Istanbul Travel Guide

When to visit

April to May and September to October work well for walks along the Bosphorus and through the neighbourhoods. In summer, take breaks on the ferries. In winter, build your day around museums and bazaars.

Places to visit in Istanbul and seven suggested itineraries

Spend a day exploring historic landmarks, then head to the Bosphorus or cross to the Asian side. Follow one of the routes below or combine the stops you most want to see. We can adjust the plan around your group’s interests, traffic and the time you have in Istanbul.

1. Golden Horn, Fener and Balat

Take in the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti Hill, then walk the stone streets of Fener and Balat. If you’re travelling with children, you can add Miniatürk or Istanbul Dolphinarium. If time allows, end the day at the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü.

2. Sultanahmet and Historical Peninsula

Start at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Set aside time for Topkapı Palace’s courtyards and collections, or head underground to see the columns of the Basilica Cistern. To extend the walk, continue through Gülhane Park to Sirkeci.

3. Taksim, Galata and modern Istanbul

Walk from Taksim Square down İstiklal Avenue towards Galata Tower. Stop for coffee or lunch on the Galataport waterfront. If you enjoy browsing boutiques and neighbourhood cafés, spend the afternoon in Nişantaşı.

4. Bosphorus coast, Emirgan and shopping

Walk along the waterfront in Ortaköy, then take a break in Emirgan Grove. For shopping and dining, choose İstinyePark or Vadistanbul, or visit both if time allows.

5. Florya Aquarium and Bosphorus tour

Visit Istanbul Aquarium in Florya and spend the rest of the day seeing the Bosphorus from the water. Check the boat departure time when planning the transfer between the two stops. If time allows, add the Spice Bazaar or Zorlu Center.

6. Anatolian Side · Pinelica, Üsküdar and Kadıköy

Choose Çamlıca Tower or Çamlıca Hill for views over the city. Walk along the Üsküdar waterfront, then stop for lunch or coffee in Kadıköy Market. You can also add Emaar Square Mall if you’d like to shop.

7. Besiktas and Ottoman palaces

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace and Yıldız Palace. If you’re seeing both in one day, check their opening hours first. Finish with a walk through Yıldız Park and a meal near Beşiktaş Square.

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

Three full days Historical Peninsula, Galata and a Bosphorus or Anatolian Side.

A good start three days for the first visit. You can focus on Golden Horn and Galata with Historical Peninsula in two days. On the third day you can split Bosphorus or Anatolian Side. If you have the fourth day, you can relax the program, open time to a museum or a longer beach walk.

1. Day · From Sultanahmet to Eminönü

You can start with Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia surroundings and a visit point you choose. After lunch, walk through Gulhane and finish on Eminönü.

2. days · from Fener and Balat to Karaköy

Walk on the shore of the Golden Horn and on the Balat streets. After lunch, you can explore the Galata surroundings. You can stay in Karaköy or Beyoğlu for dinner.

3rd day · Ferry and beach

You can spend time in Kadıköy with ferry and Istanbul. If you prefer the European coast of the Bosphorus, spend between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy on the day.

Private day trips from Istanbul

Sapanca and Mauzkiye

Walk on the coast of Sapanca Lake, take time for coffee against lake views and without rushing to lunch. If you want to extend a bit more in the day nature, we can add Maachkiye to the route.

Check out the trip guide on Sapanca

Bursa and Uludag

Visit Ulu Mosque in Bursa, walk around Koza Han and try Alexandria kebab in lunch. We can plan air and operating conditions to leave Uludag with teleferikle.

Check out the trip guide on Bursa

Sapanca and Bursa are two separate private trips with exit from Istanbul. You may want to offer you the choice for your trip by sharing the desired route and number of people.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet is close to the first museum morning, Karaköy steamer and evening walk, to those who want to spend time in the Anatolian Side of Kadıköy.

Sultanahmet and TurkeyThe first day is a starting point where you can walk on foot if you are divided into Historical Peninsula. Karaköy and GalataSuitable for those who want to be close to Beyoğlu and scaffolds. You can take into account the destructions when you reach your hotel in Galata. HomeThe evening is a good base for those who prefer to stay around the bazaar and Fashion. You can add the transition time to excursions in the European Side.

Domestic transportation and airport

Before you select the location you will stay in, you can consider what airport you are going to. You can combine the tram, metro and ferry according to the region. In particular, you can leave the return day enough time to pass in the city and arrive at the airport. You can take into account the hours of visits and the related businesses near the journey of time.

When to get to Istanbul?

Spring and autumn, walking weight is a good starting point for routes. Take the open air trips in the morning or evening. You can plan the museum, wind and exhibition visits of the winter according to the weather condition.