This Istanbul adventure guide is perfect for travelers who have five days to spare in Istanbul, Turkey.
What makes Istanbul so unique is the mix of architectural styles, cultures, and culinary traditions, all of which combine to create a wonderful, colorful city.
“In Istanbul the remains of a glorious past civilization are everywhere visible…”
ORHAN PAMUK
Istanbul has a rich history, art, beauty, and incredible hidden spots. My best advise is to hire a local and licensed tour guide who can assist you contextualize all of the history and significant conquerors.
So, what are the top activities in Istanbul? To make things easy for you, here is my 3-day Istanbul schedule.
Day 1: Explore the old city
If this is your first visit to Istanbul, I strongly advise you to stay in the Old City.
Istanbul’s name has been changed several times. It was once named Byzantium, Constantinople, and Stamboul. In 1923, the new Republic of Turkey officially changed it to Istanbul, but Greeks still refer to it as “Constantinople.”.
The Sultanahmet district is located in the heart of Istanbul. Many of Istanbul’s must-see attractions, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, are just minutes away.
The Sultanahmet district is virtually completely traffic-free, and you can easily visit all of the sites on foot.
The entrance to the Blue Mosque is free, but make sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid enormous lines.
Day 2: Visit the Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace, commonly known as the Seraglio, is one of Istanbul’s most important landmarks. The palace is located in the western portion of the city and overlooks Golden Point Bay and the Sea of Marmar. For nearly 400 years, this massive palace served as the chief residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Topkapi Palace is a sprawling complex with four main courtyards, stunning gardens, mosques, and pavilions. There is so much to see and do here that you could easily spend a whole day here.
Day 3: Eat freshly caught fish on the Galata Bridge
Your third day in Istanbul should cover the surrounding sites. Istanbul, in my opinion, boasts one of the nicest skylines in the world. So make the most of it by getting up early and enjoying a boat ride through the Bosphorus Strait. This ferry voyage is one of the best thrills you can have while in Istanbul.
After your boat tour, I recommend you visit the Galata Tower. The Galata Tower, an iconic landmark on Istanbul’s skyline, was built by the Genoese as part of their colonial expansion in the 14th century.
The area around the tower is densely packed with tourist attractions, including numerous coffee shops. A magnificent 360-panoramic view of Istanbul is available here.
On your journey back to the old city, you can choose to stop at your hotel for a little break or drive directly to Galata Bridge.
The Galata bridge is an ideal location to end your day with a nutritious and delicious fresh-caught dinner.
The bridge is located on the north side of Istanbul’s Golden Horn, making it close to the city center. This area of town is a popular gathering spot, a fishery, and a haven for excellent restaurants.
While eating your final meal in Istanbul, take in some of the most breathtaking views of the water.
Bonus: Get Lost In The Grand Bazaar
If you have an additional day, I highly recommend visiting the Grand Bazaar. If you are visiting Istanbul, I believe this is a must-do experience. The encounter may be overwhelming and you may feel lost, but it is all part of the whole Istanbul experience.
You could visit the Bazaar on a walking tour, with a private guide, or on your own. In the end, just take your time at bargaining prices. Learn to immerse yourself in this style of game, which Istanbul has elevated to the level of an art form.
Top 10 Things To Do In Istanbul:
- Explore The Blue Mosque
- Visit Aya Sophia
- Get Lost In The Grand Bazaar
- Visit Topkapi Palace
- Explore the Galata Bridge & The Spice Market
- Eat Turkish Delights at the Hafız Mustafa
- Go To A Turkish Bath House
- Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums
- Bosphorus Strait Boat Cruise
- Enter The Underground Cistern
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