discover at your own pace the palace’s timeless collections, including jaw-dropping architecture and surprising stories. Book Here
- Gálata Neighborhood Walking Tour: Meet at the bustling Tunel Funicular Beyoglu station, one of the end points of the historic Tunel Funicular line, one of the oldest underground railways in the world still in use today. Next, stroll along the Beyoglu Cultural Route, famous for its rich history, varied culture and artistic atmosphere. Book Here
