Istanbul 4-day Itinerary
Turkey
Where to go and what to see in Istanbul to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Bucket list experience:
Dating from the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, this ‘Underground Palace’ is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns (reservoirs) built beneath Istanbul to provide water to the palaces of the Ottoman emperors. Illuminated, and decorated with marble columns and carved capitals from earlier churches, it’s a magical sight.
The name derives from a great Basilica – the Stoa Basilica – that once stood here, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the Early Roman Age.
Look out for the giant head of Medusa (you can’t miss it, really). This snake-headed Gorgona – a female monsters of the underworld in Greek mythology – would reportedly turn any who look at her into stone. It’s thought the statue was placed here to protect the structure – but no-one knows for sure.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Turkey
Where to go and what to see in Istanbul to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Take the tram to the Sultanahmet station; it’s a short walk from there (just across from the Hagia Sophia).
Go as part organised guided tour. There’s little information on site, and expert-led guides will give you the history and insights you need to understand what you’re seeing.
There are quite a few stairs, and it can be slippery and dark, so wear shoes with some grip. On a hot summer’s day, the cistern is lovely and cool with its classical music and swimming carp (there to keep it clean).
It’s open all year round, seven days a week.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Istanbul
$90 | Rating 4.39 / 5 [23 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.3 miles]
Superbly staffed, relaxing oasis in an unbeatable location – the luxury choice in central Sultanahmet.
Official star rating:
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]
This stylish, friendly and affordable boutique hotel is in sights-packed Sultanahmet, perfect for first-time visitors.
Official star rating:
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]
Close to Istanbul’s top sights, this friendly hotel with a spa and rooftop restaurant is a dream for first-time visitors. And good value too.
Official star rating:
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]
Convenient for the major sights and plugged into Turkish culture, this charming, historic hotel is ideal for families and first-timers.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Marmara Region, Turkey
Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.2 miles]
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this world-renowned 6th-century marvel encapsulates the essence of the lost Ottoman Empire. Initially a cathedral, it’s now a museum as well as a functioning mosque – and a must-see in Istanbul.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]
The greatest of Istanbul’s Ottoman mosques, beautifully decorated with thousands of handmade ceramic tiles, the Blue Mosque combines Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic architecture.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul , Marmara , Turkey[0.4 miles]
Three world-class collections, including the famous Alexander sarcophagus, fascinating prehistoric art and gorgeous Ottoman tiles.
Best for ages: 6+ | £5
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.6 miles]
Hypnotic and haunting, the traditional sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes dates back to the 13th century.
Best for ages: 8+ | £10 | 75 minutes
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]
One of the world’s finest collections of Islamic-influenced glassware, rugs, ceramics, metal work and ethnographic items.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Istanbul , Marmara Region , Turkey[0.5 miles]
Lovely, lively 5th and 6th-century AD mosaics depicting nature, animals and people from the palace of the first Byzantine Emperors.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.8 miles]
Super authentic spot near the Grand Bazaar where you can smoke nargile (a water pipe or hookah) and drink tea in the courtyard of a mosque from 1709.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[2.4 miles]
A modern art museum housing the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. The Modern’s temporary exhibits by Turkish and international artists – often organized in collaboration with MoMA (New York) and the Centre Pompidou (Paris) – are particularly exceptional.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4