Istanbul, Turkey 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Exploring Historical Istanbul
Morning:
- Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kaybebalı Kahvesi, a charming café in the Sultanahmet district.
- Visit Sultanahmet Square (also known as Hagia Sophia square) where you can find three of Istanbul’s most important monuments: Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern.
- Explore the Topkapi Palace Museum (optional: attend the Changing of the Guards ceremony at 12:00).
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Şıfahane Restaurant, a cozy eatery serving traditional Turkish dishes in Sultanahmet.
- Take a leisurely walk to the Grand Bazaar. With over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and textiles to spices, this is a great place for souvenirs.
Evening:
- Dinner at Nişantaşı district (specifically Kırmızı Kahve) where you can find a variety of upscale restaurants.
- End your day with a walk along the İstiklal Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife or watch the sunset at Galata Tower.
Day 2 - Modern Istanbul and Bosphorus Cruise
Morning:
- Breakfast at your hotel or grab a quick bite from a local bakery.
- Visit Taksim Square and explore the trendy neighborhood of Beyoğlu with its art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
- Head to Taksim Cevahir Mall for shopping if you wish.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, famous for its juicy doner kebabs, located near the Spice Bazaar.
- After lunch, take a Bosphorus Cruise to admire the stunning architecture along Istanbul’s shores, including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Maiden’s Tower.
Evening:
- Return to Sultanahmet district for dinner at Çiya Sofrası, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Anatolian cuisine.
- Relax at your hotel or enjoy a traditional Turkish bath (Hamam) experience at Cagaloglu Hamami before calling it a day.
Things to Know:
- Istanbul is a large city, so plan your route and transportation (taxi, tram, funicular, ferry) accordingly.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; women should wear headscarves.
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are closed on Tuesdays.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency, but many places accept credit cards.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Tap water is safe to drink from the tap, but bottled water is readily available.
- Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar and the tram between Sultanahmet and Taksim.
- Always ask for receipts when making purchases to ensure you’re not overcharged.
Enjoy your trip to Istanbul!