Recommended itinerary:
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.
Editor note – Dana has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Istanbul destination guide.
Spend the day in the fabulous heart of the city. Start early with the great, domed Hagia Sophia church, then wander the lavishly tiled Blue Mosque and, if time, the amazing Basilica Cistern.
For lunch, take your pick from the abundant street food on offer around Sultanahmet Square for a picnic in Gulhane Park.
Spend the afternoon at the adjacent Topkapi Palace: the Ottoman Sultans’ abode with its famous Harem and museums.
Then book in for the nightly Sema ceremony of the famous Whirling Dervishes at the Hodjapasha Culture Center (1 hour, 7pm).
To finish, splurge on classic Ottoman dishes at Deraliye.
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
Istanbul has more mosques than any other city – but the magnificent Ottoman imperial mosques are its stars. These granite and marble behemoths, painstakingly decorated with thousands of hand-made ceramic tiles, dazzle on the inside; outside, they dominate the city’s exotic skyline.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
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
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 Region, Turkey
Magical 6th-century underground cistern, once used to supply water to Istanbul’s Ottoman emperors.
Best for ages: 8+ | £3
Cross over the Golden Horn for an art-themed morning in the trendy Karakoy neighbourhood.
Visit the Istanbul Modern Museum and the many private galleries in the area. Then head north to take in the view from the medieval Galata Tower.
Hop on the charming Nostaljik Tramvay, Istanbul’s vintage tram, and make it in time for afternoon tea at the legendary Pera Palace Hotel.
After, browse Ottoman antiques and designer boutiques around Cukurcuma Caddesi.
For dinner, it’s mezes and music at a traditional meyhane, the Galata Meyhanesi.
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey
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
Istanbul , Marmara , Turkey
Experience an older, imperial Istanbul by enjoying traditional afternoon tea in a gilded, red-velvet salon at this famous 19th-century hotel.
Best for ages: 10+ | £8 | 1-2 hours
Bring your cash reserves and spend your morning haggling for treasures in the Covered Bazaar.
Lunch in the market at the atmospheric Havuzlu and its Ottoman coffee house.
In the afternoon, check out some other treasures in the area. including two majestic Ottoman mosques, the Suleymaniye and the Beyazit.
From there walk down to the Golden Horn to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the Spice Market.
Here the evening beckons with some spicy southeastern cuisine on the city-view terrace at Hamdi.
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
The oldest, biggest market in the world that glitters like an Aladdin’s cave. Over 5,000 shops on 66 covered streets.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
Istanbul has more mosques than any other city – but the magnificent Ottoman imperial mosques are its stars. These granite and marble behemoths, painstakingly decorated with thousands of hand-made ceramic tiles, dazzle on the inside; outside, they dominate the city’s exotic skyline.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
The grandest mosque in Istanbul, built in 1558, this iconic Byzantine beauty defines the Istanbul skyline.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
Istanbul’s second largest market is a sensory wonderland, full to bursting with fragrant spices and sweets.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Spend a day on the Bosphorus; enjoy the sea breezes as you sail past some of Istanbul’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. Take the Sehir Hatlari ferry from Eminonu, by the Galata Bridge, and get off at Besiktas for a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace.
Take the next ferry from there up to Sariyer for a light lunch at Bosfor Mangalbasi.
A taxi ride back south takes you to the picturesque Rumeli Hisar castle.
Finish the day with a waterside fish dinner at Akintiburnu in Arnavutkoy.
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
One of the greatest urban boat journeys, a glide down the Bosphorus strait passes Ottoman palaces, forts and picturesque villages.
Best for ages: 4+ | £10 | 1 hour to full day
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
An extraordinarily opulent 19th-century palace that blends Ottoman architecture with Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles.
Best for ages: Any | £9
